The Tufted Puffin is found in open waters, islands, and coastal cliffs through a very limited range of the north Pacific. Larger than other puffin species, the distinctive golden head plumes are only worn in the breeding season. The Tufted Puffin nests in deep burrows that it digs as deep as 1.5 meters deep into cliff edges and slopes to avoid mammalian predators. The Tufted Puffin can capture and hold up to 20 small fish crosswise in its bill for delivery to chicks in the nest. Adults eat their own food while still under water.