Ologies with Alie Ward Puffinology (PUFFINS) with Jill Taylor
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Jun 27, 2024 
Field researcher and legit Puffinologist, Jill Taylor, talks about the fascinating world of puffins including their diet, life expectancy, and mating habits. They explore puffin behavior, rescue efforts, and conservation, touching on topics like puffin colonies, UV vision, and the controversial taste of puffin meat. The conversation ends with a look at the obsession and adorableness of puffins in popular culture and the challenges of studying them in the wild.
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Puffin Naming
- The name "puffin" comes from "puffon," referring to the look of salted seabird meat.
- Ironically, the scientific name Puffinus puffinus belongs to a different bird, the Manx shearwater.
Puffins vs. Penguins
- Puffins and penguins are not related, despite their similar appearance.
- Their resemblance is due to convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
Becoming a Puffinologist
- Jill Taylor, a self-proclaimed non-bird person, became a puffinologist by chance.
- Her interest in seabirds and scuba diving led her to study puffins.