Who were puffins ancestors?

Puffins are believed to have evolved from ancient seabirds that lived millions of years ago. Their ancestors are thought to be part of the family Alcidae, which includes other auks and their relatives. Fossil evidence suggests that the lineage leading to modern puffins diverged from other seabirds around 50 million years ago, adapting to a life spent foraging in marine environments. Over time, these ancestors developed the distinctive characteristics seen in puffins today, such as their colorful beaks and diving abilities.