Puffin nesting cliff

A cliff where puffins build their nests, hosting one of the most emblematic colonies in the North Atlantic.

About this subject

Puffins (Fratercula arctica) are seabirds that spend most of their lives at sea but return to coastal cliffs to breed. They dig burrows in soft soil or use crevices among rocks, forming dense colonies that can host thousands of pairs. The choice of cliff site is crucial: steep cliffs offer protection from terrestrial predators like foxes and rats, and proximity to feeding grounds rich in fish such as herring and capelin.

In the North Atlantic, famous colonies include the Farne Islands (UK), Látrabjarg (Iceland), and the islands of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Canada). Puffins are monogamous and return to the same nest site each year. Breeding season runs from April to August, when a single egg is incubated by both parents for about 40 days. The chick, called a puffling, stays in the burrow for approximately 40 days, fed with fish brought by the parents.

Despite their charismatic appearance, puffins face threats such as climate change (affecting fish availability), oil pollution, and predation by gulls. Some colonies are declining, leading to conservation efforts like protecting nesting cliffs and banning hunting. Puffin watching has become a seasonal tourist attraction in several regions, generating income for local communities and encouraging habitat preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do puffins live?

They live in the North Atlantic, on rocky coasts and islands of countries like Iceland, Norway, the UK, Canada, and the USA.

How many eggs do puffins lay?

Usually only one egg per breeding season.

What is the main threat to puffins?

Decline in fish due to climate change and overfishing, as well as oil pollution.