Overview

The Atlantic puffin is one of Britain's most beloved seabirds: small, upright, and unmistakable with its black-and-white plumage, orange feet, and triangular bill striped in red, yellow, and blue. Puffins nest in burrows dug into grassy cliff tops, returning each spring to the same colony.

A puffin fishing for its chick can carry a dozen sand eels crosswise in its bill at once — held by spines on the tongue and palate while it dives again for more. They are awkward on land but powerful underwater, beating their wings to 'fly' through the sea.

Habitat

Steep sea cliffs and grassy offshore islands in Scotland, Wales, and eastern England hold puffin colonies. They spend winter far out at sea and return to land only to breed, favouring islands free from ground predators.

Countries found

Puffin in United Kingdom

Interesting facts

01
Puffins carry up to a dozen fish crosswise in their bill at once.
02
They nest in burrows on cliff tops, sometimes alongside rabbits.
03
Puffins mate for life and return to the same burrow each year.

Conservation status

VU — Vulnerable

Atlantic puffins are Vulnerable, with breeding failures linked to warming seas and sand eel shortages. UK colonies at Skomer, Farne Islands, and the Scottish islands remain important strongholds.