Atlantic Puffin - Chris Bale
Where and when to see: Rafting in the bay of Burhou and Hannaine Bay between April and July
Latin name: Fratercula arctica
The Puffin is a species from the group of small marine birds known as Auks. They are 28-34cm long and have a wingspan of 50-60cm. During the breeding season they have a striking orange, yellow and blue beak that is used for display purposes. They are also recognisable by their white faces and orange legs. Accomplished foragers, Puffins are pursuit divers that swim to catch their target prey of Sandeels. They nest in burrows during the breeding season but spend the rest of the year on the open water.
Status in Alderney: Common Breeder
Status in UK (RSPB Criteria): Red
Status Worldwide (IUCN Red List and Population Trend): Vulnerable; Decreasing
If you would like to adopt an Alderney Puffin please find the details here.
As a part of our LIVE: Wildlife Webcams project you can watch Puffins on our cameras streaming live from Burhou. Catch them during the breeding season at our website, the clip below gives a small taste of what you can see.