Atlantic Puffins
Scientific name : Fratercula arctica
Often referred to as the ‘sea parrot’, the puffin is easily recognisable thanks to its brightly coloured bill which resembles that of a parrot. They spend winter at sea before returning to the UK to nest in their burrows in the ground on cliffs and islands which are scattered across the coast of Scotland, northern England, South West England and Wales. Loyalty is a major characteristic of this sea bird as they return each year to mate with the same bird, producing one chick which is known as a puffling. It isn’t easy though, pufflings are very demanding and the parents are kept busy fishing in order to keep them well fed and satisfied.
Basic Facts
Length: 26-29cm
Wingspan: 47-63cm
Weight: 320-480g
UK Population: 580,000 breeding pairs
Threats
The Puffin is one of the species on the Red list of UK Birds of Conservation Concern as well as being listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. There are a few different reasons why they are under threat but they all link back to human actions.
Puffins are in large decline over most of their European range and this isn’t helped by their breeding populations being concentrated on small sites. This means that they are very vulnerable to adverse changes in their environment. Breeding Puffins rely heavily on small fish populations around their breeding sites to keep their pufflings happy. Any changes on the distribution or numbers of small fish can be detrimental to these populations. As well as this, ground predators like rats, mink and cats that have been introduced to breeding sites are threats to puffin breeding success along with marine pollution.
As said by the RSPB, ‘the only realistic conservation measures are sustainable exploitation of the seas, a reduction in incidence of marine pollution, and preventing ground predators reaching nesting colonies.’
How can you help protect Puffins?
Only buy sustainably sourced fish
One of the most pressing issues facing puffins is food availability. As the ocean warms, the availability of fish declines as they move to cooler water, but, this is made worse by unsustainable fishing practices. Ensure that you buy sustainably caught seafood so that you aren’t impacting puffins with your dinner.
Avoid single-use plastics
It has been reported that puffins have been seen feeding their pufflings plastic, which they mistook for food. By avoiding single-use plastic and ensuring that you properly dispose of your waste, you can help reduce the amount of plastic and rubbish that ends up in our oceans.
