Puffins, with their vibrant beaks and distinctive waddle, are a common sight in Alaska’s coastal waters. These seabirds are found across the state, making Alaska a prime destination for observing them. They belong to the Alcidae family.
Puffin Species in Alaska
Two distinct species of puffins inhabit Alaskan waters: the Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata) and the Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata). The Horned Puffin is recognized by its black back and neck, contrasting with a white breast and sides of the head. During the summer breeding season, it sports a small, fleshy, dark “horn” above each eye and a bright yellow beak tipped with red. This species measures about 14 inches long and weighs around 1.25 pounds.
The Tufted Puffin is named for the striking yellow feather tufts that curl back from each side of its head. Its body is entirely dark, lacking the white underside of the Horned Puffin, and it has a white face. These birds have bright orange feet and red and yellow bills. Tufted Puffins tend to be slightly larger, reaching about 15 inches tall and weighing around 1.5 pounds. Both species shed the outer layers of their colorful bills in late summer, which leaves them smaller and duller for the winter months.
Where to Spot Puffins
Puffins establish breeding colonies on coastal islands and headlands across Alaska, from southeastern areas like Forrester Island to the Chukchi Sea Coast. They prefer nesting on rocky cliffs, remote islands, or steep, grassy slopes where they can dig burrows. Horned Puffins are particularly concentrated in the northwest Gulf of Alaska and along the Alaska Peninsula, including the Semidi, Shumagin, and Sanak islands.
Excellent locations for viewing puffins include:
Kenai Fjords National Park, especially within Resurrection Bay, and around the Chiswell Islands and Beehive Island.
The Pribilof Islands, notably St. Paul Island.
Prince William Sound and near Sitka, where boat tours often visit accessible rookeries like St. Lazaria.
Coastal communities such as Homer and Valdez, which offer boat excursions.
When to See Puffins
Puffins spend the vast majority of their lives at sea, venturing ashore only during the summer breeding season. They typically begin arriving at their Alaskan breeding colonies in May, though their arrival may be later in more northern regions due to spring’s delayed onset. The breeding season generally spans from May through August.
Eggs are usually laid in June or July, and chicks hatch in July or early August. Young puffins remain in their burrows for approximately 45 to 55 days before fledging and heading out to the open ocean. As autumn approaches, the colonies gradually become less active, with adult puffins departing for their wintering grounds far offshore in the North Pacific.
Observing Puffins Responsibly
When observing puffins, practice ethical wildlife viewing to minimize disturbance to these seabirds and their nesting sites. Maintain a respectful distance to avoid stressing the birds or altering their behaviors. Using binoculars or telephoto lenses allows for excellent viewing without encroaching on their space.
Choose tour operators that adhere to strong environmental ethics and established guidelines for wildlife interaction. Many seabird nesting colonies in Alaska are protected by federal and state laws, and permits are often required for any landings on islands with nesting birds. Wildlife cruises and guided kayaking trips from coastal communities like Seward and Sitka offer responsible ways to experience puffins in their natural environment.