Puffins, with their vibrant beaks and distinctive waddling gait, are captivating seabirds. Often called “sea parrots” or “clowns of the sea,” they spend most of their lives at sea, returning to land only to breed. Their striking appearance, especially during breeding season, features bills with bright red, orange, and black markings, contrasting with their black and white plumage.
Global Puffin Habitats
Puffins inhabit the colder waters of the Northern Hemisphere, with three distinct species. The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) is found in the North Atlantic Ocean, breeding on coasts from eastern North America to northwest Europe, including the Arctic fringes. Two other species, the Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata) and the Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata), reside in the North Pacific Ocean.
They return to coastal areas in late spring to establish breeding colonies on remote islands or coastal cliffs. Puffins dig burrows in soft soil or utilize rock crevices for nesting, where they lay a single egg. This terrestrial period is the primary opportunity for humans to observe them.
Top Destinations for Puffin Viewing
Iceland is home to about half of the global Atlantic Puffin population, making it a top destination for viewing these birds. The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), off Iceland’s south coast, host the largest puffin colony in the world. Other notable Icelandic locations include the Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords and Dyrhólaey on the south coast. Borgarfjörður in East Iceland is also a popular site, offering easy access to viewing platforms.
The United Kingdom also boasts puffin colonies, particularly from late March to late July. The Farne Islands off Northumberland, Skomer Island in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and the Isle of May in Scotland’s Firth of Forth are popular viewing spots. Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire, England, provides an opportunity to see puffins from land.
In Canada, the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve in Newfoundland is home to the largest Atlantic Puffin colony in North America, with over 260,000 pairs nesting there. Elliston, on the Bonavista Peninsula, offers one of the closest land-based puffin viewing experiences in North America. Other locations include Bonaventure Island in Quebec and the Bird Islands off Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
For those in the United States, Maine’s coastal islands provide the only nesting sites for Atlantic Puffins. Eastern Egg Rock, Matinicus Rock, and Machias Seal Island are key locations, with Machias Seal Island being the only site where visitors can land and view puffins from blinds. In Norway, Runde Island is often called the “Puffin Capital” due to its large colonies; Lovund and Bleiksøya are also popular viewing areas. The best time to visit these Norwegian sites is typically between late June and August.
Ethical Puffin Observation
Observing puffins in their natural habitat requires adherence to ethical guidelines to ensure minimal disturbance to these birds and their environment. Puffins are sensitive to human presence, especially during the breeding season when they are ashore. Staying on designated paths and maintaining a respectful distance from nesting areas is important.
Loud noises and sudden movements should be avoided to prevent startling the puffins. The breeding season, generally from late April to early August, is the best time to see puffins on land. Many colonies close off access to nesting areas during this time to protect the birds. Engaging with local guides or tour operators who prioritize conservation ensures a responsible viewing experience. These operators provide insights into puffin behavior and their protection.