Phylum: Chordata - Class: Aves - Order: Charadriiformes - Family: Alcidae
Identification - Distribution - Lifecycle - Food - Predators - Reference Sources
These lovely seabirds are fond of cliffs and boulder-strewn islands with grassy slopes. On the western shores of Britain Puffins are a common and delightful sight for summer hikers along the coastal paths. Their distinctive parrot-like beaks make these birds very easy to identify.
Puffins are gregarious and often set up large breeding colonies. Our favourite place for watching Puffins is Skomer Island, a national nature Reserve off the coast of Pembrokeshire. It is possible to visit the island for either a day or for a few days with overnight accommodation on the island, which is managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.
Sandeels, and to a lesser extent other small fish, are the staple diet of Puffins, and so anything that puts this food source in jeopardy is a great threat to the future of these iconic seabirds.