THE ATLANTIC PUFFIN | Reykjavík, Iceland

Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula Arctica)

Lundi - Buthaid - Pâl - Lunde - Lunni - Papageitaucher - Pulcinella di mare - Maskonurzwyczajny - Papegaaiduiker - Macareuxmoine - Papagaio do mar - Lunnefågel

The Atlantic Puffin is one of three puffin species found in the world and is part of the auk family of seabirds, which also includes razorbills and guillemots. Puffins are easily recognised by their bright, multi-coloured beaks, earning them the nickname "clowns of the sea." Their appearance is especially striking during the breeding season, when their beaks and feet are at their most vibrant. After summer, they shed the outer colourful layer of their beak, leaving behind a more subdued look for winter at sea.

Puffins spend most of the year far from land, braving the open North Atlantic Ocean, only returning to shore in late spring to breed. Despite their cute, stocky build - measuring just 30 cm in length, weighing around 400 grams, and with a wingspan of 55 cm - they are exceptional divers and flyers. They use their wings to "fly" underwater in pursuit of small fish such as sandeels, capelin, and herring, and can dive down to depths of 60 metres (200 feet). In the air, their fast-flapping wings can beat up to 400 times per minute, propelling them to speeds of nearly 80 km/h (50 mph).

Puffins are monogamous birds that mate for life, returning each summer to the same burrow to reunite with their partner. Nesting occurs from May to mid-July, with each pair laying just one egg per season. The egg is incubated for 36–43 days, and once hatched, the fluffy grey chick - known adorably as a puffling - remains hidden in the burrow for several weeks. Pufflings fledge under the cover of darkness, instinctively heading out to sea alone.

There are three puffin colonies situated on small islands near Reykjavík - Akurey, Engey and Lundey - together hosting around 30,000 nesting pairs. These sites are ideal for puffin watching boat tours, as they are easily accessible and provide fantastic opportunities to observe the birds without disturbing their natural behaviour.

Iceland is home to around 60% of the global Atlantic Puffin population, with more than 10 million puffins arriving during the breeding season. The largest known colony is in Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands), where approximately 700,000 pairs nest each year. Other colonies can be found on Látrabjarg cliff, Dyrhólaey by Reynisfjara beach, Grímsey island and Borgarfjörður eystri. Puffins choose these locations for their steep cliffs and grassy burrows, which offer safety from many predators.

Unfortunately, puffins are facing increasing challenges. Their numbers have been declining due to climate change, which affects sea temperatures and fish availability. Overfishing, pollution, and changes to marine ecosystems have all contributed to their status as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. On land, predators like gulls, skuas pose a threat to puffin eggs and chicks.

In some areas, local conservation efforts are making a difference. For instance, in the Westman Islands, an annual tradition known as “Puffling Patrol” sees local children help rescue lost chicks that have wandered into town, guiding them safely back to sea.

Visitors to Iceland can help protect puffins by choosing responsible wildlife tours that respect the birds’ space and nesting sites. When joining a puffin-watching tour, respectful observation helps ensure these beloved seabirds continue to return each year, delighting future generations with their quirky charm and remarkable resilience.