Puffins

Why they are protected

The Atlantic puffin is an iconic seabird in Jersey.

They are recognisable for their distinctive black back and white under parts. They have a black head with large pale cheeks and a tall, flattened, brightly coloured bill.

The breeding population has severely declined on the Island over the last 20 years. They are protected under the law and are listed as a Jersey Red Listed Species.

​Reasons for their decline include:

• changes in food availability due to climate change and overfishing
• threats from entanglement in fishing gear
• invasive predators, such as rodents which feed o​n their eggs and young called pufflings
  
• human disturbance
  

Other reasons may include the degradation of their habitat and loss of nesting opportunities, called burrows, because of high bracken coverage.

Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021 guidance​

Puffins on RSPB

Habitat

Puffins are pelagic, they live their lives at sea and only return to land to breed.

In Jersey, they tend to come to the area around Plémont Headland (La Tête des Plémont).

The birds nest principally in rock crevices or soil in areas of the cliff where predators cannot reach them. Puffins only lay one egg per year. Their eggs are white.

Conservation efforts

Nesting puffins are protected by the Plémont seabird protection zone. This extends from Plémont headland to Le Douet de la Mer. The area is active during the breeding season from March to July.

Seabird Reserve Project on National Trust for Jersey

A massive effort is currently underway to reverse this species decline and erect an anti-predator fence. This would allow Puffins to nest unmolested and to restore the ecological diversity along the north coast.

The Birds On The Edge is a partnership with us and:

• National Trust for Jersey
• Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
  

The Birds On The Edge aims to restore habitats and stop the decline of our coastal and farmland bird species.

Birds On The Edge

Plémont Seabird Sanctuary on National Trust Jersey

How you can help

Reporting your wildlife sightings helps us understand our species, supports our research and informs decision-making.

Report your wildlife sightings