Puffins
The puffin is an unmistakable bird with its black back and white under parts, distinctive black head with large pale cheeks and a tall, flattened, brightly coloured bill. It also has red and black eye markings and bright orange legs.
Adult puffins grow to about 25cm tall and can live for more than 20 years.
Puffin nesting and breeding
Puffins nest in burrows only in the north coast cliffs from Plémont east to a headland known as Grand Becquet and Douet de la Mer.
The birds nest principally in rock crevices although some may burrow into soil in areas of the cliff where predators cannot reach them. The burrows are one to two metres deep, often turning at sharp angles up and down, and to the left and right. Puffins only lay one egg per year. Their eggs are white.
Plémont seabird protection zone
The seabird protection zone extends from Plémont headland to Le Douet de la Mer and is active during the breeding season which is March to July.
Plemont seabird protection zone leaflet
Les Echréhous Areas of Special Protection
These areas are active during the breeding season which on Maîtr'Île is between January and August. On the other islands it is between April and August.
Wildlife (Areas of Special Protection) (Jersey) Order 2022
Guidance for owners and occupiers on Les Ecrèhous, and to vessel operators visiting the reefs, has been issued to help with ensuring the rules affecting the Areas of Special Protection are respected.
Guidance for owners and occupiers on Les Ecrèhous
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