Each spring, the steep cliffs of Runde in Møre og Romsdal and Bleik on Andøya in Vesterålen transform into bustling metropolises of black-and-white seabirds. Among the thousands of guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes, the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica, or lunde in Norwegian) holds a special place in the hearts of birdwatchers. With its colorful beak and comical waddle, the puffin is a symbol of Norway's coastal wildlife, but its presence is increasingly precarious. Understanding its nesting ecology and the threats it faces is essential for appreciating these remarkable colonies.
The Puffin's Norwegian Strongholds
Runde, a small island off the coast of Møre og Romsdal, is renowned as one of Norway's largest seabird colonies. Its grassy slopes and rocky crevices provide ideal nesting habitat for puffins, which dig burrows in the soil. Bleik, on the northern island of Andøya, offers a different spectacle: here, puffins nest in the scree slopes and grassy banks of Bleiksøya, a bird cliff that rises dramatically from the sea. Both sites are accessible to visitors, but require respect for the birds' fragile nesting areas.
The puffin's breeding season is tightly synchronized with the availability of its primary prey: sandeels (sil in Norwegian). These small, energy-rich fish are crucial for feeding chicks. The colonies at Runde and Bleik are particularly important because they host thousands of breeding pairs, making them key indicators of the health of the marine ecosystem. However, in recent decades, both colonies have experienced significant population declines, mirroring trends across the North Atlantic.
Burrow-Nesting and Breeding Biology
Unlike many seabirds that nest on bare ledges, puffins are burrow-nesters. They use their strong bills and feet to excavate tunnels up to a meter long in soft soil, often on grassy slopes or in rocky scree. These burrows provide protection from predators and harsh weather. Puffins are monogamous and often return to the same burrow year after year, reinforcing pair bonds with mutual preening and billing.
The female lays a single egg, and both parents take turns incubating it for about 40 days. After hatching, the chick, called a puffling, is fed whole fish carried crosswise in the parent's bill. The parents may make several foraging trips a day, sometimes traveling far offshore to find sandeel schools. The chick fledges at night, usually 40-50 days after hatching, making its way to the sea guided by the moonlight. This nocturnal departure helps avoid predation by gulls and skuas.
Sandeel Dependency and Shifting Fish Stocks
Sandeels are the lifeblood of puffin colonies. These small fish burrow in sandy seabeds and form dense schools that puffins exploit during the breeding season. The availability of sandeels is influenced by sea temperature and ocean currents, which affect their spawning and larval survival. In years when sandeel stocks are low, puffins may fail to raise chicks, leading to poor breeding success.
Climate change is altering the distribution and abundance of sandeels in Norwegian waters. Warming seas have shifted the plankton communities that sandeels feed on, causing sandeel populations to decline in some areas. This has a direct impact on puffins: studies at Runde and Bleik have documented reduced chick growth and increased chick starvation during warm years. The puffin's reliance on a single prey species makes it particularly vulnerable to these changes.
Population Declines and Conservation Concerns
The Atlantic puffin is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and Norwegian populations are no exception. At Runde, the number of breeding pairs has dropped dramatically since the 1960s, and Bleik has seen similar trends. The causes are complex, but the main drivers are food shortage due to warming seas, and to a lesser extent, predation by introduced mammals, disturbance from tourism, and accidental bycatch in fishing gear.
Conservation efforts are focusing on monitoring breeding success and adult survival, as well as protecting key foraging areas. In Norway, puffins are protected, and several colonies, including Runde and Bleik, are nature reserves. Researchers are also studying how puffins adapt to changing conditions, such as switching to alternative prey like capelin or herring. However, the future of these colonies depends on global efforts to curb climate change and ensure sustainable fisheries that maintain sandeel stocks.
Observing Puffins Responsibly
For wildlife enthusiasts, visiting Runde or Bleik during the breeding season (May to August) is a memorable experience. But it's crucial to observe puffins without causing stress. Puffins are sensitive to human disturbance, especially when they are incubating or feeding chicks. Visitors should stay on designated paths and viewing platforms, keep a safe distance, and avoid sudden movements or loud noises. Binoculars or a spotting scope are essential for close-up views without intruding.
At Runde, the Runde Environmental Centre offers guided tours and has a bird cliff that can be viewed from a safe distance. At Bleik, the view from the beach or the nearby hills provides excellent opportunities to watch puffins flying to and from their burrows. Remember that puffins are wild animals; never attempt to touch or feed them. By respecting their space, we can ensure that these charismatic birds continue to thrive for generations to come.
About Lars Haugen
Lars Haugen is a field ornithologist and writer from Trondheim. He has led birdwatching tours in Trøndelag for over ten years and writes about birds, equipment, and great locations in Norway.