Where to See Puffins on Skye

One of the best places to see puffins on the Isle of Skye is around the cliffs of the Trotternish Peninsula, especially near places like Rubha Hunish, the northernmost point of Skye. Puffins nest in burrows on grassy cliffs, where they can be seen flying to and from the sea as they bring fish back to their young.

Another excellent location is the remote St. Kilda archipelago, although technically not part of Skye, it’s often visited on boat tours from Skye. St. Kilda is home to one of the largest puffin colonies in the UK, and seeing them in such large numbers is an unforgettable experience.

Puffin Behavior and Diet

Puffins are excellent divers and swimmers. They feed primarily on small fish, such as sand eels, which they catch by diving underwater. Puffins can hold several fish in their beaks at once, thanks to a special hinge in their beak that allows them to keep their catch securely while continuing to hunt.

During the breeding season, puffins return to the same burrows each year to lay a single egg. Both parents take turns incubating the egg and, later, feeding the chick until it’s ready to leave the nest.

Conservation Status

Puffins are considered a vulnerable species due to threats like overfishing, which reduces their food supply, and climate change, which affects their breeding habitats. However, the puffin populations on Skye and other parts of Scotland remain relatively healthy, thanks to conservation efforts and protected habitats.

Conclusion

Seeing puffins on the Isle of Skye is a highlight for many visitors. Their colorful appearance, playful behavior, and the dramatic landscapes of Skye make the experience truly special. If you’re visiting Skye during the summer months, be sure to seek out these delightful birds.