A popular seabird very much confined to predator-free coastal situations, largely in the north, the puffin breeds on islands such as Skokholm and Skomer, away from the attentions of predators who invade its burrows. Their private life is surprisingly mysterious, as little is known about where they go during their migrations. They are present on islands such as Skomer in Summer, and head out to sea for winter. The most striking feature of the puffin, the multi-coloured bill, also disappears out of breeding season.
A member of the auk family - which includes guillemots and razorbills - puffins short wings enable them to fly underwater when diving for food. A gregarious bird with a number of group rituals involving both greeting and courtship, their social rituals are still only just beginning to be understood.