Seabirds live in marine and coastal environments. Their dense, waterproof feathers and layers of fat mean they are well suited to life at sea. From guillemots and puffins to gannets and cormorants, Scotland is home to many species of seabirds.
With about 18,000km of coastline and around 800 islands, Scottish waters make an excellent habitat for many species of seabirds. Most species nest in colonies which can vary in size from a few dozen birds to thousands.
That’s wild
Bass Rock, in the Firth of Forth, is home to the largest seabird colony in Scotland! Around 150,000 gannets live on the small island.
Where do seabirds live?
Seabirds spend most of their time at sea or nesting on islands and coastal cliffs. Some species inhabit sand dunes, estuaries or sea lochs. Many gull species are also common in coastal towns and cities. Click here for more information on gulls.
What do seabirds eat?
Their marine environment provides seabirds with a rich diet of fish, crustaceans, and shellfish.
When are seabird chicks born?
Breeding behaviours vary between all of the different species.
Seabirds start flocking back to Scotland during late winter into spring. The breeding season for most seabirds lands between April and July.
By June, most species will be raising their chicks.
Common problems for seabirds
Avian flu
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system. Bird flu affects wild bird populations as well as domestic and farmed birds but is particularly transmissible in seabird colonies.
Although bird flu has been a problem for two decades, the most recent outbreak is the worst Scotland has seen in terms of transmission and mortality rates.
For the latest advice on bird flu, click here.
Prey for other animals
Seabird chicks and eggs are particularly vulnerable to predators like foxes or birds of prey.
Litter and pollution
Sadly, our waterways are not always the safest environment for seabirds. Plastic pollution can cause serious injuries and seabirds can get sick from pollutants and natural algae.
Fishing materials
Seabirds can become tangled in fishing wire or nets that are not discarded properly. They can also ingest these materials, causing serious injuries.