The science
Nesting & Breeding
Seabirds breed slowly. They start late, raise few young and invest heavily in each one.
A slow life
Compared with most birds, seabirds live longer, breed later and raise fewer chicks. Large albatrosses may not breed until they are 5 to 10 years old. Some raise a single chick only every other year. A Laysan albatross known as Wisdom was still returning to Midway Atoll to nest in her 70s.
Where they nest
- Cliffs: murres, kittiwakes and gannets pack onto ledges.
- Burrows: puffins, many shearwaters and petrels dig or reuse tunnels.
- Open ground: terns, skimmers and many gulls nest on beaches and islands.
- Trees and shrubs: frigatebirds, some boobies and cormorants.
Coming home
Many seabirds return to breed at the colony where they hatched, often to the same nest site year after year. This loyalty makes colonies vulnerable. When a colony is lost, it can take a long time to recover.
Why it matters for conservation
Because seabirds breed slowly, even small increases in adult deaths can drive a population down. Protecting adults at sea, from bycatch and pollution, is as important as protecting the colony.
Get involved
Seen something interesting, or need help with an identification? Send us your sighting or question.