Nests in small numbers in crevices close to sea level. Notoriously difficult to survey, the highest numbers recorded on NTS properties are at Fair Isle, with a good colony on Staffa .

It is feared that predation by North American Mink has been responsible for declines in some areas.

Food: Opportunistic, taking small fish and crustaceans. - Gobies, blenny, stickleback, butterfish, shrimps and prawns. Main depth of 1-8m up to 20m and submerged for between 50-60s.

Nest Site: Mainly near sea level in natural holes and crevices, under fallen rocks, in scree or talus slopes.

Breeding: Late April to mid July.  1-2 eggs laid.

Wintering: Most sedentary of the UK seabirds with few moving far even in mid winter.

Distribution: Mainly in Scotland and Ireland in the UK, Russia, Iceland, Norway, Bear Island, Jan Mayen.

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