Seabird colonies of Alaska include some of the largest in the Northern Hemisphere. The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge alone covers about 2,400 islands and supports roughly 40 million seabirds, among them tufted puffins that nest in burrows.[1][2]
| Alaska Maritime NWR | About 2,400 islands, about 40 million seabirds |
|---|---|
| Refuge units | Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula, Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, Gulf of Alaska |
| Tufted puffin | One egg in June, burrow nest |
A refuge of islands
The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge spans about 4.9 million acres in five units: the Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula, Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea and Gulf of Alaska. Its roughly 2,400 islands, islets, reefs and headlands support about 40 million seabirds, including puffins, auklets, murres and kittiwakes, with Gull Island one of its well-known colonies.[1]
Nesting habits
Tufted puffins breed in colonies in Southeast Alaska and the Aleutians. They lay a single egg, usually in June, incubated by both parents for about 45 days, and chicks leave at 40 to 55 days. Nests are usually burrows dug with bill and feet, which protect eggs from gulls and ravens.[2]
FAQs
How many seabirds nest in Alaska Maritime NWR? About 40 million.
Where do tufted puffins nest? In burrows in Southeast Alaska and the Aleutians.
How many islands does the refuge cover? About 2,400.
Sources
Key facts
- 40 million seabirds
- 2,400 islands
- Five refuge units
Quick checkHow many seabirds?Show answer
About 40 million in the Alaska Maritime refuge.
Sources
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
- Wikipedia. Tufted puffin. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue