Manx Shearwaters breed on Rathlin Island for first time in decades

Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus), adult in flight at sea.

For the first time in decades, Manx Shearwaters have been confirmed breeding on Rathlin Island, with several pairs successfully raising chicks in 2025 — a milestone moment for seabird conservation in Northern Ireland.

The discovery marks a remarkable return for a species once common on Rathlin.

Historically, large numbers of Manx Shearwaters nested on the island’s cliffs and burrows, but by the late 20th century, their breeding presence had been completely lost. The decline was attributed mainly to predation by invasive species such as rats and ferrets, which targeted eggs and chicks.

Now, thanks to years of targeted conservation work, Rathlin Island is once again providing a safe haven for the burrow-nesting seabirds.

A Rare Seabird Returns

The Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) is an amber-listed bird in the UK and Ireland, meaning it is considered vulnerable and at risk of decline. These nocturnal seabirds spend most of their lives at sea and only come to land under cover of darkness to breed in burrows.

Although they are widespread in parts of Scotland and Wales, their numbers across Ireland have declined sharply over the past century. The return of breeding pairs to Rathlin therefore represents both a local conservation success and a significant contribution to the species’ wider recovery.

LIFE Raft Project: Protecting Rathlin’s Seabirds

Rathlin Island is home to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony, including Guillemots, Razorbills, Puffins, and Kittiwakes. But many of these species, particularly burrow-nesting birds such as Puffins and Manx Shearwaters, have been under severe pressure due to invasive predators.

In 2021, the £4.5 million LIFE Raft (Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow) project was launched to tackle this problem.

Led by RSPB Northern Ireland in partnership with the Rathlin Development and Community Association and the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, the initiative is funded by EU LIFE, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and the Garfield Weston Foundation.

The project’s central aim is to eradicate non-native rats and ferrets from the island. Both species, introduced decades ago, have had devastating impacts on seabird colonies by preying on eggs, chicks, and even adult birds.

Removing these predators creates safer breeding conditions and is expected to transform Rathlin into a long-term sanctuary for seabirds.

Evidence of Breeding Success

Manx Shearwaters spotted coming in and out of burrows using thermal imaging. Image Credit: Ric Else (LIFE Raft) 

Since 2022, LIFE Raft ornithologists have been surveying Rathlin using night-vision technology and acoustic monitoring. Early findings suggested that Manx Shearwaters were attempting to return, with their distinctive nocturnal calls heard at inaccessible cliffside locations.

The breakthrough came in September 2025, when researchers recorded video footage of young shearwaters preparing to fledge from their burrows — conclusive proof that breeding had taken place and that chicks had survived to near-adulthood.

Ric Else, Senior Research Assistant for the LIFE Raft project, described the discovery as a career highlight:

“This was exactly what I have been hoping to see for years – not just confirmation of Manx Shearwaters attempting to nest on Rathlin, but evidence that they are managing to breed successfully here.

“All the long nights listening and watching from the clifftops finally paid off! With a small breeding population already present, the prospects are excellent for this species to increase again on Rathlin once the project has finished. It will be really exciting to monitor how the shearwaters fare in the coming years.”

Looking to the Future

The news has been welcomed by conservationists and local communities alike. With Rathlin’s reputation as a stronghold for seabirds, the return of the Manx Shearwater reinforces the importance of ongoing conservation work.

Liam McFaul, RSPB NI Warden for Rathlin Island Reserve, said:

“This is an incredibly exciting step forward for Rathlin’s seabirds. Seeing the footage of the Manx Shearwater going into the burrows again on Rathlin is incredible. With our ongoing work and that from the LIFE Raft project, we hope the island will continue to be a seabird stronghold for future generations.

“Seabirds are a bird group facing many threats and suffering declines. Therefore, it is vital we continue this important work to make Rathlin Island a safe space for seabirds to inhabit and breed successfully.”

Globally, seabirds are among the most threatened bird groups, facing pressures from overfishing, climate change, plastic pollution, and habitat loss, alongside invasive predators. By addressing one of these key threats on Rathlin, the LIFE Raft project is expected to have lasting benefits not only for Manx Shearwaters but also for other vulnerable species such as Puffins, Storm Petrels, and Black Guillemots.

RSPB NI’s Wider Work

RSPB Northern Ireland has been active for 60 years, delivering projects that safeguard habitats and species across the region. Its members and supporters play a crucial role in funding initiatives such as LIFE Raft, ensuring that rare and vulnerable species can continue to thrive.

For more information, or to become a member, visit: rspb.org.uk/northern-ireland.