A year-round resident with reduced numbers during mid-winter, especially in heavy ice years, this species is nonetheless always present around the islands and can be found on nesting cliffs throughout the year. The fewer total birds present during the winter months is noticeable with the comparatively large numbers present during the spring, summer, and fall. Breeding activity is at its highest from the end of June into August for this species, with nestlings usually appearing during July. The nesting population on St. George Island is estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 pairs and on St. Paul Island it is between 100 and 500 pairs, while even smaller numbers nest on Otter Island.
