Top 10 animals of the Pink Granite Coast | Breton fauna to discover

The European otter

After almost disappearing from Brittany, the otter has been re-colonizing the rivers of Trégor and Brittany since the 1980s. Once diurnal, it has learned to be discreet and it’s a rare privilege to be able to observe it while fishing. You’ll be able to make out its catiches (shelters) in the folds of the banks or spot its epreintes (“droppings”) left on the rocks to mark its passage, or even the remains of meals (fish, amphibians…).

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Where can you see otters?

Moulin Neuf pond
The banks of the Léguer
Poulloguer pond

Period: all year round

The Atlantic puffin

This is the most colorful of the three penguin species found on our coasts. It lives most of the year on the high seas, following the movements of schools of small fish, its favorite prey. In spring, puffins return to our coasts to breed, occupying small burrows. They then don a colorful mask that makes them look like clowns or parrots. This species is the reason for the creation of the Sept-Iles nature reserve.

Where to see puffins?

Seven Islands Archipelago

Period: spring to mid-July

The grey seal

The Grey Seal is present year-round on the Sept-Iles archipelago (from 30 to 200 individuals depending on the season). The archipelago is the main pupping site in Brittany. They can also be seen along the coast, where some individuals have established their preferred hunting grounds. If you pay close attention, you may be able to see its head emerging…but sometimes it’s just a rock or seaweed sticking out of the water! Observations in the open sea are rarer. It can occasionally be seen resting on rocks, but when dry, it’s out of its element. Let’s keep our distance so we can observe it without knocking it over.

Where to see seals?

Seven Islands Archipelago
Jaudy estuary
Port Blanc archipelago

Period: All year round

Atlantic salmon

The salmon, an emblematic species in Brittany, returns every year to its river of origin. Between spring and autumn, they make their way up small coastal rivers such as the Léguer, Yar, Jaudy or Trieux to reproduce. A year later, the young salmon born in the spring head downstream to grow up in the sea.

Where to see salmon?

Léguer river
Kernansquillec
Trégrom beach

Period: summer – autumn

The gannet

The Sept-Îles archipelago is famous for its colony of gannets. These large seabirds, recognizable by their immaculate white plumage and bright blue beaks, nest on Rouzic Island. Watching their spectacular dives to catch fish is an unforgettable experience. The Sept-Îles nature reserve, managed by the LPO, protects this fragile ecosystem and allows visitors to approach these birds in complete safety. Thanks to conservation efforts, the gannet population has recovered, offering a unique spectacle for nature lovers.

Where to see the gannet?

Seven Islands Archipelago

Period: spring – summer

I was lucky enough to spot dolphins and seals on my visit to the 7 Islands archipelago! There, I also saw puffins and gannets. Too good!!!

Lucas

Woodpeckers

Six species of woodpecker frequent the forests and bocage of Trégor. The Green Woodpecker and the Spotted Woodpecker are the most common, displaying their superb finery to discreet and attentive observers. The Black Woodpecker is Europe’s largest woodpecker, about the size of a crow. If you can’t see them, listen for their drumming (in early spring) or the “neigh” of the Green Woodpecker (called “C’hezeg ar c’hoat”, the Wood Horse in Breton), or spot their lodges (cavities) high up in the trees.

Where to see woodpeckers?

Beffou forest
Plounérin nature reserve
Lann ar Waremm wood

Period: spring

Bats

The vast majority of the 22 species of bats found in Brittany take refuge in the bocage, forests and habitats of Trégor. Although it is strictly forbidden to disturb these particularly sensitive species, it is nevertheless possible, especially on summer evenings, to appreciate their perilous, low-lying flights over streams and ponds, in search of insects. Discover them (and listen to them!) at the numerous discovery evenings organized by specialist associations.

Where to watch bats?

Poulloguer pond
Paper mill valley
Grand Rocher site
Milin Saezh ponds

Period: summer

Brent Geese

From October to March, Brent Geese arrive from their native Siberia to spend the winter on our coasts. They feed by grazing on eelgrass beds and salt meadows, and also consume green algae. Their chatter and distinctive silhouette are easily identifiable.
These great travelers need energy to complete their migration, so let’s observe them without disturbing their meal!

Where to spot Brent Geese?

Lieue de Grève
Trieux estuary
Jaudy estuary

Period: autumn – winter

Cervids

Two species of deer frequent the bocage and woodlands of Trégor: the Chevreuil (roe deer) and the Cerf élaphe (red deer). The former is very common, and you may be able to spot its footprints in the damp paths where it seeks out young brambles or shrubs. When disturbed, they often bark hoarsely. The rarer red deer is found mainly in forests. The species becomes very inconspicuous during the rut (September/October). For thrill-seekers, autumn nights in the forest will thrill you to the sound of the guttural stag bellow!

Where to see Cervids?

Beffou Forest
Plounérin Reserve
Lan ar Waremm wood

Period: autumn

Kingfisher
and the common wagtail

Arguably the two best fishermen in Trégor! Fish for the kingfisher, aquatic larvae or molluscs for the wagtail. You’ll be able to observe them on emerging rocks and riverbanks. The wagtail, lying in wait, mechanically beats its long tail like the washerwoman used to beat the laundry. If you keep an ear out for the characteristic whistle announcing its passage over the water, you can spot the kingfisher, shooting like a blue arrow.

Where to see kingfishers and wagtails?

Léguer Valley
Jaudy Valley
Etang du Poulloguer

Period: all year round

Bonus! A rare species

wetlands

The alpine newt

With its fluorescent orange belly, bluish back, black-spotted flanks and black-and-white crest, the alpine newt is one hell of a looker! This amphibian is alpine in name only, but it’s well represented in the Trégor region, where it finds the pools and wet woodlands essential to its life cycle. Its nocturnal habits make it a discreet animal, despite its carnival attire and relatively large size – between 7 and 12 cm. In spring, when night falls, you may be able to catch a glimpse of it by lighting up a wash-house or pond. Please note that this is a protected species and its capture is prohibited.

Where can you see the alpine newt?

Moulin Neuf pond
Plounérin reserve
Hengoat

Period: spring

See you at the aquarium!

Has this sampling of marine animals and freshwater fish whetted your appetite for more? Visit the Aquarium marin de Trégastel or the Aquarium des Curieux de Nature, and become experts in marine and river fauna!