Particular areas of note are the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and Hrísey Island in the North. Photos of vagrants recorded in Iceland. Read on and find out all you need to know about Iceland's wonderful fjords. The dive-bombing tactics of Arctic Terns are well-known in Iceland. Stray too close to a colony, and a scene that would seem fit for Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds' tends to play out. Though they greatly resemble seagulls, they can be differentiated by their thicker necks, shorter bills and rigid wings when in flight. Several aspects of our itinerary are important to point out, as no other bird tour of Iceland offers this combination of essential features: The midnight sun occurs during the summer in Iceland which means the days are very long and a good time to see the birds is late night and early in the morning. There are great opportunities to find good locations and take some amazing bird photos. Found across the Arctic region, Icelandic gyrfalcons are the most unique of the world’s populations, with a light, uniform plumage and a reputation for precision hunting. It is not just coastal locations that boast such great birdwatching opportunities. 1 talking about this. About 330 species of birds have been recorded in Iceland. It is recommended to go bird-watching in areas where houses have been built for bird-watching, where conditions have been created for both the birds and bird enthusiasts can enjoy themselves without disturbing the behaviour of the birds. In Iceland there are 2 species of falcons, the merlin (Falco columbarius), and the gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) and one species of accipiter, the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). There is a saying in Iceland that the Golden Plover brings with it the springtime. While unmatched in terms of numbers here, Látrabjarg and the Westman Islands represent just the tip of the iceberg in terms of different puffin-watching locations. Will I be able to see the Northern Lights? These include the Arctic Tern, Greater Scaup, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Common Eider, Common Ringed Plover, Whooper Swan and many, many more. When they are found, it tends to be in cold, remote reaches, such as in the East Fjords and the Highlands. The coastal cliffs alone carry a mind-boggling array of seabirds in massive numbers. While the arrival of the Golden Plover to the wetlands and moors signals the arrival of spring, however, the movement of the ravens to towns and cities signals the beginning of winter. Iceland, for me, was more than the birds, though. It is a great pleasure to visit Iceland during nesting period in the late May and first three weeks of June, during the period when the nature comes out of its Winter sleep. Take, for example, the birdwatching cliffs at Látrabjarg in the Westfjords. It is the largest of the falcon species, it is found in few parts of the world including the Arctic region and mostly in Iceland. During courtship, the male performs a 'winnowing' display by flying high in circles and taking shallow dives. However, the number of breeding pairs in Iceland is declining, defying trends across the rest of their range. Iceland has breathtaking landscapes and completely untouched nature of unusual beauty. Rock ptarmigans are not just a festive meal for Icelanders; they also are the main food for Snowy Owls. Most of the bird species in Iceland stay only during the summer, the birds come from Europe, Africa and the northern hemisphere in April and May to nest and raise their chicks. A rather sedentary species, it prefers walking to flying and thus relies on its seasonal camouflage for protection; in the summertime its feathers are brown but they turn white come winter. Iceland is an incredible country, filled with lovely people, delicious food, and a rich (and active) geology. How long does a sunset or a sunrise last? The Icelandic bird list. There are countless poems and stories in Iceland about this species, and folk songs such as ‘Krummavísur (Krummi svaf í klettagjá)’ and ‘Krummi krunkar úti’ are known by every Icelander. Also the increased planting of forest in Iceland and global warming has led to rise in the number of passerine species attempting to breed. The puffin has become a bit of a national symbol in Iceland. Birds of Sea Cliffs-- Gulls & Related Sea Birds-- Waterfowl-- Birds of heather lands & scrubs-- Marsh birds-- Passerine's-- Migratory species Passerine's When taking into account that Iceland lies far away from the mainland too, it becomes logical that both numbers of passerine species and numbers of passerine individual birds are low. IUCN Red List least concern species (572) Cite iucn maint (467) Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus (459) Birds described in 1758 (335) Birds of Europe (226) Iceland is also the perfect place to see the puffin a very popular bird in Iceland among bird watchers and photographers. What is your favourite bird in Iceland? Gyrfalcons are apex predators of the sky, having been used in falconry for centuries. Go faster and explore more on this speedboat Whale Watching tour in North Iceland and visit the puffin Island. Although their eggs, laid in relatively open land, are also vulnerable to predation by Artic Foxes, Whimbrels will defend them with the ferocity of Arctic Terns; they have also been known to divebomb people who get too close, in spite of their reclusive nature. Furthermore, their excellent camouflage against the snow, their silent method of flight, and the fact that they are most numerous in the dark months of the winter simply makes them difficult to spot. With a wingspan that can reach two and a half metres, White-Tailed Eagles are the largest bird in Iceland, and no doubt one of the nation’s most impressive. How do Icelanders celebrate Christmas and the New Year? -- (written by Jack, shown with sample pages at Avian Review, July 2008) Other Related Books: 1) Icelandic Bird Guide by Hilmarsson 2) Birds of Iceland by Bardarson 3) Birds of Europe by Mullarney et.al. Also in the summertime, it is almost bright outside 24 hours, giving birdwatchers a great opportunity to photograph the birds. For example, last decade more farmers are growing grain in Iceland so increasing number of the Greylag Goose stays throughout the year in the country. Photo by Ómar Runólfsson, from Wiki Creative Commons. That way the birdwatchers can also sit inside, which is usually a great option when watching birds in Iceland where it can be rainy, windy and cold. No edits made. Iceland is, in many ways, unique and not only because of the nature, but also because of the biota. Book your complete trip with the best companies only. Several species of migrating bird pass through Iceland due to its location in the North Atlantic between North America and Europe, making it a great place to see birds from both continents, as well as some native ones that you shouldn’t miss on your Iceland bird-watching adventures. They have two morphs, with one being largely white with grey accents on the wings and tail and the other being more uniformly grey. Travellers to North Iceland, meanwhile, will find them in excess on the Tjörnes Peninsula, which is otherwise known for its fossil-hunting opportunities. The individuals that nest here have the second-longest migration route of any animal in the world, travelling up to 80,000 kilometres every year on a round trip from Iceland to Antarctica. Considering Iceland's extensive network of river systems, however, they are by no means bound to these locations. The Gyrfalcon is actually the largest of the falcon species and is a bird of prey. Are there any birds we missed? This page ("entries start") can be used as a starting point. Bird watching in Iceland is different from season to season. The Highlands form a plateau some 500 m (1,640 ft) above sea level, lying in the central and southeastern part of the island, and occupy about 40% of the landmass; they consist largely of volcanic deserts interspersed with glaciers. A raven behaving noisily on a rooftop is supposed to be a warning of someone drowning, and one flying directly overhead warns of death or promises prosperity, depending on its direction. Shags are more common in the western region (Snaefellsnes and Breidafjordur) while gannets frequent the south-western coasts of Iceland. During spring, from April to May, a huge number of birds come to Iceland in large groups so it is easy to find them. Birds of Prey are classified as belonging to the order Falconiformes which has 5 families, the 2 largest being the falcon family (Falconidae) and the accipiter family (Accipitridae). Photo by Alpsdake, from Wiki Creative Commons. No edits made. Other birds identified in Iceland mostly come from Europe and, in a much lesser number, from North America. Iceland is of volcanic origin with the landscape being influenced by water and wind erosion, abrasion and frost action. Iceland’s landscapes, particularly in the south, perfectly suit the lifestyle and habits of Whimbrels. The Ptarmigan is most relevant to Icelandic culture as very popular festive food, often served as the main dish on Christmas Eve. Which mountains are the most beautiful mountains in Iceland, where are they located and what kind of mountains can you find in Iceland? Where do you need to travel to find the most spectacular waterfalls? The Rock Ptarmigan populationin Iceland fluctuates in 10-year cycles. The reason for this is that their eggs do not need natural defences considering the fierceness with which both parents protect them. South Iceland has a great deal to offer visiting birdwatchers with its wide variety of habitats, including wetlands, seabird colonies, highland oases and unique coastlines. How has Guide to Iceland changed since its conception? They have two morphs, with one being largely white with grey accents on the wings and tail and the other being more uniformly grey. The bird species are organized in natural groups. A lot of travellers come to Iceland seeking its thriving birdlife. For this reason, they were an important part of Icelandic trade with wealthy Europeans as far back as the medieval era, being one of the country’s most prized exports. Throughout summer, it is possible to add puffin-watching components onto these activities, or even to take short trips out exclusively to find the nesting birds. Refer to our Privacy Policy for details. The country plays a bigger role every year for many species as here are large numbers of homelands and protected areas like Lake Mývatn and the national parks.The moorlands are very important nature reserve. Every year a picture appears in the national newspapers of the first sighting of this colourful species, which normally happens between the 20th and 30th of March. Even though there are not many different types of birds in Iceland there is a vast numbers of individual birds of each specie and the country therefore ideal for bird-watching and bird-photography. Photo by Avenue, from Wiki Creative Commons. The smell of this oil is pungent and incredibly difficult to remove, and so thick that it can clog the feathers of larger birds, leading to their deaths. It is based on a wide variety of sources that I collated over many years. Can I still take tours? The northern Lake Mývatn region, in particular, is a birdwatching paradise, with over fourteen species of resident duck amongst many other species. Get closer to the puffins in their natural habitat and see other birds like eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots and cormorants. Among the species of the Check list of the birds of Iceland you can find waterfowl and wading birds, a large suite of song birds, raptors, game birds, swifts and nighthawks, etc., many of which occupy several ecosystems simultaneously, as they fly to and from forests, meadows, shorelines of waters, cities and and urban green spaces. While this number of different types of bird is relatively low compared to other European countries, the number of individuals more than compensates for this. As mentioned above, most bird species found in Iceland are migrant birds, estimated around 40 to 50 species. There is also a notorious nesting ground at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, which many visitors inadvertently overlook, to their own peril. While the draining and agricultural development of these areas in places such as England have depleted their numbers, Iceland's amount of untouched nature means they are still numerous here, throughout its lowland regions. The Rock Ptarmigan, unlike most others on this list, is a bird that lives in Iceland throughout the year. No edits made. About 85 species of birds nest or are at least regularly seen in Iceland, although there are about 330 species that have been recorded visiting here since Settlement. Whimbrels are classic waders, or ‘shorebirds’ in North American terminology, with their long, thin legs and beaks. Being such an adaptable animal, ravens can be found all around Iceland. Arctic Terns are fascinating birds. They mainly eat seabirds, waterfowl, and sometimes rabbits. How do you sleep during the... Iceland is a country of many amazing waterfalls, but which are the best ones? In places such as Greenland, it has been seen working even on polar bears. While ravens are one of the most widely spread animals on earth, in Iceland, they have a special connection with the nation's folklore. Two Common GoldeneyesBucephala clangulaat Ósar/Hafnir (SW) and at Höfn (SE) and one at Heimaey (S). Continue reading for all you need to know about Iceland's wealth of avian life. Also called Sea Eagles, they are a coastal species that prey on fish, other birds, Iceland’s rodents and even, to the annoyance of farmers, lambs. With their main foods being berries, seeds, buds and insects, they are most often found in vegetated scrubland, and prefer higher elevations to many other Icelandic birds. This magnificent bird breeds in all parts of Iceland but is commonest in the north. In summer, there are up to two million breeding pairs of Northern Fulmar, although in winter, unlike most of the other birds found in Iceland, this number actually increases to up to five million. Arctic terns nest all around the coast of Iceland, and have high populations in the southwest, including by Reykjavík city, particularly around Grótta lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Bird-Watching houses have been set up in many places where you can sit calmly and watch the birds without disturbing them. There are not many wild mammals in Iceland and few bird species compared to many other countries. To get the best photos it is ideal to stay in special houses that have been built in some areas in Iceland for birdwatchers, that way it is easier to access the birds and minimize any interference to their behaviour. Considering the challenges of Iceland's winters, its arrival is always a signal of better times ahead. Iceland is, therefore, the ideal place for birdwatchers and bird enthusiasts to see many bird species during nesting season when everything is full of life. A drake and female Velvet ScoterMelanitta fuscaat Staður/Grindavík (SW). Jul 2, 2015 - The birdlife in Iceland is as dramatic and varied as the rugged landscape that provides a spectacular setting to view nearly 300 different species of birds. This section presents information on bird species on Iceland. The birds can be observed from close quarters on these cliffs. Here you can find a list of bird watching areas in Iceland with houses. During bird watching, it is important to keep few things in mind to minimize interference with the nature and disruption of nature. In Iceland, there are also some species from North America that are not found anywhere else in Europe than in Iceland, such as Harlequin Duck and Great Northern Diver. This tour combines two fun activities ideal for nature lovers; Whales and Puffins as well as other sea birds. Skuas, Terns & Black-headed Gull. They have been much more successful in Iceland than the owls, with a larger wild population, although still are not numerous; there are thought to be only about 400 breeding pairs. What is Guide to Iceland? The unspoiled scenery made it easier for this novice birder to enjoy the diverse bird population. Breeding on Arctic coasts, islands, and tundra in North America, Europe, and Asia, the gyrfalcon is as big as the largest buzzards. Continue... See a selection of wonderful photographs that capture the magic of the Northern Lights throughout Iceland. It is not uncommon to see them even on boat tours from Reykjavík, particularly around Hvalfjörður. The fact they have little fear of people and will let visitors approach them within mere metres only adds to their appeal. What is a fjord? Two Eurasian CurlewsNumenius arquataat Höfn (SE). Though they greatly resemble seagulls, they can be differentiated by their thicker necks, shorter bills and rigid wings when in flight. This checklist includes all bird species found in Iceland, based on the best information available at this time. We are two bird photographers / guides. The Northern Fulmar are amongst the most numerous birds in Iceland. Why puffins are so popular is little wonder to any who see them. This tour offers the chance to see the incredible Eyjafjord Humpbacks in their natural habitat. The Gyrfalcons are the top predators in the sky known for their lethal precision hunting skills. While, in summer, only around a dozen different species nest here, there are literally millions of puffins and razorbills, meaning the sky is often thick with avian life. In particular, they nest around Jökulsárgljúfur in the northern Vatnajökull National Park, a canyon that holds the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss. The Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) is a small passerine bird which breeds in much of the northern half of Europe and also northwestern Asia, from southeastern Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia, and south to central France and Romania; there is also an isolated population in the Caucasus Mountains. They are beaten only by their counterparts that nest in the Netherlands, whose route covers around 90,000 kilometres. Many different species can be seen in urban areas including Reykjavík, especially around the downtown pond of Tjörnin and the nature reserve at Seltjarnarnes. The national bird of Iceland is gyrfalcon. Get closer to the cute and famous puffin on this RIB boat tour from Reykjavik. Northern Fulmar can still be found around the country, numerous in popular birdwatching locations such as Látrabjarg in the Westfjords and Krýsuvíkurbjarg on the Reykjanes Peninsula. 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