Birds

About 350 species of birds have been recorded in Iceland which is a remarkable feat when one considers that only 20% of them are regular breeders. Vagrants, meaning casual visitors, therefore make up the majority of the Icelandic List.

The most common bird in Iceland is the Atlantic Puffin. Other common birds are e.g. the arctic tern, golden plover, redshank, snipe, great black-backed gull, black-headed gull, ringed plover and whimbrel.

The best time for bird watching in Iceland is from the second half of May and out June. Many species are abundant and unmissable at this time of year. All migrants have arrived and birds are very conspicuous, defending their territories. And don´t forget the 24 hour daylight you have during this time of the year!

Whilst birding is possible all year round, the worst time is undoubtedly late November to January, largely because the short daylight hours are very restrictive and the weather can be rather demanding.