The Birds of Iceland

Iceland is home to a wide variety of bird species that come here to breed in the summer, and some that stay all year round. The Puffins are perhaps the most well known summer bird here in Reykjavík, but there are many other interesting or unique birds that visit Iceland, that you can see on our whale or puffin watching tours.

AUKS, MURRES & PUFFINS (ALCIDAE)

Atlantic Puffin

The Atlantic Puffin is perhaps one of the most iconic birds we see on our tours - and surely one of our favourites!

Read more about the Atlantic Puffin

Black Guillemot

The Black Guillemot breeds along Iceland’s rocky coasts and is easily identified by its black plumage and bright red legs.

Read more about the Black Guillemot

Brünnichs Guillemot

Brünnich‘s Guillemot is occasionally seen in Faxaflói Bay, especially near breeding cliffs during the summer.

Common Guillemot

The Common Guillemot breeds on the islands of Faxaflói Bay, forming large colonies that are visible from boats.

Little Auk

The Little Auk visits Faxaflói Bay during the winter months, where it can be seen feeding offshore, albeit occasionally.

Read more about the Little Auk

Razorbill

The Razorbill breeds on the cliffs and rocky islands in Faxaflói Bay, often seen flying low over the water.

Read more about the Razorbill

DUCKS, GEESE & SWANS (ANSERIFORMES)

Brent Goose

The Brent Goose is often seen in Faxaflói Bay during its migratory stopovers, resting and feeding in the bay’s coastal areas.

Read more about the Brent Goose

Eider Duck

The Eider Duck is commonly found in Faxaflói Bay, where it breeds on the islands and islets, known for its unique down.

Read more about the Eider Duck

Greylag Goose

The Greylag Goose frequents the wetlands and coastal areas around Faxaflói Bay, particularly during the breeding season.

Read more about the Greylag Goose

Long-tailed Duck

In winter, the Long-tailed Duck is a common sight in the waters of Faxaflói Bay, diving for crustaceans and mollusks.

Red-breasted Merganser

The Red-breasted Merganser can be found in Faxaflói Bay, often seen in sheltered coastal areas and on the islands.

Whooper Swan

Whooper Swans are occasionally seen in Faxaflói Bay during migration, resting, or seen at the pond in Reykjavík.

Read more about the Whooper Swan

LOONS (GAVIIFORMES)

Great Northern Diver

Also known as the Common Loon, this bird can be seen in the waters of Faxaflói Bay, particularly in winter, recognized by its haunting calls.

OYSTERCATCHERS (HAEMATOPODIDAE)

Eurasian Oystercatcher

Oystercatchers are common around the shores of Faxaflói Bay, easily spotted foraging on tidal flats and rocky shores.

Read more about the Oystercatcher

GULLS, TERNS & SKIMMERS (LARIDAE)

Arctic Tern

The Arctic Tern breeds in Faxaflói Bay, known for its long migrations and nesting on small islands and coastal areas.

Read more about the Arctic Tern

Black-headed Gull

This gull is often seen in Faxaflói Bay, particularly around the harbour in Reykjavík, and on the islands.

Black-legged Kittiwake

The Kittiwake nests on the cliffs of Faxaflói Bay, with large colonies visible on the bay’s rocky islands.

Common Gull

The Common Gull is frequently seen around Faxaflói Bay, particularly in coastal habitats and urban areas.

Read more about the Common Gull

Glaucous Gull

The Glaucous Gull is a winter visitor to Faxaflói Bay, often seen along the coast and in harbours.

Read more about the Glaucous Gull

Great Black-backed Gull

This largest gull species is a common sight in Faxaflói Bay, particularly around the islands and coastal areas.

Herring Gull

The Herring Gull is widespread around Faxaflói Bay, found in both natural and urban environments.

Read more about the Herring Gull

Iceland Gull

True to its name, the Iceland Gull is commonly seen in Faxaflói Bay during the winter, mingling with other gulls.

Read more about the Iceland Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

The Lesser Black-backed Gull breeds in Faxaflói Bay, favoring coastal areas and islands.

SHEARWATERS & PETRELS (PROCELLARIIFORMES)

European Storm Petrel

This small seabird can occasionally be seen in Faxaflói Bay, particularly during stormy weather when it is driven closer to shore.

Leach‘s Storm Petrel

Leach's Storm Petrel is sometimes observed in Faxaflói Bay, especially during migration periods.

Manx Shearwater

The Manx Shearwater can be seen offshore in Faxaflói Bay, especially during its migration, and is commonly observed on whale watching tours.

Read more about the Manx Shearwater

Northern Fulmar

The Northern Fulmar is common in Faxaflói Bay, often seen gliding on stiff wings close to the water's surface.

Read more about the Northern Fulmar

Sooty Shearwater

The Sooty Shearwater is a summer visitor to Faxaflói Bay, where it feeds in the rich marine waters.

SKUAS & JAEGERS (STERCORARIIDAE)

Arctic Skua

The Arctic Skua can be seen in Faxaflói Bay during the breeding season, often harassing other seabirds for food.

Read more about the Arctic Skua

Great Skua

The Great Skua breeds around Faxaflói Bay, particularly on coastal areas, known for its aggressive nature.

Read more about the Great Skua

GANNETS & CORMORANTS (SULIFORMES)

European Shag

The European Shag breeds on the rocky coasts and islands of Faxaflói Bay, often seen diving for fish close to shore.

Read more about the European Shag

Great Cormorant

The Great Cormorant is a year-round resident of Faxaflói Bay, frequently spotted drying its wings on rocks and jetties.

Read more about the Great Cormorant

Northern Gannet

The Northern Gannet can be seen in Faxaflói Bay during the breeding season, diving spectacularly for fish in the bay’s waters.

Read more about the Northern Gannet