Great Northern Diver

The Great Northern Diver (Gavia immer), known for its striking black-and-white breeding plumage and eerie, melodic calls, is a magnificent aquatic bird. While sightings in Faxaflói Bay are rare, these divers are more commonly seen during our tours in Akureyri, where they are known to frequent sheltered fjords and coastal waters. Expert hunters, they dive deep to catch fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey, using their powerful legs and streamlined bodies. The presence of Great Northern Divers in Icelandic waters highlights the importance of the country’s marine habitats. Observing these birds provides a glimpse into the health of local ecosystems and the resilience of species adapted to cold, nutrient-rich waters.