Spot Migratory Marvels & Resident Rarities: Year-Round Birding in Iceland

Where does the Arctic tern, known for its extraordinary annual migration from the Antarctic to the Arctic, spend its summers? Like many of us, it visits Iceland!

Iceland’s unique geography makes it a crucial stopover for hundreds of species of migratory birds on journeys from North America to Europe, like the greater scaup, West Africa to Arctic climes like red knots, and beyond.

Over 400 avian species, both endemic and migratory, have been spotted in and around Iceland.

The island’s varied landscapes, from the coastal cliffs of Latrajbjarg to the rocky shores of the Reykjanes Peninsula, inland wetlands around Lake Myvatn and tundra in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajokull National Park, provide diverse ecosystems for a remarkable array of avian species.

Birding in Iceland isn’t just for summer visitors, either—its geography and location make Iceland a year-round birdwatching destination. Whether you’re exploring the bustling seabird colonies in summer or tranquil lakes hosting wintering ducks and majestic hunting gyrfalcon, Iceland offers rewarding birdwatching in every season.

Here are some seasonal highlights of birdwatching in Iceland:

Spring Birdwatching in Iceland (March – May)

Where I live, people say crocus flowers are the harbingers of spring. In Iceland, it’s the plovers. The European golden plover, to be exact. A third of the world’s golden plovers nest in Iceland.

Plovers herald spring, but puffins outnumber them. Most of the world’s Atlantic puffins are found in Iceland, where 60% of the world’s population breeds—that’s 8 to 10 million puffins nesting in rocks and cliffsides throughout the spring and summer!

Spot Seabirds on the Latrabjarg Cliffs

The Latrabjarg Cliffs are one of the best places to observe seabirds in Iceland during the spring, including Iceland’s iconic Atlantic puffin.

Though they spend most of their time at sea, puffins start arriving ashore in late April. During nesting season from late spring through September, puffins can be found on land, especially in the Westman Islands and the Latrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords. Known for their colorful beaks, wonderful waddle, and charismatic personalities, puffins are a visitor favorite.

Mike Hillman, award-winning birder, Nat Hab Expedition Leader and Photography Expeditions Co-Director, called puffins “a wonderful rebuttal to the Southern Hemisphere’s penguins.”

The Latrabjarg cliffs come alive with the sights and sounds of breeding colonies in the spring. In addition to Atlantic puffins, look out for:

• Razorbill: With their distinctive thick, black beaks, Razorbills are easily spotted among the cliffs. They nest in crevices and under boulders, often forming mixed colonies with puffins and other seabirds. Razorbill nesting in Iceland begins in early spring.

• Common Guillemot: also known as Common Murres, these are often seen standing upright on the cliffs. They lay their eggs on bare cliff ledges in large, crowded colonies.

• Northern Fulmar: Abundant along the cliffs, known for their stiff-winged flight and tube-like nostrils, they nest on ledges and crevices in the cliffs, often in large colonies.

• Black-legged Kittiwake: Recognized by their distinctive calls and black-tipped wings, kittiwakes are common on the Latrabjarg Cliffs. Lok for them nesting in densely packed colonies on narrow cliff ledges.

• Brünnich’s Guillemot: Similar to the Common Guillemot and often seen together, but they prefer steeper cliffs and higher elevations.

Lake Myvatn Birdwatching in Spring

More species of waterfowl (around 16) nest on and around Myvatn than any other lake in Europe, making it a must-visit for birdwatching in Iceland. The area is a designated nature reserve due to its ecological importance. Species to spot in the spring include:

• Tufted Duck: A striking duck with a distinctive tuft on its head, commonly found in the waters of Lake Myvatn. Courtship displays start in early spring.

• Red-necked Phalarope: These birds are known for their spinning behavior on water surfaces and return to breed in May.

• Horned Grebe: Notable for their vibrant breeding plumage and unique courtship behaviors.

Thjorsarver Wetlands Offer Wonderful Birdwatching

Central Iceland’s Thjorsarver wetlands are bounded by the Hofsjokull glacier to the north and volcanic deserts to the east, south and west. Over 46 square miles of lush wetlands feature tundra meadows intersected with glacial and spring-fed streams, pools, ponds, lakes and marshes, plus rare permafrost mounds. They form an important oasis for abundant birdlife in an area with very little or no plant cover. See if you can find:

• Pink-footed Goose: With 6–10,000 breeding pairs, the Thjorsarver wetlands support one of the largest breeding colonies of pink-footed geese in the world.

• Black-tailed Godwit: These elegant waders return to nest in April and are commonly seen building nests and rearing chicks during spring.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers diverse habitats supporting a wide range of bird species. It’s a great place to spot both common and rare birds during the spring. Species to spot include:

• Red-throated Diver: Found in inland wetlands, preparing nests for the breeding season.

• Redwing: Often observed performing elaborate song displays to attract mates.

Spring offers a unique opportunity to observe the intricate courtship and nesting behaviors of Iceland’s bird species. Look for acrobatic courtship displays and nest-building activity birdwatching in Iceland in the spring, especially:

• Whimbrel: Known for their distinctive calls and aerial displays during mating season.

• Common Snipe: Prefers wet meadows and marshes, where they can be seen building nests and rearing chicks.

• Eurasian Wren: These small birds are often heard singing loudly from their nesting sites in dense vegetation.

As migratory birds return, the island’s diverse habitats provide ample chances for birdwatchers to enjoy vibrant avian life. With species like the iconic Atlantic puffin and rarer birds such as the great northern diver, spring birdwatching in Iceland promises an exciting and rewarding experience.

Mike Hillman shared, “Another highlight for me is the northern wheatear that migrates between the Arctic and Africa, which has to be quite the scenery change for them.” Look for northern wheatear performing aerial displays and singing to attract mates in spring.

Summer Birdwatching in Iceland (June – August)

What gets started in the spring is in full swing throughout the summer. Birdlife is booming in Iceland’s long summer days. Across Iceland, you’ll see birds actively rearing and feeding their young. More places to birdwatch in Iceland include:

Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

The Westman Islands, located off the southern coast of Iceland, are a hotspot for seabird colonies. Look for:

• Atlantic Puffin: The islands host another one of the largest puffin colonies in the world, with around 1.1 million puffins nesting there each summer, housing approximately one-fifth of the world’s puffin population.
• Northern Gannet: Impressive birds with striking white plumage and black wingtips, they have a wingspan of up to 6.6 feet and are known for their spectacular plunge-diving behavior.

• Manx Shearwater: Often seen gliding over the waters around the islands, they travel from their Icelandic breeding grounds to the coast of South America.

• Leach’s Storm Petrel: These small seabirds are often seen feeding offshore; they have a distinctive flight pattern, appearing to “walk” on the water as they feed on plankton and small fish.

On Nat Hab’s Ultimate Iceland Photo Expedition, we visit Borgarfjordur Eystri to photograph another of Iceland’s largest Atlantic puffin colonies. We spend several hours among them on a puffin photography intensive.

As summer draws to a close, many avian species in Iceland begin preparing for migration. Species that migrate especially long distances, like Arctic terns, red knots, and manx shearwaters, start their long journeys back to their wintering grounds, while more local species, like the great skua, remain active in the rich late-summer landscape.

Autumn Birdwatching in Iceland (September – November)

As autumn begins, birdwatchers in Iceland enjoy a period of vibrant activity as breeding and rearing young gives way to preparations for migration, providing opportunities to observe various avian species in different stages of their life cycles. The mix of resident and migratory birds makes autumn a fascinating and rewarding time for birdwatching in Iceland.

The Icelandic landscape transforms in autumn, with foliage changing colors, adding a stunning backdrop to birdwatching—and your photos.

Breidafjordur Bay in Autumn

Breidafjordur Bay, located in western Iceland, offers a rich birdwatching experience in the autumn, with numerous islands and diverse bird species preparing for migration or settling in for the colder months. Here’s what you can expect to see:

• White-tailed Eagle: These majestic birds—eBird calls them as big as a barn door—are often seen soaring over the bay and nesting on nearby islands. With a wingspan of over 8 feet, they are among the largest birds of prey in Europe. Autumn is a good time to observe them as they prepare for the winter months, often seen hunting for fish and small mammals.

Nat Hab Photo Expeditions Co-Director Mike Hillman said, “The coolest bird for me was the white-tailed eagle. It’s a massive bird (eBird even describes it by saying, “Looks like a flying barn door”) you hope to come across as you drive along Iceland’s scenic coastlines.”

• European Shag: Commonly seen on rocky outcrops and nesting in island colonies, these dark-colored birds are excellent divers, feeding primarily on fish. In autumn, you can watch their impressive diving displays as they forage to build up reserves for the winter.

• Common Eider: Large flocks can be seen, particularly around nesting sites on Iceland’s islands. Known for their soft down, which is harvested sustainably for insulation, eiders are also known for their distinctive calls. In autumn, they are often seen in coastal waters, gathering in large groups.

Breidafjordur Bay’s unique geography, with its myriad islands and sheltered waters, provides a sanctuary for a variety of bird species during the autumn months.

For those interested in experiencing Iceland’s birdlife in early autumn, Nat Hab’s Iceland: Circling the Land of Fire & Ice special Autumn Itinerary offers an exceptional journey through the country’s diverse habitats, providing unique opportunities to witness the seasonal behaviors of Iceland’s avian residents and migrants.

Winter Birdwatching in Iceland (December – February)

Winter in Iceland offers a unique birdwatching experience for both hardy people and birds! The island’s landscape is transformed by snow and ice. Despite the cold, several bird species remain active, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatchers.

Reykjanes Peninsula Winter Birdwatching in Iceland

Not far from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, the Reykjanes Peninsula is a great place to observe seabirds during winter. The rugged coastline and accessible locations make it a popular birdwatching spot. Look for:

• Iceland and Glaucous Gulls (Resident): Often seen in large numbers along the coast.
• Barrow’s Goldeneye, a species restricted entirely to Iceland in its West Palaearctic breeding range (Even here though the birds only spend a few months each winter before returning some 250 miles to the Myvaten area in northern Iceland.  Look for them there the rest of the year.)

• Purple Sandpiper: These small waders are one of the few shorebirds that remain in Iceland during winter. They can be seen feeding along rocky coasts, often in small flocks.

• Red-breasted Merganser: a distinctive diving duck known for its striking appearance and agile hunting skills.

Lake Thingvallavatn Birdwatching in Winter

Lake Thingvallavatn remains partially ice-free in winter, attracting various waterfowl. Birdwatchers can enjoy serene winter landscapes while observing these hardy species. Species to spot include:

• Whooper Swan (Resident): Located in Thingvellir National Park, Lake Thingvallavatn is one of the largest lakes in Iceland. Geothermal activity in the area helps keep parts of the lake ice-free, providing accessible food sources for the swans.

• Gyrfalcons: Iceland’s national bird can be spotted hunting near Lake Thingvallavatn in winter. This area of Thingvellir National Park provides suitable open landscapes and habitats for gyrfalcons to search for prey (especially ptarmigan) during the winter.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The stunning backdrop of the glacier lagoon provides a unique setting for winter birdwatching, with opportunities to spot sea ducks and other waterfowl. You might see:

• Long-tailed Duck (Resident): Often seen in the icy waters of the lagoon.

• King Eider (Resident): Another highlight for winter birdwatching in this area. King Eiders are a highlight for winter birdwatching. Their colorful plumage and diving behavior make them a fascinating species to observe.

Look for hardy snow bunting everywhere in Iceland in winter. From Iceland’s open tundra to craggy coastlines, snow buntings are well-adapted to the cold and can be seen foraging in snowy areas. Their striking plumage makes them a delightful winter sighting.

Listen to the common redpoll’s distinctive chattering call when birdwatching in Iceland in winter. It can help locate them even in dense vegetation. Winter birdwatching in Iceland can be a unique and rewarding experience. The combination of stunning landscapes and adaptable species that thrive in the cold makes for memorable birdwatching adventures.

Iceland offers surprising winter birding, including several specialty species for the West Palearctic, all within an hour’s drive of the capital, Reykjavik. Further afield, you may spot white-tailed eagles patrolling the coastline, gyrfalcons looking for their ptarmigan prey and harlequin ducks at home on the wintery seas. You may spot Iceland and glaucous gulls, snow buntings…even an Arctic Fox or orca!

This time of year offers the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis or northern lights—an added bonus for the hardiest of birders.

Migratory Marvels & Hardy Resident Birds Year-Round in Iceland

Iceland’s unique location, geology and diversity of protected habitats mean it is a year-round birdwatching destination with over 400 endemic and migratory species, varied landscapes and ecosystems, and a wide range of unforgettable experiences.