Iceland sits at one of the great crossroads of the bird world — where Arctic and temperate species meet, where millions of seabirds nest on cliffs and islands, and where rare vagrants blown off course from North America or Siberia turn up every year to the excitement of birders across Europe. Over 380 species have been recorded here. This is your complete guide to birdwatching in Iceland — the species, the locations, and the seasons.
An Island at the Crossroads of the Bird World
Iceland occupies a unique position in the North Atlantic — geographically isolated, climatically extreme, and positioned directly on migration routes between Europe, the Arctic, and North America. This combination produces a birdlife that is simultaneously spectacular in its abundance and endlessly surprising in its variety.
The seabird colonies alone would make Iceland a destination worth travelling to. Millions of puffins. Vast gannet colonies on offshore stacks. Cliffs alive from top to bottom with guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and fulmars in densities that make the rock itself seem to move. But Iceland is also the breeding ground of remarkable wading birds, wildfowl of extraordinary variety, birds of prey found almost nowhere else in Europe, and a resident raven population that seems to have studied philosophy.
And then there are the rarities. Iceland’s position makes it a magnet for vagrants — birds blown off course or wandering far outside their normal range. North American species turning up on the west coast after crossing the Atlantic. Siberian rarities appearing in autumn. Species never before recorded in Europe materialising on an Icelandic lake and sending birders scrambling for flights from London and Amsterdam. Iceland keeps even experienced birders on their toes.
At Ice Paradise Tours, birdwatching is woven into almost everything we do — even guests who arrive as casual observers often leave with a list, a pair of binoculars, and a genuine new obsession. This guide will help you find Iceland’s finest birds, in the right places, at the right times.
Iceland’s Most Iconic Birds — What to Look For
Atlantic Puffin — Iceland’s Most Famous Bird
Iceland hosts roughly 60% of the world’s entire Atlantic puffin population — between eight and ten million birds nesting here every summer. The Westman Islands hold the largest single colony in the world. Puffins arrive in April and May, nest through the summer, and depart by August. They are found on coastal cliffs and headlands throughout the country but are most accessible and most numerous in the Westman Islands, at Látrabjarg in the Westfjords, at Borgarfjörður Eystri in the East, and at Dyrhólaey on the South Coast. See our dedicated puffin guide for the full story.
White-Tailed Eagle — Europe’s Largest Eagle
The white-tailed eagle — Europe’s largest eagle, with a wingspan reaching 2.5 metres — is one of Iceland’s most magnificent resident birds and one its most rare. The Icelandic population was hunted almost to extinction in the early 20th century and has recovered slowly to a small breeding population concentrated in the Westfjords and North-West Iceland. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the Westfjords — particularly around the Breiðafjörður bay area — offer the best chance in the country. A white-tailed eagle circling above a fjord, wings spread to full extent, is one of the most dramatic bird sightings Iceland offers.
Gyrfalcon — The Most Powerful Falcon on Earth
The gyrfalcon is the largest and most powerful falcon in the world, and Iceland is one of its most important breeding strongholds. These birds have been prized by falconers for over a thousand years — the white morph of the Icelandic gyrfalcon was considered the most valuable living creature in medieval Europe, and Icelandic gyrfalcons were given as diplomatic gifts between kings. Today a small breeding population persists across the country, nesting on remote cliff faces and hunting ptarmigan across the highland interior. They are most likely to be seen in the highland areas and on the remote cliffs of the north and east. A sighting is genuinely memorable — these are fast, fierce, utterly confident birds that make even the peregrine look hesitant.
Arctic Tern — The Greatest Traveller on Earth
The Arctic tern holds a record that no other animal comes close to matching: it migrates from its Arctic and sub-Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic and back every year — a round trip of up to 80,000 kilometres. The terns that nest in Iceland have seen more daylight than any other creature on earth, chasing the sun between the poles. In Iceland they nest in open coastal areas, lake shores, and grassland from May through August — beautiful, aerobatic, silvery birds that are also, during nesting season, aggressively territorial. Walk too close to a nesting colony and you will be dive-bombed repeatedly with a precision and commitment that is simultaneously alarming and deeply impressive. Carrying a stick or umbrella above your head deters them.
Golden Plover — The Bird That Announces Spring
In Iceland, the arrival of the golden plover is considered the first true sign of spring — more reliable than any calendar. Their liquid, melancholy call carries across the moorland and meadows from April, and the birds are found throughout the country in summer, their gold-speckled plumage glowing in the low northern light. Icelanders feel genuine affection for this bird in a way that has no direct equivalent in other European bird cultures. Seeing your first golden plover in Iceland, standing upright in a field of new grass, feels like a welcome.
Whooper Swan — Iceland’s Official National Bird
The whooper swan is Iceland’s national bird — a large, elegant, bugling swan that breeds on lakes and wetlands throughout the country. Unlike the mute swan familiar to visitors from Britain and continental Europe, whooper swans are vocal and powerful — their resonant, bugling calls carry across still water on calm mornings with a quality that is both wild and moving. Iceland hosts a significant proportion of the world’s breeding whooper swans. They are most easily seen at Lake Mývatn, at Þingvellir, and on the wetlands of South and West Iceland.
Northern Gannet — The Most Spectacular Diver in Iceland
The northern gannet is one of the most visually dramatic seabirds on the planet — a large, brilliant white bird with black wingtips and a golden wash to the head that plunge-dives into the sea from heights of up to 40 metres, folding its wings at the last moment to hit the water like an arrow. The sound of a hundred gannets diving simultaneously into a shoal of fish is extraordinary. Iceland’s largest gannet colony is at Eldey island off the Reykjanes Peninsula — home to over 30,000 breeding pairs and one of the largest gannet colonies in the world. Boat tours from Reykjanes offer views of this colony.
Harlequin Duck — Iceland’s Most Beautiful Duck
The harlequin duck is one of the most strikingly patterned ducks in the world — the male in breeding plumage is a patchwork of slate blue, chestnut, and white markings that seem almost too elaborate to be natural. Iceland holds one of the largest harlequin duck populations in the world, and the birds are found on fast-flowing rivers and glacial streams throughout the country. The Laxa í Aðaldal river in North Iceland and the rivers flowing from the Mývatn area are among the most reliable locations. They nest on river banks and dive in rushing whitewater with remarkable confidence — a bird that looks decorative but lives a genuinely demanding life.
Snowy Owl — Iceland’s Rarest Breeding Raptor
The snowy owl is an irregular breeding bird in Iceland — nesting in years when lemming populations in the highlands are high enough to support them, and largely absent in other years. Sightings cannot be planned for, but when they occur — a white owl sitting motionless on a lava field, almost invisible against snow, then suddenly turning its flat face toward you — they are among the most haunting bird encounters in Iceland. The highland interior and North Iceland are the most likely areas.
The Best Birdwatching Locations in Iceland
Lake Mývatn — Iceland’s Greatest Birdwatching Location
Lake Mývatn is without question the finest birdwatching location in Iceland and one of the finest in Europe. The shallow, nutrient-rich lake supports an extraordinary concentration of breeding wildfowl — more species of nesting duck in a single location than almost anywhere else on earth. Sixteen species of duck breed on or around the lake, including the barrow’s goldeneye (found nowhere else in Europe), the harlequin duck, the tufted duck, the scaup, the common scoter, the long-tailed duck, the red-breasted merganser, and many others.
Beyond the ducks, Mývatn supports breeding slavonian grebes, red-necked phalaropes (one of the few birds where the female is more colourful and the male incubates the eggs), whooper swans, great northern divers, and a range of wading birds. The surrounding lava fields and moorland add gyrfalcon, merlin, snow bunting, and golden plover to any visit. Allow at least two full days at Mývatn — serious birders often spend a week.
Látrabjarg Cliffs, Westfjords — The Greatest Seabird Cliff in Iceland
The 14-kilometre cliff face of Látrabjarg at the westernmost tip of Iceland hosts one of the largest and most diverse seabird colonies in the North Atlantic. Atlantic puffins, razorbills, common guillemots, Brünnich’s guillemots, black guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, and shags all nest here in enormous numbers — the cliff face from top to bottom is a continuous, moving spectacle of seabird life from May through August.
The razorbill population at Látrabjarg is particularly significant — the cliffs host one of the largest razorbill colonies in the world. And the puffins here, as discussed in our puffin guide, are famously unafraid of humans. Lying at the cliff edge watching puffins at arm’s length while guillemots and razorbills pack the ledges below is a birdwatching experience available nowhere else in Europe.
Þingvellir National Park — Divers, Ducks, and Raptors
Þingvellir’s combination of open water, lava fields, birch woodland, and open moorland makes it one of the most varied birdwatching sites in Iceland. The great northern diver breeds on the lake — its haunting wailing call is one of the defining sounds of an Icelandic summer morning. Whooper swans nest in the shallows. Harlequin ducks occur on the rivers entering the lake. Common snipe, golden plover, and whimbrel breed on the surrounding moorland. And the lava fields offer excellent opportunities for raven, merlin, and the occasional rough-legged buzzard on passage in autumn.
The Westfjords — White-Tailed Eagles and Seabirds
The Westfjords are Iceland’s most remote and least visited region, and they are exceptional for birdwatching precisely because of that remoteness. The Breiðafjörður bay area — a vast, shallow bay scattered with hundreds of small islands and skerries — is the most important location in Iceland for white-tailed eagles. The bay’s islands support nesting eiders, Arctic terns, oystercatchers, and waders in significant numbers. The Westfjords also host the best sea duck watching in Iceland, with all five species of eider, scoter, and long-tailed duck accessible from the coastal roads.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula — Seabirds, Waders, and Snow Buntings
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers a compressed cross-section of Icelandic birdlife — seabird colonies on the western cliffs, wading birds on the coastal wetlands, wildfowl on the lakes, and snow buntings and wheatears breeding on the rocky slopes of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. The peninsula is also one of the better locations for ptarmigan — Iceland’s only resident grouse species, found in moorland and rocky upland areas throughout the country. In winter, Snæfellsnes is excellent for glaucous and Iceland gulls, and for the orca that gather to hunt herring in the fjords.
Tjörnes Peninsula, North Iceland — Seaducks and Waders
The Tjörnes Peninsula on the Diamond Circle is one of North Iceland’s best birdwatching sites and one of the least visited. The coastal cliffs host seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, while the offshore waters are rich in sea ducks — king eider, common eider, long-tailed duck, and both scoter species are regularly seen here. The wetlands and moorland above the cliffs support a good range of breeding waders including whimbrel, dunlin, and golden plover. Tjörnes is a bird that rewards those who stop rather than those who rush through.
South Coast Wetlands — Waders and Wildfowl
The broad wetland areas behind the South Coast — particularly around Flói, Ölfusá, and the wetlands between Selfoss and the coast — are among the best wader and wildfowl habitats in Iceland. Black-tailed godwit, dunlin, redshank, oystercatcher, and snipe all breed here in numbers that make this one of the most productive wader-watching areas in the country. The area is also excellent for whooper swans and pink-footed geese in spring and autumn migration.
Birdwatching by Season
Spring (April to May) — Arrivals and Song Spring is one of the most exciting birdwatching periods in Iceland. Migratory species arrive rapidly from late April — whimbrel, golden plover, Arctic tern, puffin, and various waders appearing within days of each other as the season breaks. The first birds of the year are often seen in large numbers as they make landfall after long journeys. Geese are spectacularly abundant in spring migration — pink-footed geese and barnacle geese pass through in impressive flocks. The dawn chorus in Iceland in May, while less diverse than a temperate European woodland, has a particular quality — the golden plover’s call carrying across a still moorland in April light is one of the great sounds of the northern spring.
Summer (June to August) — Breeding Season Summer is peak season for most Icelandic birdwatching. All breeding species are present, chick-rearing is underway, and the seabird colonies are at full capacity. Lake Mývatn’s duck diversity peaks in June and July. Puffin colonies are at their busiest. The midnight sun means you can watch birds at any hour — and many species, particularly waders, are active and vocal throughout the night. The great northern diver calling across a still lake at midnight in June is one of the most haunting and memorable sounds in Iceland.
Autumn (September to October) — Migration and Rarities Autumn migration is the most exciting period for dedicated birders. Icelandic breeding birds depart through August and September, replaced by passage migrants and winter visitors. Geese arrive in large numbers. Waders pause on coastal wetlands and lake shores on their way south. And the rarity season begins — vagrant birds blown off course from North America or Siberia appear most frequently in September and October, when the combination of easterly and westerly weather systems produces the most diverse and unexpected arrivals. Iceland’s rare bird alert network is active throughout autumn and birders travel from across Europe to chase new arrivals.
Winter (November to March) — Specialists and Wildfowl Winter birdwatching in Iceland rewards those who understand what to look for. The summer breeding birds are gone, but wintering species arrive to take their place. Glaucous gull and Iceland gull — two large, pale Arctic gulls rarely seen elsewhere in Europe — are found at harbours and coastal areas throughout the winter. Redwings and fieldfares gather in large flocks wherever berries persist. The highland ptarmigan turns almost entirely white, becoming near-invisible in snow. And the gyrfalcon, freed from the need to conceal a nest, may be seen hunting openly across the winter landscape.
Practical Tips for Birdwatching in Iceland
Bring good optics: Binoculars are essential — 8×42 or 10×42 are the most practical size for Icelandic conditions. A telescope and tripod add greatly to distant sea duck watching and cliff colony scanning. Iceland’s open landscapes mean you often see birds at long range first.
Dress for the conditions: Birdwatching in Iceland means standing still in exposed locations for extended periods. The wind and cold are far more penetrating than when you are moving. Dress warmer than you think necessary, bring waterproofs, and consider hand warmers for extended telescope sessions.
Get a field guide: Lars Jonsson’s Birds of Europe or the Collins Bird Guide are the standard references. Iceland-specific checklists are available from the South Iceland Nature Centre and from BirdLife Iceland. Download the Merlin Bird ID app — it covers Iceland well and is invaluable for identification by call.
Spend time at Lake Mývatn: If you have limited time and want the highest birdwatching return, Lake Mývatn should be your priority. No other single location in Iceland offers the same species diversity in the same area. Allow two full days minimum.
Look beyond the obvious species: Casual visitors focus on puffins and swans. Dedicated birders know that the harlequin duck, red-necked phalarope, and great northern diver are equally remarkable and considerably less photographed. The barrow’s goldeneye — found in Europe only in Iceland — is a life tick for most European birders.
Check the rare bird alerts: BirdLife Iceland and the Icelandic Institute of Natural History publish rare bird news. If you are visiting in autumn with flexibility in your itinerary, keeping an eye on the rarity reports can lead to extraordinary encounters with birds far outside their normal range.
Respect nesting areas: Many of Iceland’s most important bird habitats are protected. Some areas are closed during breeding season. Arctic terns will physically attack you near their nests — this is normal, not aggressive, and should be respected. Keep dogs on leads near all bird habitats.
The best light is at the edges of the day: Iceland’s summer light is extraordinary for bird photography — the low sun angle produces warm, directional light for many more hours than further south. Early morning and late evening give the finest light at cliff colonies and lakeside locations.
Iceland’s Key Species at a Glance
A quick-reference guide to the species most associated with Icelandic birdwatching:
Seabirds: Atlantic puffin, razorbill, common guillemot, Brünnich’s guillemot, black guillemot, northern fulmar, northern gannet, Arctic tern, kittiwake, Arctic skua, great skua
Wildfowl: Whooper swan, greylag goose, pink-footed goose, barnacle goose, common eider, harlequin duck, barrow’s goldeneye, tufted duck, scaup, long-tailed duck, red-breasted merganser
Waders: Golden plover, black-tailed godwit, whimbrel, dunlin, oystercatcher, common snipe, redshank, purple sandpiper, red-necked phalarope
Divers and Grebes: Great northern diver (common loon), red-throated diver, slavonian grebe
Raptors: White-tailed eagle, gyrfalcon, merlin, common kestrel, rough-legged buzzard (winter), short-eared owl
Passerines: Snow bunting, white wagtail, meadow pipit, redwing, fieldfare, northern wheatear, common redpoll, raven, hooded crow
Iceland specialities (only or mainly Iceland in Europe): Barrow’s goldeneye, harlequin duck, gyrfalcon (primarily), glaucous gull, Iceland gull
Common autumn/winter vagrants: Various North American waders and ducks, Siberian passerines, vagrant raptors — check current rare bird reports
The Birds That Stay With You
Iceland is a country that rewards attention. The more closely you look, the more it gives back. This is true of its geology, its history, its language — and it is spectacularly true of its birds. The visitor who takes a pair of binoculars and a little curiosity to Iceland will find a birdlife that is not just abundant but genuinely surprising — species found almost nowhere else in Europe, behaviours rarely witnessed at such close range, and a natural environment so intact that birds still live as they have for thousands of years.
You do not need to be a birder to love Iceland’s birds. You only need to stop, look up, and pay attention. A gyrfalcon crossing a lava field at speed, a great northern diver calling across a still lake at midnight, a colony of razorbills packed shoulder to shoulder on a cliff ledge, a harlequin duck threading effortlessly through white water that would knock a person off their feet — these are sights that belong to anyone willing to notice them.
At Iceland Paradise Tours, we love building itineraries that include the birds alongside the glaciers, the volcanoes, and the waterfalls. Iceland’s birdlife is part of what this country is — and it is one of the most consistently rewarding parts of any visit.
Bring your binoculars. The barrow’s goldeneye is waiting at Mývatn. The gyrfalcon is somewhere on the lava. And there are three million puffins on Heimaey who have no idea how famous they are.