Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/wildlife/birdwatching Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Birdwatching in Iceland Over 300 species have been recorded here, in habitats ranging from sea cliffs to highland lakes. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Location Various locations Lake Mývatn, Látrabjarg, Westman Islands ## Quick Answer Over 300 bird species have been recorded in Iceland; 75 bred regularly in the 2008–2018 reference period. Lake Mývatn has 16 duck species and Látrabjarg is Europe's largest bird cliff. Iceland offers some of the most rewarding birdwatching in the North Atlantic. Over 300 species have been recorded on the island, with around 85 breeding regularly. The country's varied habitats, from sea cliffs and offshore islands to freshwater lakes, highland rivers, and tundra, support a wide range of birdlife for such a northerly latitude. Iceland is particularly significant for its enormous seabird colonies, its concentration of breeding waterfowl at Lake Mývatn, and the presence of species rarely seen elsewhere in Europe, such as the harlequin duck, Barrow's goldeneye, and the gyrfalcon, Iceland's national bird. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Respect nesting birds by staying on marked paths. Arctic terns and skuas will dive-bomb if you approach nests. Never disturb nesting colonies or handle eggs. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [BirdLife Iceland]() - [Icelandic Institute of Natural History]() - [eBird Iceland]() - [SafeTravel]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() - [Environment Agency of Iceland]() Species Recorded 300+ Around 85 species breed regularly in Iceland Top Freshwater Site Lake Mývatn More breeding duck species than anywhere else in Europe Top Seabird Cliff Látrabjarg 14 km long, up to 440 m high, Europe's largest bird cliff ## What to Expect ### 300+ species recorded The institute recorded 75 regular breeding species for 2008–2018. The rest are migrants, vagrants, or winter visitors. Iceland's position between North America and Europe draws rare vagrants from both continents. ### Best viewing: May-August Peak breeding season. May brings migrant arrivals; June-July is when seabird colonies and Lake Mývatn are at peak activity; August sees fledging and early autumn migration beginning. ### Lake Mývatn (North Iceland) 16 breeding duck species including harlequin ducks and Barrow's goldeneyes, more than anywhere else in Europe. Access via Route 1, 100 km east of Akureyri. ### Látrabjarg cliffs (Westfjords) Europe's largest bird cliff: 14 km long, up to 440m high. Millions of puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and fulmars. 6-hour drive from Reykjavík via Route 60/612. ### Gyrfalcon and White-tailed Eagle Gyrfalcon: Iceland's national bird, world's largest falcon, ~350 pairs. White-tailed eagle: ~85 breeding pairs, recovering since 1970s. Both are rare, prized sightings. ### Westman Islands and Borgarfjörður eystri The Westman Islands (ferry from Landeyjahöfn) host one of the world's largest puffin colonies. Borgarfjörður eystri in East Iceland has an accessible viewing platform at Hafnarhólmi. ## Where to See Them Lake Mývatn: Drive Route 1 east from Akureyri (100 km); multiple viewing spots around the lake with parking areas and short trails; no 4WD needed. Látrabjarg cliffs: Route 1 to Route 60 through the Westfjords, then Route 612 to the cliff edge; 6+ hours from Reykjavík; paved/gravel road, no 4WD required but long. Westman Islands: 30-minute ferry from Landeyjahöfn (Route 254 off Route 1 near Hella). Borgarfjörður eystri: Route 94 north from Egilsstaðir (70 km); viewing platform at Hafnarhólmi harbor. Flatey island: Summer ferry from Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Reykjavík: Tjörnin (city center) and Seltjarnarnes peninsula (bus route 11) offer surprisingly good urban birding for eiders, Arctic terns, and migrant waders. ## Best Time to Visit May: Golden plovers arrive, heralding spring; migrant shorebirds and waders appearing; seabird colonies filling up; Arctic terns establishing territories. June: Seabird colonies at full capacity; Lake Mývatn ducks nesting and hatching; puffins most active at cliffs; 22+ hours of daylight for observation. July: Peak activity, with ducklings at Mývatn, puffin chicks in burrows, and fledging beginning; the busiest month for birding tours. August: Fledging peaks; autumn migration beginning; shorebird numbers increasing on coastal mudflats; puffins departing colonies. September-October: Autumn migration in full swing; geese and swans arriving from Greenland; rare vagrants most likely. November-March: Winter birding offers gyrfalcons, snowy owls (rare), sea ducks (harlequins, eiders at harbors), and the annual Icelandic Christmas bird count. April: Spring arrivals beginning; early migrants returning to breeding grounds. ## A species list needs a time period The [Natural Science Institute’s breeding-bird overview]() distinguishes 110 species known to have nested from 75 that bred every year in its 2008–2018 reference period. Neither figure is a promise of how many birds you will find on one trip. Its overview also explains why an Icelandic birding route benefits from shore, wetland and seabird habitats: ducks, waterbirds and seabirds dominate the breeding fauna, while songbirds are less diverse. Build the itinerary around habitats and the season, then use current local observations to choose individual stops. Planning help ## Birdwatching FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **How many bird species are found in Iceland?** The Natural Science Institute lists 75 regular breeding species using the 2008–2018 period: species that nested every year during that interval. That differs from all species ever recorded, which also includes migrants and rare visitors. It is a dated baseline, not a 2026 breeding census. **What is the best birdwatching location in Iceland?** Lake Mývatn in North Iceland has more breeding duck species than anywhere else in Europe: 16, including harlequin ducks, Barrow's goldeneyes, and scaups. Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords are the best for seabirds. The Westman Islands have large seabird colonies, and Jökulsárlón is good for skua and tern viewing. **Do I need a guide for birdwatching in Iceland?** A guide is not required but helps, especially at Lake Mývatn and in the Westfjords. Local guides know the current locations of rare species and can help identify Iceland's more difficult-to-distinguish species. Several companies offer specialized birding tours ranging from half-day excursions to week-long itineraries covering multiple habitats. **What equipment should I bring for birdwatching in Iceland?** Bring good binoculars (8x42 or 10x42), a spotting scope for shorebirds and distant seabirds, and a camera with a telephoto lens if you want photographs. Waterproof clothing is essential as conditions change rapidly. Sturdy hiking boots help on uneven terrain. A field guide specific to Icelandic birds will help with identification. Wind protection for spotting scopes is important due to Iceland's frequent strong winds. [Back to Wildlife]() For more context on Iceland’s people and rural life, explore our [Iceland statistics]().