Iceland Bird Watching Checklist: 80+ Species to Spot

Iceland doesn't mess around when it comes to birds. Over 380 species have been recorded here, and for a country with no native land mammals (apart from the Arctic fox), birds absolutely run the show.

Whether you're chasing your first puffin sighting or tracking down the elusive gyrfalcon, this checklist covers 80+ Iceland bird species you can realistically spot depending on the season and region you visit.

Ready? Let's get into it.

Table of Contents

• Why Iceland is a Bird Watcher's Dream
• The Complete Iceland Bird Species Checklist
• Best Bird Watching Locations in Iceland by Region
• Iceland Bird Migration Calendar 2026
• Plan Your Birding Trip with Iceland Planner
• Iceland Bird Watching Tips for Beginners
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Iceland is a Bird Watcher's Dream

Iceland sits right in the middle of the North Atlantic migration corridor. That alone makes it incredibly attractive for birders, but there's more to it than geography.

What Makes Iceland So Special for Birding

The country's mix of coastline, geothermal wetlands, lava fields, glacial rivers, and open tundra creates a huge range of habitats packed into a relatively small space. You can spot seabirds clinging to sea cliffs in the morning and then watch waders feeding on a geothermal hot spring by afternoon.

Iceland also has some truly record-breaking bird stats:

• Home to the world's largest Atlantic puffin colony
• Hosts up to 10 million seabirds during summer
• The gyrfalcon is Iceland's national bird
• Arctic terns here fly the longest migration of any animal on earth
• White-tailed eagles were reintroduced and are now breeding successfully

Best Time to Visit for Bird Watching

Honestly, it depends on what you're after.

Summer (May to August) is the peak season. Cliffs are packed with nesting seabirds, puffins are everywhere, and the 24-hour daylight means you can bird watch at any hour. Winter brings different rewards though. You'll get snowy owls, redwings, and dramatic raptor sightings without the tourist crowds.

The Complete Iceland Bird Species Checklist

Use this list during your trip. Check off each species as you spot it. You can also track your sightings digitally at icelandplanner. com/tools/bird-checklist

Seabirds and Coastal Species

These are the stars of Iceland bird watching. The sea cliffs are absolutely packed from May through August.

Pro tip: The Arctic tern is the most aggressive nesting bird in Iceland. Don't walk near their nesting areas without a hat or stick held above your head. They will dive-bomb you. Repeatedly.

Birds of Prey

Iceland's raptors are incredible. Small number of species, but each one is seriously impressive.

The gyrfalcon deserves its own spotlight. It's the world's largest falcon, and Iceland is one of the few places you can see it in the wild. White morph, grey morph, dark morph. Spotting one in the highlands is a genuine bucket-list moment.

Waders and Wetland Birds

Iceland's wetlands are extraordinary. The country has some of Europe's largest wetland systems, and they're absolutely loaded with waders from April through August.

Waterfowl and Swans

Iceland's lakes and rivers host a fantastic collection of ducks, geese, and swans. Some are year-round residents. Others show up during migration in massive numbers.

The whooper swan is everywhere in Iceland. You'll see them on lakes, in fields, and sometimes just walking down the road like they own the place. They kind of do.

Passerines and Other Land Birds

Fun fact: Iceland has no native woodpeckers, no native reptiles, and no snakes. The bird diversity is almost entirely driven by migratory and coastal species rather than forest birds.

Best Bird Watching Locations in Iceland by Region

Location matters a lot in Iceland. Different regions attract completely different species. Here's a breakdown to help you plan.

Reykjavik and the Southwest

Don't underestimate Reykjavik. The city's Tjörnin pond right in the centre hosts over 40 duck and waterfowl species. It's free, it's accessible, and it's genuinely excellent.

Nearby highlights:

• Reykjanes Peninsula- Seabirds, gannets at Eldey Island (viewable from shore), good for winter gulls
• Þingvellir National Park- Whooper swans, various ducks, Barrow's goldeneye
• Öxará River- Harlequin ducks in excellent numbers
• Grindavík coastline- Purple sandpipers, turnstones year-round

The Westfjords

This is where serious birders go. The Westfjords are remote, dramatic, and absolutely packed with birds. Látrabjarg cliff is the star attraction.

Látrabjarg runs for 14km and holds:

• Millions of nesting razorbills
• Puffins so tame they'll practically sit on your foot
• Thick-billed murres
• Northern fulmars
• Kittiwakes in enormous numbers

Honestly, if you only have time for one birding location in Iceland, Látrabjarg is the one.

North Iceland

Lake Mývatn is the standout destination in the north. It's one of Europe's most important freshwater bird habitats and hosts breeding populations of around 15 duck species. That's remarkable for any single lake.

What you'll find at Mývatn:

• Barrow's goldeneye (Iceland has the only European breeding population)
• Harlequin ducks on fast-flowing streams nearby
• Slavonian grebes
• Red-necked phalaropes
• Breeding teal, shoveler, wigeon, and pintail

The Skagafjörður area in the north is also excellent for whooper swans and pink-footed geese during migration.

East Iceland and the Highlands

The Highlands are where you go for raptors. Gyrfalcon territory. You'll also find ptarmigan, snow buntings, and golden plovers in the open lava fields.

The Eastfjords offer dramatic sea cliffs with puffin and guillemot colonies, plus some of the best views of white-tailed eagles in the country.

Iceland Bird Migration Calendar 2026

Timing your visit to Iceland around migration makes a huge difference. Here's what to expect month by month in 2026.

Bottom line: May and June give you the best overall diversity. September is fantastic if you're into rare vagrants and migration watching.

Plan Your Birding Trip with Iceland Planner

Getting the most out of Iceland bird watching takes planning, and that's exactly what Iceland Planner is built for.

Here's how Iceland Planner compares to planning your trip without a dedicated tool:

The interactive bird checklist tool at icelandplanner. com/tools/bird-checklistlets you tick off species as you go, filter by region, and track your total count across your whole trip. It's free to use.

You can also build a full itinerary around birding hotspots, with travel distances, accommodation suggestions, and seasonal tips built right in. No more juggling ten different browser tabs.

Iceland Bird Watching Tips for Beginners

Never been birding before? Don't worry. Iceland is genuinely one of the best places in the world to start. The birds are plentiful, many are easy to approach, and some species are so numerous you can't miss them.

Here are the basics to get you started:

• Bring binoculars.8x42 is a great all-round choice for Iceland's mix of open terrain and coastal cliffs. Don't skip this.
• Download the eBird app.It logs your sightings, shows you what others have spotted nearby, and helps with identification.
• Use Iceland Planner's checklist toolat icelandplanner. com/tools/bird-checklist to track your species count in real time.
• Dress for rain.Iceland's weather changes fast. Waterproof layers keep you comfortable enough to stay out longer and spot more birds.
• Go slow near nesting sites.Sudden movement disturbs nesting birds. Walk slowly, stay on marked paths.
• Respect Arctic tern nesting zones.They'll draw blood if you walk through without protection. Carry a stick held above your head.
• Early morning is best.Bird activity peaks around dawn even during 24-hour daylight. Early starts pay off.

Look, you don't need to be an expert to have an amazing Iceland bird watching experience. The puffins alone are worth the trip. Seriously, and if you want a timed route, checking bird species at the right locations in the right order, Iceland Planner's itinerary builder does that automatically based on your travel dates and regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for Iceland bird watching?

May through July is the top window for Iceland bird watching. You'll see seabird colonies at full capacity, puffins on land, and breeding waders across the wetlands, but September is excellent for migration enthusiasts, and winter brings its own unique species like the snowy owl and Iceland gull.

How many bird species can I realistically spot in one week?

Most visitors see between 40 and 70 Iceland bird species in a week. If you're strategic about locations and timing, 80+ is achievable. Using Iceland Planner's checklist tool helps you stay organised and hit the best hotspots efficiently.

Where is the best single location for bird watching in Iceland?

Látrabjarg cliff in the Westfjords for seabirds. Lake Mývatn in the north for freshwater duck diversity. If you can only pick one, Látrabjarg during June or July is hard to beat for sheer spectacle.

Are there guided bird watching tours in Iceland?

Yes. Several operators run specialist birding tours across Iceland. Iceland Planner can help you find and book tours that match your target species and travel dates.

Is Iceland good for rare birds and vagrants?

Absolutely. Iceland's position between Europe and North America means it regularly attracts rare American vagrants blown off course. September and October are peak months for vagrant sightings. Hotspots include Reykjanes Peninsula and the south coast.

What is Iceland's national bird?

The gyrfalcon is Iceland's national bird. It's the world's largest falcon and breeds in the Icelandic highlands and coastal cliffs. It's not easy to spot, but it's one of the most rewarding Iceland bird species to tick off your list.

Do I need a permit to visit bird watching sites in Iceland?

Most major bird watching sites are free to access. Some protected reserves and private land require permits or guided access. Iceland Planner's location guides flag where restrictions apply so you're not caught off guard.

Can I see puffins year-round in Iceland?

No. Atlantic puffins arrive in Iceland around April and leave by August or early September. They spend the rest of the year at sea. If puffins are your main goal, plan your visit between May and August for the best sightings.

What gear do I need for Iceland bird watching?

You'll want binoculars (8x42 recommended), a field guide to Icelandic birds or a birding app, waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and a hat for Arctic tern zones. A spotting scope is useful for sea watching and raptor scanning in open highland areas.

How do I track my Iceland bird species count?

The easiest way is using the free interactive checklist at icelandplanner. com/tools/bird-checklist