Around 70 species of bird breed in Iceland, but as many as 300 have been recorded as seen in total. Some birds overwinter in Iceland returning to the Arctic to breed, some are on passage, and some occur as vagrants blown off course. The nature of the country is more suitable for breeding seabirds than passerines (perching birds). Most of Iceland's birds breed also in Northern Europe apart from 3 species where Iceland is the only place these species normally breed in Europe. These are Great Northern Diver (Common Loon), and two ducks- Barrow's Goldeneye and Harlequin. Below are some details of some of Iceland's birds with their English, Scientific and Icelandic names.

Great Northern Diver               Gavia immer                     Himbrimi

Great Northern Divers (or Common Loons in USA) breed in Canada spreading east to Iceland. They winter in the coastal waters of Western Europe from Norway to Spain. in winter they lose their black and white plumage to a brownish mottled plumage. They breed on deep lakes with either running or still water in tundra or conifer forests. They have an eerie wailing cry which epitomises the environment in which they live. They are quite large birds some 30 inch(75cm) in size.

Harlequin Duck               Histrionicus histrionicus                     Straumönd

Harlequin Ducks breed in Iceland, North America and along the North Pacific Coasts. They are very rarely seen elsewhere in Europe. They breed on islands in turbulent fast flowing rivers and winters on the rocky coasts. it is about 16 inch(40cm) long with a wingspan of 24 inch (60 cm).

Barrow's Goldeneye               Bucephala islandica                     Húsönd

Barrow's Goldeneye is the other American specie that nests in Iceland and no where else in Europe. It nests along streams and besiode lakes where suitable hollows can be found in the Lava fields. It is slightly larger than the Harlequin at 18 inch (48 cm)

For more pictures of Iceland's birds visit Kristín's Bird Photographs.