Any summer visitor to Iceland cannot help but notice the sheer abundance of birds in the country. Iceland only has around 75 regularly breeding species but has recorded over 350 species, many of which are very rare vagrants. Iceland is particularly rich in seabirds, waders and wildfowl and a visit to Iceland's vast seabird colonies is a highlight of any trip. One of the most famous and most photographed birds is the Puffin. The Vestmannaeyjar (Westman) islands is home to the world's largest Puffin population and Iceland as a whole has over 10 million Puffins by late summer.
Although most Icelandic birds are of European origin, the island is also home to three North American species due to its Mid-Atlantic position. The Great Northern Diver, Harlequin Duck and Barrow's Goldeneye, which breed nowhere else in Europe are the species most highly sought after by European birdwatchers. Many of Iceland's birds are strictly protected by law, including the rare White-tailed Eagle, Gyr Falcon and Grey Phalarope. Around the coasts of Iceland you can see the Eider Duck whose down locals have harvested for centuries.
Although many species are resident in Iceland throughout the year, an even greater number migrate south in the autumn and return to breed the following spring. Some species, particularly certain geese and waders stop in Iceland to feed on their way to and from breeding grounds in the High Arctic. The Lesser Black-backed Gull is the first to arrive in February/March, but Icelanders see the arrival of the Golden Plover in April as the harbinger of spring. By mid-May all migrants have returned and breeding gets into full swing. The air is filled with the calls of Snipe, Whimbrel and a whole host of other fascinating birds.
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