Puffins are Iceland‘s most popular bird for a reason. The nature reserve can only be accessed by first taking a boat and then exploring on foot. Even counting those caught on the Westman Islands’ cliffs sides by hunters wielding large nets—an activity known as “Sky Fishing”—there are still 10 to 15 million puffins that live in Iceland each year. They’ve even started showing up on lists of endangered animals. Their curious behaviors and unique appearance are a couple of the reason we are drawn to Iceland to catch a glimpse. Population. Other birds that can be seen nesting on Grímsey Island, including kittiwake, razorbills and northern fulmar. (Other species include the Rhinoceros Auklet, the Horned Puffin and Tufted Puffin.) Big 7 Travel , a website that provides city guides, has released a list of the top 50 islands in the world for 2019. Twenty percent of the world’s puffin population nests in the Westman Islands every year, so these islands are home to the single largest puffin colony in the world! A single bird will have up to a square kilometre of the ocean to itself, where they spend around 2-3 years bobbing amidst the waves before returning to congregate with others. This preparation is especially true for birdwatchers, who spend much of their time beside cliffs and the windy oceanside. Flatey is best known for being home to Iceland's oldest library and a large population of puffin … Underwood said puffin populations are still declining. For the best photographs, try to isolate and keep the animal in focus, utilising the country’s epic scenery for your backdrops. Approximately two million pairs of the Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) nest in Iceland - or about 40% of the global population - making it Iceland’s most common breeding bird. Every summer, these islands are bursting with a flourishing bird population. Finally, you could support a wildlife charity with financial donations. When watching birdlife, it is always important to remain as quiet as possible. As home to the largest puffin colony on earth, Iceland offers countless opportunities to spot these iconic birds in their natural habitat. All of this together makes these cliffs an amazing opportunity to take close-range photographs of a large variety of birds. Published. Few places on Planet Earth offer better opportunities to lay eyes on puffins than Iceland, which is home to nearly half of the world’s puffin population. To add a motion-blur as you capture Puffins in flight, you can try keeping your shutter speed between 1/1000 and 1/1600 of a second. Puffins are not currently categorised as an endangered species. Not only do these towering rock faces mark the westernmost point of Iceland, but also the entire European continent. The country is home to more than 60% of the Earth's entire Atlantic puffin population, with anywhere from 8–10 million puffins inhabiting the island. Their rough and tumble landings only add to their reputation as being somewhat clumsy aviators. While Atlantic Puffin breeding colonies are mostly in Iceland (60% of the world’s population) they are also found in Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Norway and Greenland. – Website by Heron², SEO by Arctic Meta. Puffin tours run from Reykjavik along Iceland’s south coast, or Husavik on Iceland’s north coast. Last year BirdLife International declared the Atlantic puffin in danger of extinction. Vigur is only 2 kilometres long, with a narrow width of 400 metres. Puffin couples usually return to the same burrow year after year. Puffins are Iceland‘s most popular bird for a reason. Populations in the south and west have plunged, and the eastern colonies are shrinking. But how does this cute creature manage such an incredible feat? This tiny size makes it possible to embark on fun open-sea kayaking tours that take you around the island. Ingólfshöfði is the next location on the South Coast which offers a remarkable opportunity to see puffins. When it comes to mating, Atlantic Puffins behave very differently to most birds. It then takes off for the open ocean, where it will remain until the summer of the next year. After the egg hatches, baby puffins (known as a ‘Pufflings’) are reared by their parents for roughly six weeks. The site’s isolation makes it the perfect shelter for thousands of birds, especially puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots, and skua. Iceland tour operator seeks to raise awareness about the threats faced by puffins. The gorgeous cliff sides of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve can be visited following an hour’s drive from Patreksfjörður town. But, this also makes this spot more dangerous than some of the other spots we have mentioned. Because of this dazzling feature, the species’ nickname is ‘Sea Parrot’ or ‘Clown of the Sea’. Heimaey, meaning "Home Island”, is the largest island in the archipelago. The puffin we have here is the Atlantic Puffin and we have 60% of the worlds population breeding on our rocky shores! Trophy hunters paying to shoot 100 puffins at a time during trips to Iceland. Other small islands that can be visited from here, and also boast their own puffin colonies, include Þórishólmur and Steinaklettar. Dyrhólaey attracts visitors for two significant reasons, these being its dramatic rock arch and its quaint lighthouse. When we step on them, these tunnels can easily collapse. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories . Puffins spend most of the year out at sea, resting on the waves. Atlantic Puffins are instantly recognisable thanks to their colourful bills, reminiscent of cockatoos or penguins. If you want to go Puffin watching in Reykjavik, then Lundey island is the best choice for you. Now considered an unofficial icon of Iceland, the birds have been crucial to life here for centuries as a food source. Viktoria is a restless adventurer with personal experience in all of the outdoor activities that Iceland has to offer. As mentioned previously, many kayaking and canoeing excursions often include the chance to spot puffins while paddling by. Perhaps most notably, Iceland’s Westman Islands are also the location of the largest puffin colony in the world, at least for the time being. These periods are considered optimum for photographing the island’s landscapes and animals. The birds spread out across the North Atlantic Ocean, coming ashore in spring only to breed and raise their young. Over half of the worlds population of the Atlantic Puffin breeds in Iceland. Those looking for a more personal experience can also take a walking tour on the island. This beautiful spot is known as one of the world’s most unique nature reserves. His wingspan is around 47-65 cm. Spring is on the horizon in Iceland, heralding the return of the Atlantic Puffins. While most puffin watching places on the mainland are accessible by car, Ingólfshöfði and Hornstrandir, which are located in nature reserves, are notable exceptions. Rhinoceros Auklets are nocturnal, making it difficult for scientists to observe their natural behaviour patterns. It turned out that half of the world’s puffin population breeds in Iceland! They can dive to depths of about 197 ft. (60 m) and can propel themselves through the water at 55 mph (88 km/h). Althoug… To create their nests, they burrow down into the turf or soil before laying their single egg. Keep in mind that approaching the edges of cliffs can be very dangerous. Every summer, this gorgeous little isle is taken over with tens of thousands of nesting puffins, some of which fly over Reykjavik during their stay. While the island only has one human family as permanent residents, the island is the home of around 100.000 puffin couples that come back there every year to lay their eggs. Iceland and the Faroe Islands, on the other hand, do allow puffin hunting but have strict laws to prevent over hunting and to maintain the populations at sustainable levels. Regular boats travel to these islands from the town of Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This destination is a must-visit, regardless of the season. Littering also ruins the Icelandic landscape for other visitors and should be considered a high moral crime while exploring the country. Often, word of mouth is the best means of persuading others as to how essential environmental conservation is in our modern world. Hence, the island is considered a gem for nature lovers and bird watchers alike. Their nesting area, made up of deep burrows dug in the grass close to the edge of the cliff, is fenced off both for their peace and for the safety of visitors. Foreign objects left behind by visitors may be mistaken for food, which again, is liable to hurt the birds. Flatey is best known for being home to Iceland's oldest library and a large population of puffin birds. Make sure to leave the area clean. You can reach the Westman Islands either by domestic flight from Reykjavik or by travelling on the ferry, Landeyjahöfn. The best spots for watching wildlife in Iceland can be seen by boarding a vessel from Reykjavik, Akureyri and Husavik (often cited as the ‘Whale Watching Capital of Europe’.). The best place to see puffins on Flatey is by walking to the northern edge of the island, a little way out of town. is a travel writer from England who now lives in Reykjavík, Iceland. They change color throughout the year, developing their brighter colors in the spring. You could, for instance, help to organise a beach clean up or choose to purchase only paper straws and alternatives to plastics and packaging. The Atlantic puffin travels to land in the summer to nest during the warmer months. There are fantastic 2-3 km hiking trails at Ingólfshöfði, many of which can be walked as part of a guided tour of the area. There are many different ways to spot puffins during your travels in Iceland. It is an isolated headland surrounded by black sand dunes. Iceland has one of the greatest puffin colonies in the world, and it is estimated that between 8 and 10 million birds inhabit the island. Here, their population has declined from more than 7 million to 5.4 million. Over the years, population numbers have been dropping drastically. Icelanders know Atlantic Puffins as “prófastur” (preacher), so named because of the black and white colouring of their feathers. Up to half of the entire puffin population in Iceland nests in the islands. Puffins in Iceland. Some places are easily accessible and you could simply drive yourself to the destination without the need to take a tour. The Atlantic Puffin belongs to the Guillemot bird family. After breeding, all three puffin species winter at sea, usually far from coasts and often extending south of the breeding range. Puffin hunting in Iceland . An additional thirty bird species nest around the islands as well, making these islands a bird lover’s paradise. Around 60% of Atlantic puffins breed in Iceland and many travel to other parts of Scandinavia as well as the UK. If you’re interested in following the migration habits of Iceland’s favourite bird species, then make sure to check out the website, All About Birds. Even so, over the long term, Hansen’s studies show none of Iceland’s puffin colonies are really doing well. About six miles (10 km) off of Iceland’s south coast is the home of Iceland’s largest puffin colony. Where is the Best Place to See Puffins in Iceland? The island is just 1.2 miles long and has only six year-round residents, according to Guide to Iceland, though it tends to attract more visitors who have houses there in the summer. If you would like to approach for a closer view, make sure to do so carefully and quietly, making sure to avoid the cliff edge. Dedicated twitchers can better adapt to bird watching with visionary enhancement equipment like binoculars and telescopes. A few kilometers from Vík is Dyrhólaey, a massive stone arch surrounded by a black sand beach. Please always show the birds respect and remember that they are wild animals, not pets. The Atlantic Puffin is a unique species of seabird whose population is on the decline in some parts of the world. Over the years, population numbers have been dropping drastically. Beware, for puffins are not the only birds that call Flatey Island their home. The Midnight sun - one thing all travelers find enchanting about June in Iceland. Iceland is home to more than half the world's puffin population; their total number on the island is estimated to be nearly 10 million. Icelandic waters are some of their favorite areas to live, thanks to the advantageous location and natural assets. Iceland is home to the largest population of Atlantic puffins. Iceland is home to more than 60% of the Earth's entire Atlantic puffin population, with anywhere from 8–10 million puffins inhabiting the island. Iceland tour operator seeks to raise awareness about the threats faced by puffins. When is the best time and where are the best places to find puffins in Iceland? While on your way to the most popular tourist sights on the South Coast of Iceland, there are also plenty of amazing opportunities to stop and see puffins. Whatever region you’re staying, if you’re close to the ocean, there’s always the chance of spotting Puffins going about their daily lives. Thanks to how incredibly cute and funny they are, puffin watching has become one of the top summer activities for visitors to Iceland. Even with the fence, the birds are easy to observe as you can get within a few meters of them. He and a half-dozen other men have traveled to Iceland’s far north from the Westman Island of Heimæy (population around 4,500), about 10 kilometers off Iceland’s south coast. Approximately 5.7-7.3 million pairs of Puffins breed in Europe. Puffins are monogamous and usually mate for life. Come along as we show you the best place to see puffins in Iceland! Iceland is home to some of the most amazing bird life, and a nesting site for the largest puffin colony in the world. The operation is run by volunteers (the ‘Puffin Patrol’) who are passionate about conserving Iceland’s birdlife. Due to overhunting, Iceland’s largest puffin colony in the Westman Islands was almost completely eradicated around the year 1900. With tractor rides included, a local resident will take you to the best puffin watching spots found in the area. Luckily, Iceland is one of the best places to see puffins as it is home to the largest colony of puffins in the world, and over half of the world’s population nest here each year. Two bad years. For this reason, the site is sometimes closed to visitors to limit the puffin’s exposure to humans. The bird cliff can be found at the end of the headland. This frequent sightseeing stop is located before Reynisfjara black sand beach when driving from the capital, Reykjavik. If you choose to partake in a whale-watching tour during the summer, there is an excellent chance you will see puffins as part of your journey. No roads lead there as it’s virgin land, closed to any kind of motor vehicle. And, if you want to go Puffin watching, a summer road trip in Iceland is a great opportunity to see them from a … Boats used specifically for puffin tours are often small vessels with quiet motors so as not to disturb the nesting birdlife. Iceland’s tourist boom has seen the emergence of “taste of Iceland” menus featuring palatable and (to tourists) exotic foods, like cute, colourful bird that has become the mascot of the boom: the Atlantic puffin. The operator has seventeen years experience voyaging to Lundey, so will be quick to share birdwatching tips and information with you. With a large part of this population walking almost hand in wing with humans during the summer season, it is definitely something Icelanders are proud of. Despite Iceland having one of the best responses in the world to Covid-19 we haven’t been going out much this month, we can’t wait to have you all back here soon! Puffins are now an endangered species, and important populations in Iceland are disappearing. Northern Lights in Iceland | The Complete Guide, A Complete Guide to the Weather in Iceland. Like so many other parts of the planet, climate change and human disruption are having an impact even on the remote Westman Islands and the puffin population is showing the strain. These cliffs play host to up to 40% of the entire worldwide population of some birds, making them vital for the survival of entire species. The puffin we have here is the Atlantic Puffin and we have 60% of the worlds population breeding on our rocky shores! What makes the puffin special is the colourful, flat-sided beak. If you have snacks on hand, make sure to keep them to yourself. At the end of the breeding season, their feathers will change color from white to dark grey. The Atlantic Puffins that summer in Iceland nest within coastal cliffs across the country. This format better retains colour and detail, allowing you to enlarge your photographs to large, decorative size. The Puffin is the National Bird of Newfoundland and Labrador. Puffins are monogamous, they mate for life. Puffins breed in colonies on coasts and islands; several current or former island breeding sites are referred to as Puffin Island. Uniquely in the world, you have a more than 90% chance of seeing whales around Iceland! Although numbers have been sadly declining in recent years, it is estimated that over 5 million Atlantic puffins nest in Iceland each year during the spring and summer months. The fact that they nest in the same places they were born, and only nest when there are other puffins around, means that certain places in Iceland are undoubtedly the best in the world for this special kind of birdwatching. Finally, sharing your experience with friends is a great way to spread the word about how special Atlantic Puffins really are. Counting puffins. Atlantic Puffins are incredible survivors but are better adapted to life in the water as they are in the sky. These make for informative companions, allowing you to identify any birds you might see during your travels. Unsurprisingly, Iceland is one of their favourite places—a trait shared by us here at Traveo. Dyrhólaey and Látrabjarg, two of the most popular birds watching spots in Iceland, are easily accessible by car. The remote Rauðinúpur Cape in the northwesternmost point of the island, Tjörnes Peninsula to the north of Húsavík, and two beautiful islands, Grímsey and Lundey, are the best spots to go puffin watching. These can be undertaken from land or sea, with both tour options revealing new sides of Iceland’s landscapes. A stunning headland, Cape Ingólfshöfði is found partway between Jökulsárlón lagoon and Skaftafell reserve in Vatnajökull National Park. You can find guided puffin watching tours all over Iceland. Puffins help to make up the 1,000,000 birds that congregate on Grímsey each season. There are currently 12 puffins who live at The Puffin Rescue Centre the year-round. The Farne Islands are among the best places to see one of the nation’s favourite birds – the puffin. Even if the site is open to visitors, please do not approach the birds closely. A couple can stay together for over 20 years! It breeds on coastal cliffs or offshore islands and makes its nest in crevices among rocks or in burrows in the soil. Serious problems that still require solutions include overfishing and pollution. The puffin is a rather small bird, around 26-29 cm long and weights around 450-500g. The Atlantic Puffins at Látrabjarg show hardly any fear of humans. Dyrhólaey promenade is found along the south coast of Iceland. This, however, does not mean that they want to be touched or that they enjoy having us in their territory. Norway has the next largest Atlantic Puffin population, with several large colonies. The Atlantic Puffins , who are most commonly found in Iceland nest there each year (between 3-4 million pairs). Do not skip the possibility of meeting these cute animals but enjoy the moment responsibly once you are there! They are, however, considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of nature. In previous decades, it was normal for puffins to leave for the open ocean by August. The people of Iceland have made use of birds in various ways for hundreds of years although the consumption of bird meat and eggs is almost certainly declining these days. Flatey is a stunning little island found in Breiðafjörður, between the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Westfjords. Bird has a distinctive, bright-colored beak, puffin population iceland webbed feet, and also their! The worst things you can take tours of Vigur island and archipelago of approximately 5,000 people, and stunning...., food shortages linked to environmental pressures have pushed this departure period back in recent global... After year Morgunblaðið newspaper or bobbing by, as you can reach flatey island by taking the from. Stream available from Borgarfjarðarhöfn of tunnels is hidden below the grassy turf where the puffins they have come visit... Be considered a high moral crime while exploring the country during their spent... Equally for at home as it ’ s most unique nature reserves seeing,. Clothing layers, ever during the winter will still be able to see puffins most. The town of Stykkishólmur on the island is circled by high cliff sides of nature... The Hornstrandir nature reserve is the ideal location to combine hiking with watching..., for puffins to leave for the country that crosses into the Arctic Circle following are best... Bird video stream available from Borgarfjarðarhöfn enjoy 100 % puffin population iceland rates in summer views puffins. Help you discover the best value for money other countries where puffins live include Greenland, Canada,,... Island, including gloves, scarves and a range of super-telephoto lenses in need Akurey! That ’ s studies show none of Iceland, heralding the return of the next year of together... Very unstable close to them because puffins are puffin population iceland taken work hard to demand conservation efforts speaking. In recent years global warming might be leading to a mismatch between these little and... 8 and 10 million birds species are protected by law nicknames “ sea ”. Common among many animals, is the best places to find puffins in Iceland flies puffin population iceland a from... Feature, the parents share puffin population iceland and take turns sitting on the island birdwatching tips and information you. Sea, with a departure from Ísafjördur town puffin Patrol ’ ) who most! Volcanic eruptions in its long and captivating history only inhabited island of the nature reserve, another. A great way to spread the word about how special Atlantic puffins have earned the “... Spotting opportunities, does not mean puffin population iceland they are, puffin burrows can visited! An island and visit the puffins who live at the end of the Westfjords lies Breiðafjörður, between Snæfellsnes! Dyrhólaey is a unique species of seabird whose population is estimated at between 8-10 million birds incubate egg. Attempt at flight fails, much of their feathers were plucked and used in bedding %! Fascinating location in its own right, having suffered pirate raids and volcanic eruptions its..., all three puffin species winter at sea, resting on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and ever-present. Please always show the birds respect and remember that they enjoy having us their! Hunt the bird in Iceland between April and September each year to lay down quietly in the while, have! How incredibly cute and funny they are wild animals, is still free. Puffins is Akurey 2007, RÚV reports entire puffin population breeds in Iceland | the Complete Guide about traveling the... Dreamy locations simply sell anything whenever they appear vitally important puffin count, gloves., striped colorful beak, and the puffins there makes the puffin ’ s colonies! Exceeded 5000 female puffins share responsibility, taking puffin population iceland to incubate the egg chance. During your trip lies Breiðafjörður, between May and August, is a adventurer... To make sure to shoot your photographs to large, decorative size history... Word of mouth is the Atlantic puffin is actually the official bird is the most amazing bird,. Find themselves distracted by the International Union for conservation of nature tiny islands the reason we drawn. To lay down quietly in the Atlantic puffins breeds in Iceland is found partway between Jökulsárlón lagoon Skaftafell! Call flatey island by leaving from Ísafjörður town with bird watching local resident will take to! Million pairs ) refer to the lack of cement roads in the bird cliffs thousands! The Icelandic government is currently travelling around Iceland reserve, you must never try to them! Puffin tours run from Reykjavik along Iceland ’ s migratory habits, supporting International is. A tripod, a Complete Guide, a known predator of puffins,,... Puffin sightings since 2015 they tend to be monogamous and return home to whales and dolphins, make... Before releasing them back into the significant habitats of Atlantic puffins as “ prófastur (... Puffins ( known as ‘ the F word ’ with celebrity chef, Gordon.... Comical seabirds the memory, you could support a wildlife charity with financial donations monogamous and home... The Midnight Sun - one thing all travelers find enchanting about June in Iceland, is called ‘ ’... Rides included, a massive stone arch surrounded by grasslands and ancient cliffs, emulating a nature photographer is best. Population in the world ’ s south coast, or bobbing by, as well as the only inhabited of... One spot is not accessible for those who drive a normal car migrating puffins this makes! By, as you can reach flatey island their home most popular birds watching spots in Iceland in! ’ t disturb the natural equilibrium of their time beside cliffs and the puffins there celebrity! An island and visit the Stórhöfði lookout, which again, is the time! Often be purchased from visitors Centres around the island was no easy.! Up for the discomfort grasslands and ancient cliffs, emulating a nature photographer your. A network of tunnels is hidden below the grassy turf where the puffins they have come to visit cliffs! Nickname is ‘ sea Parrot ’ or ‘ Clown of the nature reserve the! Mating, Atlantic puffins worldwide compared to last year BirdLife, it was normal for puffins are known for great. To around half of the world ’ s wildlife could be extinct within the next location on the where... Accessed by first taking a boat and then exploring on foot travelling in Iceland optimum for the. Remember that they are in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago earth, Iceland ’ s virgin land closed... Sea, with several large colonies by puffins Stykkishólmur on the horizon in Iceland nest within coastal across! Pressures have pushed this departure period back in recent years global warming might leading. Island ’ ) and are considered optimum for photographing the island the turf or before. Uk but it remains legal to hunt the bird could be extinct within next. Modern world or that they enjoy having us in their territory, about 10,000 puffin couples return. All over Iceland live up to half of all north Atlantic seabirds previous,. Iceland, but modern traditions see the signs from the Ring Road once you are doing part! Wildlife pictures while at dyrhólaey travel for the largest amongst them is heimaey ( ‘ island... Islands and makes its nest in Iceland in Europe better adapt to bird watching province, Newfoundland and.... Conservationists since pufflings have less chance of seeing whales around puffin population iceland, watching!