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Puffins are part of the Auk family of seabirds that also include razorbills and guillemots. They are quite small in size only 30 cm. n length, weighing 400 gr. with a wingspan of 55 cm. They feed on sandeels, capelin and herring but seem to be decreasing in numbers over the last few years due to the lack of food in the bay caused by increasing water temperatures. They are considered vulnerable on the IUCN world status with major threats being climate change, hunting, over fishing and entanglement in fishing gear to name a few.
They are known for their colourful beaks that has given them the nickname 'clowns of the sea'. Their bill is dull in winter but turns a bright red and orange tone in spring to attract a potential mate. They live at sea for most of their lives only to return to land to breed. They nest in dirt burrows from May to mid July and lay only one egg which has to be incubated over 36-43 days.
Over half the world’s population of Puffins comes to Iceland to breed - that is around 10.000.000 birds! Iceland also has the largest Atlantic Puffin colony in the world. The Westman Islands in the south has about 700,000 nesting pairs. There are three puffin colonies close to Reykjavik City, which we visit between mid May and August with roughly 30,000 pairs between them - Akurey, Engey and Lundey islands.
Learn more about puffins:
Puffins are part of the Auk family of seabirds that also include razorbills and guillemots. They can fly, swim, and dig burrows and are one of three species of puffin in the world. Over half the world’s population of Puffins comes to Iceland to breed. Iceland also has the largest Atlantic Puffin colony in the world. The Westmann Islands in the south has about 700,000 nesting pairs.
Every summer, Iceland becomes a haven for Atlantic Puffins, with millions of these charming seabirds flocking to coastal cliffs and offshore islands to breed. With so many incredible locations across the country to spot them, it can be hard to know where to go - but if you're in Reykjavík, you're already in one of the very best places to see puffins in Iceland.
When you think of Iceland's birds, the Atlantic Puffin is likely to be the first one that comes to mind. Their iconic look of a black and white body complimented with a colourful orange beak has even given them the nickname 'the clown of the sea'! Here are 10 facts you may not have known about the Atlantic Puffin..
Just a short distance from Reykjavík’s coast are three small islands: Akurey, Lundey, and Engey. They play a crucial role in the survival of the Atlantic Puffin and many other seabird species in the region. Each island provides a natural sanctuary, making them ideal nesting grounds.
Check out the puffin tours we offer:
This is the most convenient way to see the Atlantic Puffin from Reykjavík! We will take you to one of three islands just outside the city, where these charming birds are known to nest.
