Iceland is home to some of the most amazing bird life, and a nesting site for the largest puffin colony in the world. The Atlantic Puffin is a unique species of seabird whose population is on the decline in some parts of the world. The astounding bird has a distinctive, bright-colored beak, orange webbed feet, and stunning plumage. A plethora of puffins can be spotted on the sea cliffs near Reykjavik, as well as on neighboring islands, Akurey and Lundey.
Nicknamed clown of the sea or sea parrot for its large, colorful beak, waddling bird-walk, and curious mannerisms, the Atlantic Puffin displays quite a personality to visitors who are watching. These birds have an appetite for small fish and the occasional shrimp, and “fly” through the water, using their wings to propel them beneath the surface while in pursuit of their dinner. Although, they better be on the lookout for other sea birds like gulls and skuas, who sometimes try to harass them for their beak-full of fish!
The Atlantic Puffin spends most of the autumn and winter out to sea where it molts, shedding some of its vibrant feathers. Come springtime, it returns to coastal areas to nest in bird colonies amongst the cliffs of the island, digging a burrow where a single white egg is laid. Once hatched, the chick feeds on whole fish, helping it grow rapidly like a weed. At the end of six weeks, its wings and feathers are ready to fly! The young puffin chooses a night where it embarks upon its journey into the vast sea, swimming away from shore, due to return in another few years.
Don’t forget to add puffin-watching to your agenda during your visit. You can catch a boat tour that takes you within 5-10 meters of their natural habitat on the islands of Akurey and Lundey. The best time to see them is when they travel to their coastal breeding colonies between mid-May and mid-August. During these months, their beaks and plumage become even more striking, offering you a marvelously colorful sight to see!