Breeding distribution of Icelandic birds

Álftir (Cygnus cygnus) á Elliðaárlóni í Reykjavík.
Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus). – Photo by Erling Ólafsson

Iceland is an important breeding location for many bird species, including seabirds. The project objectives are:

  • to map the distribution of Icelandic breeding birds using a 10x10 km grid system.
  • to collect data on breeding sites of scattered birds and seabird colonies.
  • to evaluate the density of certain species.

The project began in 1987 in cooperation with volunteer birdwatchers and involved area-based surveys of SW-Iceland and Strandasýsla District. Data was systematically collected for breeding birds throughout Iceland from 1994 until 1997. Since 1997, data collection on breeding distribution has taken place almost entirely in connection with other projects.

IINH Contact: Kristinn Haukur Skarphéðinsson