The Common Eider (Somateria mollissima borealis) is a large seaduck of the Merginae family. The Eider is one of few Anatidae that occupy the marine environment in Iceland all year round and thus shares many characteristics with seabirds rather than ducks. For instance, Eiders have salt glands like Alcids and gulls to excrete salt when …
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The great skua (Catharacta skua, also known as Stercorarius skua) is a seabird that belongs to the Charadriiformes order within the skua family (Stercorariidae). It is an interesting bird that resembles both a large gull stocky built with webbed feet and a typical bird of prey. It has sharp claws and a hooked bill so …
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No matter what you have read or heard – it is possible to see the northern lights without leaving Reykjavik. The skies must be clear and completely dark and, most importantly, the aurora forecast must be strong. On such nights, there is a chance of witnessing the incredible light show of auroras from Iceland’s capital …
Few things compare to the feeling of gazing out at a beautiful view. No matter where we go, it is always worth getting up to a high point and looking around. The good news is that visitors in the Icelandic capital are spoiled for choice when it comes to great panoramas. Here are our picks …
The white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is often called the king of Icelandic birds due to its magnificence. A full-grown eagle is a graceful sight. The Icelandic eagle belongs to the hawk family (Accipitridae) and is the only member of this family in Iceland. The rise and fall of the Icelandic eagle The white-tailed eagle is …
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Ask anyone living in Iceland – they almost certainly do not buy their water bottled. They drink it straight from the tap, unfiltered. There are many perks to this; the convenience, saving money and protecting the environment among them. It is only normal, though, to have doubts about the quality or safety of tap water. …
The graylag goose (Anser anser) belongs to the waterfowl family (Anatidae) along with ducks and swans but is a member of the gray goose genus (Anser) as well as 11 other species. The graylag goose is the largest species within the genus and is the largest goose in Iceland. An adult bird weighs 6-8 lbs …
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The whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus islandicus) is a wader (Charadriiformes) that belongs to the Scolopacidae family. In Iceland, all members of this family are migratory birds and they have a specialized bill for invertebrate feeding. This specialized bill enables many waders to feed in the same area as other species, without competing for food. Size and …
There is something romantic and adventurous about swans (Cygnus), who appear in many fairy tales as a symbol of purity and innocence. The loyalty a swan couple have to each other and to their breeding site is well known and appeals strongly to people. The whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), sometimes called the common swan, belongs …
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Iceland has one of the densest concentrations of volcanoes on the planet. This relatively small mid-Atlantic nation has no less than 30 active volcanic systems. Here are some of the main ones, that are fun to recognize. Tallest: Öræfajökull At 2110 meters, this is Iceland’s tallest volcano. It is located in southeast Iceland and sits …