Red-breasted Merganser, Mergus serrator
Photo: © Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson

Birds on the Reserve

Wetland bird species characterise the reserve and the surrounding area provides a range of bird-rich habitats such as the seashore and the river estuary. The birdlife is particularly dense and diverse in the breeding season.

Waterfowl are represented by Whooper Swan (3-4 pairs), Greylag Goose (dozens), Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Scaup, Tufted Duck and Red-breasted Merganser. A Pintail’s nest has been found and Gadwall and Shoveler are seen in the breeding season and these three species are all rare in Iceland. There is a significant Eider colony on the Kaldaðarnes islands in the Ölfusá River and Red-throated Diver breeds widely on ponds and islands. There are several colonies of Black-headed Gull and Arctic Tern and ducks and waders often choose to breed in these. Arctic Skua, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Great Black-backed Gull breed in small numbers.

The most characteristic birds in the reserve are waders and Meadow Pipit. Species breeding in the marshes include Dunlin, Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Snipe, Red-necked Phalarope and Meadow Pipit. Golden Plovers breed in the drier area. Iceland’s highest density of breeding Dunlins is in the Flóagaflsengjar area and the Black-tailed Godwit nests in extraordinary numbers at Kaldaðarnes airfield. The number of Red-necked Phalaropes is also unusually high.

During spring and autumn migration Greylag and White-fronted Geese can be found as well as Wigeon and Tufted Duck and various waders such as Common Snipe and passerines like Wheatear.