Warmer temperatures and afforestation in Iceland have enabled more species of birds to settle in the country, with the number of species increasing every year.
The third prize photograph in the Bird for a Million 2012 competition. Photo: Einar Guðmann.
Most species are small forest birds which make their homes in the growing forests.
“Many of these small birds have not lived here during the winter for 15 to 20 years but the increase in afforestation and the warming climate has allowed them to live here,” ornithologist Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson told Morgunblaðið.
According to Jóhann, goldcrest, blackbird, crossbill, Eurasian siskin, Eurasian woodcock and long-eared owl have settled in Iceland in recent years.
Other species to have possibly taken a foothold in Icelandic woodlands include bohemian waxwing, blackcap, willow warbler and common wood pigeon; they have been spotted regularly in the past years.
ZR
