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15 interesting facts about puffins in Iceland
The puffins in Iceland They have become an icon of the country. They are probably the most photographed animals by travelers, and for good reason: their friendly appearance wins everyone over. But beyond their adorableness, puffins hide a wealth of interesting facts and surprising behaviors that make them even more interesting.
In this article we share with you 15 interesting facts about puffins in Iceland that will make you see them in a different light. If you're planning a trip to the island or just love learning more about the local fauna, you'll love this article.
- Interesting facts about puffins in Iceland
- 1. Despite living in large colonies, they are surprisingly quiet
- 2. They have religious names in several languages
- 3. They only set foot on land for a few months
- 4. In winter you wouldn't recognize them
- 5. As children they are not so adorable
- 6. They are very long-lived birds
- 7. They always return to their birth colony
- 8. And also to their partner: they are monogamous
- 9. They dig burrows to nest
- 10. They share parenting tasks
- 11. They are incredible divers
- 12. Their bones are not hollow like those of other birds
- 13. In the air they reach 88 km/h
- 14. In Iceland, they are also eaten
- 15. You can help protect them
curiosities of the puffins in Iceland
In addition to reading interesting facts about them, you can also take a look at where to see puffins in Iceland.
1. Despite living in large colonies, they are surprisingly quiet
You may see hundreds of puffins gathered on the cliffs, but you probably won't hear a single sound. They are very quiet birds, even during breeding season.
In Borgarfjörur Eystri, one of the best places What to see in East Iceland There are hundreds of them together and you can hardly hear anything.
2. They have religious names in several languages
In Spanish and Icelandic, its name refers to its summer plumage, reminiscent of the religious vestments of the Middle Ages. Hence the "fraile" (little friar).
3. They only set foot on land for a few months
These animals spend most of the year at sea and only come ashore during the summer. In winter lose their carcharacteristic “tuxedo” and its colorful beak.
Young specimens, on the other hand, have a much less striking appearance…
4. In winter you wouldn't recognize them
During the winter they lose their carIts distinctive "tuxedo" plumage and colorful beak are striking. Its feathers turn grayish, and its beak becomes narrower and duller, so you could easily walk right past one... without even noticing.
5. As children they are not so adorable
The young have completely gray plumage, beak, and legs. Unlike many other species, they aren't as photogenic as adults when they're young!
6. They are very long-lived birds
The average life expectancy of a puffin is 20 to 25 years, but the recorded record is 41 years in the MakingA true survivor of the North Atlantic.
7. They always return to their birth colony
Every summer they return to the same colony where they were born. They are very loyal to their breeding site and recognize the same exact spot year after year.
8. And also to their partner: they are monogamous
Puffins form a single pair for their entire lives. They breed together, share a nest, and share all the chores.
9. They dig burrows to nest
Instead of building nests on rocks, like many seabirds, puffins burrow burrows in the groundThat's why it's very important not to walk off marked trails: you could step on a nest without realizing it.
10. They share parenting tasks
Both the male and female take turns incubating the egg for about 40 days. And when the chick hatches, they both...carI want to feed him until he can fend for himself.
11. They are incredible divers
While fishing, puffins can dive as deep as 60 depth metersThey have a special tongue that allows them to catch and hold several fish at once, which explains why they are often seen with their beaks full of small prey.
12. Their bones are not hollow like those of other birds
This gives them weight to dive effectively, but it also makes takeoff very difficult. Therefore, when they're over the sea, they often run a little on the water before taking off.
13. In the air they reach 88 km/h
To fly they need to flap their wings. 400 times per minuteBecause they struggle to stay in the air, it's common to see them walking near their burrows or simply floating peacefully in the sea.
14. In Iceland, they are also eaten
Although it may seem surprising, puffins are part of traditional Icelandic cuisine. They are hunted in small numbers, both for personal consumption and in some restaurants. According to some locals, their carIt's not very tasty and it doesn't resemble chicken at all.
15. You can help protect them
Although Puffins in Iceland are not in danger of extinctionTheir populations are monitored annually. If during your trip you see one with a ring or carIf you're catching fish in your beak, you can send your photos to nattsud@nattsud.isindicating the date and place. More information in your official website.
What did you think of these interesting facts? If you're still hungry for more, you can read other articles about them here. Iceland on its own, nature and local fauna.
