© AW - monacoeye • Iceland, May.

Bird name: Semipalmated Plover
Latin: Charadrius semipalmatus
Other: Batuíra-de-bando (Br) • Chorlo Semipalmado (Es)
Family: Charadriidae • Lapwings & Plovers
Range: Arctic, migrating S to US and S America
Similar: Common Ringed Plover

Semipalmated Plover look very similar to Common Ringed Plover so treat these IDs with caution.

Above Semipalmated Plover in Iceland ?

Although the Semipalmated Plover is marked as a vagrant to Brazil in some guides, it is in fact present the length of the Brazilian coastline.

The (presumed) Semipalmated Plover below were photographed on the beach near Lagoa do Peixe in Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil, in November.

They were identified by their collar, small amount of yellow at base of bill and yellowish legs.

Semipalmated Plover migrate from Arctic breeding grounds to the US and South America during the northern winter.

Lagoa do Peixe, RS • November 2009
More photos...

© GW - monacoeye • Gambia, Feb 2013.

Bird name: Ruddy Turnstone
Latin: Arenaria interpres
Other: Turnstone (UK) • Rola-do-mar, vira-pedras (Pt) • Tournepierre à collier (Fr) • Steinwälzer (De) • Vuelvepiedras común (Es) • Steenloper (Nl) • Roskarl (Sv)
Family: Scolopacidae • Sandpipers
Range: Breeds N coastlines, eg Scandinavia, Iceland, Alaska, migrating S worldwide eg Washington, Brazil, China, Japan, Gambia
Similar:

The Turnstone is identifiable by orange legs and dark chest pattern and its behaviour of flipping over stones when looking for insects or crustaceans.

Above, on beach in Gambia, February, with Sanderling..

Many thanks to Alexia for sending in the photos of Turnstones below, in non-breeding plumage, in Madeira, October, and coming into breeding plumage in Iceland, April.

Directly below, Ruddy Turnstone in Iceland, April, soon in full breeding plumage
More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Iceland • May 2011

Bird name: Common Redshank
Latin: Tringa totanus
Other: Redshank (UK) • Chevalier gambette (Fr) • Rotschenkel (De) • Archibebe común (Es) • Pettegola (It) • Tureluur (Nl) • Rödbena (Sv) • Cacongo (Pt)
Family: Scolopacidae • Sandpipers
Range: West and Central Eurasia to SW Europe, Africa, Asia
Similar:

The Common Redshank is readily identifiable by its red legs and bill base. Appears to step on the water while feeding.

A wonderful shot from Iceland above, and below on the Cote d’Azur in May.More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Iceland, May 2011 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Red Knot
Latin: Calidris canutus
Other: Knot (UK) • Bécasseau maubèche (Fr) • Knutt (De) • Correlimos gordo (Es) • Piovanello maggiore (It) • Kanoet (Nl) • Kustsnäppa (Sv) • Seixoeira (Pt)
Family: Scolopacidae • Sandpipers
Range: N North America, Eurasia - South America, Europe, Africa, Australasia, Iceland
Similar:

A group of knot in Iceland, presumably Calidris canutus islandica, the local subspecies. This plumage looks midway between grey winter plumage and the bright red chest of summer breeding plumage.More photos...

© Alexia W - monacoeye, all rights reserved. Iceland, May 2010

Bird name: Lesser Black Backed Gull
Latin: Larus fuscus
Other: Goéland brun (Fr), gaviota sombría (Es), gaivota-de-asa-escura (Pt), Heringsmöwe (De), kleine mantelmeeuw (Nl), Silltrut (Sv)
Family: Laridae • Gulls
Range: Iceland, Northern Europe, Atlantic coasts, incl Gambia
Similar: Great Black Backed Gull

The Lesser Black-Backed Gull above was seen in Iceland in May. Adult LBBGs have yellow legs whereas Great Black-Backed Gulls have pinkish legs. Below, in Gambia, February.

Below, LBBGs (foreground) in Gambia, February 2013
More photos...

© Tom Watson / monacoeye • Scotland, May 2009 • All rights reserved

Bird name: Atlantic Puffin
Latin: Fratercula arctica
Other: Puffin • Fr: Macareux moine • De: Papageitaucher • Es: frailecillo atlántico • It: pulcinella di mare • Sv: Lunnefågel • Ru: Атлантический тупик • Is: Lundi
Family: Alcidae • Auks
Range: Iceland, UK, Norway coastlines etc, some US.
Similar: none

Many thanks to Anne for sending this lovely photo of a Puffin above, taken in Scotland by Tom. Tom was a very close friend of the family and left us far too young. He loved nature and was a talented photographer. He is sorely missed by his family and all of us who knew him.

Below, Puffins flying out at sea, late May, Iceland, 2010
More photos...

© monacoeye • France, October 2012 • All rights reserved

Bird name: Northern Raven
Latin: Corvus corax
Other: Common Raven, Raven • Grand Corbeau (Fr) • Kolkrabe (De) • cuervo común, cacalote (Es) • Corvo imperiale (It) • Raaf (Nl) • Korp (Nl) • Corvo-comum (Pt)
Family: Corvidae • Crows, Ravens
Range: Widespread North America, Middle America, Eurasia, Iceland
Similar: Carrion Crow

The Northern Raven is a large bird - the size of a medium to large bird of prey. In flight, the pointed tail and long pointed wings distinguish it from the Carrion Crow, which has a square-cut tail and squarer wings. The Raven has a very heavy bill.

There are no crows on Iceland - the bird pictured below must be a Raven. Possibly Corvus corax varius, the Icelandic subspecies, which has whitish feathers on the neck.

Below, Northern Raven in Iceland, May 2011.
More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Iceland, May

Bird name: Common Blackbird
Latin: Turdus merula
Other: Blackbird (UK) • Eurasian Blackbird (US) • Merle Noir (Fr) • Amsel (De) • Mirlo común (Es) • Merlo (It) • Merel (Nl) • Koltrast (Sv) • Melro-preto (Pt)
Family: Turdidae • Thrushes
Range: Widespread Europe, Eurasia
Similar: Females and juveniles are similar to thrushes

A female Blackbird picks up a shrivelled olive from last year’s windfall, before swallowing it hole. Olive trees are very popular with many species of birds during the winter, especially Starlings, once all the fig trees have been stripped of their remaining dried fruits.

The blackbird seems very common all year round in Monaco and the Cote d’Azur - often heard and seen. Typical garden bird.

Male blackbirds are black with yellow bill and eyering. Females are brown and speckled underneath, with dull beaks. Juveniles are even more mottled.

Below, female Blackbird Ventimiglia, Italy, March, 2009
More photos...

© Alexia W - monacoeye • Iceland, May 2011

Bird name: Northern Wheatear
Latin: Oenanthe oenanthe
Other: Wheatear • Stenskvätta (Sv) • tapuit (Nl) • Culbianco (It) • Collalba Gris (Es) • Steinschmätzer (De) • Traquet motteux (Fr)
Family: Muscicapidae • Old World Flycatchers, Wheatears
Range: Widespread Eurasia, also N North America, NW Africa
Similar:

The Wheatear is a long-distance migrant for such a small bird. These breed in Iceland and winter in North Africa. Seen around Rejkyavik. Also seen in Alpes Maritimes.More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Iceland • May 2011

Bird name: White Wagtail
Latin: Motacilla alba
Other: Bergeronnette Grise (Fr) • Lavandera blanca (Es) • Ballerina bianca (It) • Sädesärla (Sv) • Alvéola-branca (Pt)
Family: Motacillidae • Wagtails
Range: Iceland, Widespread Eurasia, also Alaska, Morocco
Similar:

This White Wagtail is quite a common bird all along the coast, especially near water. Not uncommon even in Monaco in one or two locations. The wagtails pictured are the Motacilla alba alba subspecies, found in continental Europe and Iceland.More photos...

Copyright: monacoeye • France • Mar-Jun 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Tufted Duck
Latin: Aythya fuligula
Other: Fuligule morillon (Fr) • Porrón moñudo(Es) • Reiherente (De) • Moretta (It)
Family: Anatidae • Ducks
Range: Widespread Eurasia - Africa, N Asia
Similar: Greater Scaup

Wild Tufted Ducks winter in the Camargue, but I’ve also seen them in a park in Nice in the summer, perhaps feral.

The male Tufted Duck (above) has a round purple head and bright yellow iris, with long tuft at back of head, bluish bill and white flanks.

The female Tufted Duck (directly below) and juveniles have dark plumage. Males in eclipse plumage also have dark flanks (see “more photos”).

Directly below, female Tufted Duck, Iceland, May, 2011


Directly below, male and female, Iceland, May.
More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, May 2011

Bird name: European Golden Plover
Latin: Pluvialis apricaria
Other: Pluvier doré (Fr) • Goldregenpfeifer (De) • Chorlito dorado común (Es) • Piviere dorato (It) • Goudplevier (Nl) • Ljungpipare (Sv) • Tarambola-dourada (Pt)
Family: Charadriidae • Plovers & Lapwing, Waders
Range: Breeds Iceland, UK, Scandinavia, Russia etc, winters further south.
Similar: Pacific Golden Plover, American Golden Plover

A lovely shot above of a European Golden Plover in breeding plumage in Iceland, early May.More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Iceland • May 2011

Bird name: Gadwall
Latin: Anas strepera
Other: Canard Chipeau (Fr) • Schnatterente (De) • Anade friso (Es) • Canapiglia (It) • Krakeend (Nl) • Snatterand (Sv) • Frisada (Pt)
Family: Anatidae • Ducks
Range:
Similar: Mallard (female)

A couple of very nice shots of Gadwalls in Iceland near Reykjavik in May, sent in by Alexia.

Pictured above, a male Gadwall, fine lines on side and white speculum. In flight (see “more photos”) a chestnut patch is visible on the wing. The female, directly below, is similar to a female Mallard, but with more orange on the bill.

Below, a female Gadwall near Reykjavik, Iceland, in May.
More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Iceland • May 2011

Bird name: Eurasian Oystercatcher
Latin: Haematopus ostralegus
Other: Oystercatcher (UK) • Huitrier Pie (Fr) • Austernfischer (De) • Ostrero común euroasiático (Es) • Beccaccia di mare (It) • Scholekster (Nl) • Strandskata (Sv) • Ostraceiro-europeu (Pt)
Family: Haematopodidae • Oystercatchers
Range: Eurasian and African coasts, central Asia
Similar:

A nice shot of a Eurasian Oystercatcher on the Reykjanes Peninsular in Iceland from Alexia. In more photos one flying by the Black Sea, on the Romania and Ukraine border.More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Iceland • May 2011

Bird name: Black Legged Kittiwake
Latin: Rissa tridactyla
Other: Kittiwake (UK) • Mouette tridactyle (Fr) • Dreizehenmöwe (De) • Drieteenmeeuw (Nl) • Gaviota tridáctila (Es) • Tretåig mås (Sv)
Family: Laridae • Gulls
Range: Iceland, UK, North Pacific, North Atlantic.
Similar:

A colony of Kittiwakes perched on cliffs in Iceland. Kittiwakes are small gulls with yellowish-green bills.

More photos...

Photos copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Iceland • May 2011

Bird name: Common Eider
Latin: Somateria mollissima
Other: Eiderente (De) • Eidereend (Nl) • Ejder (Sv)
Family: Anatidae • Ducks, Eiders
Range: Iceland, Northern Europe, north Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Similar: King Eider

The Common Eider is an attractive duck, apparently common around Reykjavik in May. Characterised by a thick bill, with “nail” at end.

The female is mottled brown, so quite different from the male in colour.





Below, a female Common Eider.
More photos...

Photos copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Iceland • May 2011

Bird name: Northern Fulmar
Latin: Fulmarus glacialis
Other: Fulmar • Fulmar boréal (Fr) • Eissturmvogel (De) • Noordse stormvogel (Nl) • Stormfågel (Sv)
Family: Procellariidae • Petrels, Fulmars
Range: Iceland, Northern Europe, north Pacific, Arctic Circle.
Similar:

Thanks again to Alexia for this beautiful shot of a Fulmar near the Reykjanes Peninsular in Iceland.

Despite appearances, Fulmars are unrelated to gulls, but are in the tubenose or petrel group, which is largely pelagic, and characterised by a naricorn, or nasal passage attached above the bill.More photos...

Photos copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Iceland • May 2010

Bird name: Northern Gannet
Latin: Morus bassanus
Other: Gannet • Fou de Bassan (Fr) • Basstölpel (De) • Alcatraz común (Es) • Sula bassana (It) • Jan-van-gent (Nl) • Havssula (Sv) • Ganso-patola (Pt)
Family: Sulidae • Boobies, Gannets
Range: Breeds in Iceland, UK, Ireland, Canada, Norway, range North Atlantic mostly.
Similar:

Superb flight shots of Gannets in Iceland, May 2010, near Reykjanes Peninsular, sent in by Alexia.More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Iceland, May 2011 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Brant Goose
Latin: Branta bernicla
Other: Brent Goose • Bernache cravant (Fr) • Ringelgans (De) • Rotgans (Nl) • Prutgås (Sv)
Family: Anatidae • Geese
Range: Widespread North America, Eurasia, Iceland
Similar:

The Brant Goose, or Brent Goose, is a small dark goose found mostly in northern climes.

Below, a group of Brant Geese with a Common Eider behind.
More photos...

Photos copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Iceland • May 2010

Bird name: Great Black Backed Gull
Latin: Larus marinus
Other: GBBG • Goéland marin (Fr) • Mantelmöwe (De) • Gavión atlántico (Es) • Grote mantelmeeuw (Nl) • Havstrut (Sv) • Alcatraz-comum (Pt)
Family: Laridae • Gulls
Range: Iceland, Northern Europe, Canada, north Atlantic coasts.
Similar: Lesser Black-backed Gull

This Great Black-Backed Gull was also seen in Reykjavik in May. Pale pinkish legs, darker wings, heavier bill, larger size than Lesser Black-backed Gull. The GBBG is the largest of all gulls, with a 1.6 m wingspan.

See “more photos” for comparisons with other gulls.More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy without permission • Iceland • May 2011

Bird name: Whooper Swan
Latin: Cygnus cygnus
Other: Cygne chanteur (Fr) • Singschwan (De) • Cigno selvatico (It) • Wilde zwaan (Nl) • Sångsvan (Sv)
Family: Anatidae • Swans
Range: Iceland, Northern Europe, Russia, Scandinavia, east Asia.
Similar:

Whooper Swans in Reykjavik.



More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Iceland, May 2011 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Black-tailed Godwit
Latin: Limosa limosa
Other: Barge à queue noire (Fr) • aguja colinegra (Es) • pittima reale (It) • Grutto (Nl) • Rödspov (Sv) • Maçarico-de-bico-direito (Pt)
Family: Scolopacidae • Waders, Godwits
Range: Widespread Eurasia - Africa, Asia, Australasia, Iceland
Similar: Bar-tailed Godwit
Status: Near-threatened (IUCN 3.1)

A gorgeous photo of a Black-tailed Godwit in Iceland sent in by Alexia.

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Iceland, May 2011 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Rock Ptarmigan
Latin: Lagopus muta
Other: Snow Chicken, Partridge (US) • Alpenschneehuhn (De) • Fjällripa (Sv) • Pernice bianca (It) • perdiz nival (Es)
Family: Phasianidae • Pheasants, Grouse, Ptarmigans
Range: Japan, Canada, Scotland, Iceland, Scandinavia, Alps, Greenland etc
Similar: Willow Grouse

Here the Ptarmigan is changing from its white winter plumage, to its mottled brown breeding plumage. A time when it is particularly vulnerable to the Gyr Falcon, as the white plumage is very visible against the stones.More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Iceland, May 2011 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Iceland Gull
Latin: Larus glaucoides
Other: Kumlien’s Gull ? (US) • Polarmöwe (De) • Kleine burgemeester (Nl) • Vitvingad trut (Sv)
Family: Laridae • Gulls
Range: N Atlantic Ocean coast, Greenland, Iceland, UK, Scandinavia
Similar: Glaucous Gull

In Iceland, in May, the Iceland Gull is far more common than the rare Glaucous Gull, apparently. A large gull, taking four years to maturity. In most plumages it is a very light-coloured gull.

See “more photos”, for comparison with Great Black-Backed Gulls, Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Herring Gulls.

Below, from left to right, Iceland Gull, juvenile Herring Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Iceland, May 2011 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Common Redpoll
Latin: Carduelis flammea
Other: Sizerin flammé (Fr) • pardillo sizerín (Es) • Birkenzeisig (De) • organetti (It) • barmsijs (Nl) • Gråsiska (Sv) •
Family: Fringillidae • Finches, Redpolls
Range: N Eurasia, North America, Iceland
Similar: Arctic Redpoll

The Redpoll is another northern bird, in the finch family. This is the Icelandic Redpoll subspecies, seen near Rejkyavik in May.

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Iceland, May 2011 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Redwing
Latin: Turdus iliacus
Other: Grive mauvis (Fr) • Rotdrossel (De) • koperwiek (Nl) • Rödvingetrast (Sv)
Family: Turdidae • Thrushes
Range: C, W Eurasia - to N Africa, Iceland
Similar:

Pictured is an Icelandic bird, but not I’m certain if that means it is the Turdus iliacus coburni subspecies, which is usually darker.

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Iceland, May 2011 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Common Snipe
Latin: Gallinago gallinago
Other: Bécassine des marais (Fr) • Bekassine (De) • Agachadiza común (Es) • Beccaccino (It) • Watersnip (Nl) • Enkelbeckasin (Sv) • Narceja-comum (Pt)
Family: Scolopacidae • Waders, Snipes
Range: Widespread Eurasia - S Europe, Africa, Asia, Iceland
Similar: Wilson’s Snipe

The Common Snipe was photographed in Iceland, so presumably subspecies Gallinago gallinago faeroeensis.

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Iceland, May 2011 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Long-tailed Duck
Latin: Clangula hyemalis
Other: Harelde kakawi (Fr) • Eisente (De) • IJseend (Nl) • Alfågel (Sv)
Family: Anatidae • Ducks
Range: Siberia to N Canada - N Atlantic, N Pacific
Similar:

A passing shot of a couple of Long-tailed Ducks in Iceland. You can just see the long tail on the left-hand bird. And the characteristic white back of head and neck.More photos...

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Iceland, May 2011 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Parasitic Jaeger
Latin: Stercorarius parasiticus
Other: Arctic Skua • Labbe parasite (Fr) • Schmarotzerraubmöwe (De) • págalo parásito (Es) • labbo (It) • kleine jager (Nl) • Kustlabb (Sv) • Moleiro-parasítico (Pt)
Family: Stercorariidae • Skuas, Jaegers
Range: Iceland, N North America, Eurasia - Southern oceans
Similar: Long-tailed Skua

The Parasitic Jaeger, or Actic Skua, seen here over land in Iceland, and identified by the long tail feathers.

Copyright: monacoeye • Zaandvoort, Holland, Feb 2011 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: European Herring Gull
Latin: Larus argentatus
Other: Goéland argenté (Fr) • Gaviota argéntea (Es) • Gabbiano reale nordico (It) • Silbermöwe (De) • Gaivota-prateada, gaivota-argêntea (Pt) • Zilvermeeuw (Nl) • Gråtrut (Sv)
Family: Laridae • Gulls
Range: NW Europe coast: Iceland, GB, Eire, Scandinavia, Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium
Similar: Yellow-legged Gull

These European Herring Gulls were seen as the winter sun was setting on the seaside town of Zaandvoort in Holland, during a stopover between flights. The Herring Gull is the most common gull in this area and in the UK.

Herring Gulls reach adult plumage (pictured above) after four years - white head and body, grey wings with black near tip and white at very tip, yellow bill with red spot, light yellow irises, pinkish legs. Juveniles have mottled dark brown plumage, with black bills and eyes. The lighter and yellower the bill, the closer the bird is to adulthood.

Below, sub-adult European Herring Gulls, February, Holland.

More photos...

© monacoeye • All rights reserved • Monaco • February

Bird name: Common Starling
Latin: Sturnus vulgaris
Other: European Starling, Starling (UK) • L'Étourneau sansonnet (Fr) • Star (De) • Estornino pinto (Es) • Storno (It) • Estorninho-comum (Pt)
Family: Sturnidae • Starlings
Range: Temperate Europe, W Asia, migrates south in the winter.
Similar: Blackbird, Spotless Starling (Spain, Portugal, Corsica)

Migrating Starlings are a common sight in cities in the winter, gathering in very large flocks and filling the trees of city squares. Large numbers arrive in Monaco in the winter, but authorities set up an anti-starling campaign over the last few years, with vans blasting hawk sounds, which seems to have had an effect.

Starlings are not just city birds, but also found in very large groups in the countryside and are a common garden bird. Like many other winter residents, near Monaco they favour olive trees and clear trees of all remaining olives in the winter months.

In the winter, birds are spotted: glossy dark with light tips to feathers. In the summer they lose this spotting. They have yellow bills, which darken in the winter, and so can be confused with blackbirds if only seen quickly.

A Common Starling in Reykjavik, May.
More photos...

Photos copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Iceland • May 2010

Bird name: Arctic Tern
Latin: Sterna paradisaea
Other:
Family: Laridae • Terns
Range: Arctic and sub-Arctic breeding. Migrating to Antarctica.
Similar:

The Arctic Tern is the only Tern seen in Iceland. These were seen out at sea in May.More photos...

Photos copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Iceland • May 2010

Bird name: Greater Scaup
Latin: Aythya marila
Other: Scaup
Family: Anatidae • Ducks
Range: Iceland, Northern Europe, some US.

Thanks to Alexia for sending this Scaup photo from Iceland. The Scaup is similar looking to its cousin the Tufted Duck, but is lightly patterned on the top of its back and has no crest. The female is duller and browner, with a white patch at base of bill (see “more photos”)

Scaup breed in Iceland and northern Scandinavia and Russia in the summer, descending mostly to the north Atlantic coastline in the winter.More photos...

Photos copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Iceland • May 2010

Bird name: Black Guillemot
Latin: Cepphus grylle
Other: Tystie
Family: Alcidae • Auks, Guillemots
Range: Iceland to Maine, UK, Ireland

The Black Guillemot, is in the Auk family, with Puffins. Recognised here, in summer plumage, by its characteristic white oval wing patches, and red legs. Whitish underwing (see “more photos”).

The Black Guillemot’s range is mostly in the north Atlantic: Iceland, Scandinavia, Scotland etc.More photos...

Photos copyright: AW/monacoeye • Do not copy • Iceland • May 2010

Bird name: Common Guillemot
Latin: Uria aalge
Other: Guillemot, Common Murre
Family: Alcidae • Auks
Range: Iceland, low Arctic circumpolar band, as far south as France for one ssp.

The Guillemot has a black head and wings with some streaking on flanks (especially in winter) and white belly.

The Guillemot is another north Atlantic bird, which breeds in Iceland, parts of Britain and Scandinavia. These ones spotted at sea in Iceland.More photos...

Bird name: Common Teal
Latin: Anas crecca
Other: Sarcelle d’Hiver
Family: Anatidae • Ducks
More photos...