The Common Gull

The Common Gull (Larus canus) is a new breeding bird in Iceland, or so they say, although  the first known breeding was in 1936. That was in Eyjafjörður, North Iceland. The Common Gull started breeding in other parts of the country much later.

Stormmáfur - Common Gull - Larus canus
Stormmáfur – Common Gull – Larus canus

Now there is a breeding area near Selfoss but it is only around 20 years since these birds were first spotted in this area in the summer time. Today the Common Gull is quite common all year round in this area. The breeding population in Iceland is estimated around 700 pairs.