Red List of Birds

The Icelandic red list classification of birds is based on the threat categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as of 2024. The Red List of the Natural Science Institute of Iceland follows these criteria.

The NSII Icelandic Red List of Birds 2025 is the most recent inventory of threatened bird species in Iceland. Assessment of bird species is as per the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. All bird species that have been sighted in Iceland were examined. In accordance with the guidelines for application of IUCN Red List criteria at regional and national levels (Version 4.0), assessment was only carried out for those species that have either reproduced here for at least 10 consecutive years or are regular visitors. The list includes a total of 43 species, while an additional 48 species were evaluated but do not meet the IUCN red list criteria.

The Icelandic Red List of Birds, Red List 2: Birds (PDF, 12.6 MB), was first published in 2000. It includes a record of 32 Icelandic bird species that were threatened, at risk of extinction, or had already been extirpated from the country. The publication covers the distribution of these species in Iceland, their ecology, population size, major threats, and global status.

The Icelandic Red of Birds 2018 was prepared according to IUCN criteria, just like the 2025 list. At that time, 41 species were included on the red list, and an additional 50 species were assessed but did not meet the IUCN red list classification criteria.

Further discussion is available on Red List and animal protection.