Alaska is one of the most important bird habitats in North America, especially during the summer months when millions of migratory birds return to nest and raise their young. Wetlands, tundra, coastal cliffs, and forests all support different species, ranging from large raptors like eagles to small songbirds and seabirds. Some birds, like ravens and ptarmigan, remain year-round, while others travel thousands of miles to take advantage of Alaska’s long daylight hours and abundant food. Birdwatching opportunities exist across the state, with peak activity in late spring through early fall when nesting and migration are at their height.

Check out some of the birds in Alaska below:

Bald Eagle — Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Golden Eagle — Aquila chrysaetos
Snow Bunting — Plectrophenax nivalis
Rock Ptarmigan — Lagopus muta
Willow Ptarmigan — Lagopus lagopus
Sandhill Crane — Antigone canadensis
Arctic Tern — Sterna paradisaea
Puffin — Fratercula corniculata
Chickadee (Black-capped Chickadee) — Poecile atricapillus
Trumpeter Swan — Cygnus buccinator
Raven (Common Raven) — Corvus corax
Snowy Owl — Bubo scandiacus
Gyrfalcon — Falco rusticolus
Long-tailed Jaeger — Stercorarius longicaudus
Harlequin Duck — Histrionicus histrionicus