Birds of Alaska

Alaska supports a remarkable range of birds shaped by its vast wilderness, tundra, boreal forests, wetlands, and extensive coastline, as well as its critical role in global migration between continents. This page brings together bird guides focused on species found in the state, including local bird groups and visual identification resources to support field identification throughout the year.

  • Puffins in Alaska: Icons of the North Pacific Coast

    Puffins in Alaska: Icons of the North Pacific Coast

    Alaska is the heart of North America’s puffin world. Each summer, millions of seabirds return from the open Pacific to breed on the cliffs and islands scattered along the state’s vast coastline, from the temperate fjords of the southeast to the wind-lashed rocks of the Bering and Chukchi Seas. Nowhere else on the continent do Read more

  • 10 Owls in Alaska (With Pictures)

    10 Owls in Alaska (With Pictures)

    Alaska’s sweeping landscapes and rugged terrain are home to an impressive variety of owl species, each adapted to survive in a land of extremes. Snow-covered forests and vast tundra provide hunting grounds for these nocturnal predators, whose sharp eyesight and silent flight make them masters of stealth. Many people are surprised to learn that owls Read more

  • 25 Ducks in Alaska (With Pictures)

    25 Ducks in Alaska (With Pictures)

    Ducks in Alaska are a true spectacle of nature, bringing life and color to the state’s pristine lakes, rivers, and coastlines. From the familiar Mallard to the striking Harlequin Duck, Alaska’s diverse habitats support an incredible variety of duck species. Whether you’re exploring the coastal waters or the inland wetlands, the sight of these birds Read more

  • 6 Hawks in Alaska (With Pictures)

    6 Hawks in Alaska (With Pictures)

    Alaska, with its vast wilderness and untamed beauty, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Among its diverse fauna, hawks hold a special allure. These majestic birds of prey soar gracefully over the rugged terrain, embodying the wild spirit of the Last Frontier. In Alaska, hawks thrive in a variety of habitats, from coastal cliffs and Read more

  • Hummingbirds in Alaska (With Pictures)

    Hummingbirds in Alaska (With Pictures)

    Hummingbirds, those mesmerizing avian acrobats traditionally associated with tropical paradises, are increasingly becoming a common sight in the seemingly unlikely wilderness of Alaska. This article delves into the fascinating world of Alaska’s hummingbirds, focusing on the single species that defy the odds by making the northernmost state their breeding ground. Despite Alaska’s harsh winters and Read more

  • 7 Woodpeckers of Alaska (With Pictures)

    7 Woodpeckers of Alaska (With Pictures)

    Alaska, a vast wilderness of untamed beauty and diverse ecosystems, is a haven for a remarkable variety of woodpeckers, each with unique habits and appearances that contribute to the richness of the state’s avian life. From the dense, verdant rainforests of the Southeast to the sprawling boreal forests that blanket much of the interior, these Read more

  • The 4 Types Of Eagles In Alaska And Where To Find Them

    The 4 Types Of Eagles In Alaska And Where To Find Them

    Alaska is possibly the best state for birding in the United States as it attracts vast numbers of migratory waders, massive congregations of Bald Eagles, an abundance of seabirds that pass by the coastline and contains ample pristine nesting habitats for a wide range of birds. The greatness of Alaska as a birding destination is Read more