Alaska is a vast wilderness in the far north west of the continental United States. It has more bird species than most other states and sees a variety of birds that nowhere else does. In this post we look at the birds found in Alaska and the opportunities for birdwatching there.
The State of Alaska
The Last Frontier State is certainly that, sitting on the edge of the Arctic Circle. In fact, most of the country is permafrost, permanently frozen ground. It is home to Denali National Park and the highest peak in North America. In the middle of Alaska there is taiga forest where you can find forests and meadows and along the southeast coast are rainforests.
Birds of Alaska
Alaska is the biggest state by area in the USA and while you might think it bereft of wildlife in such cold, it actually ranks 4th for number of bird species seen there, according to eBird. You can view an incredible 562 species there, just one behind Arizona!
Here are some of Alaska’s most interesting birds. Click on the name of the bird for more information on eBird.
Best Coastal and Offshore Birds
Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata)
Identification
The Tufted Puffin is the largest of its species and very striking with a full black body and large orange bill. Yellow tufts can be seen coming from the back of the neck.
Size
- Length: 14 in (35 cm)
- Weight: 25 oz (725 g)
Range
The Tufted Puffin breeds in Alaska in the summer months. As can be seen on the Range Map below, it can be seen on the coast and on offshore islands.
What you might not know
The Tufted Puffin is not unusual in that it nests in burrows, lots of birds do that. But these birds can burrow down to over 5 feet! Not many other species can do that.
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
Identification
The Arctic Tern is a very pale gray, almost looking white. In breeding, it has a black cap and bright red bill and legs.
Size
- Length: 11.0-15.3 in (28-39 cm)
- Weight: 3.2-4.2 oz (90-120 g)
- Wingspan: 25.6-29.5 in (65-75 cm)
Range
The Arctic Tern returns to breed in the Arctic Tundra during the summer months.
What you might not know
The Arctic Tern is not well known in terms of physical endurance but it is incredible. During the non-breeding season, it is seen off Australia and New Zealand. That means it flies around 25,000 miles a year
Emperor Goose (Anser canagicus)
Identification
The Emperor Goose is a very attractive bird with a white head, black throat and black and gray patterned body. The feet are bright orange.
Size
- Length: 26-28 in (66-71 cm)
- Weight: 67-109 oz (1900-3100 g)
Range
The Emperor Goose is only seen in Alaska where it breeds in the tundra.
What you might not know
The Emperor Goose is so named for its regal looking head and neck colors. Other names for it are the Beach Goose and the Painted Goose.
Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes)
Identification
This is an unusual looking albatross in that it is brown all over except for a white face.
Size
- Length: 25.2-29.1 in (64-74 cm)
- Weight: 77.6-151.7 oz (2200-4300 g)
- Wingspan: 76.0-85.0 in (193-216 cm)
Range
The Black-footed Albatross is a common summer visitor to the shores of Alaska.
What you might not know
The Black-footed Albatross is one of only three albatross species seen regularly in the Northern Hemisphere.
Steller’s Eider (Polysticta stelleri)
Identification
The Steller’s Eider is a duck only of Arctic waters. The male is black and white with buff tones underneath. The female is dark brown all over with white barring.
Size
- Weight: 28 oz (800 g)
Range
The Steller’s Eider can be seen in Alaskan coastal waters irregularly but all year round.
What you might not know
The Steller’s Eider is part of an unusual ecosystem. The Pomarine Jaeger predates on the chicks of the eider and when onshore lemming populations boom, the jaeger eats them instead.
Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates furcatus)
Identification
Unlike most other storm-petrels, the Fork-tailed has a light gray plumage, almost silver looking. It has the typical M shape in dark on the back of the wing and contrasting colors under.
Size
- Length: 8 in (20 cm)
- Wingspan: 18 in (46 cm)
Range
The Forked-tailed Storm-Petrel can be seen off the southern coast of Alaska in the summer months.
What you might not know
The Fork-tailed Storm Petrel search the sea for the dead bodies of marine mammals and fish and eats any fat slicking on the water. It uses that water as food, regurgitates it for its chicks and even sprays it on any potential predators.
Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus)
Identification
The Arctic Skua looks a bit like a brown gull with a slim bill and agile flight. It has various stages and morphs from a barred breast to clean brown lines.
Size
- Length: 14.6-20.9 in (37-53 cm)
- Weight: 10.6-20.6 oz (301-585 g)
- Wingspan: 42.5-46.5 in (108-118 cm)
Range
The Arctic Skua returns from roaming the world to breed in the summer in the Arctic tundra.
What you might not know
The Arctic Skua is also known as the Parasitic Jaeger. The parasitic part of the name refers to the fact that it is a scavenger, getting by as it steals food from other birds and animals.
Inland and Possible Backyard Birds
Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina)
Identification
This is a most attractive swallow with males having a vibrant green and purple back. Females are duller.
Size
- Length: 4.7 in (12 cm)
- Weight: 0.5 oz (14 g)
- Wingspan: 10.6 in (27 cm)
Range
The Violet-green Swallow is a summer visitor to Alaska and can be found inland breeding in open habitats.
What you might not know
The Violet-green Swallow is the Usain Bolt of the bird world. This tiny bird can fly at nearly 30 miles per hour.
Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)
Identification
This is a stunning songbird with a base of pure white feathers. In non-breeding times these become a mix of browns and oranges but during the breeding period they are bold blacks and grays.
Size
- Length: 5.9 in (15 cm)
- Weight: 1.1-1.6 oz (31-46 g)
- Wingspan: 11.8 in (30 cm)
Range
The Snow Bunting can be seen in Alaska all year round both on the coast and inland.
What you might not know
The Snow Bunting nests in the tundra inside of cavities and crevices and keeps the cold out by lining the nest with feathers and fur.
Grey-crowned Rosy-Finch (Leucosticte tephrocoti)
Identification
This is a rather odd looking bird with the gray head not quite belonging to the warm brown body. The belly and the wings have a rosy pink tint to them.
Size
- Length: 5.5-8.3 in (14-21 cm)
- Weight: 0.8-2.1 oz (22-60 g)
- Wingspan: 13.0 in (33 cm)
Range
The Grey-crowned Rosy Finch is found all year round in the eastern parts of inland Alaska. They are uncommon backyard birds but do visit bird feeders.
What you might not know
Denali is the highest peak not only in Alaska but also the entire continent. The Grey-crowned Rosy-Finch is a remarkable as it nests on the slopes of Denali making it one of the highest breeders in the United States.
Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)
Identification
The Rufous Hummingbird is a gorgeous blend of creams and warm browns. The male has a throat of vivid brown orange scales while the female’s is more muted.
Size
- Length: 2.8-3.5 in (7-9 cm)
- Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz (2-5 g)
- Wingspan: 4.3 in (11 cm)
Range
The Rufous Hummingbird is a summer visitor to southern and eastern parts of Alaska where it breeds. It is a regular visitor to backyard feeders.
What you might not know
The Rufous Hummingbird will visit garden feeders, even in Alaska but watch out, they are very territorial and will chase away much bigger birds and animals.
Tengmalm’s Owl (Aegolius funereus)
Identification
The Tengmalm’s Owl has the customary cryptic owl like plumage but its head is rather large with a flattened forehead.
Size
- Length: 8.3-11.0 in (21-28 cm)
- Weight: 3.3-7.6 oz (93-215 g)
- Wingspan: 21.6-24.4 in (55-62 cm)
Range
This owl can in fact, be found across the Northern Hemisphere. While there are sightings reported all year round, it is more commonly found in Alaska during the spring months.
What you might not know
The Tengmalm’s Owl is also known as the Boreal Owl is another backyard visitor in Alaska. It will set up in a nest box if you provide them but it is unlikely to be seen at the feeder!
And Those You Won’t See At Your Feeders!
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
Identification
The Northern Goshawk is a striking raptor with an attitude to match. Its dark gray back contrasts with a paler belly.
Size
- Length: 20.9-25.2 in (53-64 cm)
- Weight: 22.3-48.1 oz (631-1364 g)
- Wingspan: 40.5-46.1 in (103-117 cm)
Range
The Northern Goshawk can be seen all year round across Alaska, except for the far north.
What you might not know
The Northern Goshawk is quite hard to find. It prefers large forests to hunt in, which in Alaska, makes it even harder.
Red Grouse/Willow Grouse (Lagopus lagopus)
Identification
Also known locally as the Willow Ptarmigan, the Willow Grouse is a large game bird with very variable plumage from pure white to golden brown and in between. It is the Alaskan state bird and it is beautiful.
Size
- Length: 13.8-17.1 in (35-43.5 cm)
- Weight: 19.0-23.6 oz (538.1-668.6 g)
- Wingspan: 23.6-24.4 in (60-62 cm)
Range
The Willow Grouse inhabits tundra, forests and swampy areas. It is an Alaskan resident and can be seen all year round.
What you might not know
The Willow Ptarmigan, Red Grouse or Willow Grouse are fun animals for watching. They like to play with each other in a kind of rough and tumble. They do this to keep their survival skills in condition and to reinforce social bonds.
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)
Identification
This large grebe has a red neck, silver cheek and a black cap.
Size
- Length: 16.9-22.1 in (43-56 cm)
- Weight: 28.2-56.4 oz (800-1600 g)
- Wingspan: 24.0-34.6 in (61-88 cm)
Range
The Red-necked Grebe is found across Europe, Asia and America and is a summer visitor to Alaska.
What you might not know
The Red-necked Grebe swallows lots of its own feathers. Scientists do not really know why they do this but it could be the same reason that some birds swallow stones – to help digestion.
Conclusion
While much of Alaska might be frozen wilderness, clearly there are lots of birds that suit that environment. From ducks to game and even hummingbirds, there is a lot to see in Alaska. We hope you enjoyed our post on the best birds found there.
Related Questions
What are the most common birds of Alaska?
Actually, the most common birds in Alaska are pretty much the same as in a lot of the states, particularly those on the west coast. You can find American Robin, chickadee, sparrows, junco and woodpecker here. The difference with Alaska is all the other birds you can’t find anywhere else!
What is the biggest bird in Alaska?
That would be our old friends, the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle. The only bigger bird in the U.S. is California Condor and it doesn’t reach as far as Alaska.
Do birds sleep in Alaska?
Yes, even in the very short nights, the birds do sleep. They probably find it challenging like humans do but you get used to it.
Is it worth trying to attract birds to my garden in cold areas?
Absolutely, that is when they need you the most. It takes nothing to put a tray of sunflower seeds out in your garden each day and see what happens! In my view, you should always try to attract birds to your garden as it is so good for you and for them.