Top 6 Birds You’ll See in Alaska
By Avian Feathers Team
Published April 2025
Alaska is a dream destination for bird watchers. With its wide open tundra, deep forests, and icy coastlines, the state is home to some of the most iconic and unique birds in North America. From massive owls to colorful puffins, Alaska offers unforgettable bird sightings in every season. Here are six birds you’re likely to see during your visit. and why they’re worth watching.
1. Snowy Owl
Scientific name: Bubo scandiacus
Lifespan: 9–10 years (wild)
Size: 20–28 in / 52–71 cm
Wingspan: 49–59 in / 125–150 cm
Status: Least Concern
The Snowy Owl is one of Alaska’s most famous avian residents. With their brilliant white feathers and piercing yellow eyes, these owls look like they flew right out of a winter fairytale. They’re built for the Arctic cold and are often seen perched on open tundra or gliding low over snowy fields.
Unlike most owls, Snowy Owls are active during the day, especially in the long daylight hours of summer. They hunt small mammals like lemmings and are known for their incredible eyesight and silent flight. If you’re in northern Alaska, keep your binoculars ready, these birds can appear at any moment.
2. Puffins
Scientific name: Fratercula corniculata (Horned Puffin), Fratercula arctica (Atlantic Puffin)
Lifespan: Up to 20 years
Size: 10–15 in / 25–38 cm
Wingspan: 19–24 in / 48–61 cm
Status: Least Concern
Puffins are Alaska’s version of tropical parrots, colorful, comical, and full of charm. The most common species here are the Horned Puffin and the Tufted Puffin. Both can be spotted along coastal cliffs and islands, especially during the summer breeding season.
With their clown-like beaks and stocky bodies, puffins are expert divers, using their wings to swim underwater while chasing small fish. They nest in burrows or rocky crevices and are a must-see for anyone visiting coastal Alaska.
3. Sandhill Crane
Scientific name: Antigone canadensis
Lifespan: 20+ years
Size: 36–48 in / 91–122 cm
Wingspan: 5.5–7.5 ft / 168–229 cm
Status: Least Concern
With their tall, graceful stature and red-capped heads, Sandhill Cranes are among the most elegant birds in Alaska. They’re usually found in wetlands, open meadows, and river valleys. Their loud, rolling calls echo across the landscape during migration.
In spring and summer, large flocks of Sandhill Cranes arrive to breed and raise their young. Their elaborate mating dances, complete with bows, jumps, and wing flaps, are unforgettable to witness. Watch for them in places like Creamer’s Field near Fairbanks.
4. Willow Ptarmigan
Scientific name: Lagopus lagopus
Lifespan: 1–4 years
Size: 14–17 in / 36–43 cm
Wingspan: 24–26 in / 61–66 cm
Status: Least Concern
The Willow Ptarmigan is Alaska’s state bird, and for good reason, it thrives in the state’s harshest environments. This chicken-like bird is known for its seasonal camouflage: pure white in winter and mottled brown in summer.
They stay low to the ground and prefer dense shrubs or tundra. Though they don’t fly far, they’re quick on foot and good at disappearing into their surroundings. Their gentle clucking sounds and family groups make them fun to spot during hikes.
5. Gyrfalcon
Scientific name: Falco rusticolus
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Size: 19–24 in / 48–61 cm
Wingspan: 43–63 in / 110–160 cm
Status: Least Concern
The Gyrfalcon is the largest falcon in the world, and a powerful predator of the north. Found in Alaska’s tundra and mountainous regions, this bird of prey hunts ptarmigan and waterfowl with incredible speed and precision.
Gyrfalcons come in a variety of color forms, from almost white to dark gray. They’re fierce, fast, and tend to nest on cliffs or remote ledges. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, it’s a moment to remember.
6. Black-billed Magpie
Scientific name: Pica hudsonia
Lifespan: 3–6 years
Size: 17–24 in / 45–60 cm
Wingspan: 22–24 in / 56–61 cm
Status: Least Concern
Flashing black, white, and shimmering blue-green, the Black-billed Magpie is a bold and beautiful bird. Common in interior Alaska, especially around open forests and human settlements, these birds are easy to recognize by their long tails and loud chatter.
Magpies are highly intelligent and social. They feed on everything from insects and berries to small animals and scraps. Their curiosity makes them frequent visitors to campsites and cabins.
Where to Go Birdwatching in Alaska
Whether you’re exploring tundra trails or watching seabirds from a boat, Alaska is full of great birding spots:
- Kenai Fjords National Park – Perfect for puffins and seabirds.
- Denali National Park – Watch for ptarmigan and raptors.
- Creamer’s Field (Fairbanks) – A haven for cranes and songbirds.
- Nome and Barrow (Utqiaġvik) – Top tundra birding destinations.
Don’t forget your binoculars, a good field guide, and warm layers. The birds of Alaska are waiting to be discovered!
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