23 Alaska beautiful birds
Alaska is a haven for bird lovers, home to a wide variety of stunning bird species. From powerful eagles to tiny, colorful hummingbirds, these birds add beauty to Alaska’s incredible landscapes.
This guide introduces some of the most amazing 23 birds you can find in Alaska, sharing their habitats, unique behaviors, and eye-catching features.
List of 23 Alaska beautiful birds
1.Tufted Puffin
The Tufted Puffin is a striking seabird that graces Alaska’s coastal cliffs and rocky islands. Known for its vibrant orange beak and elegant golden feather tufts, it is a visual marvel during the breeding season. This bird’s diving prowess, often plunging deep into the ocean to catch fish, adds to its allure. The Tufted Puffin’s colorful appearance and comical movements make it a favorite among birdwatchers.
- Length: 14–16 inches
- Weight: 1.5–2.2 pounds
- Wingspan: 23–25 inches
2.Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is one of the most iconic birds in Alaska, symbolizing strength and freedom. With its brilliant white head, striking yellow beak, and dark brown body, this majestic raptor is a breathtaking sight. Commonly seen near rivers and coastal areas, the Bald Eagle is both a skilled hunter and a scavenger. Its graceful flight and piercing call make it a symbol of Alaska’s wilderness.
- Length: 28–40 inches
- Weight: 6.6–13.9 pounds
- Wingspan: 71–91 inches
3.Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is a tiny, fiery jewel of Alaska’s forests and gardens. Its radiant orange plumage and remarkable agility make it stand out among hummingbirds. Known for its feisty personality, this bird is also an incredible traveler, covering thousands of miles during migration. The Rufous Hummingbird’s brilliant color and rapid wingbeats create a mesmerizing display of nature’s beauty.
- Length: 3–4 inches
- Weight: 0.1–0.2 ounces
- Wingspan: 4–5 inches
4.Willow Ptarmigan
The Willow Ptarmigan, Alaska’s state bird, is a master of disguise. With its plumage turning white in winter and brown in summer, it blends seamlessly into its surroundings. This ground-dwelling bird is known for its rounded body and soft, fluffy feathers that provide insulation in cold climates. The Willow Ptarmigan’s adaptability and seasonal beauty make it a unique symbol of Alaska’s tundra.
- Length: 14–17 inches
- Weight: 0.9–1.6 pounds
- Wingspan: 24–26 inches
5.American Robin
The American Robin is a familiar and beloved songbird in Alaska. With its bright red breast, cheerful song, and lively movements, it brings warmth and life to forests and meadows. Known as a harbinger of spring, this bird’s vibrant appearance and melodious tunes make it one of the most beautiful sights in Alaska’s birdlife.
- Length: 9–11 inches
- Weight: 2.5–3.5 ounces
- Wingspan: 12–16 inches
6.Dark-eyed Junco
The Dark-eyed Junco is a charming little bird with striking dark plumage and a crisp white belly. Often seen hopping on the ground or perched in forests, it adds a splash of contrast to Alaska’s landscapes. Its gentle appearance and delightful foraging behavior make it a favorite among birdwatchers.
- Length: 5–6 inches
- Weight: 0.6–1.0 ounces
- Wingspan: 7–10 inches
7.Arctic Tern
The Arctic Tern is a graceful and elegant bird known for its striking white plumage and long, forked tail. Found in Alaska’s coastal areas during breeding season, it embarks on the longest migration of any bird, traveling from pole to pole. Its delicate features and incredible stamina make it a marvel of nature.
- Length: 11–15 inches
- Weight: 3.0–4.2 ounces
- Wingspan: 29–33 inches
8.Black-capped Chickadee
The Black-capped Chickadee is a delightful and curious bird with a cheerful personality. Its black cap and bib, along with its soft gray body, create a charming look. Found in Alaska’s forests and backyards, it is known for its friendly demeanor and acrobatic foraging skills.
- Length: 4.5–6 inches
- Weight: 0.3–0.5 ounces
- Wingspan: 6–8 inches
9.Black-legged Kittiwake
The Black-legged Kittiwake is a beautiful seabird with soft white plumage, black wingtips, and striking black legs. Often seen nesting on steep coastal cliffs, these birds form large, noisy colonies. Their graceful flight and elegant appearance add charm to Alaska’s rugged shorelines.
- Length: 14–16 inches
- Weight: 11–16 ounces
- Wingspan: 36–41 inches
10.Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is a small yet striking bird with black-and-white plumage and a red patch on males. It is often seen tapping on tree trunks in Alaska’s forests. Its bold markings and lively behavior make it a delightful addition to the region’s birdlife.
- Length: 5.5–7 inches
- Weight: 0.7–1.0 ounces
- Wingspan: 9–12 inches
11.Emperor Goose
The Emperor Goose is a stunning bird with a striking gray body, white head, and bright orange legs. Found along Alaska’s coastal areas, this goose stands out for its unique coloration and elegant movements. Its beauty is enhanced during migration when large flocks create an impressive sight along shorelines.
- Length: 26–28 inches
- Weight: 4.5–6.5 pounds
- Wingspan: 45–50 inches
12.Fox Sparrow
The Fox Sparrow is a large, attractive sparrow with reddish-brown plumage and bold streaks on its breast. Known for its sweet, melodious song, this bird adds music to Alaska’s forests and shrubs. Its vibrant colors and delightful vocalizations make it a favorite among birdwatchers.
- Length: 6–7 inches
- Weight: 0.8–1.2 ounces
- Wingspan: 10–11 inches
13.Northern Hawk Owl
The Northern Hawk Owl is a unique bird of prey with owl-like features and hawk-like hunting behavior. Its long tail, sharp talons, and piercing yellow eyes make it an extraordinary sight in Alaska’s boreal forests. Active during the day, its beauty lies in its agility and precision as a hunter.
- Length: 14–17 inches
- Weight: 8–12 ounces
- Wingspan: 27–35 inches
14.Red-breasted Nuthatch
The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a tiny, colorful bird with a striking orange breast and blue-gray back. Its quick, acrobatic movements and unique ability to climb headfirst down tree trunks make it fascinating to watch. This bird’s vibrant plumage adds a splash of color to Alaska’s forests.
- Length: 4.5–5 inches
- Weight: 0.3–0.5 ounces
- Wingspan: 8–10 inches
Related article: 15 Largest Birds in Alaska: A Comprehensive Guide
15.Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is one of Alaska’s most iconic birds, with its pure white feathers and piercing yellow eyes. Found in tundra regions, this owl’s beauty is matched by its strength as a hunter. Its graceful flight and ability to survive in harsh conditions make it a true Arctic marvel.
- Length: 20–28 inches
- Weight: 3.0–6.5 pounds
- Wingspan: 49–57 inches
16.Song Sparrow
The Song Sparrow is a charming bird with streaked brown plumage and a beautiful, complex song. Often found in wetlands and shrubs, it is known for its melodious voice that echoes across Alaska’s landscapes. Its simple beauty and delightful tunes make it a cherished bird to spot.
- Length: 5.5–7 inches
- Weight: 0.7–1.5 ounces
- Wingspan: 7.5–9.5 inches
17.Common Raven
The Common Raven is a striking black bird known for its glossy plumage and incredible intelligence. Found throughout Alaska, it is admired for its playful behavior and ability to adapt to various environments. Its deep croaking calls and large size make it one of the most distinctive birds in the region.
- Length: 22–27 inches
- Weight: 2.3–4.4 pounds
- Wingspan: 45–51 inches
18.Crested Auklet
The Crested Auklet is a small, quirky seabird with a unique orange bill and a distinctive feather crest. Found on Alaska’s coastal cliffs, it is known for its comical appearance and sociable behavior. During the breeding season, it emits a citrus-like scent, adding to its fascinating charm.
- Length: 9–10 inches
- Weight: 9–12 ounces
- Wingspan: 18–20 inches
19.Great Gray Owl
The Great Gray Owl is one of the tallest owls in the world, with a stunning facial disc and mesmerizing yellow eyes. Found in Alaska’s boreal forests, it is a masterful hunter of small mammals. Its silent flight and majestic presence make it one of the most awe-inspiring birds in the region.
- Length: 24–33 inches
- Weight: 1.5–4.2 pounds
- Wingspan: 53–61 inches
20.Harlequin Duck
The Harlequin Duck is a striking waterfowl with bold patterns of blue, white, and rust. Found in Alaska’s fast-moving rivers and rocky coastlines, it is an excellent swimmer. Its vivid colors and unique habitat make it a standout among Alaska’s water birds.
- Length: 16–18 inches
- Weight: 1.3–1.8 pounds
- Wingspan: 26–28 inches
21.Loons
Loons are sleek waterbirds with striking red eyes and intricate black-and-white plumage. Found on Alaska’s lakes and coastal waters, they are known for their haunting calls that echo across wilderness areas. Their graceful dives and striking appearance make them a symbol of Alaska’s untamed beauty.
- Length: 24–36 inches
- Weight: 6.0–14.0 pounds
- Wingspan: 46–60 inches
Related article: 22 Alaska birds of prey
22.Northern Wheatear
The Northern Wheatear is a small, elegant songbird with pale underparts and a striking black eye stripe. Found in Alaska’s tundra and rocky areas, it is a remarkable long-distance migrant, traveling across continents. Its delicate beauty and endurance make it a fascinating bird to observe.
- Length: 5.5–6 inches
- Weight: 0.8–1.2 ounces
- Wingspan: 9–11 inches
21.Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon is a sleek, powerful bird of prey known for its record-breaking speeds during hunting dives. With its blue-gray plumage and sharp talons, it is a master predator. Found on cliffs and urban areas, its incredible agility and beauty make it one of Alaska’s most admired raptors.
- Length: 13–23 inches
- Weight: 1.0–3.5 pounds
- Wingspan: 29–47 inches
23.Redpolls
Redpolls are small, hardy finches with a distinctive red cap and streaked brown plumage. Found in Alaska’s boreal forests and tundra, they thrive even in harsh winter conditions. Their cheerful chirps and vibrant markings add warmth and color to Alaska’s cold landscapes.
- Length: 5–6 inches
- Weight: 0.4–0.6 ounces
- Wingspan: 7.5–8.5 inches
FAQs
When is the best time to see birds in Alaska?
Spring and summer are ideal for birdwatching in Alaska, as many species migrate, nest, and are most active during these months.
Where can I find birds in Alaska?
Birds can be found across various habitats in Alaska, from coastal cliffs and tundra to forests, rivers, and urban areas.
What is Alaska’s state bird?
The Willow Ptarmigan is Alaska’s state bird, known for its seasonal plumage changes that provide excellent camouflage.
Are there migratory birds in Alaska?
Yes, Alaska hosts many migratory birds, including Arctic Terns and Rufous Hummingbirds, which travel long distances annually.
Can I feed birds in Alaska?
Yes, feeding birds like chickadees and juncos in backyards is common, but avoid feeding wildlife in protected areas to preserve natural ecosystems.
