Alaska is one of the most exciting places in the United States for birdwatching. Its huge coastline, boreal forests, tundra, wetlands, mountains, islands, and Arctic regions attract birds that many people never see in the lower 48 states.
You can find seabirds along rocky cliffs, shorebirds on mudflats, ptarmigan in snowy landscapes, eagles near rivers, owls in open country, and waterfowl across lakes and wetlands. Alaska is also an important breeding area for many migratory birds that travel thousands of miles each year.
This guide covers some of the most common, unique, and interesting birds in Alaska, along with simple identification tips to help you recognize them more easily.
Quick Look at Birds in Alaska
| Bird | Main ID Clue | Common Habitat |
| Bald Eagle | White head, dark body | Coastlines, rivers, lakes |
| Common Raven | Large black bird, thick bill | Forests, towns, tundra |
| Willow Ptarmigan | Brown in summer, white in winter | Tundra, shrubland |
| Tufted Puffin | Orange bill, yellow head plumes | Coastal cliffs, islands |
| Horned Puffin | Bright bill, white face | Rocky coasts, islands |
| Sandhill Crane | Tall gray body, red crown | Wetlands, tundra, fields |
| Snowy Owl | Large white owl | Arctic tundra |
| Steller’s Jay | Dark head, blue body | Forests, towns |
| Harlequin Duck | Patterned male, slate-blue body | Rocky rivers, coastal waters |
| Black-legged Kittiwake | Small gull, black wing tips | Sea cliffs, coastal waters |
