Birds of Nunavut

The snowy owl is one of the most recognizable Arctic birds, with its striking white plumage and piercing yellow eyes. COSEWIC designated the species as Threatened in 2025, citing a 64% population decline since 1970.

The rock ptarmigan is Nunavut's official territorial bird. This hardy grouse changes plumage seasonally—pure white in winter and mottled brown in summer—providing excellent camouflage year-round.

The willow ptarmigan is the largest of the three ptarmigan species and Alaska's state bird. Like the rock ptarmigan, it changes plumage seasonally for camouflage.

Arctic terns undertake the longest migration of any bird, traveling from Arctic to Antarctic and back each year—a round trip of approximately 71,000 km. They experience more daylight than any other creature on the planet.

The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, capable of diving at speeds exceeding 380 km/h. After near extinction due to DDT, populations have recovered remarkably—COSEWIC assessed the main population as Not at Risk in 2017.

Snow geese breed in large colonies across Nunavut's tundra, creating spectacular gatherings of tens of thousands of birds. Their populations have increased dramatically, causing concern about tundra habitat degradation.

Ravens are one of the few birds to remain in the Arctic year-round. Highly intelligent, they feature prominently in Inuit mythology and are known for their problem-solving abilities and complex vocalizations.