West · Pacific Flyway

Birds in Alaska

Alaska hosts the world's greatest concentration of breeding seabirds and Arctic-breeding songbirds.

500+Bird species
3Habitat types
1Birding hotspots
3+Cities

Popular cities in Alaska

Common Birds in Alaska

The most frequently reported bird species across Alaska. Click any bird for full profiles, photos, calls, and attraction tips.

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Backyard Birds in Alaska

Birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens in Alaska. These are the species you're most likely to attract with the right food, plants, and habitat setup.

Find the right feeder →Bird-friendly plants →

Birds by Habitat in Alaska

Alaska spans 3 major habitat types. Explore birds adapted to each environment.

🏖️Coastal BirdsShorebirds, gulls, terns, and seabirds along the coastline.
🌲Forest BirdsWoodland and canopy birds including woodpeckers, warblers, and owls.
🌊Wetland BirdsMarsh, lake, and river species—waterfowl, herons, and shorebirds.

Top Bird Watching Spots in Alaska

The best places to go bird watching in Alaska, from national wildlife refuges to local sanctuaries.

1

Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary

Easy-access wetland near Anchorage for nesting Arctic Terns.

Bird Calendar — Alaska

What to expect each month: migration arrivals, departures, and seasonal highlights.

February
Steady winter residents
March
Steady winter residents
June
Steady winter residents
July
Steady winter residents
August
Steady winter residents
November
Steady winter residents
December
Steady winter residents

Explore neighboring states

About birding in Alaska

Alaska is located in the West region of the United States and falls along the Pacific Flyway, one of four major North American migration routes. The state is home to more than 500 bird species across 3 habitat types: coastal, forest, wetland.

Whether you're a backyard birder in Anchorage or planning a trip to Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Alaska.