Ellesmere Island is an Arctic archipelago located in Northern Canada and is home to a wide variety of birds. From majestic bald eagles to the tiniest of swallows, the island is a haven for birdwatchers and photographers alike.
The harsh conditions of the region present a unique challenge for the birds that live there, but they have adapted to the extreme cold and long winter nights.
In addition to the regular migratory species, Ellesmere Island also hosts a number of rare and endangered birds, making it a great place to observe these birds in their natural habitat.
With its vast open tundra, Ellesmere Island is a great place to explore and discover the incredible beauty of bird life in the Arctic.
1. Pectoral Sandpiper
The Pectoral Sandpiper is a small bird that lives in North America and Asia during the summertime but migrates south to South America and Oceania during the winter months. It feeds on small invertebrates, such as insects, worms, and other small creatures.
To make a home, the Pectoral Sandpiper digs a shallow hole in the ground and lines it with a thick material. This nest is designed to protect the four eggs that it lays from the cooler temperatures of its home.
The Pectoral Sandpiper is an important part of the ecosystem, as it helps to keep invertebrate populations in check.
It is also an important indicator of the health of its environment, as its presence or absence can tell us a lot about the health of the land and water where it lives.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. melanotos |
2. Arctic Tern
The Arctic tern is a species of seabird belonging to the family Laridae. This bird is well known for its circumpolar breeding distribution, as it can be found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
The Arctic tern has an impressive migration pattern, traveling up to 25,000 miles each year in order to take advantage of the best feeding opportunities.
During the summer months, Arctic terns breed in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, and during the winter months, they migrate to the Antarctic and other parts of the southern hemisphere. The Arctic tern is a fairly small bird, with an average length of about 10 to 12 inches.
It has a distinctive black cap on its head, a white body, and gray wings. Its bill and legs are a bright reddish-orange color. The Arctic tern is an agile flier, able to use its long wings to glide gracefully over the water and catch prey.
It typically feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and insects. The Arctic tern is an important part of the Arctic ecosystem. Its presence helps to maintain a healthy balance of predators and prey, and it also plays an important role in seed dispersal.
The Arctic tern is also a valuable indicator species, providing scientists with valuable information about the health of the Arctic environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | S. paradisaea |
3. Ruddy Turnstone
Turnstones are two species of bird that belong to the scientific genus Arenaria, which is part of the larger family of birds known as Scolopacidae.
These two species of turnstones are closely related to calidrid sandpipers, so much so that they could even be classified as members of the same bird tribe, Calidriini.
The two species of turnstones are known for their habit of turning over stones and other objects in search of food. They have also been observed flying in large flocks, which helps them to better locate food sources.
These birds are found in many parts of the world, particularly in coastal regions and near large bodies of water. They are known for their distinctive plumage, which can range from grey and black in color to brightly colored hues such as red and yellow.
Turnstones are an important part of the global avian ecosystem and play an important role in keeping the environment healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Arenaria |
4. Red-Throated Loon
The red-throated loon, also known as the red-throated diver, is a species of aquatic bird that is native to the northern hemisphere. It is the most widespread member of the loon or diver family and can be found in a variety of habitats.
It is a migratory species, breeding in Arctic regions during the summer and then traveling to the northern coasts in the winter. The loon has a distinctive red throat, which sets it apart from other species in the loon family.
It is a strong swimmer and is known to be an expert diver, often diving deep into the water in search of food. Its diet consists of a variety of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects.
Although threatened by human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction, the red-throated loon is still relatively common in its range and is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. stellata |
5. Glaucous Gull
The glaucous gull is an impressive bird, being the second-largest gull in the world. It breeds in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere during the summer months and migrates south to the coasts of the Holarctic in the winter.
Its genus name, Larus, is derived from Latin and apparently refers to a large seabird. This is a remarkable species, as it has adapted to a wide range of climates and habitats.
The glaucous gull is an important part of the biodiversity of the Arctic region and is an important food source for many predators. It is also an important part of the ecosystem in the Holarctic, providing a link between the different species of birds found in these areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. hyperboreus |
6. Iceland Gull
The Iceland gull is a species of gull that is found in the Arctic regions of Canada and Greenland. It is characterized as having a medium size, and it typically breeds in these areas, but it is not found in Iceland.
Instead, the gull can only be seen in Iceland during the winter season. This species of gull has been given its scientific name, Larus, from the Latin language. The term is believed to refer to a large seabird, potentially a gull, although this is not certain.
The Iceland gull is a fascinating species of bird, as it is found in some of the harshest climates on the planet, and can survive the cold temperatures that come with winter in Iceland.
Furthermore, it is interesting that this species of gull is not found in Iceland during the breeding season, but instead is seen only in the winter months.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. glaucoides |
7. King Eider
The king eider is a species of large sea duck that is native to the coasts of northeast Europe, North America, and Asia.
This species of duck resides in coastal marine ecosystems in the northern hemisphere’s Arctic region throughout the year, except for a short period of time in June and July.
During this time, the king-eider migrates to the Arctic tundra in order to breed. The king eider is a large sea duck, with a wingspan that can measure up to 56 inches, and a body length of up to 27 inches.
The male ducks are larger than the females, with a distinctive black and white head and neck. The male also has a pointed erectile crest that is located on the top of his head.
The females are usually browner than the males, with a grayish-brown head and neck. The king eider is an excellent diver and swimmer, able to stay underwater for up to 30 seconds at a time. It feeds on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish.
During the breeding season, the birds will congregate in large flocks, often numbering in the hundreds. The king eider is listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List and is found in relatively healthy populations in most parts of its range.
However, it is threatened by human activities such as hunting, pollution, and habitat destruction. In addition, the species is also threatened by climate change, which is causing sea level rise and increasing the frequency of storms and floods..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Somateria |
| Species | S. spectabilis |
8. Purple Sandpiper
The purple sandpiper is a small shorebird belonging to the sandpiper family Scolopacidae. This species is known for its hardy nature, breeding in some of the harshest climates in the world.
The purple sandpiper breeds in both the Arctic and subarctic regions of Eurasia and North America. During the winter months, the purple sandpiper migrates further south and can be found on the Atlantic coast.
This small shorebird is able to survive in these extreme conditions due to its hardy nature, which has allowed it to become a common sight in its breeding and wintering areas.
The purple sandpiper is a remarkable species, having adapted to survive in some of the harshest and most inhospitable regions on Earth.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. maritima |
9. Red Knot
The red knot, also known as just knot, is a species of medium-sized shorebird that breeds in the Arctic regions of Canada, Europe, and Russia. It is a member of the Calidris sandpipers family, the second largest species in the family being the great knot.
There are six recognized subspecies of the red knot, each of which has distinct physical characteristics. The red knot is a medium-sized shorebird, with a body length of between 20 and 28 centimeters, and a wingspan of around 50 centimeters.
It has a red-brown back and wings, white underparts, and a dark-streaked head. Its bill is black and slightly curved, and its legs are yellow-orange in color.
Red knots migrate long distances each year, usually traveling to wintering grounds in Africa, Australia, and South America.
In order to complete their long-distance journeys, they need to build up reserves of fat, and they do this by feeding on the intertidal mudflats and sandflats of coastal areas.
The red knot’s diet consists of a variety of invertebrates, such as mollusks, crustaceans, and other small marine organisms. The red knot is an important species for conservation, as it is listed as vulnerable due to the threats to its habitat and food sources.
Human activities, such as overfishing and coastal development, are having a negative impact on the red knot’s ability to find food and breed. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species and its habitats and to ensure its long-term survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. canutus |
10. Rock Ptarmigan
The rock ptarmigan is a medium-sized game bird that belongs to the grouse family. It is found in many different parts of the world, but it is known as the ptarmigan in the UK.
In Canada, the rock ptarmigan is the official bird for the Nunavut territory, where it is known as the aqiggiq. It is also the official game bird for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The rock ptarmigan is known for its camouflage feathers, which range in color from brown to white. This allows the bird to blend in with its environment and stay hidden from predators. It is also able to survive in very cold temperatures, thanks to its thick down feathers.
The rock ptarmigan is an important food source for native cultures in Canada, and it is also a popular game bird for hunters. It is a resilient species that is able to survive in harsh conditions, and it is well-adapted to living in its native environment.
The rock ptarmigan is an important part of Canada’s wildlife, and it is a symbol of the Nunavut territory and Newfoundland and Labrador province.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Lagopus |
| Species | L. muta |
11. Sanderling
The sanderling is a small wading bird that is native to many coastal regions around the world. Its name originates from Old English, where it was known as the “sand-yrðling”, or “sand-ploughman”.
This species is a member of the genus Calidris or Scalidris, a term used by Aristotle to describe certain grey-colored birds that inhabit waterside areas. The species name, alba, refers to its white plumage.
The sanderling is a popular species among birdwatchers, as it has a distinct and colorful appearance. It is important to note that the sanderling is a migratory species, meaning it may move between different regions during different times of the year.
This is why it is important to be aware of the species movements when observing it in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. alba |
12. Common Ringed Plover
The common ringed plover is a species of small plover, which breeds in the Arctic region of Eurasia. It is classified under the genus Charadrius, which is derived from the Late Latin word for a yellowish bird mentioned in the fourth-century Vulgate.
This word is derived from the Ancient Greek word “kharadrios”, which was used to describe a bird found in ravines and river valleys.
This species of bird is known for its yellowish coloration, which helps it blend in with its natural surroundings while searching for food in the area.
The ringed plover is an important species in its native habitat, as it helps to keep the local insect population in check and is also an important food source for many of the local predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. hiaticula |
13. Long-Tailed Jaeger
The long-tailed skua or long-tailed jaeger is a species of seabird that belongs to the skua family, Stercorariidae. It is a large seabird, with a wingspan of up to 70 cm, and a length of up to 50 cm.
It is commonly seen in cooler climates and is found in the southern hemisphere, as well as in the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Arctic oceans. Its diet consists of fish, crustaceans, eggs, and carrion.
It is a powerful predator and is known to chase and harass other seabirds, such as gulls and terns, to steal their food. It is also an opportunistic hunter and is known to catch fish with its sharp claws. The long-tailed skua is a social bird and is often seen in groups.
They are monogamous and mate for life, and breed in colonies. They breed on remote islands or skerries and construct their nests on the ground. The long-tailed skua has a unique vocalization and is known to make a wide variety of calls, including a loud, raucous screech.
It is a beautiful bird, with a plumage of brown, white, and gray.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Stercorariidae |
| Genus | Stercorarius |
| Species | S. longicaudus |
14. Baird’s Sandpiper
Baird’s sandpiper is a small shorebird that is part of the Calidrid family. It was originally classified in the genus Erolia, but in 1973, this genus was grouped into the genus Calidris.
The genus name Calidris comes from Ancient Greek and was used by Aristotle to describe grey-colored birds that lived near water. Baird’s sandpiper is one of these birds, and its size and greyish-brown coloration make it easily identifiable.
Its diet consists of insects, crustaceans, and other invertebrates that are found near the shore. It is found mostly along the coasts of the North American continent and migrates south during the winter months.
The Baird’s sandpiper is an important species for conservation and is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. bairdii |
15. Pacific Loon
The Pacific loon, also known as the Pacific diver, is a charming aquatic bird found in North America and parts of Europe. It is a medium-sized member of the loon, or diver, family, making it one of the largest species of loon.
They typically measure between 19 and 21 inches in length, with a wingspan of up to 37 inches. Their feathers are generally dark gray on top, and white or light gray underneath, with a white throat.
They have a long, slender neck and a pointed beak. Pacific loons are strong, agile swimmers, capable of diving and swimming underwater to depths of up to 200 feet. They typically feed on aquatic invertebrates and small fish, using their sharp beaks to capture their prey.
They are also known to eat amphibians, such as frogs and salamanders, as well as crayfish and aquatic vegetation. Pacific loons prefer shallow, coastal waters, such as lakes, rivers, and marshes.
During the winter months, they migrate to coastal areas of North America and parts of Europe, where they remain until spring.
During the breeding season, Pacific loons make a variety of different calls to attract potential mates. The Pacific Loon is an amazing species of bird that is both graceful and beautiful.
Its unique behavior and characteristics make it an interesting species to observe and appreciate.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. pacifica |
16. Snow Goose
The snow goose is a species of goose that is native to North America. It is characterized by its white plumage, which has given the species its name. However, two distinct morphs of this species exist, the white morph and a darker morph known as the blue goose.
In the past, the snow goose was classified as part of the genus Chen, but it is now typically included in the genus Anser, which is also commonly referred to as the “gray goose” genus.
Overall, the snow goose is a unique species of goose that can be seen in North American habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anser |
| Species | A. caerulescens |
17. White-Rumped Sandpiper
The white-rumped sandpiper is a small shorebird that breeds in the northern tundra regions of Canada and Alaska. This species is particularly difficult to identify as it is a member of a group of similar shorebirds, referred to as “peeps” or “stints”.
The white-rumped sandpiper is usually identified by its white rump, a pale buff stripe along the side of its head, and a white stripe above its eye. However, these features are not always visible from a distance, making it difficult to spot these birds.
Despite being difficult to identify, these birds can still be found in their breeding grounds in the northern tundra. They are also known to be migratory, with some birds flying south to Central and South America during the winter months.
However, due to their small size and the fact that they can be difficult to identify, they are not often spotted.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. fuscicollis |
18. Arctic Redpoll
The Arctic redpoll, also known as the hoary redpoll, is a species of bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. It is native to the tundra birch forests of Greenland and neighboring parts of Canada, as well as the tundra of northern North America and the Palearctic.
This species has two subspecies, A. h. hornemanni and A. h. exilipes, which are both found in these regions. The Arctic redpoll is a small bird, typically measuring between 12 and 14 cm in length. It has a bright red cap, chestnut-brown underparts, and a white rump.
Its wings are grey with contrasting white patches, while its tail is black with white outer feathers.
The Arctic redpoll is generally found in small flocks, where it feeds mainly on insects and seeds. The Arctic redpoll is a migratory species, traveling southward during the winter months to avoid harsh conditions.
During the summer months, it breeds in its native tundra birch forests, constructing nests in the branches of trees. After mating, the female will lay a clutch of three to eight eggs, which she will incubate for up to two weeks.
The chicks are then fed by both parents until they are ready to fledge and leave the nest. The Arctic redpoll is an important species for both its ecological and economic significance.
Ecologically, it plays an important role in its food web, providing food for predators such as hawks and owls. Economically, the species is hunted for its feathers, which are used to make hats, blankets, and other items.
This species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, although its population is believed to be decreasing due to habitat loss caused by climate change.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Acanthis |
| Species | A. hornemanni |
19. Arctic Skua
The parasitic jaeger, also known as the Arctic skua, is a migratory seabird belonging to the skua family. It is native to the northern hemisphere, found in Scandinavia, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and Siberia.
During the breeding season, these birds migrate to their northern habitats. As winter approaches, they migrate south to the opposite hemisphere, where they can be found in countries across the southern hemisphere.
The migratory habits of the parasitic jaeger are highly impressive, with the birds traveling huge distances to their preferred habitats. The jaeger is a predatory species, preying on the eggs and young of other birds.
It is also a scavenger, often seen taking advantage of fishing boats and following them to find food. Although the species is not under threat, their numbers are declining due to habitat destruction and the introduction of predators to their natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Stercorariidae |
| Genus | Stercorarius |
| Species | S. parasiticus |
Conclusion
It can be seen that Ellesmere Island is home to a variety of different bird species and is a great place for birders to observe them in their natural habitat.
The island is also home to a number of threatened and endangered species, making it an important area for conservation efforts.
Birders can expect to see a variety of species as they explore the island, and the stunning beauty of the Arctic landscape is sure to make any birding trip memorable..