Greenland, the world’s largest island, is home to a diverse range of bird species. With its vast, uninhabited wilderness and varied landscape, birds in Greenland have found the perfect habitat to inhabit and make their homes.
From seabirds that thrive along the coast to Arctic birds that migrate here every summer, Greenland provides a thriving environment for avian biodiversity.
With climate change affecting the Arctic region, understanding the migratory and nesting habits of birds in Greenland is of utmost importance to protect the delicate ecosystem and uphold the diversity of this unique and beautiful land.
1. Phasianidae
The Phasianidae family of birds is one that contains many popular gamebirds, with a total of 185 species divided across 54 genera.
These heavy ground-living birds include pheasants, partridges, junglefowl, chickens, and turkeys among others like Old World quail and peafowl.
This large family was formerly split into two subfamilies known as the Phasianinae and Perdicinae but this classification has since been changed to reflect more current scientific findings on them.
All these different types of birds have certain things in common such as their strong legs for scratching through leaves or soil looking for food items including insects, seeds, and other vegetation which makes up most of their diet.
They also all tend to be quite colorful in order to attract mates during breeding season when males will often display vibrant feathers or do dances around females in an attempt at courtship ritual displays.
The majority are monogamous creatures too although some may form short-term pair bonds before going off alone again once mating has taken place – either way.
There tends to be very little parental care given by adults after eggs have hatched so chicks need to fend for themselves right away.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Superfamily | Phasianoidea |
| Family | Phasianidae Horsfield, 1821 |
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2. Plovers
Plovers are a family of around 64-68 species of ground-dwelling birds, commonly found in open country such as fields, meadows and tundras.
They have short bills with webbed feet to help them forage through mud or shallow water.
Plover plumage is usually mottled brown though some species may have brighter colors on the head and wings.
These birds feed mainly on insects but can also eat small crustaceans and worms.
Plovers breed during springtime when they dig holes in sandy or pebbled beaches to lay their eggs which hatch after about 3 weeks incubation period.
They use distraction display behaviour by pretending an injury to the predators away from their nests if needed for protecting their young ones.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae Leach, 1820 |
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3. Greater White-Fronted Goose
The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of waterfowl native to the subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia.
Its distinguishing feature is the large white patch that runs from its bill down to its throat, earning it its Latin name “albifrons” which translates as ‘white forehead’.
This bird can grow up to 28 inches in length with a wingspan of 50 inches and weigh 2lbs. It feeds mainly on plant material such as grasses, sedges, grains and berries.
The Greater White-fronted Goose also likes areas near rivers or lakes where they forage for food during their annual spring migration across continents ranging from Alaska all the way into Russia.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anser |
| Species | A. albifrons |
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4. Common Loon
The Common Loon is a beautiful bird found in North America. It has a large black head and neck, with a greenish to purple sheen that stands out against its dark grey upperparts.
The underparts are pure white except for some black on the undertail coverts and vent.
During non-breeding season adults have brown plumage instead of the bright shades they show during breeding season.
They also exhibit unique behaviors such as diving underwater to catch fish or swimming along lakeshores while calling loudly, which is how they got their name “great northern diver”.
With their stunning colors and interesting behavior, it’s no wonder why these birds make up an iconic part of many landscapes across North America.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. immer |
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5. Shorebirds
Shorebirds, a diverse group of birds in the Charadriiformes order, are found near water on every continent except Antarctica.
These small to medium-sized birds feed mainly on invertebrates and other small animals but can also be pelagic seabirds or inhabit deserts.
Shorebirds use their long bills to probe mudflats for food like worms and mollusks while some species plunge into the ocean’s depths in search of crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp.
They have strong legs equipped with webbed feet which allow them to move quickly when searching for prey across wetlands, sandbars, beaches and swamps.
Their feathers make them well adapted to life by land or sea due to its hydrophobic nature which helps reduce drag during swimming or flying through windy conditions making it easier for shorebirds survive tough environments around the world.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Infraclass | Neognathae |
| Clade | Neoaves |
| Clade | Gruimorphae |
| Order | Charadriiformes Huxley, 1867 |
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6. Northern Storm Petrels
Northern storm petrels are one of the smallest seabirds, inhabiting oceans all over the world.
They have a unique ability to hover over water and pick planktonic crustaceans and small fish from the surface.
Northern storm petrels belong to the genus Hydrobates in family Hydrobatidae, part of Procellariiformes order.
This species was once lumped with austral storm petrel but recent studies show that they weren’t related closely which led them being split into two distinct species now.
These birds can be identified by their dark grey upperparts and wings along with white underparts when seen from afar while feeding on ocean’s surface.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Hydrobatidae Mathews, 1912 |
| Genus | Hydrobates F. Boie, 1822 |
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7. Great Skua
The Great Skua is a large sea bird belonging to the family Stercorariidae, found in areas such as Faroe Islands and Iceland.
It has a size similar to that of herring gulls, with its diet consisting mainly of fish caught at the surface or taken from other birds.
This species was first described by Danish zoologist Morten Thrane Brünnich in 1764 under the name Cath.
They are powerful predators who will sometimes use mobbing tactics against larger prey like gannets and eiders until they give up their catch.
These birds mate for life but may build nests near colonies if there aren’t enough suitable territories available on their own island range.
Although these skuas might seem intimidating due to their fierce nature when protecting young, they can be quite timid around humans so should not be approached too closely.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Stercorariidae |
| Genus | Stercorarius |
| Species | S. skua |
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8. Old World Flycatchers
The Old World Flycatcher is a family of small passerine birds, native to Europe, Africa and Asia. They are mainly insectivorous arboreal birds that feed on insects they catch in the air or trees.
Their wingspan ranges from 5-11 inches long with males usually being slightly larger than females.
The coloration of these birds can range greatly depending on species but typically have dull greyish brown upperparts and pale undersides which help them blend into their environment for hunting purposes.
Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) and Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) are two exceptions as they can be found in North America too.
These charming little creatures make fun additions to birdwatching lists all over the world because of their vibrant colors and interesting behaviors.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Muscicapoidea |
| Family | Muscicapidae Fleming J., 1822 |
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9. Common Ringed Plover
The Common Ringed Plover is a small migratory bird found in Arctic Eurasia. It has yellowish feathers and its Latin name, Charadrius hiaticula, means ‘bird of ravines’.
This species breeds on beaches and tundra during northern summer months before flying south when winter arrives.
Its diet consists mostly of insects which it catches by running along the shoreline or through shallow water with wings spread open to create a shadow that helps catch prey.
The common ringed plover nests in short grasses near water’s edge where they lay two eggs per clutch which hatch within three weeks.
These birds are highly territorial so will often defend their patch fiercely against competitors.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. hiaticula |
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10. Barnacle Goose
The Barnacle Goose is a species of black goose from the Branta genus. It has mostly black plumage and can be distinguished from other types of geese, such as grey Anser species, by its unique colouring.
This bird was first classified taxonomically in 1758 and genetic studies have recently revealed that it is actually related to the Cackling Goose lineage rather than brant geese which it bears resemblance to.
The barnacle goose lives all around northern Europe during winter months but travels further north into Greenland or Svalbard for breeding season when they will lay eggs on cliffs close to water sources so their young ones may take advantage of food-rich waters below them easily after hatching.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Branta |
| Species | B. leucopsis |
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11. Arctic Tern
The Arctic tern is an incredible bird that displays a truly remarkable migratory behavior.
It breeds in the northern regions of Europe, Asia and North America during summer before undertaking its migration along a convoluted route to reach the Antarctic for winter.
This species has adapted extremely well to its environment – it can fly very long distances while navigating with ease thanks to their excellent eyesight.
Furthermore, they are able to survive in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius.
The Arctic Tern is also known for being one of the longest living birds on Earth; some have been recorded living up to 30 years old.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | S. paradisaea |
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12. Parasitic Jaeger
The Parasitic Jaeger is a migratory bird that breeds in cold climates of Northern Scandinavia, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland and parts of Canada, Alaska and Siberia.
During the breeding season it feeds primarily on kleptoparasitism – stealing food from other birds.
In winter they migrate to warmer regions across the southern hemisphere where they feed mainly by scavenging off fish or carrion left behind by fishing boats or whales.
This species is easily identified by its brownish-gray plumage with white patches on its wings and tail feathers as well as yellow eyes which are quite distinctive among skuas.
The parasitic jaeger has adapted to many different habitats ranging from coastal areas to inland lakes making them an interesting species to watch out for while exploring nature.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Stercorariidae |
| Genus | Stercorarius |
| Species | S. parasiticus |
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13. Black Guillemot
The Black Guillemot is a striking seabird found throughout the northern Atlantic coasts and eastern North American coasts. It has black feathers with white underparts, a red bill, and bright yellow feet.
They live around rocky shores, cliffs, and islands in single or small groups.
During winter months they migrate southwards from their high arctic breeding grounds to search for food sources such as fish eggs or invertebrates like shrimp that can be caught near shorelines.
Their diet also includes seeds and berries during summertime when they are nesting on coastal ledges creating burrows where they lay up to four pastel-colored eggs at once.
These amazing birds are very efficient swimmers using both their wings and webbed feet to propel themselves through water quickly while hunting prey.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Genus | Cepphus |
| Species | C. grylle |
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14. White-Tailed Eagle
The white-tailed eagle is an impressive species of sea eagle found across temperate Eurasia. This majestic bird belongs to the family Accipitridae, which includes hawks, kites and harriers.
It has a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters and can weigh 4 kilograms or more.
The plumage varies in colour from dark brown above with paler head and neck while its tail is pure white – hence it’s name.
They feed mainly on fish but will also take small mammals, birds and carrion when available.
White-tailed eagles are solitary by nature but form pairs during nesting season typically near bodies of water such as lakes or coasts where they build large stick nests on trees or cliffsides for their young ones to hatch safely in peace.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Haliaeetus |
| Species | H. albicilla |
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15. Procellariidae
Procellariidae is a diverse family of seabirds belonging to the bird order Procellariiformes.
These birds are commonly referred to as tubenoses and include fulmarine petrels, gadfly petrels, diving petrels, prions, and shearwaters.
They range in size from the small storm-petrel which measures around 18cm long to the giant albatross which can reach up to 3 meters in length.
Generally found near oceans or coasts where they feed on fish as well as squid and other marine life depending on species.
Many procellariids will also nest inland during breeding season before returning back out at sea for most of their lives.
Their wings have specially adapted feathers that give them incredible gliding abilities allowing them literally fly with minimal effort over vast distances across oceanic regions.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae Leach, 1820 |
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16. Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large wading birds which includes 36 species. These birds are traditionally divided into two subfamilies – the ibises and the spoonbills.
However, recent genetic analysis has shown that spoonbills actually belong to Old World ibis group, while New World ibises form an early offshoot from this lineage.
Threskiornithidse members have long curved beaks with serrated edges used for catching fish in shallow water or mudflats, as well as other aquatic invertebrates like crustaceans and mollusks.
They also feed on plant matter such as grains and seeds found close to wetlands areas where they live.
This diverse diet makes them important scavengers in their ecosystems, helping maintain healthy populations of native wildlife by controlling insect numbers and dispersing energy-rich seeds throughout wetland habitats.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Suborder | Ardei |
| Family | Threskiornithidae Richmond, 1917 |
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17. Red-Throated Loon
The Red-throated Loon is a migratory bird found in the northern hemisphere, with its breeding grounds primarily located in Arctic regions and wintering spots near coastal waters.
With an average length of 55 – 67 cm (22 – 26 inches), it’s the smallest member of the loon or diver family.
Its namesake comes from its bright red throat patch which contrasts against its white underside and grey back.
This species has adapted to life on icy seas; they are strong swimmers with powerful wings for long flights over open water when migrating seasonally.
Their diet consists mostly of fish but can also include crustaceans, molluscs, amphibians and insects depending on availability.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. stellata |
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18. Falcons And Caracaras
Falcons and caracaras are birds of prey that belong to the family Falconidae. They have impressive sharp talons, hooked beaks and keen eyesight which makes them excellent hunters.
Falcons can reach speeds up to 200 mph when diving for their prey while caracaras use a combination of running and flying to hunt small mammals such as rabbits or rats.
Both falcons and caracaras live in various areas around the world from grasslands, deserts, forests, wetlands or even urban areas where they nest on cliffs or tall buildings.
The diet mainly consists insects but also includes larger animals like reptiles or other birds which they catch by surprise with fast dives out of the sky.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae Leach, 1820 |
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19. Tyrant Flycatchers
Tyrant flycatchers are a family of birds found in North and South America, containing over 400 species. These birds come in an array of shapes and sizes, with vibrant plumage to match.
They�re the most diverse avian family across all countries they inhabit except for the United States and Canada.
Their diet consists mainly of insects but also includes small reptiles or amphibians where available.
The behavior varies between each bird; some prefer open areas while others like dense forests as their habitat � many even migrate regularly.
Tyrant Flycatchers have adapted well to human presence thanks to the abundance of food sources that often accompany it � such as backyards, parks etc..
All things considered these incredible creatures are truly amazing.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Parvorder | Tyrannida |
| Family | Tyrannidae Vigors, 1825 |
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20. Atlantic Puffin
The Atlantic puffin is a seabird that belongs to the auk family. It has two related species found in the northeastern Pacific, namely tufted and horned puffins.
This bird breeds widely throughout Russia, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Greenland and Canada’s Newfoundland & Labrador as well as Nova Scotia regions of Faroe Islands.
Its colorful beak with markings of yellowish-orange during mating season makes it stand out among other birds.
An interesting fact about this sea-dweller is its ability to fly underwater; they use their wings for propulsion while swimming.
The Atlantic puffin diet consists mainly of fish caught from shallow waters near shorelines or cliffsides where they nest annually during springtime months before embarking on long migrations southward towards winter grounds at seaside coasts until spring returns once again.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Genus | Fratercula |
| Species | F. arctica |
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21. Common Eider
The Common Eider is a large sea-duck that inhabits coasts of Europe, North America and eastern Siberia.
It breeds in arctic regions as well as some northern temperate climates but travels further south during the winter months to form flocks with other ducks in temperate zones.
These birds are easily recognised by their characteristic black and white markings on their wings which can be seen when they take flight.
They have light brown bodies topped off with bright yellowish coloured heads making them quite striking creatures.
The eiders feed mainly on molluscs such as clams, mussels, snails and worms found at the bottom of shallow coastal waters or tidal flats.
Their diet helps improve water quality through natural filtering processes carried out by foraging for food underwater which benefits local marine ecosystems immensely.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Somateria |
| Species | S. mollissima |
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22. Sylviid Warblers
The Sylviid warblers are a family of passerine birds found in Eurasia and Africa. They include the typical warblers as well as babblers that were formerly part of the Old World babbler family.
These birds have slender bodies, pointed wings, long tails and strong legs adapted for ground-dwelling habits like running or hopping along branches.
The male often has bright colors while females are usually duller in coloration with more muted plumage patterns than males.
Some species also show sexual dimorphism where one sex may be larger or smaller than its counterpart; for instance some species may have longer tail feathers on the female side compared to their male counterparts.
Many members of this group feed on insects but some specialize on seeds, fruits, nectar or even frogs.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Sylvioidea |
| Family | Sylviidae Leach, 1820 |
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23. Black-Legged Kittiwake
The Black-legged Kittiwake is a seabird of the gull family Laridae. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and its name derives from its distinctive call which sounds like ‘kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake’.
These birds are mainly found along coastal regions with plenty of food sources such as plankton and fish. They have white bodies with slate grey wings and black legs.
The bill is yellowish orange to red depending on age or season.
In winter they migrate southwards away from their northern habitats into warmer waters for breeding purposes before returning again once spring arrives.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Rissa |
| Species | R. tridactyla |
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24. Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds consisting of around 70 species. They are found across Europe, Africa, Asia and even Alaska with two migratory breeding species.
The three genera they belong to include wagtails which typically have medium to long tails; longclaws that can only be spotted in the Afrotropics; and pipits which possess the most cosmopolitan distribution worldwide.
These birds feed on insects as well as seeds for their diets and are usually seen in open habitats such grasslands or wetlands where food sources like invertebrates can easily be accessed.
Most Motacillidae species also use mud nests during breeding season making them easy targets for predators so it’s important we protect these beautiful creatures.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Passeroidea |
| Family | Motacillidae Horsfield, 1821 |
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25. Buff-Bellied Pipit
The Buff-bellied Pipit is a small songbird found across the northern Pacific, first described by Marmaduke Tunstall in his 1771 Ornithologia Britannica.
Formerly classified as a form of the Water pipit, it’s known as “American pipit” in North America and “buff-bellied pipit” in Eurasia.
This bird has brown upperparts and buff underparts with streaks on its breast.
Its tail feathers have white edges while its wings are blackish with pale fringes to each feather.
In flight this species displays a rapid twisting action which helps identify them from other similar birds flying nearby.
They feed mainly on insects but also eat seeds during winter months when there aren’t many insects around for them to catch and feast upon.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Anthus |
| Species | A. rubescens |
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26. Yellow-Breasted Chat
The Yellow-breasted Chat is a large songbird found in North America, and is the only member of its family Icteriidae.
It was once part of the New World Warbler family but has since been moved to its own group due to taxonomic uncertainty.
This bird stands out as it was previously thought to be the largest species within Parulida.
Its plumage features shades of yellow, olive green and browns; males have darker heads while females are slightly paler overall.
The chat’s diet consists mostly of insects such as caterpillars and beetles which they forage from low vegetation or glean off leaves on tree branches during summer months when their populations peak.
They also feed heavily on fruits like elderberry, grapes and wild cherries during migration periods throughout spring/fall season providing much needed energy for long journeys southwards or northwards depending upon geography location each year.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Emberizoidea |
| Family | Icteriidae Baird, 1858 |
| Genus | Icteria Vieillot, 1808 |
| Species | I. virens |
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27. Nightjars
Nightjars are fascinating nocturnal or crepuscular birds belonging to the Caprimulgidae family. These medium-sized birds have long wings, short legs and very small bills.
They can be found across many parts of the world in forests, grasslands and scrubland habitats.
Nightjars feed on insects such as moths, beetles, crickets and cicadas which they catch with their sharp eyesight during night time flights over open fields when hunting for food.
Their scientific name ‘Caprimulgidae’ is derived from an old folktale that claims these birds suck milk from goats.
In reality though, they are harmless creatures who pose no threat to livestock whatsoever.
Nightjars make a variety of different calls ranging from whistles to chirps all throughout the night – adding further mystery to this amazing species.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes Ridgway, 1881 |
| Family | Caprimulgidae Vigors, 1825 |
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28. Red Phalarope
The Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius) is a small wader, native to the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia.
During breeding season it will migrate across oceanic routes and winter at sea on tropical oceans – an unusual behaviour for a wader species.
First described in 1750 by George Edwards, this bird has distinctive red plumage with black markings around its neck and wings.
Its bill is thin but sharp which helps them catch their prey from the water’s surface such as insects or fish eggs.
As they are highly agile birds, they can be found spinning rapidly in shallow waters whilst searching for food using their long toes as paddles.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Phalaropus |
| Species | P. fulicarius |
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29. Common Murre
The Common Murre, also known as a Common Guillemot is an Arctic and Boreal seabird that can be seen in North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans.
It has a stocky body with white underparts, black upper parts and striking yellow legs.
They are relatively large birds compared to their relatives but have weak flying abilities – they fly fast but not very agilely.
Their agility lies underwater instead where they are able to dive deep into the ocean depths for food such as fish, crustaceans or molluscs.
During breeding season these birds come ashore on rocky cliffsides or islands where they create burrows for nesting purposes.
The female lays one egg each year which both parents share incubation duties over it until hatching at around 30 days later.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Genus | Uria |
| Species | U. aalge |
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30. Glaucous Gull
The Glaucous Gull is a majestic species of bird which can be found in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
It has an impressive wingspan, being one of the largest gulls in existence and second only to The Great Black-Backed Gull.
During winter months they migrate southwards towards coasts along Holarctic shores where their presence is seen as far down as South Africa.
Their genus name ‘Larus’, from Latin origins, likely refers to some kind of seabird while its specific name ‘hyperboreus’ derives from Greek for “northern”, referencing Ancient Greeks who lived near what became known as North Pole.
This stunning avian species makes them an unforgettable sight on any journey northward or through coastal areas throughout much of Europe and Asia.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. hyperboreus |
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31. Brant
The Brent Goose, also known as the Brant or Bernicla goose, is a small species of waterfowl belonging to the genus Branta. It has three subspecies that live along temperate coastlines and breed on high-Arctic tundras.
This species can be identified by its short stubby bill, which measures between 22-26 inches long and 42-48 across their wingspan when fully grown.
They typically weigh between 0.88 – 2 lbs depending on location and seasonally changing diets they may consume while in flight or at rest stops during migration routes they take annually from one region to another.
The Brent Oilfield was named after this bird due to its abundance in certain areas near bodies of water where it would gather for safety during migrations over land formations such as mountains ranges or other geographical features that could otherwise become difficult obstacles if not avoided altogether.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Branta |
| Species | B. bernicla |
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32. Iceland Gull
The Iceland Gull is a medium-sized, Arctic-dwelling gull whose range includes Canada and Greenland, but not its namesake.
Its gray wings are marked with black primaries and white tips on the inner secondary feathers which distinguishes it from other similar species like Larus hyperboreus which has completely white secondaries.
It feeds mainly by scavenging or kleptoparasitism – stealing food from other birds – as well as actively pursuing smaller prey such as crustaceans and insects in shallow waters near shorelines.
When breeding season arrives they nest atop rocky outcrops found along coastal areas to provide adequate protection against predators while also giving them an unobstructed view of their surroundings for when danger approaches.
The Iceland Gull can be seen during winter months visiting places like Iceland where temperatures remain more hospitable than its native habitat further north despite the cold weather.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. glaucoides |
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33. Pink-Footed Goose
The Pink-footed Goose is a migratory bird which breeds in eastern Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard.
It spends the winter in northwest Europe such as Ireland, Great Britain, Netherlands and western Denmark.
Its name comes from combining Latin for “goose” with ancient Greek words meaning ‘short beak’.
This species has pink legs and feet along with an orange bill. They have grey-brown upperparts and white underparts making them easy to identify amongst other geese.
Their diet consists mainly of grasses but they also eat grains like wheat or barley when available.
The population size of this species is increasing due to conservation efforts made by many countries across Europe who are dedicated to protecting these birds throughout their migration journey each year.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anser |
| Species | A. brachyrhynchus |
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34. Northern Fulmar
The Northern Fulmar is a seabird that resides in the subarctic regions of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. It has one distinctive color morph: white head and body, along with gray wings.
This bird had been seen only once in Southern Hemisphere south from New Zealand due to its habitat preferences.
Its diet includes fish eggs, crustaceans, small squid and other marine animals which they consume while flying over water surface or when swimming on sea’s top layer looking for food.
The Fulmar also scavenges carrion, especially during breeding season as their chicks need more nutrition than adult birds do.
They are highly abundant species so no conservation measures have been taken yet but monitoring them helps us understand population dynamics better.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Fulmarus |
| Species | F. glacialis |
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35. Razorbill
The Razorbill is a seabird of the family Alcidae and is closely related to the extinct great auk. It lives in subarctic waters of the Atlantic Ocean, primarily black with white underside and both male and female look identical.
They have long pointed wings which help them dive underwater for their food that consists mainly of fish and crustaceans.
Usually they form large colonies on cliffs or rocky islands but can also be found solitary during breeding season when pairs nest together in crevices or rock ledges near sea level.
During winter they migrate southwards into open water areas where they stay until spring arrives again before returning back to breed once more.
The razorbill’s population has been declining due to human activity such as overfishing so conservation efforts are being made by governments across Europe in order to protect this species from extinction.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Genus | Alca |
| Species | A. torda |
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36. Snow Bunting
The snow bunting is a small and colourful passerine bird found in the Arctic regions of the northern hemisphere.
With its bright white feathers, black markings on its wings and tail, it stands out amongst other birds that inhabit these cold climates.
This species has adapted well to surviving in this harsh environment; they nest under boulders or rocks so their eggs are shielded from predators and blizzards alike.
They feed mainly on insects during summer months but switch to seeds when winter arrives as they seek food sources which will not freeze over with ice.
The snow bunting is an important part of the local ecosystem due to providing sustenance for larger animals such as foxes and owls who rely upon them for survival throughout wintertime.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Calcariidae |
| Genus | Plectrophenax |
| Species | P. nivalis |
Also Featured In: Most Common Winter Birds, Flocks Birds around Us
37. Baird’s Sandpiper
Baird’s sandpiper is a small shorebird belonging to the Calidris genus. It has grey feathers and generally inhabits waterside locations, making it highly visible in its natural environment.
This species was named after Spencer Fullerton Baird, a 19th century American ornithologist who worked with birds from across North America.
The bird is relatively widespread but may be declining in some areas due to human activity such as habitat destruction or pollution of coastal wetlands where they often reside.
As an adaptable species however, Baird’s sandpipers have been observed foraging on dry land far away from water sources during migration periods when food resources are scarce at their home grounds near waterways.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. bairdii |
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38. Little Auk
The Little Auk, also known as the Dovekie or Alle alle is a small but mighty bird. It has an unmistakable call that sounds like “alle” and is how it gets its name – taken from the Sami language of northern Scandinavia.
These birds are found in large flocks during winter months where they migrate to far north polar regions for feeding on fish, molluscs and crustaceans.
They nest near coasts in rocky areas with low vegetation cover making them difficult to spot amongst their natural habitat.
With numbers declining due to overfishing it’s important we take steps towards protecting this beautiful species so future generations can enjoy these little creatures too.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Genus | Alle Link, 1806 |
| Species | A. alle |
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39. Thick-Billed Murre
The Thick-Billed Murre is a species of seabird in the Auk family. It is named after Danish zoologist Morten Thrane Brünnich, and nicknamed Pallas’ murre by some.
These birds have black plumage with white underparts, a thick bill and short wings which makes them excellent swimmers but poor flyers.
They can often be seen perched on cliffs or floating together at sea where they feed mainly on fish and mollusks.
The Thick-Billed Murres nest in colonies along coastal areas, laying their eggs directly onto rocky terrain or ledges instead of nests like other bird species do.
This tough little bird has been known to survive harsh arctic winters as well.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Genus | Uria |
| Species | U. lomvia |
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40. Gyrfalcon
Gyrfalcon is the largest of all falcon species and a majestic bird of prey. It breeds in Arctic coasts, tundra areas, islands of northern North America and Eurosiberian regions.
Gyrfalcons are mainly resident birds but some may wander away from their breeding grounds during winter season or after mating period ends.
These beautiful raptors can be seen in white, dark gray/black and brown colors depending upon subspecies they belong to.
They have powerful wings that help them fly at high speeds while hunting for food like ptarmigans, ducks etc.,They also possess sharp vision which helps them spot small mammals even when they are miles away.
Though gyrfalkons’ population has decreased due to human interference on their habitats yet these magnificent creatures still remain an important part of our ecosystem providing us with ample opportunities to get close to nature’s beauty.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Subgenus | Hierofalco |
| Species | F. rusticolus |
Also Featured In: Falcons Species, Tundra Birds
41. Arctic Redpoll
The Arctic redpoll, also known as hoary redpoll, is a species of bird in the finch family.
It breeds mostly in tundra birch forests and has two subspecies- Hornemann’s Arctic Redpoll found primarily in Greenland and neighbouring parts of Canada while Coues’ arctic redpoll can be seen breeding across Northern North America and Palearctic regions.
This small songbird nests on the ground or low shrubs during summer months before migrating south for winter season.
Its main diet consists of seeds but it may occasionally eat insects like caterpillars to supplement its nutrition needs.
These birds have reddish plumage with white patches on their wings which offer them great camouflage against predators such as hawks when they are perched amongst trees or flying over snow covered grounds respectively.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Acanthis |
| Species | A. hornemanni |
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42. Lapland Longspur
The Lapland longspur is a passerine bird of the Calcariidae family, which has been differentiated from Old World finches.
It gets its name from its hindfoot claws that are considerably longer than usual for most birds.
The genus Calcarius in Latin translates to “spurs”, while lapponicus refers to Lapland where it can be commonly found.
This small sparrow-like bird with black and brown plumage measures around 15 cm in length and weighs just 20 gm on an average.
They feed mainly on seeds and insects during summer months but consume mostly leftover grain by humans when cold winter sets in.
These nomadic species migrate southwards every year before temperatures start dropping too low, making them truly fascinating creatures.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Calcariidae |
| Genus | Calcarius |
| Species | C. lapponicus |
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43. King Eider
The King Eider is a large sea duck found in the Northern Hemisphere Arctic coasts of Northeast Europe, North America and Asia.
It spends most of its year near coastal marine ecosystems at high latitudes before migrating to tundra for breeding season from June to July.
During this time they lay four to seven eggs in grass-lined nests on the ground with downy feathers as additional insulation.
These beautiful birds are renowned for their attractive plumage which consists of shades of white and black, often with bright orange or green patches around the head region.
They have wide wings that help them fly through long migrations each year while also providing protection against predators like foxes during nesting season.
The King Eider is an impressive species that has adapted well to life within its cold habitat over centuries.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Somateria |
| Species | S. spectabilis |
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44. Rock Ptarmigan
The Rock Ptarmigan is a medium-sized game bird in the grouse family, known simply as the ptarmigan in the UK.
It has been chosen as an official bird for two Canadian territories and provinces; Nunavut (aqiggiq) and Newfoundland & Labrador.
In Japan, it is referred to as raichō which means “thunderbird”. With its white plumage that changes to grey during winter months, it is easily camouflaged against snowdrifts or rocky terrain where they make their nests.
They mainly feed on plants like willow buds and roots but also take insects when available.
The females of this species are brownish with black markings while males have red combs above their eyes making them easy to identify.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Lagopus |
| Species | L. muta |
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45. Red-Necked Phalarope
The Red-necked phalarope is a small wading bird that breeds in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. It is also known as the Northern phalarope and Hyperborean phalarope.
Unlike other wading birds, it spends its winters at sea on tropical oceans, making it a migratory bird.
In 1743, the English naturalist George Edwards described this bird and included an illustration.
The Red-necked phalarope is known for its unique feeding behavior, where it spins in circular motions to create a vortex in the water, which brings food to the surface. This bird has a red neck, gray back, white belly, and a straight, thin beak.
During breeding season, the female takes on more vibrant colors, while the male incubates the eggs and cares for the chicks.
The Red-necked phalarope is a fascinating bird with unique characteristics that make it stand out among other wading birds.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Phalaropus |
| Species | P. lobatus |
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46. Sea Eagle
Sea eagles are a type of bird of prey found in the genus Haliaeetus within the Accipitridae family. These majestic birds are also known as fish eagles or ernes, particularly in reference to their distinctive white-tailed appearance.
The genus Haliaeetus was first described in 1809 by French naturalist Marie Jules César Savigny.
Sea eagles are adept hunters and are particularly skilled at catching fish, using their impressive talons to snatch their prey from the water’s surface.
While the majority of sea eagles live in coastal areas, some also inhabit inland rivers and lakes.
These birds are admired for their beauty, strength, and keen hunting instincts, and are a popular subject for wildlife photography and conservation efforts.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Subfamily | Haliaeetinae |
| Genus | Haliaeetus Savigny, 1809 |
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47. Northern Wheatear
The Northern Wheatear is a small migratory bird found in Europe, North, and Central Asia. Formerly classified as a member of the thrush family, it is now considered an Old World flycatcher.
These insectivorous birds breed during the summer months and migrate long distances during the winter season.
They are the most widespread of the Oenanthe wheatear genus. With distinctive black and white markings and a slender body, they are easy to identify.
The Northern Wheatear is known for its acrobatic ability, often seen catching insects mid-air. Males often have striking blue-grey wings and a slate-blue head, while females have brown plumage with a slight peach hue.
Their migration patterns have made them a popular bird for birdwatchers, with sightings occurring in various countries such as Iceland, the UK, and Russia.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Oenanthe |
| Species | O. oenanthe |
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48. Waxwing Birds
Waxwing birds are a species of songbird that often migrate in large flocks. These birds are known for their distinctive, crested head and subtle coloring.
Waxwings love to eat fruit, and will often be seen feeding on berries during the winter months. They are also known to consume sap from trees, and have been observed eating insects and pollen.
Waxwings have a distinctive whistle-like call, and are often heard before they are seen. Despite their beautiful plumage, waxwings are not commonly kept as pets, as they require specialized care and diet.
These birds have a complex social structure, and will often groom each other and share food. Overall, waxwing birds are fascinating creatures that are admired for their beauty and unique behaviors.