Aulavik National Park

Birds

Aulavik National Park is an important habitat for many bird species, particularly during the summer months when migratory birds arrive in large numbers to breed in the Arctic tundra.

Snowy Owl
One of the most famous birds of the Arctic, the snowy owl is a large, white raptor with striking yellow eyes. It preys primarily on lemmings and other small mammals, using its sharp talons and keen eyesight to hunt.

Gyrfalcon
The largest falcon in the world, the gyrfalcon is a powerful predator that thrives in the Arctic. It has a variety of color morphs, from white to dark gray, and preys on birds like ptarmigans and waterfowl.

Peregrine Falcon
Known for being one of the fastest birds in the world, peregrine falcons are skilled hunters that dive at incredible speeds to catch their prey in midair. These raptors are found along the cliffs and open landscapes of Aulavik.

Tundra Swan
These large, graceful birds migrate to the Arctic each summer to nest in the tundra’s wetlands. They are known for their elegant long necks and distinctive honking calls.

King Eider
A strikingly colorful sea duck, the king eider has a vibrant orange bill and black-and-white plumage. These birds nest in the Arctic tundra and spend winters in coastal waters.

Long-tailed Duck
A diving duck with a unique call, the long-tailed duck is commonly found in the lakes and rivers of Aulavik during the summer months. Males have distinctive long tail feathers.

Rock Ptarmigan
Well-camouflaged for the Arctic environment, rock ptarmigans change their plumage from brown in summer to white in winter to blend in with their surroundings. They are ground-dwelling birds that feed on buds, twigs, and berries.

Red-throated Loon
Recognizable by its striking red throat patch, this loon breeds in the Arctic’s freshwater lakes and ponds. It has a haunting call that echoes across the tundra.

Sabine’s Gull
A beautiful gull with a unique black, white, and gray wing pattern, Sabine’s gull breeds in the Arctic before migrating to warmer coastal regions in winter.

Common Raven
One of the most adaptable birds, the common raven is found throughout the Arctic and is known for its intelligence and problem-solving skills. Ravens scavenge for food and have a variety of calls used for communication.

Aulavik National Park provides a remote and pristine habitat for these incredible species, offering a glimpse into the resilience of Arctic wildlife in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.

Aulavik National Park, located in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is a remote Arctic wilderness known for its vast tundra, rolling hills, and the pristine Thomsen River. This park is home to a variety of hardy wildlife species that thrive in its harsh climate, making it an incredible destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Muskox
One of the most iconic species of Aulavik National Park, muskoxen are large, shaggy-coated mammals well adapted to the Arctic cold. They have long, curved horns and thick woolly undercoats called qiviut, which help them survive the frigid temperatures. These herbivores travel in small herds and are often seen grazing on tundra vegetation.

Arctic Wolf
Aulavik is home to Arctic wolves, a subspecies of the gray wolf that has adapted to the extreme cold. They have thick white fur that provides camouflage against the snow and are known for their ability to endure long periods without food while hunting caribou and muskoxen.

Peary Caribou
The Peary caribou is the smallest and most endangered subspecies of caribou in Canada. These animals have a white winter coat that helps them blend into the snowy landscape and rely on lichen and other vegetation for food. Their numbers have declined due to climate change and habitat loss.

Arctic Fox
This small but resilient predator is well adapted to the Arctic tundra, with a thick fur coat that changes from brown in summer to pure white in winter for camouflage. Arctic foxes are scavengers and opportunistic hunters, often following polar bears to feed on leftover prey.

Grizzly Bear
Although more commonly associated with forests and mountains, some grizzly bears venture into the Arctic tundra, including Aulavik. They are powerful omnivores that feed on a variety of foods, from berries and roots to fish and small mammals.

Lemmings
These small rodents are a critical part of the Arctic food web. They dig burrows beneath the snow to stay warm during winter and provide a crucial food source for predators like Arctic foxes and owls.

Wolverine
One of the most elusive mammals in Aulavik, wolverines are solitary and powerful scavengers. They have strong jaws and sharp claws, allowing them to feed on frozen carcasses that other predators might struggle with.

Arctic Hare
Adapted to the cold, Arctic hares have thick fur and can change color with the seasons—white in winter and grayish-brown in summer. They are fast runners, using their powerful hind legs to escape predators.

Ermine (Short-tailed Weasel)
This small but fierce predator has a white winter coat and a brown summer coat. Ermines are skilled hunters, preying on rodents, birds, and even larger animals when food is scarce.

Red Fox
Though not as common as the Arctic fox, red foxes can be found in Aulavik. They have a striking reddish coat and a bushy tail, and they are highly adaptable hunters, feeding on small mammals, birds, and berries.