Nahanni National Park

Birds

Nahanni National Park is home to a diverse array of bird species, ranging from majestic raptors to small songbirds. The park’s varied ecosystems, including boreal forests, alpine meadows, and river valleys, provide vital nesting and migratory habitats.

Peregrine Falcon
One of the fastest birds in the world, the peregrine falcon is a skilled hunter that preys on other birds in midair. It nests on cliff faces throughout the park, where it enjoys excellent vantage points for hunting.

Bald Eagle
This iconic bird of prey is commonly seen soaring over the rivers and lakes of Nahanni. With its powerful build and sharp talons, the bald eagle primarily feeds on fish but will also scavenge carrion.

Golden Eagle
Another formidable raptor, the golden eagle is often found in the mountainous regions of the park. It preys on small mammals such as hares and marmots, using its keen eyesight and powerful talons to strike.

Common Raven
Highly intelligent and adaptable, ravens are a frequent sight in Nahanni. They scavenge for food, play in updrafts, and even use problem-solving skills to access food sources.

Osprey
Also known as the fish hawk, the osprey is a skilled fisherman that nests along the rivers of Nahanni. It plunges into the water to catch fish with its specialized talons and reversible outer toes.

Great Horned Owl
A top nocturnal predator, the great horned owl is known for its large size, piercing yellow eyes, and distinctive ear tufts. It hunts a wide range of prey, from rodents to other birds.

Spruce Grouse
Perfectly adapted to the boreal forest, the spruce grouse relies on conifer needles for food. These well-camouflaged birds spend much of their time on the ground, blending in with the underbrush.

Boreal Chickadee
A hardy resident of the northern forests, the boreal chickadee is a small, energetic songbird that forages for insects and seeds year-round. Its cheerful calls can be heard even in the depths of winter.

Trumpeter Swan
One of the largest waterfowl in North America, the trumpeter swan is occasionally seen in the park’s lakes and wetlands. These elegant birds form strong pair bonds and are known for their deep, trumpet-like calls.

Sandhill Crane
During migration, sandhill cranes can be seen stopping in the park’s wetlands. These tall, graceful birds are known for their elaborate courtship dances and distinctive, rolling calls.

Nahanni National Park Reserve, located in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is a rugged and remote wilderness known for its breathtaking landscapes, deep canyons, and the powerful South Nahanni River. This park is home to a variety of iconic wildlife species that thrive in its pristine boreal and subalpine habitats.

Dall’s Sheep
These agile and sure-footed sheep inhabit the steep, rocky slopes of the park’s mountains. Their white coats provide excellent camouflage against the snowy terrain, and their impressive curved horns are a distinguishing feature of males.

Woodland Caribou
A key species in the park, the woodland caribou is well adapted to the boreal forest, relying on lichen as a primary food source. These caribou travel great distances and are sensitive to environmental changes, making them a key indicator of ecosystem health.

Grizzly Bear
Nahanni National Park is prime grizzly bear territory. These powerful omnivores roam vast areas in search of food, from berries and roots to fish and small mammals. They play an essential role in maintaining the park’s ecological balance.

Black Bear
Coexisting with the grizzly bear, the black bear is smaller and more adaptable, often found foraging along river valleys and in forested regions of the park. Their diet includes berries, insects, and carrion.

Gray Wolf
A symbol of wilderness, the gray wolf is a top predator in Nahanni. These highly social animals live in packs and primarily hunt large mammals such as caribou, moose, and mountain goats, helping to maintain the balance of prey populations.

Moose
As the largest member of the deer family, moose are commonly found in the wetlands and along riverbanks of the park. Their long legs and broad hooves allow them to navigate deep snow and marshy terrain, and they feed on aquatic vegetation and shrubs.

Mountain Goat
These hardy animals are well adapted to the park’s rugged cliffs and steep terrain. Their thick white coats insulate them from the cold, while their specialized hooves provide traction on rocky surfaces.

Wolverine
A fierce and elusive predator, the wolverine is known for its strength and endurance. It scavenges carrion and hunts smaller prey, covering vast distances in search of food in the remote wilderness of the park.

Lynx
The Canada lynx thrives in the boreal forests of Nahanni, preying primarily on snowshoe hares. Their large, padded paws allow them to move easily through deep snow, making them formidable hunters.

Beaver
As ecosystem engineers, beavers play a crucial role in shaping wetlands and waterways within the park. Their dams create vital habitats for many other species, while their lodges provide shelter in the harsh northern winters.