Ukkusiksalik National Park

Birds

The Arctic landscape of Ukkusiksalik National Park provides vital nesting and breeding grounds for a variety of bird species. From seabirds to birds of prey, the region supports avian life adapted to extreme weather conditions.

Gyrfalcon
The Gyrfalcon, the largest of the falcon species, is a skilled predator in the Arctic. It preys on ptarmigan and other birds, using its incredible speed and agility to hunt in open tundra environments.

Snowy Owl
A symbol of the Arctic, the snowy owl is a striking white raptor that hunts lemmings, Arctic hares, and small birds. These owls are known for their silent flight and excellent eyesight, which helps them locate prey even in low light.

Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is one of the fastest birds in the world, capable of reaching speeds over 200 mph during its hunting dives. It preys on other birds, often ambushing them mid-air.

Common Eider
The common eider is a large sea duck that thrives in Arctic waters. It has thick down feathers that provide insulation against the cold, and it dives for mollusks and crustaceans in the frigid seas.

King Eider
Similar to the common eider, the king eider is a strikingly colored sea duck with a distinctively shaped head. It migrates to Arctic regions in the summer to breed.

Long-tailed Duck
Known for its unique vocalizations, the long-tailed duck is a deep-diving species that winters in Arctic waters. It feeds on small fish and invertebrates.

Red-throated Loon
This elegant diver is one of the most common loons in Arctic regions. It has a distinctive red throat patch during the breeding season and is often seen in lakes and coastal waters.

Northern Pintail
A graceful and slender duck, the northern pintail is a migratory species that breeds in the Arctic tundra. It is recognized by its long, pointed tail feathers.

Arctic Tern
Arctic terns are known for their astonishing migration, traveling from pole to pole each year. These birds are highly territorial during the breeding season and defend their nests aggressively.

Rough-legged Hawk
The rough-legged hawk is a bird of prey that breeds in Arctic tundra before migrating south for the winter. It has feathered legs that provide insulation against the cold and is skilled at hunting small mammals.

Ukkusiksalik National Park is a pristine Arctic ecosystem that supports an incredible array of wildlife. From powerful polar bears to agile falcons, the species that call this park home have evolved to thrive in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.

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Ukkusiksalik National Park, located in Nunavut, Canada, is a remote and pristine Arctic wilderness. The park features vast tundra landscapes, rugged coastline, and abundant wildlife, including some of the Arctic’s most iconic mammals. This protected area is home to a diverse range of species that have adapted to its harsh environment.

Polar Bear
The polar bear is one of the most famous inhabitants of Ukkusiksalik National Park. These massive predators roam the sea ice and tundra, hunting for seals, which make up the majority of their diet. They are excellent swimmers and rely on the ice for survival.

Arctic Wolf
The Arctic wolf is a resilient predator that thrives in the park’s frigid conditions. With thick white fur that blends into the snowy landscape, these wolves hunt in packs, preying on caribou, muskoxen, and Arctic hares.

Caribou
Caribou, also known as reindeer, migrate through the park in search of food. These herbivores feed on lichens, mosses, and other tundra vegetation, using their wide hooves to navigate snowy and marshy terrain.

Muskox
Muskoxen are hardy, shaggy-coated mammals that are well-adapted to Arctic life. They travel in herds and use their powerful horns for defense against predators such as wolves. Their thick fur provides insulation against the extreme cold.

Arctic Fox
The Arctic fox is a small but highly adaptable species known for its seasonal coat changes. In winter, their fur turns white to blend with the snow, while in summer, it becomes brown or gray. They scavenge for food and often follow polar bears to feed on leftover scraps.

Wolverine
Wolverines are fierce, solitary predators with powerful jaws and strong bodies. They are known for their tenacity and will take on prey larger than themselves, including caribou and muskox calves. They are also skilled scavengers.

Ringed Seal
A primary food source for polar bears, the ringed seal inhabits the Arctic waters of Ukkusiksalik. These seals rely on breathing holes in the ice and are adept swimmers, using their flippers to navigate the frigid sea.

Bearded Seal
Bearded seals are larger than ringed seals and are distinguished by their long whiskers. They play a crucial role in the Arctic food web, serving as prey for polar bears and indigenous hunters.

Arctic Hare
Arctic hares are built for survival in cold climates, with thick fur and large hind legs for speed. They forage for food under the snow, primarily eating woody plants and mosses.

Red Fox
Though less common than the Arctic fox, the red fox has been spotted in the park, taking advantage of the changing climate. Its ability to adapt to different environments makes it a competitive species in the Arctic.

Birds

The Arctic landscape of Ukkusiksalik National Park provides vital nesting and breeding grounds for a variety of bird species. From seabirds to birds of prey, the region supports avian life adapted to extreme weather conditions.

Gyrfalcon
The Gyrfalcon, the largest of the falcon species, is a skilled predator in the Arctic. It preys on ptarmigan and other birds, using its incredible speed and agility to hunt in open tundra environments.

Snowy Owl
A symbol of the Arctic, the snowy owl is a striking white raptor that hunts lemmings, Arctic hares, and small birds. These owls are known for their silent flight and excellent eyesight, which helps them locate prey even in low light.

Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is one of the fastest birds in the world, capable of reaching speeds over 200 mph during its hunting dives. It preys on other birds, often ambushing them mid-air.

Common Eider
The common eider is a large sea duck that thrives in Arctic waters. It has thick down feathers that provide insulation against the cold, and it dives for mollusks and crustaceans in the frigid seas.

King Eider
Similar to the common eider, the king eider is a strikingly colored sea duck with a distinctively shaped head. It migrates to Arctic regions in the summer to breed.

Long-tailed Duck
Known for its unique vocalizations, the long-tailed duck is a deep-diving species that winters in Arctic waters. It feeds on small fish and invertebrates.

Red-throated Loon
This elegant diver is one of the most common loons in Arctic regions. It has a distinctive red throat patch during the breeding season and is often seen in lakes and coastal waters.

Northern Pintail
A graceful and slender duck, the northern pintail is a migratory species that breeds in the Arctic tundra. It is recognized by its long, pointed tail feathers.

Arctic Tern
Arctic terns are known for their astonishing migration, traveling from pole to pole each year. These birds are highly territorial during the breeding season and defend their nests aggressively.

Rough-legged Hawk
The rough-legged hawk is a bird of prey that breeds in Arctic tundra before migrating south for the winter. It has feathered legs that provide insulation against the cold and is skilled at hunting small mammals.

Ukkusiksalik National Park is a pristine Arctic ecosystem that supports an incredible array of wildlife. From powerful polar bears to agile falcons, the species that call this park home have evolved to thrive in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.