Torngat Mountains National Park

Birds

Torngat Mountains National Park is a haven for Arctic bird species, with many seabirds, raptors, and migratory birds calling it home. The park’s rugged cliffs, icy waters, and expansive tundra provide prime nesting and feeding grounds.

Peregrine Falcon
One of the fastest birds in the world, the peregrine falcon is a skilled hunter that preys on smaller birds. It nests on cliffs throughout the park, using its incredible speed to swoop down on prey with precision.

Gyrfalcon
The largest of the falcon species, the gyrfalcon is a powerful predator that thrives in the Arctic tundra. With its striking white or gray plumage, it hunts ptarmigans and other birds in the park’s remote landscapes.

Snowy Owl
This magnificent owl, with its pure white feathers and piercing yellow eyes, is an icon of the Arctic. Snowy owls hunt lemmings, hares, and small birds, often perching on rocky outcrops to survey their surroundings.

Common Raven
Highly intelligent and adaptable, the common raven is a year-round resident of the park. These large, black birds are known for their problem-solving skills and eerie, deep calls that echo across the tundra.

Thick-billed Murre
A seabird often seen in large colonies along the cliffs of the park’s coastline, the thick-billed murre is an expert diver that catches fish underwater. They have a distinctive black-and-white appearance, resembling penguins.

Black-legged Kittiwake
This graceful gull species is common along the park’s coastal cliffs, where it nests in large colonies. Black-legged kittiwakes feed on fish and plankton, often gliding effortlessly over the frigid waters.

Northern Fulmar
A relative of the albatross, the northern fulmar is a tough seabird that thrives in the harsh Arctic environment. It has a unique ability to excrete salt from its nostrils, allowing it to drink seawater.

Red-throated Loon
Recognizable by its slender profile and striking red throat during breeding season, this loon is a skilled diver that hunts fish in the park’s lakes and coastal waters.

Rock Ptarmigan
A master of camouflage, the rock ptarmigan changes from brown in summer to white in winter to blend into the snowy landscape. It is a key prey species for gyrfalcons and Arctic foxes.

Glaucous Gull
A large, pale gull commonly found along the park’s icy shores, the glaucous gull is a scavenger that feeds on fish, carrion, and even other seabirds’ eggs.

Torngat Mountains National Park offers a rare opportunity to witness some of the Arctic’s most incredible wildlife in a vast, untouched wilderness.

Torngat Mountains National Park, located in the remote northern region of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a rugged and stunning wilderness dominated by towering peaks, deep fjords, and icy tundra. This park is home to a variety of remarkable wildlife, including large mammals and marine species that thrive in its harsh Arctic environment.

Polar Bear
As the top predator of the Arctic, the polar bear is a symbol of the park’s wild and untamed nature. These massive bears roam the ice and tundra in search of seals, their primary food source. They are excellent swimmers and are often seen navigating the cold waters along the coast.

Caribou
The migratory George River caribou herd once numbered in the hundreds of thousands but has seen population declines in recent years. These majestic animals traverse the park’s tundra, feeding on lichens, mosses, and grasses while avoiding predators such as wolves.

Arctic Wolf
A rare and elusive predator, the Arctic wolf roams the rugged terrain of the Torngat Mountains. Well adapted to the extreme cold, these wolves primarily hunt caribou, hares, and other small mammals. Their white fur provides excellent camouflage in the snowy environment.

Black Bear
Unlike polar bears, black bears in the park stick to the boreal and tundra regions, foraging for berries, roots, and small mammals. They are smaller than their southern relatives but are just as opportunistic in their feeding habits.

Red Fox
The red fox is a cunning and adaptable predator found in the park’s tundra and forested regions. With a diet that includes rodents, birds, and berries, it thrives in the cold, often changing the color of its coat between seasons for better camouflage.

Arctic Hare
With its thick white fur in winter and brownish-gray coat in summer, the Arctic hare is well-adapted to the park’s extreme conditions. It relies on speed and agility to evade predators such as wolves and foxes.

Harp Seal
These ice-dependent seals are commonly seen along the park’s coastal waters, where they feed on fish and crustaceans. Harp seals are known for their striking black-and-white coats and their ability to migrate great distances across the Arctic.

Bearded Seal
Recognizable by their long whiskers, bearded seals inhabit the frigid waters around the park. They are a key food source for polar bears and Inuit hunters and spend much of their time resting on floating ice.

Beluga Whale
These social and highly vocal whales frequent the coastal waters of the park. With their bright white color and playful nature, belugas are a spectacular sight as they navigate the icy fjords and estuaries in search of fish and squid.

Narwhal
Known as the “unicorn of the sea,” the narwhal is famous for its long, spiraled tusk. These elusive Arctic whales can sometimes be seen in the waters near the park, where they hunt for fish and shrimp.