The Birds of Arctic Bay, Nunavut

About this site.

This webpage was created as a record of the birds in the Arctic Bay Nunavut area, that I have photographed, and/or recorded data about.  Records here start in 2008, unless otherwise noted.  Arctic Bay is located at 73 degrees North, at the north end of Baffin Island in Canada's High Arctic.

The Birds of Arctic Bay

Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata)

These strikingly beautiful birds are very common in the Arctic Bay area with pairs nesting on most mid size ponds and lakes. Known as Qarsauq in Inuktitut they are the only species of Loon found in the immediate area of Arctic Bay, however Yellow-billed Loon can be found farther south in ponds near the bottom reaches of Admiralty Inlet.

Earliest noted arrvial date: 6 June

Last noted: TBA

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii)

This small goose, only recently deemed to be a species separate from the Canada Goose, is thought to be expanding it's range in the High Arctic.  Literature suggests that it nest to 72 degrees North, but it can be found here in Arctic Bay at 73 degrees North.  Distinguished from Canada Goose by a shorter, steeper profiled bill, a more vertical forehead, and generally smaller size (also some species of "lesser" Canada Geese are similarly sized).

Earliest noted arrival date: 19 May

Last noted: TBA

Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens)

The common goose of the Arctic Bay area.  Large colonies nest south of Arctic Bay in the Nuvugutak area, which is a traditional Inuit spring camping and egg picking area. Smaller colonies exist throughout the Arctic Bay area.  Easily identified as an all white goose with black wing tips, only confused with the smaller and less common Ross' Goose.

Earliest noted arrival date: 20 May

Last noted: TBA

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus)

The largest gull typically found here. It is one of the migrants that spends the most time here, arriving early in the spring, and staying until freeze-up. Typically nests on rocky hills or cliffs, a colony nests on the St. George Society Cliffs.  Along with Thayer's Gull it is the most common gull to be found in the areas around the Hamlet of Arctic Bay.  Easily confused with the smaller Iceland Gull.

Earliest noted arrival date: 11 May

Last noted: TBA

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides)

Very similar to the larger Glaucous Gull, this gull can be found amongst them. Difficult to tell apart from the more common Glaucous Gull unless seen together. Diagnostic field marks include the smaller size, smaller beak in proportion to the head (less than half the width of head), a red orbital ring (not always visible and then from only at close range), and wings that extend farther beyond the tail when at rest.

Earliest noted arrival date: 11 May

Thayer's Gull (Larus thayeri)

The other common gull of the area around the Hamlet, appearing in numbers similar to Glaucous Gulls. Another of the confusing gulls of the Herring Gull complex it is non the less easily distinguished from the others appearing here.  Very similar to the Herring Gull (which it appears to replace in the High Arctic). Thayer's Gull can be told apart from Glaucous Gulls by a greyer back and upper wing, and black on the wing tips (primaries). It's most distinguishing characteristic from Herring Gulls is its dark eye.

Earliest noted arrival date: 27 May

Baird's Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii)

The common upland sandpiper found in the vicinity of Arctic Bay. This mid sized shorebird can be found nesting in dry tundra, wet tundra and on shingle beaches. Easily confused with White-rumped Sandpipers the latter are much rarer in the area, and are more likely to be found further south.

Earliest noted arrival date: 6 June

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) 

The earliest nesting of the two falcon species that reside and breed in Arctic Bay (the other being the Peregrine Falcon). Locally abundant (for a top predator), a pair nest within 10 kilometres of the town site.  They have been observed within town at times and have been observed in a hunting stoop in front of the House. They rank among my favourite birds due to their beauty, power, and grace.

Earliest noted arrival date: 21 April

Last noted: TBA

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

This beautiful falcon is a summer migrant to the Arctic Bay region. At least one pair has a long established nest within 3 kms of the Hamlet. They are rarely seen early in the nesting season but are commonly noted hunting in the area in late summer early fall.  A peregrine hunting stoop is truly one of the most powerful sights in nature.

Earliest noted arrival date: 11 June

Common Raven (Corvus corax) 

The Common Raven is Arctic Bay's preeminent avian resident. A year round resident, it can be found in town, far out on the sea ice, or far inland. Playful, intelligent, and handsome, they are my constant companions through the long dark season. For many reasons they are one of my favourite birds, mostly for their intelligence, beauty and playfulness.

Earliest noted arrival date:  Not applicable, lives in Arctic Bay year round

Last noted:  Not applicable.

Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)

One of two breeding species occurring here that eschew a "normal" north/south migration through the Americas. Northern Wheatear migrate through Greenland, Europe and then Africa on their winter sojourn. They occur around Arctic Bay in relative low numbers. Striking little passerines, markedly sexually dimorphic, they have been found nesting in rocky areas of dry tundra.

Earliest noted date: 27 June (already nesting)

Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus)

A very beautiful songbird it also arrives fairly early in the Arctic Spring. Males are strikingly plumaged with a black cap and face, chestnut nape, white "7" facial stripe and a brown and back mottled back.  Their display includes flying high in the air and then "parachuting" down on stiff wings, singing all the way.  We are fortunate to be amongst the few people able to see them in full breeding plumage.

Earliest noted arrival date: 6 June

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

An early migrant that stays later than any others, the arrival of the males in May is a sure sign of Spring.  Conspicuous everywhere, males sing from boulders, high points and our deck. In the fall the newly fledged young are the most prominent life here and, in town, are requently chased by young boys.

Earliest noted arrival date: 12 May

Last noted: TBA

Accidental/Unusual Records

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)  Two records of this bird.  June 6, 2000 one individual was seen perched on a wire near the Hamlet garage. It could not be found the following day or subsequently.  The following June (date unknown) one individual was seen at a camp on the southern reaches of Admiralty Inlet (pers conv. - Johanne Coutu (Wildlife Officer)

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonatrichia leucophrys)  One record, two individuals (perhaps a breeding pair - male singing) at Arctic Bay Refuse Dump 24 July 2006 until late August 2006)