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Svalbard's Birdlife: Arctic Avian Species & Birdwatching Hotspots

The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is home to over 200 species of Arctic birds that migrate to Svalbard during the summer months, as well as having its own hardy year-round residents. Read below for our ultimate guide to Svalbard birdwatching.

Year-Round Arctic Residents

The Atlantic Puffin

Look out for the instantly recognisable and unique Atlantic puffins of Svalbard that have huge, colourful beaks and a peculiar but amusing walk, often seen swimming across the surface of the water, before propelling themselves down to feed on small fish beneath the surface.

The Guillemot

Both the common and the Brünnich's guillemots can be found on Svalbard. Both have black and white plumage with distinctive dark markings on their backs and wings, but the Brünnich's guillemots are slightly larger and have thicker bills. Guillemots are skilled divers and forage in the rich waters surrounding Svalbard, diving to considerable depths to catch fish, squid, and other crustaceans. During the Svalbard breeding season, guillemots gather in dense colonies on steep coastal cliffs and rocky shores, where they lay their eggs on narrow ledges or rocky platforms. They are highly social birds, and their colonies can consist of thousands of individuals nesting closely together.

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Migratory Arctic Birds

Arctic Terns

Arctic Terns have the longest migration ever recorded, as they migrate 59,650 miles each year (double the circumference of the earth!). During the summer months, over 10,000 pairs of Arctic Terns breed along the coast of Svalbard and can be found nesting on glacier edges, beaches, river deltas and foraging in fresh water. After the breeding season, the Arctic Tern will embark on their migration journey south to Antarctica for the summer there, allowing them to take advantage of food resources from both polar regions throughout the year. Easily identified by their black cap on their white bodies, the territorial Arctic Tern is also known as the ‘sea swallow’ because of their shape and long tail streamers.

Little Auk

Roughly 1 million Little Auks in over 200 colonies migrate to Svalbard during the spring and summer months. They are the smallest of the European auks and spend the winter months at sea in the North Atlantic. Little Auks form dense breeding colonies on Svalbard’s coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops and nest in crevices and burrows in the cliffs, where they are safe from predators such as the Arctic Fox.


Our Svalbard Safari Vacations


Snowmobiling Chris M

Land & Sea Adventure

Driving your own snowmobiles over the Arctic tundra and on-board the expedition ship, you will be on the lookout for wildlife, hoping to see polar bears, walrus, seals and reindeer alongside the epic Arctic landscape in some of the best light conditions. Svalbard is always an extraordinary adventure!

From 11000 per person
Sl Svalbard Kinfish Chase Teron

Polar Bear Explorer

Join us in 2024 for polar bear cruises in Svalbard aboard the R/V Kinfish, where every moment is an opportunity for polar bear watching amid the stunning Arctic scenery.

From 10660 per person
Isfjord Radio

Telegraph Route To Isfjord Radio

Experience the Arctic like a true explorer via tented camp and husky sled, looking out for the Northern Lights and spotting wildlife in Svalbard's dramatic wilderness. Begin your adventure into the wilderness at Basecamp Hotel before spending two days camping under the stars, scouring for the magical Northern Lights and exploring the far reaches of the Arctic. Watch for wildlife and travel by husky sled before recuperating in luxury with a stay at Isfjord Radio, a converted radio station turned comfortable wilderness hotel.

From 6000 per person
NOR LOFOTEN

Lofoten Islands & Svalbard Northern Lights Safari

This safari combines the peaceful fjords of the Lofoten Islands with the dramatic glaciers and mountains of Svalbard, while the mystical Aurora Borealis illuminates the night skies. Experience dog sledding and snowmobiling across vast snowy plains, keeping an eye out for polar bears and other Arctic wildlife.

From 9500 per person

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Cl Svalbard Kinfish June Credit Alex Stead

Best Time for Birdwatching in Svalbard

Best Time for Birdwatching in Svalbard

The best time for birdwatching in Svalbard is during late spring and the summer months when the region experiences milder temperatures and extended daylight hours. In late spring (May – June) Migratory birds begin arriving at their breeding grounds and their breeding activities provide unique birdwatching opportunities, such as courtship displays, nest building, and egg laying. During midsummer (July – August), the Arctic tundra bursts into life and the extended daylight hours of the midnight sun provide ample time for birdwatching excursions and exploration.

Birdwatching Hotspots in Svalbard

Translating to ‘Bird Mountain of the guillemots,’ Alkefjellet is one of the most spectacular bird cliffs in Svalbard and is home to approximately 60,000 Brunnich’s guillemots that nest right on the towering cliff face. Located on the western coast of Spitsbergen, the cliff face itself can be over 100 meters high and is made up of basaltic pillars which rise vertically from the waters of the Hinlopen Strait.

Aside from the guillemots, these sheer rock faces are home to thousands of other nesting birds such as the lack-legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars and are often circled by Glaucous gulls looking for a meal. Easily accessible from the sea, the steep walls are safe to navigate via Zodiac, and it is easy to spend several hours just meandering along the cliffs watching the birds. The best time to go to Alkejellet is during the breeding season from late spring to early summer, typically May to June.

Alkefjellet

Birdwatching Gear for Arctic Expeditions

High Quality Binoculars

With good light-gathering capabilities, waterproofing, and fog-proofing to withstand Arctic weather conditions. Optics with a wide field of view and good magnification (e.g., 8x42 or 10x42) are recommended.

Spotting Scope

With a sturdy tripod can provide closer views of distant birds, especially seabirds nesting on cliffs or floating ice. Look for a scope with high magnification and excellent light transmission, ideally with an angled eyepiece for comfortable viewing.

Camera with Telephoto Lens

To capture the birds from a distance without disturbing them. Ensure your camera gear is weather-sealed and protected from the cold temperatures and do not forget extra batteries and memory cards.

Bird Guide or Identification Book

Specific to the Arctic region to help identify bird species encountered during your expedition.

Responsible Birdwatching Practices

  • Keep a safe distance from the birds and use binoculars or a spotting scope to avoid causing disturbance or stress to the birds.
  • Stay on designated paths as instructed by your guides to avoid walking through sensitive vegetation or nesting sites. Respect the restricted areas to protect their habitats.
  • Keep the noise level to a low to avoid startling or disrupting the birds.
  • Do not feed the birds (or any wildlife!) as it can disrupt their natural feeding behaviours.
  • Leave no trace of yourself behind, take any trash with you, and dispose of it properly in designated bins.

In conclusion, exploring Svalbard's rich birdlife is a rewarding adventure for nature enthusiasts. With over 200 species, including year-round residents like the Atlantic Puffin and migratory visitors like Arctic Terns and Little Auks, birdwatchers are in for a treat. Don't miss iconic birdwatching hotspots like Alkefjellet, home to thousands of Brunnich’s guillemots. Plan your visit during late spring to summer for optimal birdwatching conditions under the midnight sun. Remember to bring high-quality binoculars, a spotting scope, and a camera with a telephoto lens. Embrace responsible birdwatching practices to preserve these precious Arctic habitats.

Contact a Svalbard Specialist Today

Start your avian adventure in Svalbard today by getting in contact with us below.