19 White Birds in Alaska
Alaska is a dream come true for bird lovers — glaciers, fjords, endless tundra, and skies filled with birds you don’t see anywhere else. Among its most beautiful residents are the white-feathered species that almost seem carved out of snow.
Whether you’re an avid birder or someone who just enjoys spotting something majestic flying across the frozen horizon, Alaska’s white birds are impossible to forget. From the graceful swans and striking snowy owls to tiny buntings that flit through the cold air, each one adds a unique charm to this wild northern landscape.
Let’s take a closer look at 19 white birds you can find in Alaska, how to identify them, and where you might spot them on your next birding trip.
Common White Birds in Alaska
1. Snowy Owl
This striking white owl rules the Arctic tundra with silent wings and piercing yellow eyes. Males are nearly pure white, while females have gray or brown flecks. They hunt lemmings across Alaska’s open plains and perch on icy ridges during winter, perfectly blending into the snow. One of Alaska’s most iconic and powerful white birds.
Scientific Name: Bubo scandiacus
Length: 20–28 inches
Weight: 3.5–6.5 pounds
Wingspan: 4.2–4.8 feet
2. Tundra Swan
Elegant and peaceful, Tundra Swans migrate through Alaska in large, V-shaped flocks. Their soft “whoo-hoo” calls echo across frozen lakes and tundra ponds. These long-necked beauties feed on aquatic vegetation in shallow wetlands. You’ll often spot them gliding gracefully across northern waters in early spring and fall migration.
Scientific Name: Cygnus columbianus
Length: 45–59 inches
Weight: 9–20 pounds
Wingspan: Up to 7 feet
3. Trumpeter Swan
The Trumpeter Swan, North America’s largest waterfowl, boasts an impressive size and voice. Its deep trumpet-like honk carries across Alaskan valleys and marshes. With long black bills and powerful white wings, it’s a true northern icon. They breed in interior lakes and wetlands where the landscape mirrors their elegance.
Scientific Name: Cygnus buccinator
Length: 50–60 inches
Weight: 21–30 pounds
Wingspan: Up to 8 feet
4. Glaucous Gull
This enormous gull dominates Alaska’s coastal skies with its white wingtips and pale gray body. Found along harbors, cliffs, and icy shores, the Glaucous Gull is both scavenger and hunter. Unlike many gulls, its plumage remains bright and snowy year-round, giving it a truly Arctic appearance.
Scientific Name: Larus hyperboreus
Length: 27 inches
Weight: 2.5–4 pounds
Wingspan: 5 feet
5. Iceland Gull
Soft gray wings and a clean white body make the Iceland Gull one of Alaska’s most graceful winter visitors. They often gather near fishing ports and coastal cliffs, following boats for easy meals. Calm and elegant in flight, they add a quiet beauty to Alaska’s chilly coastlines.
Scientific Name: Larus glaucoides
Length: 22–25 inches
Weight: 1.5–2.5 pounds
Wingspan: 4.2–4.8 feet
6. Gyrfalcon (White Morph)
The white morph of the Gyrfalcon is a rare Arctic predator that blends perfectly into snow-covered cliffs. Known for speed and strength, this falcon hunts ptarmigans and ducks with incredible precision. Spotting one soaring over Alaska’s tundra is a lifetime highlight for birdwatchers lucky enough to see it.
Scientific Name: Falco rusticolus
Length: 19–25 inches
Weight: 2–4.5 pounds
Wingspan: 3.5–4.5 feet
7. Willow Ptarmigan
Alaska’s state bird, the Willow Ptarmigan, is a master of disguise—brown in summer and pure white in winter. It thrives across tundra and shrubs, feeding on buds and twigs. Its gentle clucking call echoes across snowy fields, marking its place in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness.
Scientific Name: Lagopus lagopus
Length: 14–17 inches
Weight: 1–1.5 pounds
Wingspan: 22–24 inches
8. Rock Ptarmigan
Smaller than its willow cousin, the Rock Ptarmigan prefers higher, rockier slopes. In winter, it turns a pristine white except for a small black tail. This hardy bird is perfectly built for Alaska’s alpine regions, feeding on buds and leaves while blending seamlessly with snow and stone.
Scientific Name: Lagopus muta
Length: 13–15 inches
Weight: 1 pound
Wingspan: 21–23 inches
9. Snow Bunting
Known as the “snowflake bird,” the Snow Bunting flutters across the tundra in large flocks. Its white wings flash beautifully against Alaska’s icy horizon. These tiny yet tough birds migrate south in winter but breed in Arctic regions, nesting in rocky crevices and feeding on seeds and insects.
Scientific Name: Plectrophenax nivalis
Length: 6 inches
Weight: 1 ounce
Wingspan: 12 inches
10. Common Merganser
Female and young Common Mergansers wear grayish-white feathers with chestnut crests, making them sleek and elegant on water. They’re expert divers, chasing fish beneath Alaska’s cold rivers and lakes. These birds form small family groups and are often seen gliding together across reflective alpine waters.
Scientific Name: Mergus merganser
Length: 22–27 inches
Weight: 2–3.5 pounds
Wingspan: 31–37 inches
11. Great Egret
Tall and regal, the Great Egret brings tropical grace to Alaska’s southern wetlands. Standing motionless, it waits to spear fish or frogs with its sharp yellow bill. Though rare this far north, spotting one wading through reeds is a rewarding surprise for birdwatchers.
Scientific Name: Ardea alba
Length: 37–41 inches
Weight: 2–2.5 pounds
Wingspan: 52 inches
12. Cattle Egret
A rare summer visitor, the Cattle Egret adds a touch of warmth to Alaska’s cool landscapes. Often found near grazing animals, it catches insects stirred by movement. Its compact body, yellow bill, and buff breeding plumes make it one of the most charming wanderers to reach the far north.
Scientific Name: Bubulcus ibis
Length: 18–22 inches
Weight: 0.7–1 pound
Wingspan: 34–38 inches
13. Snowy Egret
Elegant and lively, the Snowy Egret is famous for its black legs and bright yellow feet. A rare sight in Alaska’s coastal wetlands, it hunts with quick, darting movements. Watching one chase fish in shallow waters feels like seeing a ballerina perform in feathers.
Scientific Name: Egretta thula
Length: 24 inches
Weight: 1 pound
Wingspan: 41 inches
14. Ross’s Goose
Compact and snow-white, Ross’s Goose is a northern gem. It has a short pink bill and a round, plump body. These geese migrate through Alaska’s tundra and wetlands, often mingling with Snow Geese. Their synchronized flight and cheerful honking make migration season truly spectacular.
Scientific Name: Anser rossii
Length: 22–26 inches
Weight: 3–4.5 pounds
Wingspan: 4.5 feet
15. Snow Goose
The Snow Goose transforms Alaska’s sky into a living snowstorm. With white feathers and black wingtips, they gather in massive flocks across tundra fields. During migration, they rest in wetlands, feeding on grasses and grains. Their echoing calls fill the air as they move north in spring.
Scientific Name: Anser caerulescens
Length: 25–28 inches
Weight: 5–6 pounds
Wingspan: 4.5–5 feet
16. White-winged Crossbill (Pale Morph)
Most Crossbills are red or yellow, but pale individuals appear whitish in Alaska’s dim light. They thrive in spruce forests, using their unique crossed bills to pry open pine cones. Constantly active, these birds bring life and sound to quiet winter woods.
Scientific Name: Loxia leucoptera
Length: 6 inches
Weight: 0.8–1 ounce
Wingspan: 10–11 inches
17. Northern Fulmar (Light Morph)
A seabird that glides effortlessly over cold Alaskan waters, the light morph of the Northern Fulmar is mostly white with gray wings. It spends most of its life at sea, nesting on coastal cliffs and feeding on fish and squid. Look for them near the Aleutian Islands.
Scientific Name: Fulmarus glacialis
Length: 17 inches
Weight: 1.5–2 pounds
Wingspan: 3.3–3.7 feet
18. Bonaparte’s Gull
Small, graceful, and lively, Bonaparte’s Gull has a white body with a black head during breeding season. In winter, it becomes nearly pure white. These gulls hover over lakes and rivers, catching insects mid-air. Their delicate flight and soft calls add charm to Alaskan waterways.
Scientific Name: Chroicocephalus philadelphia
Length: 12–14 inches
Weight: 0.6–0.7 pounds
Wingspan: 3 feet
19. Arctic Tern
The Arctic Tern is the world’s greatest traveler, migrating from the Arctic to Antarctica yearly. With white plumage, gray wings, and a red bill, it’s built for endurance. They nest on Alaskan beaches and islands, fiercely defending chicks while preparing for another global journey.
Scientific Name: Sterna paradisaea
Length: 12–15 inches
Weight: 3.5–4.5 ounces
Wingspan: 2.5 feet
Where to See White Birds in Alaska
You can spot these snowy beauties across every corner of Alaska:
- Arctic tundra: Snowy Owl, Gyrfalcon, Willow Ptarmigan
- Coastal cliffs: Northern Fulmar, Arctic Tern, Glaucous Gull
- Wetlands and lakes: Trumpeter Swan, Snow Goose, Common Merganser
- Forested south: Snow Bunting, White-winged Crossbill
Popular birding areas include Nome, Kenai Peninsula, Utqiaġvik (Barrow), and Anchorage Coastal Refuge.
Why So Many White Birds Thrive Here
White plumage is more than beauty — it’s survival.
- Camouflage: White feathers blend perfectly with Alaska’s snowy landscape.
- Temperature control: Light colors reflect harsh sunlight, preventing overheating.
- Predation strategy: Hunters like the Snowy Owl use whiteness to sneak up on prey.
In Alaska, white isn’t just a color — it’s evolution at work.
FAQs
What’s the largest white bird in Alaska?
The Trumpeter Swan takes the crown with a wingspan up to 8 feet — it’s the largest native waterfowl in North America.
What is Alaska’s state bird?
That honor goes to the Willow Ptarmigan, known for changing from brown to white every winter.
Are there white owls in Alaska?
Yes — the Snowy Owl is common across northern tundra regions, especially in winter.
Which white birds live near Alaska’s coasts?
You can spot Glaucous Gulls, Arctic Terns, and Northern Fulmars along the state’s cliffs and islands.
When’s the best time to see white birds in Alaska?
Spring and early summer offer the best views, especially during migration when swans, geese, and terns return to breed.
Final Thoughts
White birds give Alaska an added layer of wonder — like scattered snowflakes that move, call, and soar. From the soft grace of swans to the quiet power of the Snowy Owl, each species tells a story of survival in one of Earth’s harshest yet most beautiful places. So grab your binoculars and a warm jacket — the white wings of Alaska await.
