Birds

 
White and black bird flies through the air

NPS Photo

 

Denali's avifauna includes migratory birds from all over the globe and a hardy group of residents. The abundance of birds in Denali ebbs and flows across the seasons, increasing significantly as migrants return to Denali in spring and decreasing when they depart on their autumn migration. Summer birding in Denali rewards visitors with opportunities to view these migratory species in this spectacular northern environment. Birding in winter is slim by the numbers, but high in rewards as observations of pine grosbeaks, mixed flocks of ptarmigan, and perhaps a gyrfalcon or northern goshawk awaits the hardy winter birder.

Explore the sections below to learn more about Denali’s birds and current research projects happening in the park.

 

General Info About Birds

  • a woman uses her binoculars while hiding in tall grass
    Birding in Denali

    Over 160 bird species call Denali home. Discover what birds you may see throughout the year and what habitats they may call home.

  • A hawk perches on a tree branch
    Bird Checklist

    Explore a checklist of Denali's birds and plan what birds you'll try and spot in the park.

 

Avian Research

  • a group of researchers attach a geolocator to a small bird
    Critical Connections

    The Critical Connections Program is an effort to expand our knowledge about the year-round needs of migratory wildlife in National Parks.

  • Woman holds gray bird in her hands
    Canada Jays

    Explore how Canada jays survive year-round in Denali's harsh environment and how they may indicate changes in climate.

  • Large bird flies with cliffs in background
    Golden Eagles

    Find out why golden eagles are monitored across interior Alaska as an important vital sign of ecosystem health.

  • Small brown bird sits on a branch
    Songbird Monitoring

    Discover why tiny songbirds across interior Alaska have been studied since the early 1990's and the important role they play.

  • White and brown bird sits on a wood fence post
    Ptarmigan and Hare Cycles

    What do snowshoe hares and ptarmigans have in common? Find out more about the cycles of these important prey species.

  • Three large white birds swim on a lake
    Trumpeter Swans

    This incredible swan species came back from near-extinction. See how Denali scientists continue to identify threats to their future.

  • Large brown bird sits on a cliff
    Gyrfalcons

    Learn more about the world's largest falcon and how Denali scientists are exploring their unique life cycles.

 

Photo Galleries

 

Last updated: June 3, 2019

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755

Phone:

907 683-9532
A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller.

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