Birds of Churchill
the accessible arctic
Ultimate Arctic Birding Destination
Birds of Churchill
Birding in Churchill, Manitoba offers one of the most unique wildlife experiences in North America, combining Arctic biodiversity with surprising accessibility. Located on the western shore of Hudson Bay, Churchill sits at the intersection of three major ecosystems—Arctic tundra, boreal forest, and marine/coastal environments—creating exceptional habitat diversity within a small geographic area.
Each year, more than 175 bird species are recorded in the region, including Arctic specialists, long-distance migrants, and rare or hard-to-observe species that draw birders from around the world. Highlights include iconic sightings such as Ross’s Gull, Northern Hawk Owl, Snowy Owl, and a wide range of shorebirds, waterfowl, and tundra songbirds during peak migration and breeding seasons.
The birding season typically peaks from mid-June to mid-July, when nesting activity is at its highest and species diversity is greatest. Despite its remote northern location, Churchill is accessible via air and rail, allowing visitors to experience high-latitude birding without extreme expedition travel.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
The peak birding season runs from mid-June to mid-July. This period offers the greatest diversity, active nesting behaviour, and optimal viewing conditions.
- Early June: Peak migration activity
- Mid to late June: Increasing nesting activity
- Early July: Peak breeding season, highest species visibility
What to bring
To make the most of your trip, be prepared with:
- Layered, weather-appropriate clothing
- Waterproof boots and rain gear
- High-quality insect protection
- A spotting scope for long-distance viewing
Weather Conditions
Churchill’s weather is highly variable. Temperatures can shift from warm summer conditions to near-freezing winds within hours. Flexibility and preparation are essential.
Responsible Birding
Birds in Churchill are often approachable and sensitive to disturbance. Visitors are encouraged to follow ethical birding practices to protect nesting sites and minimize stress on wildlife.
Featured Birds of Churchill
Ross's Gull
One of the most sought-after Arctic birds in North America, Ross’s Gull is a rare and highly prized sighting. Churchill remains one of the best places in the world to observe it.
Northern Hawk Owl
A striking Arctic predator often seen perched in open tundra. This species is rare in the region and highly sensitive to disturbance.
Smith's Longspur
A common and melodic tundra songbird, often heard across open Arctic plains during the breeding season.
Spruce Grouse
A shy forest species that can sometimes be spotted in dense spruce stands, offering memorable close-range encounters.
Three-toed Woodpecker
A rare resident of burn areas and mature forest patches, typically difficult to find but rewarding when observed.
Yellow Rail
A secretive marsh bird best identified by its distinctive ticking call, typically heard at dawn or night in wet tundra habitats.
Frequently Seen Birds
The months indicate the hard to miss time period
Loons and Grebes
- Pacific Loon: [June- July]
- Horned Grebe: [July]
Geese
- Snow Goose: [May - September]
- Canada Goose: [May - September]
Ducks
- Greater Scaup: [June - August]
- Common Goldeneye: [June - July]
- Long-Tailed Duck: [June - August]
- Common Eider: [May - September]
- Black Scoter: [June - August]
- Surf Scoter: [June - August]
- Red-breasted Merganser: [June - August]
- Northern Pintail: [June - September]
- American Widgeon: [May - August]
- Northern Shoveler: [May - September]
- Green-Winged Teal: [June - September]
Raptors
- Northern Harrier: [June - August]
- Merlin: [June - September]
- Gyrfalcon: [All year]
- Bald Eagle: []
- Golden Eagle: []
Ptarmigan
- Willow Ptarmigan: [June - October]
Shorebirds
- American Golden Plover: [June - September]
- Semipalmated Plover: [June-September]
- Lesser Yellowlegs: [June - August]
- Whimbrel: [June - September]
- Hudsonian Godwit: [June - August]
- Least Sandpiper: [June - August]
- Stilt Sandpiper: [June - August]
- Short-billed Dowitcher: [June - September]
- Common Snipe: [June - September]
- Red-necked Phalarope: [June - September]
Jaegers
- Parasitic Jaeger: [June - September]
Gulls
- Bonaparte's Gull: [June - August]
- Ring-billed Gull: [June - August]
- Herring Gull: [June - September]
Terns
- Arctic Tern: [June - August]
Larks and Swallows
- Horned Lark: [May - September]
- Tree Swallow:[May - July]
Jays, Crows and Ravens
- Gray Jay: [All year]
- Common Raven [All year]
Thrushes
- American Robin: [June - September]
Pipits
- American Pipit: [June - September]
Wood Warblers
- Orange-crowned Warbler: [June - July]
- Yellow Warbler: [June - September]
- Yellow-rumped Warbler: [June - September]
- Blackpoll Warbler: [June - July and September]
- Northern Waterthrush: [June - August]
Sparrows/Juncos/Buntings
- American Tree Sparrow: [June - September]
- Savannah Sparrow: [June - September]
- White-crowned Sparrow: [June - September]
- Dark-eyed Junco: [June - August]
- Snow Bunting: [June and September - October]
- House Sparrow: [All year]
Blackbirds
- Rusty Blackbird: [June - September]
Churchill Attractions