Birds of Svalbard

Most people associate Svalbard with rugged animals like polar bears and walruses – iconic symbols of Arctic wilderness. But the northern archipelago also offers an impressively rich birdlife. Here, you are invited into a landscape of ice, mountains, and Arctic desert – and one of the world’s most intense and vibrant bird scenes.

As the light returns after a long winter, the Svalbard landscape comes to life – and how! Birdlife peaks during the polar summer, with an explosive number of animals transforming steep cliffs into theatres of sound and movement. The tundra, too, teems with activity.

Most of the bird species on Svalbard are hardy seasonal visitors that migrate north to exploit the short but abundant Arctic spring and summer, while the Svalbard ptarmigan braves the dark season and winter cold and remains all year round. The birdlife is not only spectacular to witness but also a striking image of nature’s extreme adaptability – and a reminder of how vulnerable this balance is in the face of climate change that is rapidly rewriting Svalbard’s ancient rules.

Svalbard’s Feathered Stars

Although only around 45 bird species nest regularly on Svalbard, they are present in formidable numbers. Over 240 species have been recorded on the archipelago over time, and new visitors are still being observed. Seabirds are clearly in the majority, but there is also a variety of species on land.

Among the birds you may encounter is the Brünnich’s guillemot, an auk that forms enormous colonies on the steep bird cliffs. It lays pear-shaped eggs directly on narrow ledges – a clever design that prevents the eggs from rolling off. The guillemot is a master diver, and the colony’s soundscape of screeches and wailing cries is an unforgettable experience.

Sharing these dramatic cliffs is the black-legged kittiwake, the world’s most numerous gull species. Although their colonies have declined in recent decades, they remain a familiar sight in Svalbard. Nests are built on narrow ledges in dense, noisy communities, where thousands of birds compete for space.

The northern fulmar is a petrel – often called “the little albatross” due to its elegant gliding flight. It may resemble a gull at first glance, but is more robust and is known to defend itself by vomiting foul-smelling oil. The fulmar glides calmly on the sea breeze and may follow boats closely with a seemingly wise, ancient gaze – and can live to be over 50 years old.

The little auk is the world’s smallest auk species, but undoubtedly one of the most numerous birds on Svalbard. They gather in massive colonies in scree slopes and crevices, often far from the coast. Little auks feed on plankton and small crustaceans and are a key species connecting the ocean’s wealth to the land ecosystem.

Along the coast nests the common eider, a large sea duck with a particularly beautiful drake in black, white, and green. It builds nests well hidden behind driftwood or stones, and females may form “kindergartens” where several birds guard chicks together as protection against predators. In Longyearbyen, there is even a large colony just outside the town centre toward Adventdalen.

On the tundra, you may spot geese such as the pink-footed goose and the brent goose. Pink-footed geese arrive in large flocks in spring and nest in colonies while grazing so effectively that the tundra can resemble a golf course. Brent geese are smaller and more compact, with a distinctive white neck ring. They often nest scattered on small islands and will call loudly and intensely if you come too close.

The snow bunting is Svalbard’s only songbird. It builds nests in cabin walls, rock piles, and other sheltered spots, and is known for its cheerful song. Snow buntings arrive in April and leave again in August or September. Their melody is a sure sign of spring.

The Svalbard ptarmigan is the only year-round land bird at 78 degrees north. It changes to a white plumage in winter, becoming nearly invisible in the snow, while its summer plumage is a rocky brown camouflage. It faces the cold and polar night with stoic calm and is a true veteran of Arctic conditions.

On wetlands and river plains, you’ll find waders such as the ringed plover and the dunlin. They lay eggs directly on the ground – often so well camouflaged. Chicks are incredibly independent from day one and run around foraging for food.

The ivory gull is one of the truly iconic Arctic species. Pure white with black wingtips, it nests sparsely throughout the archipelago and often follows the ice edge in search of food – a strong symbol of the ice-dependency that defines Svalbard’s ecosystem.

Along rocky coastlines, you may spot the black guillemot, easily recognised by its black and white plumage and red legs. It nests in scree and crevices and is a skilled diver often seen hunting near the shore – a colourful but hardy element of Svalbard’s birdlife.

The Arctic skua is a skua – a specialised bird of prey among the gulls, known for its pirate-like lifestyle. It survives by stealing food from other birds in aerial duels that can become quite dramatic. Sleek and sharp-winged, it is a ruthless strategist that won’t hesitate to mob gulls and terns to snatch their catch.

The Arctic tern is one of the world’s most extreme migratory birds. It flies from Antarctica to the Arctic and back every single year. With its sharp, piercing cry and elegant, pointed wings, it is easy to recognise. Fearless and aggressive – if you come too close to its nest, expect a targeted dive attack to the head.

The Atlantic puffin is an auk known for its colourful beak and cartoon-like appearance. It nests in burrows or scree along the coast and is a brilliant diver that catches small fish in deep water. A beautiful, but also vulnerable, member of Svalbard’s birdlife.

This is not a complete list of the birds of Svalbard, but a selection of the species you are most likely to encounter – whether you're on a boat trip, hiking, or just strolling through Longyearbyen.

Bird Cliffs – Nature’s Living Theatres

Many of Svalbard’s feathered inhabitants stay in the bird cliffs. Here, tens of thousands of birds are invited to nest in the rock faces, appearing as black and white patterns against the barren stone wall. The sound is a pulsating chaos of cries and calls – a place where nature plays at full volume.

The areas around Longyearbyen and Isfjorden offer several great birdwatching opportunities. A boat trip with a local guide is one of the best ways to see the bird cliffs up close – without disturbing them. The guides tell stories about the species you see and help you recognize the differences between guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars.

A hike into Adventdalen is another low-threshold birding adventure. Here you may spot geese, waders, and eiders, as well as snow buntings singing from rock piles or cabin roofs. Dog sledding on wheels is also a popular activity in Adventdalen during summer – a quiet way to get close to both birdlife and landscape without causing disturbance.

How to Enjoy Birdlife Without Disturbing It

Svalbard offers exceptional bird experiences. But to make the most of your encounters – both for yourself and the birds – it’s important to act with care. Here’s a short checklist:

- Always choose tours with local guides – they know both the birds and the regulations and provide insights and experiences you would otherwise miss.
- Keep a respectful distance – use binoculars or a telephoto lens to observe birds without disturbing them. Even a small step too close can cause birds to abandon their nests.
- Respect travel restrictions in protected areas – the period from May 15 to August 15 is critical for nesting and chicks. Full overview of the rules is available on the Governor of Svalbard’s website.
- Listen and learn – birdsong and calls are half the experience. Recognising sounds and species makes the trip richer and more respectful.
- Move quietly and calmly in bird areas – avoid sudden movements and loud noise, especially near nests and wetlands.

Sources:
- Svalbard Museum. “Birds.” https://svalbardmuseum.no/fugler
- Birdlife Svalbard. Bird species on Svalbard. https://svalbardbirds.com
- Store norske leksikon. “Wildlife on Svalbard – Birds.” https://snl.no/Dyreliv_p%C3%A5_Svalbard#-Fugler
- Norwegian Polar Institute. “Svalbard’s rich birdlife under climate pressure.” https://npolar.no/nyhet/svalbards-rike-fugleliv-under-klimapress/