Snow Bunting
Hey Alaska! I'm the Snow Bunting, your frost-loving contender for Audubon Alaska's 2024 Bird of the Year. Wondering why a Snow Bunting like me deserves your vote? Well, aside from being adorably fluffy (which should be reason enough, in my opinion!), I can also claim the title of being the world’s northernmost passerine species. That fact alone should tell you just how far I’m willing to go as this year’s Bird of the Year.
Another thing about us male Snow Buntings: we're the ultimate early birds of the Arctic. We fly to our breeding grounds when it's more ice than nice, with temperatures dipping to a refreshing -22° F in mid-March. Talk about being keen on location! We do this to claim the coziest rock crevices for our nests for our ladybirds. Nest real estate in the Arctic is more competitive and bloodthirsty than the housing market in California, which is hard to believe! Our female counterparts, wisely, time their arrival when the Arctic is less of an icebox, about 3 to 4 weeks later. I’m sure they appreciate us braving those frozen tundra temps early for them!
I'm not just a bird who loves the cold; I represent the spirit of the Arctic: resilient, unique, and utterly enchanting. A vote for me is a commitment to safeguarding our Arctic homes and ensuring Alaska remains a haven for all its winged inhabitants. This year, choose the Snow Bunting: Adorable. Fluffy. And the best Arctic spokesbird you could ask for. Vote for the Snow Bunting! Read More
















