Snow birds

When we think of wintering birds in the region, the bald eagle comes readily to mind. However, there are a few species of birds that are inconspicuous in looks but have a very exciting travel itinerary. The snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) is one of these world travelers.

Snow buntings are sparrow-sized birds that breed in the summer as far north as the Artic islands across Canada and northern Alaska. In the winter, they migrate to southern Canada and the northern United States. Our region is the southern limit of their winter range. This is one of only a few birds that breed so far north. There is nothing north of the snow bunting’s breeding ground except the polar ice cap and the North Pole.

A snow bunting’s winter plumage is white with a brown crown and breast, and wings with black wing bars. When it is up north in the summer on the tundra it has a whole new look, with a brilliant white body, black wings and white wing bars. This is likely for camouflage, as there is snow in the artic, even in summer.

Locally, snow buntings can be seen in the fall and winter walking on the ground, mostly foraging for seeds, and the occasional insect that can be found before winter’s onset. Open fields of grass or weeds are good winter habitat. Mountaintops that are open with some grass cover are also likely places where snow buntings can be found.

The snow bunting is sometimes called “Snowflake” by people in its summer range. Other folks might call this bird the ultimate “snow bird.”