Five Birds You Might See on Your Greenland Cruise

A Greenland expedition cruise offers birdwatchers a unique opportunity to capture stunning avian photographs. With over 230 bird species, Greenland boasts both spectacular landscapes and diverse winged wildlife.

Approximately 60 bird species reside in Greenland year-round, while the majority are migratory, visiting at different times of the year. In this article, we'll explore some of the most striking birds found on Earth's largest island.

1. Black guillemot, a well-connected Greenland bird

Black guillemots belong to the auk family, which has the highest population of breeding birds in Greenland. These birds are easily recognizable by their black bodies, red feet, and white wing patches. Related to puffins, black guillemots have a distinctive way of holding the fish they catch.

2. Fulmar, a Greenland bird friendly to our ships

Resembling gulls, fulmars are part of the petrel family. These pelagic birds spend their entire lives at sea and are often seen around Disko Bay and further north. Fulmars are known to follow ships, hoping to find food in their wakes. Besides Greenland, they can also be spotted in other Arctic regions like Svalbard.

3. Great northern diver, the oldest bird species in Greenland - and the world, for that matter

Also known as “loons,” these birds are famous for their appearance on the Canadian one-dollar coin, the “loonie.” They have black heads, black-and-white patterned bodies, and a gracefully curving neck. Great northern divers have some solid bones, allowing them to dive deeper, but this makes them heavier and requires a runway approach for takeoff.

4. Ptarmigan, a well-disguised Greenland bird

Ptarmigans are masters of camouflage, making them a challenge for birdwatchers. Their coloring changes with the seasons: brown with dark stripes in summer and white in winter, blending in with grasses and rocks or ice and snow. During “ptarmigan years,” their breeding activity increases, offering a great chance to photograph them.

5. Red-throated divers, a star Greenland bird

Known as red-throated loons, these birds are the most widely distributed of the diver family. They have a creamy-brown head and a red throat during mating season, which turns gray in winter. Their Latin name, Gavia stellata, means “starry,” referring to the white star-like spots on their back. The term “loon” likely comes from words meaning “clumsy” or “lame,” describing their awkward movements on land.

The best voyages for seeing Greenland birds

While many Arctic cruises offer birdwatching opportunities, Greenland trips provide the best chance to see these birds and many others, along with some of the most dramatic coastlines, mountains, and fjords on the planet.

Prepare your camera, hone your bird photography skills, and join us on an unforgettable journey to this extraordinary Arctic destination.