Our arctic birds

The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird of prey (with a wingspan of up to 2.75 m and a weight of up to 4.7 kg) commonly found in northern Norway. The species has been protected in Norway since 1968. Adult birds (five years or older) can be recognized by their completely white tail tip, while younger birds have only a partially white tail tip. Adult females are larger than males. A large number of White-tailed Eagles can be found around the island of Bleiksøya during spring and summer when they prey on puffins. 🟢 Can be seen in Andøy: All year

The most famous member of the auk family is undoubtedly the puffin. They can dive down to 70 meters, stay with their partners for life, and return to their birthplace to lay eggs and raise their young. You may encounter some puffins on our whale-watching trips during the whole year, but especially on our bird-watching trips to Bleik Island, one of the main breeding grounds for this species in Norway. On these trips, you will see them in the thousands. Weight: 500 g | Wingspan: 29-34 cm 🟢 Can be seen in Andøy: Spring and summer, occasionally in winter

The Gannet is a large, streamlined bird with long, narrow wings. The typical yellow head is easily recognizable in adult birds (4-6 years old). Their hunting method is spectacular, as they dive like a spear from up to 100 meters into the sea to catch fish. Adults can have a wingspan of 170-180 cm. They are common in the sea around Andøya, although they do not always breed on the small islands nearby. While not endangered, the species has suffered greatly from bird flu in recent years. 🟢 Can be seen in Andøy: Spring and summer

Among the auk family (Alcidae), the Razorbill is easily recognizable by its black head, white belly, and distinctive white stripes on its broad bill. The French call the razorbill "the little penguin," which is fitting, as it looks quite similar when standing. The species is not threatened but is protected. Numbers around Andøya: Several hundred. 🟢 Can be seen in Andøy: Spring and summer

The Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) has the longest migration of any bird in the world. It travels approximately 70,000 km (43,500 miles) per year, migrating from its breeding grounds in the Arctic to its wintering areas in the Antarctic and back. This means it experiences two summers each year and sees more daylight than any other animal on Earth. On Andøya, it is a common breeding bird. It is important to avoid approaching its nesting sites, as these birds will become aggressive and attempt to drive away intruders. Weight: 100 g | Wingspan: 64-76 cm 🟢 Can be seen in Andøy: Spring and summer

This magnificent black bird should not be confused with its smaller relative, the European Shag (Gulosus aristotelis), which is also common in our region. The Cormorant is frequently seen around Andøya, and on our bird-watching trips, they often greet us right in the harbor. They are recognizable by their black plumage and white belly. On many islands around Andøya, they live in groups. The shag (toppskarv in Norwegian) has extra plumage on its head during spring, is slightly smaller than the Cormorant, and is completely black. Weight: 2.6-3.7 kg | Wingspan: 110 cm 🟢 Can be seen in Andøy: All year

Black Guillemot: Within the auk family, the Black Guillemot is a striking bird with black and white plumage in summer and white-grey plumage in winter. Its bright red legs create a beautiful contrast in summer against its deep black feathers. This species occurs year-round off Andøya. It is not endangered but is protected. Common Guillemot: The Common Guillemot, with black back feathers, a white belly, and a pointed bill, occurs in spring and summer around Andøya. Though not endangered, it is protected, and its population appears to be decreasing in the Vesterålen region. Numbers around Andøya: Hundreds. 🟢 Can be seen in Andøy: 15 April - 15 August

Many species of gulls can be found in the harbors and seas around Andøya. Some of the best-known species include: • Great Black-backed Gull • Lesser Black-backed Gull • Herring Gull • Kittiwake. The Great Black-backed Gull, with an imposing 1.70-meter wingspan, is the largest gull on Earth. Most gull species can be identified by the color of their legs. 🟢 Can be seen in Andøy: All year

The Oystercatcher is a large, stocky, black-and-white wading bird with an orange-red bill and reddish-pink legs. In flight, it displays a broad white wing stripe, a black tail, and a white rump forming a 'V' between the wings. The first sighting of an Oystercatcher each year is considered a clear sign of spring. 🟢 Can be seen in Andøy: Spring and summer

The Arctic Skua is a medium-sized, dark seabird with pointed wings that have pale tips. Often seen flying low and fast above the waves, it chases puffins or other birds, forcing them to drop their food. It is a skilled aerial hunter, engaging in high-speed twists and turns to steal its next meal. 🟢 Can be seen in Andøy: Spring and summer