The Snow Bunting breeds farther north than any other songbird, nesting in rock crevices on the high arctic and even on the northern coast of Greenland. In winter, flocks swirl over snow-covered fields like animated snowflakes, flashing white wing patches. Males return to the breeding grounds in April when temperatures can still reach -30°C, gaining a buff-washed look as white feather tips wear away by breeding season.
Best time to see a Snow Bunting
The best time to see a Snow Bunting is November–January, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 5,023 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Snow Bunting? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Snow Bunting sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Snow Bunting? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Snow Bunting is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.