Short-eared Owl. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Thirty-one raptor species, including 18 species of diurnal raptors (Orders Accipitriformes and Falconiformes) and 13 species of owls (Order Strigiformes), have been documented in Alaska, 23 of which are known to breed within the state.
For conservation purposes, Boreal Partners in Flight categorizes raptors as "landbirds," along with songbirds, woodpeckers, and birds from several other families, because of their strong associations with terrestrial habitats. Many raptors are migratory or nomadic, spending nearly half their lives outside of Alaska, often in rapidly changing habitats. Resident species face unique challenges including the cascading effects of a rapidly warming and changing climate.
- While raptors share many traits with other landbirds, their life history characteristics and the different methods used to study raptors set them apart.
- Raptors are apex predators in many of the ecological systems in which they occur, often at the top of complex food chains.
- However, learning about the status and trends of raptor populations is challenging, often requiring specific methodologies that do not transfer to other landbirds.
- Alaska is a land of extremes, and its raptors emulate that diversity; therefore, conserving Alaska’s raptor legacy will require a diversity of conservation strategies.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The Alaska Raptor Group was formed as a subcommittee of Boreal Partners in Flight in April 2008 to provide specific guidance on the study, management, and conservation of Alaska raptors and their habitats.
Alaska Raptor Checklist PFD (91.59 KB) University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Mission statement
To promote the conservation of Alaska raptors and their habitats.
Terms of Reference for the Alaska Raptor Group PFD (254.39 KB)
Goals
- Provide a structured forum by which to facilitate, coordinate, and enhance the exchange of information regarding Alaska raptors.
- Promote research, monitoring, management, and conservation relevant to Alaska raptors.
Specific objectives
- Identify current and emerging conservation, management, and research issues concerning Alaska raptors throughout their year-round ranges.
- Facilitate the development and implementation of Alaska raptor monitoring, research, and conservation programs.
- Identify and implement effective methods for communicating the status of Alaska raptors, results of studies, and management and conservation issues.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Participation
Membership in the Alaska Raptor Group is voluntary and open to everyone. The Alaska Raptor Group includes representatives from a wide variety of public and private entities that support the conservation of raptors and their habitats.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is responsible for:
- Assisting in organizing and planning Alaska Raptor Group meetings
- Soliciting and assembling agenda items from Alaska Raptor Group members to be presented at annual meetings
- Collectively prioritizing needs and seeking ways of getting work accomplished
Composition. Six to 10 people serve on the Committee, including a Chair and a Secretary. The Committee strives to maintain a geographic diversity and representation from private, agency, and non-governmental organizations. Committee members serve a two-year term and there is no limit to the number of terms served by individuals. Service on the Committee is voluntary. The Committee seeks volunteers to serve on the Committee at least three months before the end of the term of each Committee member.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
2024 ARG Steering Committee
- Chair - Joe Eisaguirre, US Geological Survey
- Steve Lewis, US Fish and Wildlife Service (Secretary) - steve_b_lewis@fws.gov
- Chris Barger, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Travis Booms, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Carol McIntyre, National Park Service
Steering Committee Minutes
Meetings
The Alaska Raptor Group will meet at least once annually or as often as necessary to fulfill its objectives. Annual meetings of the Alaska Raptor Group will occur in conjunction with Boreal Partners in Flight meetings and the Alaska Bird Conference.
Minutes from Annual Meetings and Project Updates
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Boreal Partners in Flight
Welcome to the Alaska Landbird Resource Information System, the official web site for Boreal Partners in Flight! Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the Boreal Partners in Flight program and our efforts to understand and conserve northern populations of landbirds.
Conservation of Landbirds in Alaska
Alaska lies at the convergence of four major global migration flyways and encompasses a diverse array of important landbird habitats. Temperate rainforests tower along the southern coast, boreal forests span the vast interior, and low-lying tundra blankets the continent’s northern and western fringes.
Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey
Alaska provides breeding habitat for more than 140 regularly occurring species of landbirds, half of which breed predominantly north of the U.S.–Canada border. The road-based North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides some data on population trends in Alaska, but most northern species are inadequately monitored by that continental program because of a paucity of roads. Boreal Partners in...
Monitoring and Research Boreal Partners in Flight Projects
Boreal Partners in Flight has five major regional projects designed to monitor broad-scale trends in populations of landbirds. There are also many projects throughout Alaska that address specific research questions or local monitoring needs.
About Boreal Partners in Flight
Boreal Partners in Flight is a coalition of individuals who are working together to help conserve bird populations throughout boreal regions of North America. Boreal Partners in Flight is the official Alaska state working group of the international Partners in Flight program. We also have many members from Canada because we share many of the same species, habitats, and problems. The international...
Meeting and Project Summaries for Boreal Partners in Flight
Information on topics discussed by Boreal Partners in Flight (BPIF) working groups organized by year.
Resources and Links for Boreal Partners in Flight
There is enormous value in learning about our natural world. Educational resources help us with this endeavor and help us teach others about landbirds. Note: This list is for your convenience. We are not advertising or endorsing any product or entity listed.
Landbird Research in Alaska
On this page, learn about USGS work on Beak Deformities and Boreal Partners in Flight.
Bird Conservation Areas
Five Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) were designated in Alaska as part of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative in order provide a framework that would facilitate coordinated conservation and evaluations of major bird initiatives.
Festivals Celebrating Birds in Alaska
Here are a few festivals celebrating birds around the state of Alaska.
Beak Deformities in Landbirds
Over the past 20 years, Alaskans have witnessed a startling increase of beak deformities among Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds. This disease, called avian keratin disorder (AKD), is characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening, and may suffer high rates of mortality.
Below are raptors that range in Alaska.
Short-eared Owl on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Short-eared Owl. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Great Horned Owl in a tree in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Great Horned Owl in a tree in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Horned Owl in a tree in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Horned Owl in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Great Horned Owl in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Horned Owl in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Northern Pygmy-Owl at night in Juneau, Alaska
Northern Pygmy-Owl at night in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Pygmy-Owl at night in Juneau, Alaska.
Gyrfalcon in a tree near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Gyrfalcon in a tree near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Gyrfalcons are present in Alaska too.
Gyrfalcon in a tree near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Gyrfalcons are present in Alaska too.
Short-eared Owl in the Juneau, Alaska
Short-eared Owl in the Juneau, Alaska.
Short-eared Owl in the Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl in a tree in Juneau, Alaska
Northern Hawk Owl in a tree in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl in a tree in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl on a building in Juneau, Alaska
Northern Hawk Owl on a building in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl on a building in Juneau, Alaska.
Closer view of Great Gray Owl in Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Closer view of Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada.
Closer view of Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada.
Great Gray Owl in Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on shore of Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on shore of Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on shore of Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
A Bald Eagle on Juneau Beach in Juneau, Alaska
A Bald Eagle on Juneau Beach in Juneau, Alaska
A Bald Eagle on Juneau Beach in Juneau, Alaska
Thirty-one raptor species, including 18 species of diurnal raptors (Orders Accipitriformes and Falconiformes) and 13 species of owls (Order Strigiformes), have been documented in Alaska, 23 of which are known to breed within the state.
For conservation purposes, Boreal Partners in Flight categorizes raptors as "landbirds," along with songbirds, woodpeckers, and birds from several other families, because of their strong associations with terrestrial habitats. Many raptors are migratory or nomadic, spending nearly half their lives outside of Alaska, often in rapidly changing habitats. Resident species face unique challenges including the cascading effects of a rapidly warming and changing climate.
- While raptors share many traits with other landbirds, their life history characteristics and the different methods used to study raptors set them apart.
- Raptors are apex predators in many of the ecological systems in which they occur, often at the top of complex food chains.
- However, learning about the status and trends of raptor populations is challenging, often requiring specific methodologies that do not transfer to other landbirds.
- Alaska is a land of extremes, and its raptors emulate that diversity; therefore, conserving Alaska’s raptor legacy will require a diversity of conservation strategies.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The Alaska Raptor Group was formed as a subcommittee of Boreal Partners in Flight in April 2008 to provide specific guidance on the study, management, and conservation of Alaska raptors and their habitats.
Alaska Raptor Checklist PFD (91.59 KB) University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Mission statement
To promote the conservation of Alaska raptors and their habitats.
Terms of Reference for the Alaska Raptor Group PFD (254.39 KB)
Goals
- Provide a structured forum by which to facilitate, coordinate, and enhance the exchange of information regarding Alaska raptors.
- Promote research, monitoring, management, and conservation relevant to Alaska raptors.
Specific objectives
- Identify current and emerging conservation, management, and research issues concerning Alaska raptors throughout their year-round ranges.
- Facilitate the development and implementation of Alaska raptor monitoring, research, and conservation programs.
- Identify and implement effective methods for communicating the status of Alaska raptors, results of studies, and management and conservation issues.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Participation
Membership in the Alaska Raptor Group is voluntary and open to everyone. The Alaska Raptor Group includes representatives from a wide variety of public and private entities that support the conservation of raptors and their habitats.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is responsible for:
- Assisting in organizing and planning Alaska Raptor Group meetings
- Soliciting and assembling agenda items from Alaska Raptor Group members to be presented at annual meetings
- Collectively prioritizing needs and seeking ways of getting work accomplished
Composition. Six to 10 people serve on the Committee, including a Chair and a Secretary. The Committee strives to maintain a geographic diversity and representation from private, agency, and non-governmental organizations. Committee members serve a two-year term and there is no limit to the number of terms served by individuals. Service on the Committee is voluntary. The Committee seeks volunteers to serve on the Committee at least three months before the end of the term of each Committee member.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
2024 ARG Steering Committee
- Chair - Joe Eisaguirre, US Geological Survey
- Steve Lewis, US Fish and Wildlife Service (Secretary) - steve_b_lewis@fws.gov
- Chris Barger, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Travis Booms, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Carol McIntyre, National Park Service
Steering Committee Minutes
Meetings
The Alaska Raptor Group will meet at least once annually or as often as necessary to fulfill its objectives. Annual meetings of the Alaska Raptor Group will occur in conjunction with Boreal Partners in Flight meetings and the Alaska Bird Conference.
Minutes from Annual Meetings and Project Updates
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Boreal Partners in Flight
Welcome to the Alaska Landbird Resource Information System, the official web site for Boreal Partners in Flight! Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the Boreal Partners in Flight program and our efforts to understand and conserve northern populations of landbirds.
Conservation of Landbirds in Alaska
Alaska lies at the convergence of four major global migration flyways and encompasses a diverse array of important landbird habitats. Temperate rainforests tower along the southern coast, boreal forests span the vast interior, and low-lying tundra blankets the continent’s northern and western fringes.
Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey
Alaska provides breeding habitat for more than 140 regularly occurring species of landbirds, half of which breed predominantly north of the U.S.–Canada border. The road-based North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides some data on population trends in Alaska, but most northern species are inadequately monitored by that continental program because of a paucity of roads. Boreal Partners in...
Monitoring and Research Boreal Partners in Flight Projects
Boreal Partners in Flight has five major regional projects designed to monitor broad-scale trends in populations of landbirds. There are also many projects throughout Alaska that address specific research questions or local monitoring needs.
About Boreal Partners in Flight
Boreal Partners in Flight is a coalition of individuals who are working together to help conserve bird populations throughout boreal regions of North America. Boreal Partners in Flight is the official Alaska state working group of the international Partners in Flight program. We also have many members from Canada because we share many of the same species, habitats, and problems. The international...
Meeting and Project Summaries for Boreal Partners in Flight
Information on topics discussed by Boreal Partners in Flight (BPIF) working groups organized by year.
Resources and Links for Boreal Partners in Flight
There is enormous value in learning about our natural world. Educational resources help us with this endeavor and help us teach others about landbirds. Note: This list is for your convenience. We are not advertising or endorsing any product or entity listed.
Landbird Research in Alaska
On this page, learn about USGS work on Beak Deformities and Boreal Partners in Flight.
Bird Conservation Areas
Five Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) were designated in Alaska as part of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative in order provide a framework that would facilitate coordinated conservation and evaluations of major bird initiatives.
Festivals Celebrating Birds in Alaska
Here are a few festivals celebrating birds around the state of Alaska.
Beak Deformities in Landbirds
Over the past 20 years, Alaskans have witnessed a startling increase of beak deformities among Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds. This disease, called avian keratin disorder (AKD), is characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening, and may suffer high rates of mortality.
Below are raptors that range in Alaska.
Short-eared Owl on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Short-eared Owl. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Short-eared Owl. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Great Horned Owl in a tree in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Great Horned Owl in a tree in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Horned Owl in a tree in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Horned Owl in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Great Horned Owl in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Horned Owl in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Northern Pygmy-Owl at night in Juneau, Alaska
Northern Pygmy-Owl at night in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Pygmy-Owl at night in Juneau, Alaska.
Gyrfalcon in a tree near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Gyrfalcon in a tree near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Gyrfalcons are present in Alaska too.
Gyrfalcon in a tree near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Gyrfalcons are present in Alaska too.
Short-eared Owl in the Juneau, Alaska
Short-eared Owl in the Juneau, Alaska.
Short-eared Owl in the Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl in a tree in Juneau, Alaska
Northern Hawk Owl in a tree in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl in a tree in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl on a building in Juneau, Alaska
Northern Hawk Owl on a building in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl on a building in Juneau, Alaska.
Closer view of Great Gray Owl in Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Closer view of Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada.
Closer view of Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada.
Great Gray Owl in Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on shore of Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on shore of Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on shore of Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
A Bald Eagle on Juneau Beach in Juneau, Alaska
A Bald Eagle on Juneau Beach in Juneau, Alaska
A Bald Eagle on Juneau Beach in Juneau, Alaska