The Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP) is a vast area of Arctic lowland tundra in far northern Alaska that serves as an important region for many species of breeding birds, especially waterbirds.  Importantly, it is the only regularly used breeding area in North America for threatened Steller’s eiders (Polysticta stelleri), and one of only three breeding areas for the threatened Spectacled eider (Somateria fischeri).  Additionally, the ACP hosts many other waterbird species of conservation concern, including Red-throated (Gavia stellata) and Yellow-billed loons (G. adamsii), Snow geese (Anser caerulescens), Pacific black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans), Common eiders (S. mollissima), White-winged scoters (Melanitta deglandi), and Long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis). The ACP Aerial Breeding Pair Survey has been conducted since 1986 and provides data on the distribution, abundance, and trend of 33 bird species (including 29 waterbird species) that nest in northern Alaska. Prior to 2007, two surveys with different timing and coverage were used to monitor waterbirds on the ACP. In 2007, the two historical surveys were merged and the current amalgamated survey has been flown annually since 2007 (except in 2020 and 2021). Results from this survey provide population status and distribution information to the Pacific Flyway Council, the Alaska Migratory Bird Co-Management Council, Spectacled and Steller’s Eider Recovery Teams (for assessing eider status relative to recovery criteria), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management (for Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act impacts analyses and permitting), U.S. Geological Survey, North Slope Borough, various NGO’s, consulting firms, and industry.

Map of Alaska with red area at the top of the state showing the area of the Arctic Coastal Plain Breeding Pair Breeding Pair Survey.
Image Details
Map showing the location (in red) for the Arctic Coastal Plain Breeding Pair Aerial Survey in Alaska.

Contact Information

Species

A white and black bird glides over the water with tundra in the background

43-47 cm. Smallish marine duck with squarish head and angular bill; breeding plumage male unmistakable (in eclipse blackish with white secondary coverts); 1st winter male brown with faint suggestion of male head markings - blackish throat and collar; female red-brown with blue tertials (except...

FWS Focus
Species
Kingdom
Animalia
Taxonomic Rank
Species
A swimming bird with a circle around it's eye, which looks like a spectacle

Spectacled eiders are large sea ducks, 52 to 56 centimeters long (20 to 22 inches). In the winter and spring, adult males are in breeding plumage with a black chest, white back, and pale green head with a long, sloping forehead and white patches resembling spectacles around the eyes. During the...

FWS Focus
Species
Kingdom
Animalia
Taxonomic Rank
Species
Black and white bird and yellow bill on the water

The yellow-billed loon is a migratory bird. Solitary pairs breed on lakes in the arctic tundra of the United States, Russia, and Canada from June to September. During the remainder of the year the species winters in more southern coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Norway and North Seas...

FWS Focus
Species
Kingdom
Animalia
Taxonomic Rank
Species

Programs

A large bird with brown feathers, white head, and yellow beak flies against a pale blue sky
The Migratory Bird Program works with partners to protect, restore and conserve bird populations and their habitats for the benefit of future generations by: ensuring long-term ecological sustainability of all migratory bird populations, increasing socioeconomic benefits derived from birds,...
Program
Washington,DC

Facilities

Black and white bird with long neck and yellow bill on the water
Alaska Migratory Birds Office
Alaska is home to more than 470 species of birds. Most are migratory birds for which the Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible under international treaties and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. While some of the birds stay in Alaska year-round, most migrate to Canada, Central America, South America...
Conservation Office
Anchorage,AK

Latest News

Sandhill Cranes flying over the Refuge from a distance.
Migratory Species
Migratory Bird Annual Status Reports 
Annual migratory bird population status reports are posted each year in mid to late August. Highlighted species include waterfowl, American woodcock, mourning dove, band-tailed pigeon, and sandhill Crane. The annual Migratory Bird Hunting Activity and Harvest Report is also included.