Non-Breeding Birds Distribution Map

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

The Washington Gap Analysis Project created breeding bird maps only. The non-breeding birds (e.g., wintering, pelagic (coastal), and birds expanding their ranges) are represented only by NatureMapping sightings.

NatureMapping observations reported by townships throughout the year.

Species Distribution Information

The Snow Bunting spends winters from the west Alaska coast through the southern Canadian provinces and the northern American states, including mostly the eastern portion of Washington state. This species breeds along the north coast of Alaska, the Yukon, the Arctic Islands and Greenland. Winter resident in Washington on open terrain - late fall along Pacific, north Olympic Coast. Rare at best in western Washington. Numbers much higher in eastern Washington.