Varanger Fjord is western Europe's most reliable site — hundreds winter here and are present from September through June, allowing exceptionally close study of this rare sea duck.
The orange-and-blue fleshy shield on the breeding male's forehead is the most elaborate bill ornament of any duck — concentrates in Varanger during the shipping-ice period.
Norway has the world's largest breeding population — fjord boat trips in Lofoten and Trollfjord pass nesting sites where adult birds with wingspan over 2.4 m regularly interact.
Breeds on Norwegian mountain tundra in lemming years — large white males are startlingly visible from roads across the Finnmark plateau in June.
The most elegant skua — the flowing ribbon tail streamers of breeding birds hovering above tundra in June are one of the Arctic's most beautiful sights.
A piratical seabird that chases terns and gulls until they drop their fish — breeding pairs in the dark and pale morphs are a constant presence along Norwegian sea coasts.
The Røst Archipelago hosts Norway's largest Puffin colony — Runde Island near Ålesund is most accessible with 100,000+ Puffins alongside Gannets and Kittiwakes.
The northernmost-breeding tit in the world — found year-round in Norway's far-north birch forest and approaching winter feeders in Varanger villages.
Free: Backyard Birds ID Chart
Printable PDF — verified eBird data
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