Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) is a true songbird of the Arctic—beautiful, tough, and built for life in the cold. Often called the “snowflake bird,” it flutters across snowy fields in flocks that seem to dance like windblown snow, flashing white wings and warm, earthy tones as they forage on the ground.

In winter, Snow Buntings are a charming mix of white, cinnamon, and dusky brown, blending perfectly with frosty landscapes. But come breeding season, males molt into striking black-and-white plumage that glistens against the tundra, where they nest among the rocks and lichen far above the treeline. These birds are among the northernmost breeding songbirds on the planet, thriving in some of the harshest conditions on Earth.

Despite their rugged habitat, Snow Buntings have a delicate, cheerful song that echoes through the quiet northern air. They migrate south in winter, often arriving in flocks across open fields, lake shores, and farm country, bringing a flash of Arctic wildness to the quiet months.

Symbolizing resilience, purity, and the quiet beauty of winter, the Snow Bunting is more than a seasonal visitor—it’s a feathered reminder that even in the coldest, most remote places, life flourishes with elegance and grace.