The Gyrfalcon Islands are an uninhabited island group in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut, Canada. The over 200 small islands form an archipelago in western Ungava Bay north of Quebec's Ungava Peninsula and 19.7 km (12.2 mi) northeast of Leaf Bay.[1] Tiercel Island and Qikirtajuaq Island lie to the southwest. The closest community is the Inuit village of Kuujjuaq, 120 km (75 mi) to the southeast.

Gyrfalcon Islands
Gyrfalcon Islands is located in Nunavut
Gyrfalcon Islands
Gyrfalcon Islands
Gyrfalcon Islands is located in Canada
Gyrfalcon Islands
Gyrfalcon Islands
Geography
LocationUngava Bay
Coordinates59°05′N 68°57′W / 59.083°N 68.950°W / 59.083; -68.950 (Gyrfalcon Islands)
ArchipelagoArctic Archipelago
Total islandsOver 200
Area150 km2 (58 sq mi)
Administration
Canada
NunavutNunavut
RegionQikiqtaaluk
Demographics
PopulationUninhabited

Geography

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The islands are organized in series of north-west and south-east parallel chains.[2] Their habitat is characterized by high, powerful tides, open sea, coastal cliffs, and rocky marine shores.

Flora

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Vegetation is sparse, though tundra plants can be found away from shore. These include Arctic willow, crowberry, sedges, mosses and lichens.

Fauna

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The Gyrfalcon Islands are a Canadian Important Bird Area (#NU028). Their notable bird species includes the common eider.[3]

Walrus frequent the area during the summer.

References

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  1. ^ "Gyrfalcon Islands". travelingluck.com. Retrieved 2009-05-08.
  2. ^ Annual Report (Digitized May 30, 2008 ed.). Geological Survey of Canada. 1901. p. 43.
  3. ^ "Gyrfalcon Islands". bsc-eoc.org. Archived from the original on 2011-06-12. Retrieved 2009-05-08.
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