The Beautiful Birds of Canada

Barnacle geese are rare Canadian birds known for their black plumage. They are medium-sized birds that, when migrating, fly in a V-shaped formation. They build their nests in mountainous and rocky regions. Barnacle geese are herbivorous, feeding mainly on leaves, herbs, grass, roots, mosses, sedges, and aquatic vegetation. During the winter they feed on agricultural grain and occasionally vegetables.

Black-capped chickadees are North American songbirds and the provincial birds of New Brunswick. They have black caps, bibs on their faces with white sides, short black bills, and gray backs and tails. These birds inhabit willow thickets, temperate forests, parks, cottonwood groves, and open woodlands. During the day they are energetic, gleaning or scavenging upside down while hovering and shrieking. They can be observed jumping along tree trunks or climbing up trees.

Blue jays are birds that build open nests on trees and mainly feed on nuts and seeds. They are loud, assertive, and aggressive passerines. These birds breed in both deciduous and coniferous forests.

Cackling geese are birds found in northern Canada, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest. They mostly feed in extended families and big flocks, building their nests on islands or marshes in the Polar Tundra. All year long, cackling geese hunt in wetlands and meadows and forage agricultural fields during migration and when on wintering grounds.

Citrine wagtails are small migratory birds found in British Columbia and Southern Canada. They are known for their yellow plumage and their continuous wagging of their tails. They prefer to inhabit bogs and meadows. Citrine wagtails primarily eat insects. Their diet mainly consists of flies and beetles, which they forage for on the ground and in the air. During migration, they may also consume small crustaceans, mollusks, and fish to supplement their diet.

Henslow’s sparrows are small birds that inhabit wet and shrubby fields in Southern Canada. They were named in honor of the British botanist, priest, and geologist John Stevens Henslow. They are brownish in color and have crown-like structures on their heads with their wings rust-colored. Henslow’s sparrows feed on the ground, mostly consuming insects as well as berries and seeds.

Prothonotary warblers are lovely birds and first made an appearance in the 1940s. They inhabit wetlands and are recognized by their golden plumage. These are migratory birds that breed in Ontario and then journey to eastern US and the West Indies. These are small birds that dine on water invertebrates but will also eat spiders, seeds, and snails. are recognized by their golden plumage.

Ring-necked ducks inhabit freshwater ponds and lakes and are diving ducks. They have two white rings surrounding their grey bills and have shiny angular heads with black backs. Ring-necked ducks are omnivores. They get their food by diving into water bodies. Young ducklings, however, are dependent on worms, leeches, midges, and snails.

Snow geese are beautiful white birds found in British Columbia and North America. These birds are known for their white plumage. They are migratory and journey south in the wintertime and return north for breeding. Snow geese have a vegetarian diet, with grains being an essential part.

Surf scoters are huge sea ducks that generally breed in Canada and Alaska. They migrate to places with temperate climates in the winter season. These birds dive for food, capturing fish on the ocean floor as well as mussels. During the wintertime mollusks and crustaceans are their best food.

Trumpeter swans are the official birds of Prince Edward island recognized by their white plumage and huge wingspan. (pictured above) They can be found in parts of Canada, the northern US, and central and southern Alaska. These birds are non-migratory but also fly in a V-shaped flock. Trumpeter swans are huge birds inhabiting wetlands and the edges of open water. They belong to the heron family. Their diet consists mostly of aquatic plants and they’ll dig into muddy substrates underwater for roots and tubers.