Canada is home to a diverse range of bird species, some of which are found exclusively within its borders. The country’s varied geography, including the boreal forest, arctic tundra, mountains, wetlands and oceans, provides ideal habitat for both migratory and resident bird populations. Approximately 450 species of birds breed in Canada, and about 40-50 of those are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. Here is an overview of some of the most iconic birds that can only be seen in Canada.
Birds Only Found in the Boreal Forests of Canada
The boreal forest is a huge swath of coniferous forest that covers much of northern Canada. Spruces, firs, larches, pines and other conifers dominate these forests, which provide prime breeding habitat for many bird species. Some species that are restricted to Canada’s boreal forests include:
- Gray Jay – Also known as the Canada jay, the gray jay is a year-round boreal forest resident. It is an opportunistic omnivore and is very tame around humans.
- Black-backed Woodpecker – As its name suggests, this woodpecker has striking black plumage on its back. It feeds primarily on wood-boring beetle larvae found in dead and dying conifer trees.
- Boreal Chickadee – This tiny songbird is a parrot-like boreal forest specialist. It has a black cap and throat bib.
- Cape May Warbler – This warbler breeds exclusively in boreal forests across Canada. The male has striking chestnut-colored face markings.
Arctic Birds Found Only in Northern Canada
Canada’s arctic region consists of expansive tundra and is home to some unique bird species adapted to the extreme cold and seasonal variability. Birds restricted to the Canadian arctic include:
- Ivory Gull – This stunning all-white gull breeds only on remote arctic islands in northern Canada. Its population is estimated at only a few thousand pairs.
- Ross’s Gull – Considered one of North America’s rarest gulls, there are less than 10,000 Ross’s gulls worldwide. Canada hosts the majority of the global population.
- Greater Snow Goose – While other populations exist, the greater snow goose subspecies known as the “Mid-Continent Population” nests only in the low arctic region of central Canada.
- Harris’s Sparrow – This large, striking sparrow winters in the central United States but breeds only in Canada’s northwest arctic.
Birds Endemic to Canada’s Pacific Coast
Canada has a long Pacific coastline that includes islands, fjords and temperate rainforests ideal for many endemic birds. Some found exclusively along Canada’s Pacific coast are:
- Ancient Murrelet – This chunky seabird nests in old-growth forests along the British Columbia coast. They fly out to sea to forage for small fish and invertebrates.
- Queen Charlotte Goshawk – Found only on the Queen Charlotte Islands off British Columbia, this rare raptor preys on birds and small mammals in old-growth forests.
- Vancouver Island White-tailed Ptarmigan – This montane grouse is found only in alpine areas on Vancouver Island and some smaller nearby islands off British Columbia.
- Streaked Horned Lark – Once more widespread, this lark is now among the most endangered birds in Canada. Only about 400 individuals remain along the BC coast.
Endangered Birds Endemic to Canada
Due to threats like habitat loss, climate change and introduced predators, many of Canada’s endemic birds are now at risk of extinction. Some of the most endangered birds found only in Canada include:
- Eskimo Curlew – Possibly already extinct, this grassland-nesting shorebird was once abundant but was decimated by hunting pressure. It last bred in Canada in the early 1900s.
- Vancouver Island Marmot – This large ground squirrel is found only on Vancouver Island where habitat loss has reduced its population to around 300 individuals.
- Red Knot rufa subspecies – The rufa red knot migrates from the southern tip of South America all the way to Canada’s high arctic to breed. Its population has declined by about 75% since the 1980s.
- Sage Thrasher – Less than 200 sage thrashers remain in Canada today. It is threatened by loss of its sagebrush habitat in southeastern British Columbia.
Other Notable Birds Only Found in Canada
In addition to the species already mentioned, here are a few more notable birds that occur nowhere else except Canada:
- Whooping Crane – Once nearing extinction, this iconic crane has been reintroduced successfully back into the wild at Wood Buffalo National Park.
- Burrowing Owl – This small prairie owl has seen major declines recently. Conservation efforts are underway to protect remaining breeding populations in Canada.
- Yellow Rail – Living in dense marsh vegetation, this elusive rail is rarely seen. Most of its breeding range is confined to Canada.
- Buff-breasted Sandpiper – This tundra-breeding shorebird migrates each fall from Canada’s arctic to Argentina, an incredible 14,000 km round trip journey.
Conclusion
Canada is privileged to host globally significant populations of numerous bird species within its borders. Some of these species, due to Canada’s unique northern geography and ecosystems, occur nowhere else on Earth. From arctic shorebirds to threatened songbirds of the Pacific rainforest, Canada’s endemic birdlife is an important part of its natural heritage. Protecting habitat and mitigating threats will be key to ensuring these birds only found in Canada continue to persist.
