Edmonton, the capital city of the Canadian province of Alberta, is home to a diverse array of bird species. With its location in central Alberta and its proximity to major river valleys, wetlands, forests, and parklands, Edmonton provides excellent bird habitat and attracts many different types of birds throughout the year. But is there one bird that stands out as the unofficial “bird of Edmonton”? Let’s take a closer look at some of the contenders.
Canada Goose
One bird that is very commonly associated with Edmonton is the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis). Canada Geese are ubiquitous throughout the city, inhabiting parks, golf courses, wetlands, rivers, and even parking lots. Their distinctive honking calls are familiar sounds in the Edmonton landscape. Large flocks of Canada Geese can be seen flying overhead or gathered in open grassy areas much of the year. Due to their abundance and visibility, the Canada Goose could be considered a leading candidate for the unofficial title of “Edmonton’s bird.”
Mallard
Another extremely common bird in Edmonton is the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). This familiar duck species breeds in the many wetland areas in and around Edmonton. Urban parks with ponds, such as Hawrelak Park and Hermitage Park, support good populations of Mallards. Mallards can be found year-round in the North Saskatchewan River valley and associated wetlands and lakes. Groups of Mallards congregating in local ponds are a routine sight. The ubiquity of the Mallard in Edmonton makes it another candidate for “Edmonton’s bird.”
Black-billed Magpie
The Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) is a member of the corvid family that is a very conspicuous fixture in Edmonton. Known for their intelligence, loud chattering calls, and striking black-and-white coloration, Black-billed Magpies are a common sight hopping along streets and in parks. They are comfortable around humans and abundantly populate urban green spaces. Magpies are present year-round in Edmonton, so residents become accustomed to seeing them on a daily basis. This familiarity could lend support to the Black-billed Magpie as “Edmonton’s bird.”
Bohemian Waxwing
While not as ubiquitous as the previous species mentioned, the Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) earns recognition as a candidate for Edmonton’s bird due to its winter presence and annual migration patterns. These striking songbirds breed in northern forests but migrate south in winter to areas with fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. Edmonton happens to be located along their winter migration path, and Bohemian Waxwings descend on the city between October and April in varying numbers depending on food availability farther north. When present, they are hard to miss with their soft gray plumage accented by bursts of yellow and white. Their high-pitched trills echo through urban parks and residential neighborhoods where they congregate to feed. The Scandinavian-named Bohemian Waxwing offers a unique winter birding experience for Edmontonians.
American Robin
While not the flashiest of birds, the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) deserves mention as a contender for Edmonton’s city bird due to its cultural significance and familiarity to residents. Robins are prolific throughout the city in backyards, parks, forest edges, fields, and lawns. Their cheerful spring song is a quintessential sign of the changing seasons for Edmontonians. Generations of residents have a strong nostalgic attachment to this classic songbird of North America. The American Robin may not be the most exotic choice, but its pervasiveness in the city and place in the hearts of locals make it a worthy choice.
Habitats Supporting Edmonton’s Birds
What makes Edmonton such a bird-friendly city that it provides habitat for all these bird species and more? Here are some of the main habitat features that allow diverse birds to flourish.
North Saskatchewan River Valley
Edmonton is fortunate to have the North Saskatchewan River and its associated river valley running directly through the heart of the city. This major river system and its forested valley slopes provide critical nesting and migration habitat for many bird species. The mix of water, wetlands, and mature forests in the valley provide ideal conditions for birds. Some of the bird species that rely on the river valley include Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Wood Ducks, Belted Kingfishers, Yellow Warblers, Red-eyed Vireos, Ovenbirds, and more. The North Saskatchewan River valley is truly the backbone of the city’s bird life.
Urban Parks
Within the city limits, Edmonton has an extensive network of urban parks that offer excellent habitat for birds to find food, water, and nesting sites. Parks like Hawrelak Park, Rundle Park, Gold Bar Park, and Emily Murphy Park all provide a mix of open grass, ponds, woodlands, and wetlands. These varied environments allow species like Mallards, Black-capped Chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers, Spotted Sandpipers, and Song Sparrows to flourish within the city. The abundance of well-maintained urban green space allows birds to integrate into Edmonton’s urban matrix.
Backyard Habitats
Complementing the public parks, private backyard habitats also contribute significant bird habitat across Edmonton. Properties landscaped with bird-friendly vegetation provide crucial sanctuary within the developed areas of the city. Native plants, fruiting trees/shrubs, feeders, water features, and limited pesticide use can transform backyards into avian havens. Some particularly backyard-oriented species in Edmonton include Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, House Finch, and Downy Woodpecker. From small to large, every backyard oasis benefits urban bird diversity.
Wintering Ground
While the city provides year-round habitat for resident species, Edmonton’s location also makes it an important wintering ground for migratory birds. As noted earlier, Bohemian Waxwings descend on the city in winter to take advantage of fruiting trees. But many other species also arrive in Edmonton between October and April to escape harsher winter conditions farther north. Coastal British Columbia is the core winter range for Varied Thrushes and Pine Siskins, but many individuals migrate inland to winter in Edmonton’s milder climate. The city’s position directly in the path of migratory flyways brings pulses of unique species during the winter months.
Edmonton’s Official Bird
Up to this point we have covered some likely candidates that could claim the title of unofficial city bird of Edmonton. However, in 2006, Edmonton took the extra step of officially designating the Great Horned Owl as the official bird of the city.
About the Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is a large, powerful owl species native to the forests and open country of North America. It is a resident year-round species across Alberta including Edmonton. Great Horned Owls thrive in the river valley and wooded parks where they hunt prey ranging from mice and voles to the occasional duck or rabbit. They are most active at night and dawn/dusk. During the day they roost well-camouflaged in dense conifer trees. Most Edmontonians become familiar with the low hooting calls of Great Horned Owls, which are a signature sound of dark evenings in the river valley.
Reason for Official Designation
According to the City of Edmonton, the Great Horned Owl was designated as the official city bird in 2006 because it is a species that is year-round resident of the North Saskatchewan River valley. As a top predator that lives primarily within Edmonton’s river valley park system, the Great Horned Owl was seen as emblematic of the importance of protecting this natural corridor within the city. The owl’s dependence on the river valley highlighted the need for continued conservation of this ecosystem. Edmonton’s mayor at the time said the Great Horned Owl was chosen to help “raise awareness of the river valley’s fragile ecosystem.”
Protection Efforts for Edmonton’s Birds
Now that we have covered the top bird species of Edmonton and the city’s official bird, let’s examine some of the initiatives underway to protect birds in Alberta’s capital city.
Preservation of Natural Areas
As mentioned earlier, preserving intact natural habitats like the North Saskatchewan River valley provides the foundation for maintaining healthy bird populations. Edmonton has placed a high priority on setting aside natural areas as protected parks and greenways. Major river valley parks, such as Emily Murphy Park, Terwillegar Park, and Whitemud Park preserve key habitat. Efforts are ongoing to expand the protected areas network. Conservation of remaining natural spaces within the city limits is crucial for birds.
Bird-friendly Urban Planning
Beyond habitat preservation, Edmonton also employs urban planning principles designed to make the built environment more welcoming to birds. Examples include requirements for new buildings to incorporate bird-friendly glass to prevent collisions and mandating minimum amounts of green space in new developments. Zoning regulations promote the inclusion of native vegetation and prohibition of invasive species. Planning policies aim to create an urban matrix where birds can flourish alongside people.
Education and Outreach
Education and outreach initiatives in Edmonton also aim to engage and inspire citizens to take part in bird conservation. Programs include:
- Annual bird festivals celebrating World Migratory Bird Day and other events.
- Guided birding walks hosted by nature organizations.
- Citizen science projects that track urban bird populations.
- Engaging school programs to connect kids to birds.
- Public seminars on attracting birds to backyards.
- High profile research projects involving Edmonton’s birds.
These initiatives strive to nurture appreciation for the city’s avian diversity.
Table of Notable Edmonton Bird Species
Common Name | Scientific Name | Key Habitats |
---|---|---|
Canada Goose | Branta canadensis | Parks, wetlands, river valley |
Mallard | Anas platyrhynchos | Ponds, wetlands, river valley |
Black-billed Magpie | Pica hudsonia | Parks, urban green spaces |
Bohemian Waxwing | Bombycilla garrulus | Fruiting trees, winter season |
American Robin | Turdus migratorius | Backyards, parks, lawns |
Great Horned Owl | Bubo virginianus | River valley, wooded parks |
Conclusion
In summary, Edmonton is gifted with an impressive diversity of wild bird species that make their home in the city’s natural areas, public green spaces, and backyards. Species as varied as the Canada Goose, Black-billed Magpie, Bohemian Waxwing, Mallard, and Great Horned Owl all contribute to the city’s avian character. While not officially designated, any of Edmonton’s abundant and conspicuous species could claim the mantle of “unofficial city bird.” But the Great Horned Owl stands apart as the officially designated bird for its strong association with Edmonton’s iconic North Saskatchewan River valley. Continued protection of natural habitats, bird-friendly urban planning, and public education will ensure Edmonton remains a great bird city into the future. The sounds of honking geese, chattering magpies, warbling waxwings, quacking mallards, hooting owls and many more species will continue to provide the soundtrack to everyday life in Alberta’s capital city.