The Most Popular Bird in Canada, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the bird you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:30
Birdwatching has become a cherished activity for many, offering a peaceful escape into nature and an opportunity to observe the stunning diversity of avian life. With a variety of species gracing the Canadian skies, understanding which birds capture the hearts of enthusiasts the most can enhance conservation efforts and educational materials.
Our community-driven ranking of Canada’s most popular birds is continuously updated based on user votes. By participating, you help shape a dynamic, crowd-sourced perspective that can influence both amateur birdwatchers and serious ornithologists alike. This interactive system ensures that every vote contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of public interest and bird popularity.
What Is the Most Popular Bird in Canada?
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174votes
Laurent Bélanger · CC BY-SA 4.0The Canada Goose is one of the most recognizable birds in Canada, both for its distinctive honking call and its iconic appearance. It is often seen flying in V-shaped formations during migration.The Canada Goose is a large and iconic bird species native to North America. It is a member of the waterfowl family, known for its distinctive coloring and honking call. The bird is easily recognizable by its black head and neck, white chinstrap, and brownish-gray body. Canada Geese have a strong and graceful appearance, with an average length of about 90 cm and a wingspan ranging from 127 to 170 cm.- Scientific Name: Branta canadensis
- Habitat: Lakes, ponds, marshes, and fields
- Migratory Pattern: Highly migratory, flying in V-shaped formations
- Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on grass, grains, and plants
- Breeding Season: April to June
Canada Goose in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular coat brand
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229votesThe Common Loon is another iconic bird of Canada, known for its haunting call and beautiful black and white plumage. It is the provincial bird of Ontario.The Common Loon, also known as the Great Northern Diver, is a large waterbird found in North America. It is considered one of the most beautiful and iconic bird species with its striking appearance and enchanting calls.
- Scientific Name: Gavia immer
- Size: 71-91 cm (28-36 in) in length
- Weight: 2.7-6.3 kg (6-14 lbs)
- Wingspan: 122-137 cm (48-54 in)
- Plumage: Black head, white neck with black stripes, blackish upperparts, and white underparts
Common Loon in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful bird call
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular bird species
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326votesThe Snowy Owl is a magnificent bird that can be found in the Arctic regions of Canada. It is known for its distinctive white plumage and its ability to hunt even in the coldest weather.The Snowy Owl is a magnificent bird of prey that is known for its striking appearance and exceptional hunting skills. It belongs to the family Strigidae and is scientifically known as Bubo scandiacus. This beautiful owl is found in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia, making it well-adapted to cold climates. The Snowy Owl is predominantly white, with black markings on its body and bright yellow eyes. It has a rounded head with no ear tufts and a wingspan of about 4.5 to 5 feet (137 to 152 cm). Here are some important specifications of the Snowy Owl:
- Scientific Name: Bubo scandiacus
- Family: Strigidae
- Habitat: Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia
- Plumage: Predominantly white with black markings
- Eye Color: Bright yellow
Snowy Owl in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful owl
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular bird featured on Christmas cards
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful bird of prey
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421votesThe Bald Eagle is a powerful bird of prey that is found throughout North America, including Canada. It is often seen near bodies of water, where it hunts for fish.The Bald Eagle is a majestic bird of prey known for its striking appearance and impressive abilities. It is a large raptor with a white head and tail contrasting against a dark brown body. The beak and feet are bright yellow. This iconic bird is native to North America and holds significant cultural and symbolic value in the United States.
- Species: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Wingspan: 1.8 to 2.3 meters
- Body Length: 70 to 102 centimeters
- Weight: 4 to 7 kilograms
- Plumage: Dark brown body, white head and tail
Bald Eagle in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beloved bird
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular type of eagle
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful bird of prey
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular bird species
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular animal in Canada
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular animal in Quebec
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515votesThe Pileated Woodpecker is a large, striking bird with a distinctive red crest on its head. It is found in forests throughout Canada, where it feeds on insects and excavates large holes in trees.The Pileated Woodpecker is a large woodpecker species found in Canada. It is known for its striking appearance and distinctive behavior.
- Size: Length: 16-19 inches, Wingspan: 26-30 inches
- Color: Black with a bright red crest and white stripes on the face and neck
- Habitat: Found in mature forests, particularly areas with tall trees
- Range: Native to Canada and the United States
- Diet: Feeds mainly on insects, particularly carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles
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614votes
Mdf · CC BY-SA 3.0The American Robin is a common bird in Canada, especially in urban areas. It is known for its bright orange breast and its cheerful, melodious song.The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a medium-sized songbird native to North America. It has a distinctive appearance and a melodious song that is considered one of the most beautiful in the avian world.- Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
- Size: Approximately 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) in length
- Weight: Approximately 2.7-3.2 ounces (77-91 grams)
- Color: Grayish-brown upperparts, orange breast, and white belly
- Distinctive Features: Dark head, prominent white eye ring, and a long, yellow bill
American Robin in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular songbird
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful bird song
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular bird species
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77votes
Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0The Great Blue Heron is a tall, elegant bird that can be found near bodies of water throughout Canada. It is known for its slow, deliberate movements and its ability to stand motionless for long periods of time as it hunts for fish.The Great Blue Heron is a large, majestic bird found in Canada. It is known for its tall stature and striking blue-gray plumage. With a wingspan of up to 6.7 feet (2 meters) and standing at 3.3 to 4.6 feet (1 to 1.4 meters) tall, it is one of the largest herons in North America. Its long legs and neck enable it to wade through shallow waters, where it patiently waits for prey. This bird is highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, marshes, and along coastlines.- Scientific Name: Ardea herodias
- Wingspan: Up to 6.7 feet (2 meters)
- Height: 3.3 to 4.6 feet (1 to 1.4 meters)
- Plumage: Blue-gray
- Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, coastlines
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83votesThe Black-capped Chickadee is a small, friendly bird that is found in forests and suburban areas throughout Canada. It is known for its distinctive black cap and its cheerful, chattery song.The Black-capped Chickadee is a small passerine bird native to North America. It is known for its striking plumage and delightful bird call. The upperparts of the chickadee are mostly grey with a black cap on its head, which gives it its name. It has a white face with black bib-like markings around its throat. The underparts are white, and the wings and tail feathers are dark gray. This combination of colors gives the bird a charming appearance.
- Scientific Name: Poecile atricapillus
- Average Length: 11-16 cm
- Wingspan: 16-19 cm
- Weight: 9-14 grams
- Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests
Black-capped Chickadee in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular songbird
- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful bird call
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99votesThe Red-tailed Hawk is a common bird of prey that is found throughout Canada. It is known for its distinctive red tail feathers and its impressive hunting skills.The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a majestic bird of prey that belongs to the family Accipitridae. It is known for its stunning appearance and remarkable hunting capabilities. This bird is native to North America and is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful raptors.
- Average Wingspan: 48-56 inches (122-142 cm)
- Average Length: 18-26 inches (46-66 cm)
- Average Weight: 2-4 pounds (0.9-1.8 kg)
- Plumage: Brown, with a distinctive red tail
- Habitat: Varied habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and coastal areas
Red-tailed Hawk in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful hawk
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful bird of prey
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1010votes
Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0The Northern Cardinal is a beautiful bird with a bright red crest on its head. It is found in southern Canada, especially in urban and suburban areas, where it feeds on seeds and insects.The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a strikingly beautiful bird known for its vibrant plumage and melodious song. It is a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive crest on its head.- Size: Approximately 8.3 - 9.1 inches (21 - 23 cm) in length
- Weight: Approximately 1.5 - 1.8 ounces (42 - 51 grams)
- Color: Males: Bright red plumage, black face mask, and a prominent crest. Females: Pale brown with reddish tinges on their wings, crest, and tail
- Range: Eastern and central parts of North America, from southern Canada to Mexico
- Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and various types of forest edges
Northern Cardinal in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular songbird
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful bird call
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular bird species
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular bird
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Geographic range and distributionAssess how widely distributed the bird species is across Canada. A bird that is found in many regions and provinces will likely be more popular due to a larger number of people encountering it.
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Population size and abundancePopularity can be linked to the population size of the bird species. A greater number of birds in different areas means that more people are likely to encounter them, increasing their popularity.
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Cultural significance or symbolismBirds often hold cultural significance and may be symbols of national pride or identity. For example, the Canada goose and the common loon are associated with the Canadian identity. Birds that have cultural importance are likely to be more popular.
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Appearance and aestheticsThe physical appearance of the birds – including size, color, and plumage – can certainly contribute to their popularity. Birds with distinctive or colorful plumage are often more popular than those with plainer appearances.
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Behavior and temperamentThe behavior and temperament of bird species can influence their popularity. Birds that are social, friendly, or playful may be more popular than those that are more aggressive or solitary.
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Vocalizations and songsBird songs and calls can add to a species' appeal. Birds with pleasant or unique vocalizations are often more popular than those with harsh or monotonous sounds.
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Role in the ecosystemBirds that play a significant role in their ecosystems, such as pollinators or pest control, may be more highly regarded due to their importance in maintaining ecological balance.
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Accessibility and visibilityBirds that are easy to spot and observe are likely to be more popular than those that are elusive or hard to find.
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Presence in popular media and folkloreBirds that feature prominently in popular media, literature, or folklore are likely to be more well-known and popular.
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Conservation status and public awarenessThe conservation status of a bird can also contribute to its popularity. Birds that are endangered or threatened may be more popular due to increased efforts and campaigns to raise public awareness and promote conservation efforts.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular bird in Canada. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or bird is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2782 views
- 205 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each bird once every 24 hours. The rank of each bird is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular bird in canada
Canada is home to a diverse range of bird species, with over 450 different types of birds found across the country. From majestic birds of prey like the bald eagle to the colorful and playful chickadee, Canada's bird population is a sight to behold. However, when it comes to the most popular bird in Canada, there is one species that stands out above the rest. The Canada goose is perhaps the most recognizable and beloved bird in the country. With its distinctive black head and neck, white cheek patches, and brownish-gray body, the Canada goose can be found in parks, lakes, and rivers all across the country. Whether you're a bird enthusiast or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, there's no denying the popularity of this iconic Canadian bird.
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