The Most Popular Bird in Canada, Ranked

Choose the bird you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 25, 2024 06:40
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?

  1. 1
    72
    points
    Canada Goose

    Canada Goose

    The Canada Goose is a large wild goose species with a black head and neck, white cheeks, white under its chin, and a brown body. It is native to arctic and temperate regions of North America.
    • Migration: Famous for its V-shaped migration formation
    • Habitat: Variety of habitats near water, grassy fields, and grain fields
  2. 2
    31
    points
    Common Loon

    Common Loon

    The Common Loon is a large member of the loon, or diver, family of birds. It is known for its haunting calls and is considered the national bird of Canada.
    • Habitat: Freshwater lakes and ponds in Canada and the northern United States
    • Diet: Primarily fish
  3. 3
    28
    points
    Snowy Owl

    Snowy Owl

    The Snowy Owl is a large, white owl of the true owl family. It is native to the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. Males are almost all white, while females have more flecks of black plumage.
    • Habitat: Tundra regions around the Arctic
    • Diet: Primarily lemmings and other small rodents
  4. 4
    22
    points
    Bald Eagle

    Bald Eagle

    The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America. A sea eagle, it has two known subspecies and forms a species pair with the white-tailed eagle. Its distinctive brown body and white head and tail make it easy to identify.
    • Habitat: Near large bodies of open water with abundant food supplies and old-growth trees for nesting
    • Diet: Fish, but they will also prey on birds and small mammals
  5. 5
    16
    points
    Pileated Woodpecker

    Pileated Woodpecker

    The Pileated Woodpecker is a large, mostly black woodpecker native to North America. This bird prefers mature forests and is known for its distinctive red crest and its loud call and drumming.
    • Habitat: Deciduous forests, heavily wooded parks, and woodlots
    • Diet: Insects, especially carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae, along with fruits, nuts, and berries
  6. 6
    13
    points
    American Robin

    American Robin

    The American Robin is a migratory songbird of the true thrush genus and Turdidae, the wider thrush family. It is named after the European robin because of its reddish-orange breast, though the two species are not closely related.
    • Habitat: Various habitats including forests, gardens, and cities across North America
    • Diet: Worms, insects, and fruits
  7. 7
    11
    points
    Northern Cardinal

    Northern Cardinal

    The Northern Cardinal is a North American bird in the genus Cardinalis; it is also known colloquially as the redbird or common cardinal. It can be found in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and swamps.
    • Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and swamps
    • Diet: Seeds, grains, fruits, and insects
  8. 8
    10
    points
    Red-tailed Hawk

    Red-tailed Hawk

    The Red-tailed Hawk is a bird of prey, one of three species colloquially known in the United States as the 'chickenhawk,' though it rarely preys on standard sized chickens. It breeds throughout most of North America.
    • Habitat: Open country, woodlands, prairies, and mountains
    • Diet: Small to medium-sized mammals, but also birds and reptiles
  9. 9
    4
    points
    Black-capped Chickadee

    Black-capped Chickadee

    The Black-capped Chickadee is a small, nonmigratory, North American songbird that lives in deciduous and mixed forests. It is known for its distinctive black cap and bib, and white cheeks.
    • Diet: Insects, seeds, and berries
    • Behavior: Curious towards humans; often found at bird feeders
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Mallard

    Mallard

    The Mallard is a dabbling duck that breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This duck is the ancestor of most breeds of domestic ducks.
    • Habitat: Wetlands, including parks, small ponds, rivers, lakes, and estuaries
    • Diet: Wide variety of food, mostly plant material, but also small fish and insects

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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

  • 3272 views
  • 207 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

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.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Bird in Canada

Canada Goose
Rank #1 for the most popular bird in Canada: Canada Goose (Source)
Canada is home to diverse bird species. Birds thrive in its vast landscapes. Forests, prairies, lakes, and coastlines provide rich habitats. These birds adapt to the changing seasons. Many migrate long distances. They return each year to breed and raise young.

Birdwatching is a popular activity in Canada. People enjoy spotting different species. They travel to parks and reserves. They bring binoculars and cameras. They record sightings in journals. Birdwatchers share their finds with others. They join clubs and attend events.

Birds play a key role in ecosystems. They help control insect populations. They pollinate plants and spread seeds. This supports plant growth. Birds also serve as indicators of environmental health. Changes in bird populations can signal shifts in ecosystems.

Canada's birds face threats. Habitat loss is a major concern. Urban development and agriculture reduce nesting areas. Pollution affects water and food sources. Climate change alters migration patterns. Conservation efforts are crucial. Protecting habitats helps birds thrive.

Birds have cultural significance. Indigenous peoples hold them in high regard. They feature in stories and traditions. Birds symbolize freedom and beauty. They inspire art and literature. Many Canadians feel a strong connection to birds.

Birds' songs add to their appeal. Each species has a unique call. These sounds fill the air in spring and summer. People enjoy waking up to birdsong. It signals the start of a new day.

Feeding birds is a common pastime. Many Canadians set up feeders in their yards. They provide seeds and suet. This attracts birds year-round. Watching birds at feeders brings joy. It offers a chance to observe them up close.

Birds also contribute to the economy. Birdwatching tourism generates revenue. Visitors spend on travel, lodging, and gear. This supports local businesses. Bird-related festivals draw crowds. They celebrate the beauty and diversity of birds.

Education about birds is important. Schools and organizations offer programs. They teach about bird behavior and conservation. Children learn to appreciate nature. They develop a sense of responsibility. Future generations must protect bird populations.

Bird research continues to grow. Scientists study migration, breeding, and feeding habits. They use tracking devices and banding. This provides valuable data. Research informs conservation strategies. It helps address threats to bird species.

Canada's birds are a treasured part of its natural heritage. They enrich lives and ecosystems. Protecting them ensures their presence for future generations. Birdwatching, conservation, and education all play a role. Together, they support the vibrant birdlife of Canada.

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