Canada
Canada stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific and Arctic oceans, with enormous geographical contrasts across its vast territory. The boreal forest forms a broad belt through the interior, while the western mountains, prairie provinces and eastern forests create very different landscapes. British Columbia combines rugged mountains with temperate rainforest and a deeply indented Pacific coastline, including fjords and offshore islands. The central prairies are characterised by open grasslands, agricultural landscapes and extensive wetlands, while the Canadian Shield covers much of the east and centre with forests, lakes and exposed rock. Farther north, boreal forest gradually gives way to tundra and Arctic landscapes. Climate ranges from relatively mild Pacific and Atlantic coastal conditions to strongly continental and High-Arctic environments. Canada's immense size means that many remote northern regions remain sparsely populated and difficult to access.
Overview
Canada is especially important for boreal, Arctic and migratory birds, with vast northern breeding grounds supporting huge seasonal populations. The boreal forest is excellent for warblers, thrushes, sparrows and waterfowl, while the prairies are important for grassland and wetland species such as Baird's Sparrow, Sprague's Pipit and Franklin's Gull. Churchill, Manitoba is renowned for Arctic birds and shorebirds, while Point Pelee, Ontario is one of North America's best-known migration sites. British Columbia adds Pacific species and mountain birds, and the Atlantic coast offers major seabird colonies. Newfoundland and Labrador are particularly notable for Atlantic Puffin, Northern Gannet and other North Atlantic seabirds. Canada's enormous size makes regional planning essential, but its extensive road network and established birding sites make many areas accessible without expedition-style travel.
Top 10 target species
| Species | Annual frequency | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus | 46.3% | 51.6% | 54.0% | 48.6% | 45.1% | 41.0% | 28.6% | 35.5% | 42.6% | 47.4% | 52.0% | 54.3% | 54.4% |
| American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos | 44.4% | 34.9% | 37.6% | 52.2% | 54.3% | 47.5% | 42.3% | 43.4% | 45.5% | 48.9% | 47.8% | 40.1% | 37.7% |
| American Robin Turdus migratorius | 36.7% | 11.6% | 13.9% | 32.3% | 58.9% | 65.9% | 61.3% | 56.7% | 38.0% | 32.3% | 37.7% | 19.5% | 12.2% |
| Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia | 30.1% | 12.0% | 11.5% | 20.9% | 47.4% | 49.7% | 45.7% | 47.2% | 36.2% | 31.3% | 31.8% | 14.7% | 12.6% |
| American Goldfinch Spinus tristis | 29.0% | 19.7% | 19.6% | 18.1% | 25.5% | 39.8% | 35.0% | 42.2% | 44.5% | 33.6% | 22.2% | 24.9% | 23.0% |
| Mallard Anas platyrhynchos | 28.9% | 21.4% | 18.7% | 28.8% | 42.1% | 37.7% | 23.1% | 21.2% | 29.3% | 32.2% | 35.0% | 33.5% | 24.1% |
| Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata | 28.3% | 24.4% | 26.0% | 24.0% | 22.1% | 31.0% | 21.5% | 20.0% | 26.8% | 39.6% | 40.1% | 34.8% | 29.3% |
| Canada Goose Branta canadensis | 27.3% | 14.9% | 15.1% | 34.8% | 47.1% | 39.1% | 18.8% | 15.5% | 22.7% | 34.4% | 36.3% | 29.8% | 19.0% |
| European Starling Sturnus vulgaris | 24.4% | 21.1% | 21.6% | 29.9% | 33.5% | 32.1% | 26.2% | 20.9% | 17.8% | 21.3% | 25.0% | 21.6% | 22.4% |
| Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis | 23.0% | 29.0% | 29.9% | 27.2% | 34.3% | 13.6% | 10.6% | 10.1% | 7.1% | 13.8% | 37.2% | 33.1% | 30.7% |