This comprehensive handbook provides valuable assistance in identifying the various warbler species that regularly inhabit Canada. It offers a combination of photo identification, detailed descriptions, captivating audio recordings of their melodious songs, intriguing facts, and much more.
Warblers, those small migratory songbirds, embark on remarkable journeys covering vast distances, stretching from South America all the way to their breeding grounds in Canada. These vibrant avian creatures, adorned in hues of yellow and green, traverse with astonishing speed from their breeding to wintering grounds, serenading the surroundings with their diverse array of enchanting melodies.
Known as wood-warblers in North America, these delightful birds predominantly inhabit woodland areas and forests. Bird enthusiasts must be aware of the infamous “warbler neck,” a discomforting stiffness and tingling sensation that arises from the ardent pursuit of spotting these avian wonders by craning one’s neck and gazing skyward with binoculars.
While warblers primarily sustain themselves on insects, they occasionally visit backyard feeders to partake in seeds or mealworms, adding an element of delight to one’s own personal oasis.
This guide is designed to facilitate the identification of regularly occurring warbler species in Canada, based on avibase and data contributed by dedicated birdwatchers through ebird. It presents authentic information regarding the specific times and locations where these fascinating birds can be sighted.
For each warbler featured in this guide, listeners can delight in their melodic songs and gain insight into the various song types exhibited by these charming creatures. Additionally, a separate resource dedicated to 13 easily recognizable warbler songs is available to assist enthusiasts further.
Canada is home to an impressive total of 20 distinct warbler species:
1. Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warblers are frequently observed in Canada during the summer months. Their presence increases during migration, and they can be found in the southern regions of the country. These charming birds feature gray plumage adorned with flashes of yellow on their face, sides, and rump, complemented by white wings. While females may exhibit slight brownish tones, winter birds sport paler brown feathers with vibrant yellow accents on their rumps and sides, transitioning back to gray and yellow as spring arrives.
The Yellow-rumped Warbler encompasses two distinct subspecies. The Myrtle Warbler, prevalent in the eastern United States and Canada’s boreal forests, lacks the yellow throat, while Audubon’s Warbler, found in the western regions, possesses more extensive white markings on its wings.
- Scientific name: Setophaga coronata
- Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (12-13 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)
These warblers predominantly breed in Canada, particularly in the Rockies and the Appalachian mountains. During migration, they can be sighted in the Midwest before overwintering in southern and southwestern states of the US, along with the Pacific Coast, Mexico, and Central America.
Yellow-rumped Warblers favor coniferous forests, especially during the breeding season. In winter, they seek out open areas with fruiting shrubs. Their diet consists mainly of insects during summer and migration, transitioning to a fruit-based diet, including bayberry and wax myrtle, during winter.
To witness the splendid nesting endeavors of Yellow-rumped Warblers, one must direct their gaze to the conifer trees, where females diligently construct nests using twigs, pine needles, grass, and a soft lining of moss and hair. A clutch typically comprises up to six eggs, which incubate for approximately two weeks before the fledglings depart the nest after an additional two weeks.
Attract these delightful avian companions to your backyard by offering enticing treats such as sunflower seeds, suet, raisins, and peanut butter.
Fun Fact: During winter, Yellow-rumped Warblers form impressively large flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands. They exhibit an assertive nature, fiercely protecting their territory from any encroaching species.
2. Yellow Warbler
Canada experiences frequent visits from Yellow Warblers throughout the summer, making appearances on 27% of checklists during this season. These vibrant birds arrive in April and commence their migratory journeys in October.
Yellow Warblers are petite and radiant, displaying a delightful blend of yellow and green plumage. Male specimens exhibit chestnut streaks on their breasts, while females and juveniles possess a slightly less vibrant appearance, lacking the prominent streaks.
- Scientific name: Setophaga petechia
- Length: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (9-11 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 in (16-20 cm)
These resilient songbirds embark on extensive migrations, traveling a great distance to breed in Canada and the United States (excluding southeastern states) before returning to Central and South America for the winter. However, during their migratory journeys, they can be encountered in southeastern states of the US.
Yellow Warblers typically inhabit areas along streams, wetlands, thickets, and field edges, diligently foraging for insects such as caterpillars, midges, beetles, bugs, and wasps.
To witness the delightful melodies of Yellow Warblers, one can listen to their songs, which can be accessed through various resources. Additionally, their nests, constructed from bark, grass, plant materials, and intricately woven together with spider webs, provide a secure haven for up to seven eggs. The incubation period lasts approximately twelve days, followed by an additional ten days for the young to fledge.
Attract these charming avian creatures to your backyard by offering suet, oranges, peanut butter, and planting native berry-bearing plants. Creating an environment that encourages insects without the use of pesticides and maintaining a birdbath with nearby vegetation will provide further allure.
Fun Fact: Yellow Warblers face the challenge of parasitic cowbirds, which often lay their eggs in the warblers’ nests. In response, the Yellow Warblers ingeniously construct a new nest on top of the old one, repeatedly rebuilding up to six times!
3. Common Yellowthroat
During the breeding season, Common Yellowthroats grace the Canadian landscape, enchanting observers from April to October. They feature prominently in approximately 21% of summer checklists.
Common Yellowthroats exhibit small stature, adorned with a brownish hue on their backs and vibrant yellow plumage underneath. Males further captivate with striking black masks adorning their faces. It is worth noting that the intensity of their yellow coloration may vary geographically, with some regions displaying a more olive tone.
- Scientific name: Geothlypis trichas
- Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.3 oz (9-10 g)
- Wingspan: 5.9-7.5 in (15-19 cm)
These small songbirds spend their summers breeding across the majority of North America, excluding Alaska and northern Canada. While some individuals remain in specific regions year-round, others embark on migratory journeys to the Gulf Coast, Pacific Southwest, Mexico, and Central America.
Common Yellowthroats predominantly occupy marshy or wetland areas, as well as brushy fields characterized by dense, tangled vegetation.
Their enchanting songs can be appreciated through various resources, providing delightful auditory experiences. When nesting, females skillfully construct their dwellings close to the ground, utilizing reeds for support. Grass, sedges, and leaves form the foundation of the nest, which is skillfully lined with soft materials. Clutches typically consist of up to six eggs, with a two-week incubation period and an additional period of the same duration for the fledglings to depart.
Attracting Common Yellowthroats to spacious backyards can be achieved by creating dense vegetation using native plants, offering a sanctuary for insects.
Fun Fact: The black masks of Common Yellowthroats serve as a visual signal to courting males, inciting them to engage in aggressive behavior toward fake birds. However, when presented with an actual bird lacking a mask, they show no signs of hostility.
4. American Redstart
American Redstarts bring their vibrant presence to Canadian landscapes, primarily from April to October, with some individuals lingering until December. These striking birds can be spotted on approximately 14% of summer checklists.
American Redstarts exhibit predominantly black plumage complemented by eye-catching orange patches and a white belly. Females possess olive-gray coloration in place of black and feature yellow patches.
- Scientific name: Setophaga ruticilla
- Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz (6-9 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.5 in (16-19 cm)
Breeding activities for American Redstarts occur in eastern US states, as well as in Canada’s regions. Additionally, they can be observed during migration through central and western US states.
These captivating birds can be found in deciduous woodlands, where they feed on insects. During migration and in backyard settings, they exhibit a fondness for berries, including serviceberry and magnolia.
The melodious songs of American Redstarts captivate listeners, characterized by a drop in pitch toward the end.
Nesting females create their homes near the trunks of trees or large shrubs, constructing them using bark, grass, and other plant materials. Up to five eggs are laid, with an incubation period of just under two weeks, followed by one to two weeks for the young to fledge.
To attract American Redstarts to your backyard, consider incorporating berry-producing plants like magnolia and serviceberry.
Fun Fact: American Redstart parents selectively feed specific chicks rather than providing sustenance to all simultaneously.
5. Ovenbird
Ovenbirds make their presence known in Canada, particularly from May to September, appearing on approximately 11% of checklists during this period. Although a few individuals remain year-round, most embark on migratory journeys during the winter months.
Ovenbirds feature a distinctive appearance, with warm brown plumage adorning their upper body and bold black streaks on their chest. Their underparts exhibit a pale yellow hue.
- Scientific name: Seiurus aurocapilla
- Length: 5.1-6.3 in (13-16 cm)
- Weight: 0.7-0.8 oz (19-22 g)
- Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 in (17-20 cm)
These captivating songbirds breed across eastern North America, including Canada’s regions, and favor forests with a dense understory. During migration, they can be sighted in the Midwest and southeastern US.
Ovenbirds primarily feed on insects, foraging on the ground, and occasionally visiting bird feeders.
The Ovenbird’s song resembles a phrase that can be transcribed as “teacher, teacher, teacher.” It resonates through the forest, emanating from their concealed locations on the ground or in low vegetation.
When nesting, Ovenbirds ingeniously construct their dwellings on the forest floor, featuring a dome-shaped roof with an entrance on one side, resembling an old-fashioned oven. The nests are skillfully made with leaves, grass, moss, and bark, providing a secure environment for their young. Clutches generally consist of up to five eggs, which incubate for approximately two weeks before the fledglings depart after an additional two weeks.
To attract Ovenbirds to your backyard, create a natural environment by allowing leaf litter and shrubs to accumulate, as these birds prefer a dense understory.
Fun Fact: The Ovenbird’s distinctive nest structure provides protection against threats from above, such as predators and heavy rain.
6. Black-capped Chickadee
The Black-capped Chickadee is a familiar and beloved bird in Canada, known for its charming appearance and cheerful song. With a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and grayish-brown plumage, these small birds are a common sight in woodlands, parks, and backyards.
- Scientific name: Poecile atricapillus
- Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-14 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)
Black-capped Chickadees are year-round residents in Canada and are highly adaptable to various habitats, including forests, suburban areas, and even city parks. They have a diverse diet, feeding on insects, seeds, berries, and suet at bird feeders.
Their distinct “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” song, along with their acrobatic movements, makes them a joy to observe. These sociable birds often form flocks and communicate with a range of vocalizations.
Black-capped Chickadees build their nests in tree cavities, often excavating their own or using existing holes. Their nests are lined with soft materials such as moss, feathers, and fur. They lay 6-8 eggs, which hatch after approximately two weeks of incubation.
To attract Black-capped Chickadees to your backyard, provide bird feeders with sunflower seeds, suet, and mealworms. They are known for their boldness in approaching feeders and can be easily enticed with these offerings.
Fun Fact: Black-capped Chickadees have a remarkable ability to remember the locations of hundreds of individual food caches that they create during the fall, allowing them to retrieve their hidden stash even months later.
7. White-throated Sparrow
The White-throated Sparrow is a charming songbird known for its beautiful melodic song and distinct markings. It is a migratory bird that breeds in the northern parts of Canada during the summer and spends winters in the southern United States.
- Scientific name: Zonotrichia albicollis
- Length: 6.3-7.5 in (16-19 cm)
- Weight: 0.8-1.1 oz (23-30 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in (20-23 cm)
White-throated Sparrows have a grayish-brown back, a white throat and belly, and a striking yellow spot between their eyes and bill. They prefer shrubby areas, woodland edges, and gardens with dense vegetation.
The song of the White-throated Sparrow is a memorable and sweet whistle that is often described as “Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada.” It is a common sound in the forests of Canada during the breeding season.
These sparrows build their nests on or near the ground, hidden among vegetation or in low shrubs. The nests are made of grass, twigs, and leaves, and lined with fine plant material. They lay 3-5 eggs, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract White-throated Sparrows to your backyard, provide dense shrubs, brush piles, and bird feeders with a variety of seeds. They are particularly fond of seeds such as millet and sunflower.
Fun Fact: White-throated Sparrows have two distinct color morphs, known as “white-striped” and “tan-striped,” based on the color and pattern of the stripes on their heads. These morphs are determined by genetic factors and cancoexist in the same population.
8. Cedar Waxwing
The Cedar Waxwing is a visually stunning bird with silky plumage, a crested head, and distinctive markings. It is known for its social behavior, love for berries, and high-pitched, buzzy calls.
- Scientific name: Bombycilla cedrorum
- Length: 6.7-7.9 in (17-20 cm)
- Weight: 1.1-1.6 oz (32-45 g)
- Wingspan: 9.1-11 in (23-28 cm)
Cedar Waxwings have a soft, brownish-gray overall color, with a pale yellow belly, a black mask, and a unique wax-like droplet at the tip of their secondary feathers. These birds can be found in forests, orchards, and shrubby areas across Canada.
Their song is a high-pitched, thin whistle, often described as a “zee-zee-zee.” They are known for their frequent vocalizations, especially during flock movements.
Cedar Waxwings primarily feed on fruit, such as berries and small fruits, which make up a significant portion of their diet. They are adept at catching insects in mid-air as well. During the breeding season, they also consume insects and spiders to provide protein for their young.
These birds build their nests in trees, often near the trunk, using twigs, grass, and other plant material. The nests are lined with softer materials like moss and feathers. They typically lay 4-6 eggs, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract Cedar Waxwings to your backyard, provide berry-producing trees and shrubs like serviceberries, dogwoods, or hawthorns. Offering a fresh water source can also be enticing to these birds.
Fun Fact: Cedar Waxwings are known for their fascinating behavior called “social drinking.” They gather in groups near water sources and take turns sipping water while perched on branches or in mid-air, often creating a spectacle.
9. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a tiny jewel-like bird with vibrant colors and incredible aerial abilities. It is the only species of hummingbird that breeds in eastern North America, including parts of Canada.
- Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
- Length: 2.8-3.5 in (7-9 cm)
- Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz (3-6 g)
- Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in (8-11 cm)
Male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have a brilliant iridescent green color on their upperparts, while females have a more subdued green with white underparts. The males also feature a vibrant red throat patch, which appears dark when not in direct light. These birds prefer gardens, woodland edges, and open areas with nectar-rich flowers.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are famous for their humming or buzzing sound, produced by their rapid wing beats that can exceed 50 beats per second. They are incredibly agile in flight and can hover, fly backward, and even upside down.
Their diet consists primarily of nectar from flowers, which they obtain by extending their long, slender bills into the flowers’ depths. They also consume small insects and spiders to supplement their protein intake.
When nesting, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds construct cup-shaped nests using plant fibers, moss, and spider silk. They often camouflage their nests with lichen to blend with the surrounding environment. They lay 1-3 eggs, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to your backyard, plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers, such as bee balm, cardinal flower, or trumpet vine. Providing a hummingbird feeder with a sugar-water solution (4 parts water to 1 part sugar) can also entice them.
Fun Fact: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are exceptional migratory birds. Some individuals embark on an astonishing non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico, covering approximately 500 miles (800 km) in one go.
10. American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a vibrant songbird that brightens up the Canadian landscape with its yellow plumage and delightful songs. It is a common visitor to backyards and open habitats throughout Canada.
- Scientific name: Spinus tristis
- Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz (11-20 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm)
Male American Goldfinches sport a bright yellow body with black wings and tail, while females have a more olive-brown coloration. These birds can be found in meadows, fields, and woodland edges, often in areas with abundant thistle plants.
The song of the American Goldfinch is a cheerful, melodic warble, often compared to the phrase “per-chi-co-ree.” They are highly vocal and communicate with a variety of calls.
American Goldfinches are primarily seed-eaters, with a preference for thistle seeds. They also feed on other seeds from plants such as sunflowers and dandelions. During the breeding season, they also incorporate insects into their diet to provide protein for their young.
These birds build cup-shaped nests in shrubs or small trees, weaving them together using plant fibers, moss, and other materials. They lay 3-6 pale blue eggs, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract American Goldfinches to your backyard, provide thistle feeders filled with nyjer or thistle seed. Planting native wildflowers and maintaining areas with thistle plants can also be beneficial.
Fun Fact: The American Goldfinch is the state bird of Iowa, New Jersey, and Washington. Its distinctive appearance and lively nature make it a beloved symbol of these states.
11. White-throated Sparrow
The White-throated Sparrow is a striking bird with distinctive markings and a melodic song. It is a common breeding bird in the forests and shrubby areas of Canada.
- Scientific name: Zonotrichia albicollis
- Length: 6.3-7.1 in (16-18 cm)
- Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz (26-31 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.4 in (20-24 cm)
White-throated Sparrows have a grayish-brown overall color with a bright white throat patch and bold black-and-white stripes on their head. They are known for their clear, whistled song, which is often described as “Oh-Sweet-Canada-Canada-Canada.”
These sparrows forage on the ground for seeds, insects, and berries. They are also frequent visitors to backyard feeders that offer a variety of seeds and suet.
During the breeding season, White-throated Sparrows build cup-shaped nests on the ground or in low shrubs, using grass, twigs, and leaves. They typically lay 3-5 pale blue eggs, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract White-throated Sparrows to your backyard, provide dense shrubs and brush piles for cover. Offering a mix of seeds and insects in your feeders can also entice them to visit.
Fun Fact: The White-throated Sparrow has distinct regional dialects in its song. Birds in different geographic areas have slight variations in their song patterns, which are passed down through generations.
12. Black-capped Chickadee
The Black-capped Chickadee is a small, lively bird known for its distinctive black cap and cheerful songs. It is one of the most familiar and friendly birds in Canada.
- Scientific name: Poecile atricapillus
- Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-14 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-8.7 in (16-22 cm)
Black-capped Chickadees have a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a grayish-brown back. They are highly vocal and have a variety of calls, including their famous “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” song.
These chickadees are acrobatic foragers, often seen hanging upside down from branches as they search for insects, seeds, and berries. They are regular visitors to feeders, especially those stocked with sunflower seeds and suet.
Black-capped Chickadees excavate cavities in dead trees or use natural tree cavities for nesting. They create a soft nest lining using moss, fur, and feathers. They lay 6-8 white eggs, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract Black-capped Chickadees to your backyard, offer a mix of sunflower seeds, suet, and mealworms in your feeders. Providing nesting boxes with a 1.25-inch entrance hole can also encourage them to nest in your yard.
Fun Fact: Black-capped Chickadees have exceptional memories and can remember the locations of thousands of individual food caches that they create during the fall to sustain them through the winter.
13. Yellow Warbler
The Yellow Warbler is a small, vibrant bird with bright yellow plumage and a melodious song. It is a common summer resident in Canada, often found in wetlands, forest edges, and gardens.
- Scientific name: Setophaga petechia
- Length: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (8-12 g)
- Wingspan: 6.7-7.5 in (17-19 cm)
Yellow Warblers are predominantly yellow, with olive-green wings and a touch of reddish streaking on their breasts. They have a sweet, repetitive song that is often described as “sweet-sweet-sweet-I’m-so-sweet.”
These warblers feed on insects, spiders, and small berries. They actively search for prey in trees and shrubs and can occasionally be seen hovering to catch insects mid-air.
Yellow Warblers build cup-shaped nests in shrubs or small trees, often near water. The nests are woven together using plant fibers and spiderwebs and lined with feathers and fine materials. They lay 3-5 whitish eggs with brown speckles, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract Yellow Warblers to your backyard, provide dense shrubs and trees for cover and nesting sites. Offering a variety of insects and berries can also attract them to your feeders.
Fun Fact: The Yellow Warbler is known for its long-distance migration. Some individuals travel up to 3,000 miles (4,800 km) from their breeding grounds in Canada to their wintering grounds in Central and South America.
14. Cedar Waxwing
The Cedar Waxwing is a sleek, social bird with a unique appearance and a soft, high-pitched call. It is often found in woodlands, orchards, and open habitats throughout Canada.
- Scientific name: Bombycilla cedrorum
- Length: 5.5-6.3 in (14-16 cm)
- Weight: 1.1-1.4 oz (32-40 g)
- Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in (22-30 cm)
Cedar Waxwings have a soft brownish-gray plumage, a crest on their head, and a distinctive black mask around their eyes. They also have a yellow-tipped tail and red wax-like droplets on the tips of their secondary feathers.
These waxwings feed on fruit, berries, and insects. They are often seen in large flocks, swooping and perching together in search of food.
Cedar Waxwings build open cup-shaped nests in trees using twigs, grass, and moss. They lay 3-6 pale gray or blue eggs with brown speckles, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract Cedar Waxwings to your backyard, provide berry-producing trees and shrubs, such as serviceberry, dogwood, or cedar. Offering a fresh water source, such as a birdbath, can also be appealing to them.
Fun Fact: Cedar Waxwings have a unique feeding behavior called “gut loading.” They can eat large quantities of fruit in a short period, and the fermentation process in their digestive system can convert the fruit’s sugar into alcohol.
15. Rose-breasted Grosbeak
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a striking bird with a vibrant plumage and a rich, warbling song. It is a migratory bird that breeds in the forests and woodlands of Canada.
- Scientific name: Pheucticus ludovicianus
- Length: 7.1-8.7 in (18-22 cm)
- Weight: 1.4-2.0 oz (40-57 g)
- Wingspan: 11.8-13.4 in (30-34 cm)
Male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have a black head, wings, and tail, with a bright rose-red patch on their breast. Females have a
brownish plumage with streaks and a pale breast.
These grosbeaks feed on seeds, insects, and fruits. They have a strong, conical beak that allows them to crack open seeds and nuts with ease.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks build cup-shaped nests in trees using twigs, grass, and leaves, often situated on horizontal branches. They lay 3-5 bluish-white eggs with brown speckles, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract Rose-breasted Grosbeaks to your backyard, provide a variety of seeds, fruits, and insects in your feeders. They are also attracted to sunflower heads and may visit gardens with blooming flowers.
Fun Fact: Male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks undergo a partial molt after the breeding season. They replace their bright breeding plumage with a more subdued plumage resembling that of the female, making it harder to distinguish between the sexes during migration.
16. Evening Grosbeak
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The Evening Grosbeak is a robust, colorful bird known for its large beak and distinctive call. It is a resident bird in parts of western Canada, particularly in coniferous forests.
- Scientific name: Coccothraustes vespertinus
- Length: 6.3-7.5 in (16-19 cm)
- Weight: 1.5-2.4 oz (43-68 g)
- Wingspan: 11-12.2 in (28-31 cm)
Male Evening Grosbeaks have a bright yellow body, black wings with white patches, and a large, powerful beak. Females are more subdued, with a grayish body and hints of yellow.
These grosbeaks primarily feed on seeds, including those from conifer trees, as well as fruits and insects. They are frequent visitors to feeders offering sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and suet.
Evening Grosbeaks build sturdy, cup-shaped nests in trees using twigs, grass, and moss. They lay 2-4 bluish-white eggs with brown speckles, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract Evening Grosbeaks to your backyard, provide a variety of seeds, especially sunflower seeds, in your feeders. They are social birds and often visit in flocks, so offering multiple feeding stations can accommodate their numbers.
Fun Fact: Evening Grosbeaks are known for their distinctive “cheeer” call, which resembles the sound of a squeaky hinge. They are also capable of mimicking other bird species and even imitating mechanical sounds.
17. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a stunning bird known for its vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest. It is a year-round resident in southern Ontario and parts of Quebec.
- Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis
- Length: 8.3-9.3 in (21-23.5 cm)
- Weight: 1.5-1.8 oz (42-52 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 in (25-31 cm)
Male Northern Cardinals are bright red with a black face mask and a crest on their head. Females have a more subdued plumage, with a reddish tinge on their wings, tail, and crest.
These cardinals feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. They have a strong beak that is well-suited for cracking open seeds and fruits.
Northern Cardinals build cup-shaped nests in dense shrubs or low trees using twigs, leaves, and grass. They lay 2-5 pale bluish-green eggs with brown speckles, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract Northern Cardinals to your backyard, provide a mix of sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and peanuts in your feeders. They are also attracted to areas with dense vegetation for nesting.
Fun Fact: Male Northern Cardinals are known for their territorial behavior. They vigorously defend their territory against other males, often engaging in fierce battles through aggressive displays and songs.
18. Indigo Bunting
The Indigo Bunting is a small, striking bird with bright blue plumage. It is a summer visitor to Canada, found in grasslands, open woodlands, and brushy areas.
- Scientific name: Passerina cyanea
- Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (12-14 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)
Male Indigo Buntings are vibrant blue all over, while females have a brownish plumage with hints of blue on their wings and tail.
These buntings primarily feed on seeds, especially grass and weed seeds, but also consume insects during the breeding season.
Indigo Buntings build cup-shaped nests in dense shrubs or small trees using grass, leaves, and bark strips. They lay 3-4 pale bluish-white eggs with brown speckles, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract Indigo Buntings to your backyard, provide a mix of nyjer (thistle) seeds, sunflower seeds, and millet in your feeders. They are also attracted to areas with thickets or shrubs for nesting and cover.
Fun Fact: The bright blue color of male Indigo Buntings is not due to pigments but rather the structural properties of their feathers. When light hits their feathers, it is scattered in a way that makes them appear blue.
19. Scarlet Tanager
The Scarlet Tanager is a stunning bird with bright red plumage and black wings. It is a long-distance migrant, breeding in the forests of Canada during the summer.
- Scientific name: Piranga olivacea
- Length: 6.3-7.5 in (16-19 cm)
- Weight: 0.8-1.2 oz (23-34 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8-10.6 in (25-27 cm)
Male Scarlet Tanagers have brilliant red plumage with black wings and tail. Females have a yellow-greenish plumage, providing excellent camouflage while nesting.
These tanagers primarily feed on insects, including beetles, bees, and wasps. They catch their prey in mid-air or glean insects from foliage.
Scarlet Tanagers build cup-shaped nests in the upper branches of trees using twigs, grass, and leaves. They lay 3-4 bluish-green eggs with brown speckles, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract Scarlet Tanagers to your backyard, provide a mix of suet, mealworms, and fruits like oranges and berries. They are also attracted to forested areas with mature trees for nesting.
Fun Fact: Scarlet Tanagers have a unique molting pattern. After the breeding season, males molt into a yellow-green plumage similar to females before migrating to their wintering grounds in South America.
20. Black-capped Chickadee
The Black-capped Chickadee is a small, lively bird known for its distinctive black cap and white cheeks. It is a year-round resident in much of Canada, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas.
- Scientific name: Poecile atricapillus
- Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-14 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)
Black-capped Chickadees have a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a grayish back. They are often seen flitting about in trees and shrubs, emitting their characteristic “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call.
These chickadees primarily feed on insects, seeds, berries, and suet. They are acrobatic foragers, hanging upside down to extract insects from bark crevices.
Black-capped Chickadees excavate cavities in dead trees or use natural tree cavities for nesting. They lay 6-8 white eggs with brown speckles, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.
To attract Black-capped Chickadees to your backyard, provide a mix of sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet in your feeders. They are also attracted to nesting boxes or natural cavities.
Fun Fact: Black-capped Chickadees are capable of caching food for later use. They have a remarkable memory and can remember the location of thousands of individual caches throughout their territory.