Wild About Birds

Birds are almost certainly some of the most watched and beloved of Canada's wildlife species. In fields and forests, along rivers and coastlines, in city parks and even our backyards billions of individual birds representing over 450 species inhabit the skies and wild spaces of Canada.

In addition to the natural beauty and species diversity they offer, birds also serve an important purpose. Birds do a fabulous job of helping our ecosystems run smoothly. They help limit insect populations, pollinate plants and disperse seeds. In cases involving vultures, crows and other carrion-eating birds, they also clean up the messes made by humans and other organisms.

Despite their numbers, the threats leading to declines in North American bird populations continue to grow. These threats include loss of habitat, invasive species, pesticides, toxic chemicals, pollution, cat predation, decrease in insect prey numbers, climate change, disease and death resulting from man-made obstacles like wind turbines and impact with windows of buildings during migration. As a result, nearly 20 per cent of native bird species are at risk of extinction. As a result, 168 bird species in Canada (36 per cent) have decreased in population since 1970.  It’s a complicated problem to solve, as birds depend on many different habitats for survival.

Thankfully, there are simple things you can do to have a positive impact on birds and help reduce declining populations. From installing a birdhouse to planting wildlife-friending gardens, protecting birds from hitting the window of your home, and keeping pet cats indoors, actions designed to improve the fate of Canada’s beloved bird species can start in your very own back yard. Learn more below.