5 Types Of Birds In Ontario (2024)

Ontario is home to a variety of birds, ranging from the majestic Bald Eagle to the tiny Chickadee. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or a casual observer, it’s easy to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Ontario’s avian population. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common types of birds found in Ontario.

Five types of Birds in Ontario includes American Robin, Canada Goose, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard Duck, and Bald Eagle. The Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, and the Wood Duck can also be found in Ontario.

5 Types Of Birds In Ontario

1. American Robin

The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is one of the five types of Birds in Ontario and it is a migratory songbird found in Canada and the United States. It is the provincial bird of Ontario and the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan and Wisconsin. The American Robin is a medium-sized thrush with a chunky body, a big round head, and a long, slightly curved bill. It has a grey-brown back, head and tail, white underparts and an orange-red breast and face. Its legs and feet are grey-brown, and its eyes are black.

The American Robin is an omnivore, eating a variety of fruits, berries, insects, and worms. During the breeding season, they feed on the ground or in low shrubs, searching for worms, insects, and other invertebrates. In winter, they switch to a diet of fruits, berries, and other soft fruits, as well as some insects.

The American Robin is a common sight in backyards, parks, and other open areas. It can be seen foraging on the ground, in trees, and on buildings. It is an active, vocal bird and its loud, cheerful song is often heard in spring and summer.

The American Robin is a sociable bird and is usually found in flocks. It nests in cavities in trees, buildings, and other structures. The female builds a cup-shaped nest of grasses and twigs, lined with soft materials. She lays three to five eggs which are blue-green speckled with brown. Both parents help to incubate the eggs and feed the young.

The American Robin has adapted to human activity and can be found in urban, suburban, and rural areas. It is an important part of the ecosystem, controlling the populations of some insect pests. It is also an important species for birdwatchers, as its colorful plumage, song, and behavior make it an attractive species to observe.

2. Canada Goose

The Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is one of the most common birds in Ontario. It is a large, migratory waterfowl that can be found in wetlands, fields, and open areas throughout the province.

The Canada goose is a large bird, with a wingspan of up to 2 metres and a body length of up to 70 cm. The adult has a black head and neck, white cheeks, and a brown-grey body with brownish-black wings and tail. The male and female look the same, although the male is usually larger.

The Canada goose feeds mainly on grasses, grains, and aquatic plants. It also eats insects, small fish, and small mammals. It is also known to eat waste grain from farms and gardens.

The Canada goose is a highly social bird, usually seen in flocks of up to 100 individuals. It is also known for its loud, honking calls.

The Canada goose breeds in Ontario, usually from April to June. The nest is a large bowl-shaped structure made of grass and lined with down feathers. The female lays 3-5 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them. The young fledge after about 30 days.

The Canada goose is an important species in Ontario and is protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. It is a popular game bird and is hunted in some parts of the province.

The Canada goose is a very adaptable species and is found in many different habitats. It is an important part of Ontario’s natural history and ecology, and an important part of the province’s avifauna.

3. Red-winged Blackbird

The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a species of blackbird that is native to Ontario, Canada. It is one of the most common birds in the province and can be found in a variety of habitats, from wetlands and marshes to grasslands, fields, and even city parks.

The Red-winged Blackbird is a medium-sized blackbird, with a short, stout bill and a red shoulder patch. The male has a glossy black head, breast, and back, with a bright red shoulder patch that is clearly visible in flight. The female is a plainer brownish-black with a paler breast, and lacks the red shoulder patch.

Red-winged Blackbirds are very social birds, and are often seen in large flocks. They eat a variety of insects and seeds, and will also visit birdfeeders. During the breeding season, males are very territorial and will aggressively defend their nesting area from other birds.

In Ontario, the Red-winged Blackbird is a common breeding bird, and can be found in suitable habitats throughout the province. They can also be found in many urban areas, and are often seen perched atop utility poles or wires. They are also common migrants, and can be seen in large numbers during spring and fall migration.

The Red-winged Blackbird is a species of conservation concern in Ontario, due to declining numbers in some areas. As such, it is important to protect suitable habitat for this species, as well as other species of birds in the province.

4. Mallard Duck

The Mallard Duck is one of the most common waterfowl species in Ontario. This duck is native to Ontario and can be found throughout the province in rivers, lakes, marshes and other wetlands.

The Mallard Duck is easily identified by its distinctive green head and yellow bill, with a white ring around its neck. The male Mallard is larger than the female and has an iridescent purple breast. The female Mallard has a mottled brown plumage.

Mallard Ducks feed on aquatic vegetation, insects, small fish and crustaceans. They are often seen in flocks on the water’s surface, diving and upending to feed on food items below the water’s surface.

The Mallard Duck breeds in early Spring, usually laying between 8-12 eggs in a nest on the ground near water. The female will incubate the eggs for around 23-30 days before they hatch. The young ducklings are able to fly within 8-10 weeks of hatching.

Mallard Ducks are a popular game species in Ontario, and are hunted for their meat and feathers. They are also popular among birdwatchers, as they are often seen in large flocks and have a wide range across the province.

5. Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is one of the five types of Birds in Ontario. This majestic bird of prey found throughout North America and is the national bird of the United States. The Bald Eagle is also a prominent bird in Ontario, where it is a species of special concern due to its declining population.

Bald Eagles are large, powerful birds with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters and they can weigh up to 7 kilograms. They have a white head, neck, and tail, and a dark brown body. The eyes are yellow and the bill is black.

Bald Eagles are found in a variety of habitats, ranging from open water, coastal wetlands, and mixed forests. In Ontario, the species is most common in the Great Lakes region, but also found in smaller pockets throughout the province.

Bald Eagles feed primarily on fish, but will also scavenge carrion and hunt small mammals and waterfowl. In Ontario, they are most commonly seen perching in trees or along the shore of lakes and rivers.

Bald Eagles form monogamous pairs and nest in large trees, often near water. The nest, called an aerie, can be up to 2 meters wide and is made of sticks and lined with grasses and other materials. The female lays one to three eggs, which hatch after about 35 days. The young birds remain in the nest for up to three months before they are ready to fly.

The Bald Eagle population in Ontario has been declining in recent years due to a variety of factors, including habitat destruction and illegal hunting. However, conservation efforts have been successful in protecting and restoring the species. The Ontario government has protected large areas of Bald Eagle habitat, and there are now more than 1,000 nesting pairs in the province.

Related:

• 5 Types Of Beetles In Ontario
• 5 Types Of Bees In Ontario
• Types Of Ants In Ontario

Conclusion

Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or a casual observer, Ontario is home to a variety of birds with a range of habitats and behaviors. The five types of Birds in Ontario that have been reviewed in this piece are just a part of the various species of Birds in Ontario.

From the majestic Bald Eagle to the tiny Chickadee, it’s easy to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Ontario’s avian population. With a little patience and luck, you may be able to spot some of these amazing birds in your own backyard.