Calgary hosts a variety of bird species, notable for their distinctive features and habits. The American Robin is easily recognized by its rusty red breast and enjoys a diet of invertebrates and fruit. Downy Woodpeckers, small and adaptable, feature black backs with white streaks and a red spot on males. The American Goldfinch, with striking yellow and black plumage, frequents bird feeders. House Sparrows are found in urban areas, sporting gray crowns and black bibs. Lastly, the all-black American Crow thrives across diverse environments. These species represent just a glimpse into Calgary's rich avian diversity, each contributing uniquely to the local ecosystem. Further exploration will reveal even more about these fascinating creatures.
American Robin
The American Robin, distinguished by its rusty red breast and dark head, is a common sight in Calgary's diverse habitats. Both male and female exhibit white throats and subtle splotches around their eyes, making them familiar yet challenging to differentiate.
Their diet of invertebrates and fruit supports their prevalence as common birds across urban and rural settings, enhancing their visibility throughout the area.
Downy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpeckers, small yet easily recognizable by their black backs with white streaks and spots, are a prevalent species in Alberta's backyards. They adapt well to human presence, visiting bird feeders frequently.
Males feature a distinctive red spot on their heads, distinguishing them from the plain-headed females. Their diet includes suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts, showcasing their adaptability and preference for black and white contrasts.
American Goldfinch
American Goldfinches, distinguished by their striking yellow and black plumage, are a common sight in Calgary's bird-watching landscape.
Males are vividly yellow while females display duller shades. They are drawn to bird feeders, where they mainly feed on Nyjer seed and sunflower kernels.
It is common to see these birds, identified by black wings and a white wing bar, throughout the city.
House Sparrow
While American Goldfinches are often admired for their vibrant colors, House Sparrows, sporting gray crowns and black bibs, are equally prevalent in Calgary's urban landscapes.
These birds have adapted well to urban parks, feeding on grains and often seen perching in bustling areas.
Their presence, however, poses challenges for native species, as they compete aggressively for nesting spots.
American Crow
Gleaming with an iridescent sheen, the entirely black American Crow is a common and adaptable bird found throughout Calgary's diverse habitats.
Thriving in a variety of habitats from urban parks to rural woodlands, these crows are known for their distinctive appearance and versatile diet, including peanuts and corn.
Their omnipresence and adaptability make them a notable feature of Calgary's avian landscape.
Song Sparrow
The Song Sparrow is easily recognizable by its distinct brown streaks and central breast spot. It is a prevalent species in Calgary's wet and shrubby areas, adapting well to deciduous forests. These birds feature a brown color palette that camouflages them effectively. Their back and body showcase rust-brown and gray streaks, making them one of the more distinguishable sparrows in Alberta's diverse avian landscape.
White-breasted Nuthatch
Continuing our exploration of Calgary's bird species, we next focus on the White-breasted Nuthatch, known for its striking white cheeks and chest.
Common in Calgary, these birds are easily spotted near people in forests, parks, and backyards, especially during the breeding season. There are many types of birds that are commonly seen in Calgary, including sparrows, robins, and chickadees. These birds are often attracted to areas with easily accessible food sources and nesting opportunities, making urban and suburban areas ideal for their habitation. Additionally, their vibrant colors and melodic songs make them a beloved sight and sound for residents and visitors alike. An important consideration for birdwatchers in Calgary is the presence of various bird species, some of which are migratory and can be spotted during specific times of the year. As a result, the city has become a popular destination for bird enthusiasts who come to observe and study the diverse avian population. Whether in natural reserves or city neighborhoods, there are ample opportunities to witness the beauty and diversity of various bird species in Calgary.
Their unique behavior includes walking headfirst down trees, searching for insects, fascinating birdwatchers with their agility and distinctive appearance.
Red-winged Blackbird
In Calgary, the Red-winged Blackbird is notable for its vividly colored shoulder patches and distinctive vocalizations.
Males exhibit striking black plumage offset by red and yellow shoulder patches, while females display a brown head and streaked brown body.
Commonly found in marshes and other wet areas, they are easily spotted perched on cattails, vocalizing or displaying during the breeding season.
European Starling
European Starlings, comparable in size to American Robins, feature glossy black plumage with a distinctive green-purple sheen during the breeding season. Introduced in 1890, these birds thrive near humans, showcasing their shiny black plumage and remarkable mimicry skills.
Often seen imitating various bird calls, they are a striking yet invasive species, adapting well to urban environments.
Brown-headed Cowbird
Brown-headed Cowbirds, characterized by their stocky black bodies and distinctive brown heads, are notable for their brood parasitism behavior. Males display striking brown heads contrasting their black bodies, while females are uniformly brown with streaked bellies.
These birds are found in Calgary's diverse habitats like grasslands and woodland edges, exemplifying unique types of birds through their reproductive strategy. Their behavior of laying eggs in other bird species' nests impacts the populations of those species.
House Wren
While the Brown-headed Cowbird has a notable impact on local bird populations through its unique reproductive behavior, another common resident in Calgary is the House Wren, a small bird distinguished by its energetic presence and melodious song.
These birds, with dark barring on their wings and tail, frequently nest in unusual places like boots or cans, adding a whimsical note to their surroundings.
Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove, recognized by its mostly grayish appearance and large black spots on the wings, is a prevalent species throughout Calgary.
These doves, known for their mournful cooing, have pinkish legs and a black beak. They typically nest in large trees or shrubs and are often seen foraging on the ground for seeds.
Their long, thin tail is a distinctive feature.
Rock Pigeon
Rock Pigeons, plump birds with a gray back and blue-grey head, are a common sight in Calgary's urban landscapes. Recognizable by their black wing bars and distinctive tail feathers, these birds often gather in large flocks, thriving on leftover food in city parks.
Their soft, throaty cooing adds a unique auditory backdrop to the bustling city environment.
Blue Jay
Shifting focus from the urban dwellers like Rock Pigeons, Blue Jays bring a splash of vibrant color and dynamic behavior to Calgary's bird population.
Their intelligence and curiosity thrive amidst human development, as they adeptly forage, often favoring peanut butter at feeders.
Known for their mimicry and loud alarm calls, they are both admired and studied for their complex behaviors and adaptability.
:Are the types of birds in Calgary similar to the types of birds in Victoria, BC?
Yes, the types of birds in Victoria, BC are similar to the types of birds in Calgary. Both cities are home to a variety of bird species, including songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. The diverse habitats in both regions provide a rich environment for a wide range of bird species to thrive.
Northern Flicker
Among Calgary's diverse bird species, the Northern Flicker stands out due to its distinctive markings and ground-feeding behavior. This medium-sized woodpecker showcases a brownish body adorned with black bars and a notable black crescent on its chest.
Renowned for their ground foraging, particularly for ants and beetles, they emit a loud, ringing call. These cavity nesters favor old holes or artificial boxes for breeding.
