Top 15 Types Of Birds In New Brunswick (With Pictures)

Spot New Brunswick's top 15 birds, from the melodious Black-capped Chickadee to the vibrant Pine Grosbeak, and discover their unique traits and habitats.

birdwatching in new brunswick

New Brunswick hosts a variety of bird species, each uniquely suited to the region's diverse ecosystems. Among the notable species are the Black-capped Chickadee, recognized by its distinctive black cap and melodious call, and the Black-legged Kittiwake with its yellow bill and adept plunge-diving skills. The Swainson's Thrush impresses with its flute-like song in dense forests, while the Osprey showcases remarkable fishing prowess in coastal areas. The Pine Grosbeak, with its striking red plumage, is a vibrant presence in coniferous forests. These birds not only add to the local biodiversity but also enhance the natural beauty of New Brunswick, inviting further exploration of their habits and habitats.

Black-capped Chickadee

adorable bird with cap

The Black-capped Chickadee is easily recognizable by its black cap and bib, white cheeks, and gray back. Common in New Brunswick's forests and backyards, these small birds are active foragers, nimbly maneuvering through branches.

Their distinctive 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call and preference for seeds and suet at feeders make them a beloved sight.

Black-legged Kittiwake

arctic seabird with black legs

Black-legged Kittiwakes, distinguished by their black legs and yellow bills, thrive in New Brunswick's coastal environments. These medium-sized gulls feature a mostly white body, gray wings, and a distinctive dark eye line.

They form large colonies on coastal cliffs, foraging for fish and marine invertebrates by plunge-diving. Their high-pitched 'kitt-i-wake' calls are a common sound in these New Brunswick locales.

Swainson's Thrush

bird species in canada

Moving from the coastal cliffs to the dense forests of New Brunswick, Swainson's Thrush emerges as a notable songbird with a melodious presence.

This New Brunswick bird, known for its exquisite flute-like song, breeds locally and winters in Central and South America.

With olive-brown upperparts and white underparts accented by buffy flanks, they forage for insects and berries, enriching the local biodiversity.

Osprey

bird of prey hunting

How do Ospreys, renowned for their impressive fishing abilities, thrive in the diverse ecosystems of New Brunswick?

As large birds and skilled hunters, Ospreys utilize their extensive 71-inch wingspan and distinctive dark and white plumage to expertly navigate and hunt near rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

They are adept at hovering and diving feet-first to snatch fish with their sharp talons, supporting their aquatic diet.

Pine Grosbeak

colorful bird with red feathers

The Pine Grosbeak, a striking member of the finch family, exhibits vibrant colors and a robust build, making it a standout sight in New Brunswick's coniferous forests and orchards during the colder months.

Males display rosy red plumage, while females and juveniles are more subdued.

Their thick, powerful bill is ideal for cracking open seeds from cones, supporting their nomadic lifestyle in search of food.

Common Loon

migratory waterfowl with haunting calls

Shifting focus to another notable avian species, the Common Loon thrives in New Brunswick's aquatic environments, mesmerizing observers with its dramatic black and white plumage and eerie vocalizations.

Renowned for their distinctive red eyes and exceptional diving abilities, these birds fiercely defend their territories. However, they face challenges from habitat loss, pollution, and boat collisions, threatening their presence in these waters.

Piping Plover

endangered shorebird of concern

Piping Plovers, distinguished by their pale brown upperparts and stark white underparts, face significant conservation challenges in New Brunswick.

These small shorebirds, marked by their orange legs and bill, are endangered mainly due to habitat loss and human disturbance.

Efforts to protect their nesting areas on sandy beaches include habitat preservation, predator management, and raising public awareness.

American Goldfinch

vibrant yellow summer bird

While Piping Plovers captivate with their coastal charm, another avian delight, the American Goldfinch, brightens New Brunswick's landscapes with its vivid colors and melodious calls.

These birds, with their distinctive small, conical bills, thrive on a diet primarily of thistle and sunflower seeds. The bright yellow males and olive-brown females are a common, delightful sight in open habitats and urban areas alike.

Northern Harrier

bird of prey hunting

The Northern Harrier, recognized in New Brunswick for its slender, long-winged silhouette, is often seen gliding low over marshes and fields in pursuit of prey.

Also known as the marsh hawk, this raptor features a unique white rump patch and an owl-like facial disk, aiding in detecting sounds from small mammals and birds, essential for their low-altitude hunting strategy.

Great Blue Heron

majestic water bird

In New Brunswick, Great Blue Herons, the largest herons in North America, are frequently observed in various wetland habitats. These birds boast a striking blue-gray plumage and a long, S-shaped neck, ideal for stealthily hunting fish, frogs, and small mammals.

Known for their slow, graceful flight, they can stand motionless for hours, expertly striking at prey with their sharp, yellow bills.

Bald Eagle

majestic national bird symbol

Shifting focus to the skies of New Brunswick, Bald Eagles dominate the landscape with their striking appearance and impressive wingspan.

Renowned for their white heads contrasted against dark brown bodies, these raptors thrive near water, building large nests and feeding primarily on fish.

Their revival is a testament to successful conservation efforts across the United States and neighboring Nova Scotia.

Canada Goose

iconic winter jacket brand

Gliding gracefully across the skies of New Brunswick, Canada geese are a familiar sight, easily identified by their black heads and distinctive white chinstraps. As a common waterfowl species, these geese feature a brown body, with a wingspan ranging from 127 to 170 cm.

Herbivores by nature, they feed on grasses, grains, and aquatic plants, and are known for their loud, honking calls during migration.

Red-tailed Hawk

majestic bird of prey

Red-tailed Hawks, distinguished by their broad wings and vividly colored tails, are prevalent predators in the skies of New Brunswick. They are easily recognized by their up to 56-inch wingspan and distinctive belly band of dark streaks.

These monogamous raptors build large nests, primarily feed on small mammals, and play an important role in controlling local rodent populations through their skilled hunting.

Atlantic Puffin

colorful seabird in iceland

Among the most charismatic seabirds in New Brunswick, the Atlantic Puffin is renowned for its vividly colored beak and adept diving skills.

This seabird species, often called the 'sea parrot,' thrives in coastal regions, nesting in large colonies on cliffs or islands.

Their distinctive orange and yellow beaks make them a favorite among birdwatchers and tourists visiting the area.

Are the Birds Found in New Brunswick Similar to Other Parts of Canada?

Yes, the types of Canadian birds with pictures found in New Brunswick are similar to those in other parts of Canada. Common species include the black-capped chickadee, blue jay, and American Robin. New Brunswick’s diverse habitat supports a wide variety of bird species, making it a bird-watchers paradise. Other types of birds commonly found in New Brunswick include the red-winged blackbird, northern cardinal, and common loon. The province’s coastal and wetland areas attract a range of waterfowl, such as Canada geese and mallards. Additionally, the boreal forest and mountains are home to species like the spruce grouse and barred owl. With such an abundance of diverse habitats, New Brunswick truly offers a rich array of types of birds for enthusiasts to discover and observe. Bird enthusiasts and photographers can capture stunning images of these beautiful species in their natural habitats. In particular, the vibrant blue plumage of the blue jay makes for stunning photographs, and bird-watchers can often find beautiful blue jay bird pictures online or in photography books. Whether exploring the forests, wetlands, or coastal regions of New Brunswick, there is always an opportunity to witness and photograph the diverse and fascinating birdlife that calls the province home.

Snowy Owl

arctic bird of prey

While the Atlantic Puffin captivates birdwatchers along the coast, the Snowy Owl offers a striking spectacle in the winter landscapes of New Brunswick. These majestic birds, native to arctic habitats, are visible here during their winter migration.

With a wingspan up to 1.5 meters and distinctive yellow eyes, they expertly hunt small mammals, utilizing their silent flight and sharp vision to navigate and survive.