Top 15 Types Of Birds In Ottawa (With Pictures)

Ottawa's top 15 bird species dazzle with vivid colors and diverse habits; discover which ones you can spot in your own backyard!

birdwatching in ottawa guide

Ottawa is home to a diverse array of bird species that enhance the natural beauty of the region. Key species include the vibrant Northern Cardinal, known for its bright red plumage, and the Canada Goose, recognizable by its black-and-white face and long neck. The American Robin, notable for its red breast, thrives in urban settings. The Blue Jay, with its loud calls and striking blue feathers, and various types of finches add color and song to local parks. Additional species such as the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, local woodpeckers, Nuthatches, and Waxwings contribute to Ottawa's rich avian tapestry. Each bird plays an important role in the ecosystem, and further exploration reveals more about their unique behaviors and habitats.

Northern Cardinal

vibrant red bird species

The Northern Cardinal, distinguished by its vivid red plumage, is a common yet striking sight in Ottawa's urban and woodland settings.

The male's bright red feathers and distinctive crest make him particularly noticeable.

These birds adapt well to both natural and urban environments, often seen foraging on the ground, adding a splash of color and charm to the local avian landscape.

Canada Goose

highly sought after winter coat

Renowned for their distinct black-and-white faces and long necks, Canada Geese are a prominent feature of Ottawa's wildlife landscape. Identified by a characteristic black patch on their face, these geese are often seen by rivers and lakes.

They are herbivores, protected under law, and form strong family bonds. Some local geese remain year-round due to abundant food and open water.

American Robin

common north american bird

While Canada Geese are a familiar sight in local waters, American Robins are equally recognized on land with their vibrant red breasts, marking a common presence in Ottawa's urban and suburban areas.

These birds, active mainly from spring through fall, are often seen hopping in search of worms and insects, their melodious song accenting the black and white landscape of city life.

Blue Jay

vibrant feathered north american

Blue Jays, easily recognized by their noisy calls and bright blue feathers, are a prominent feature of the avian landscape in Ottawa. They favor oak trees for foraging, particularly enjoying acorns and peanuts.

Additionally, these birds are drawn to bird baths and have an appetite for sunflower seeds, enhancing their presence in areas rich with oaks, and adding vibrancy to Ottawa's bird population.

Various Finches

adapt to different environments

In Ottawa, various finches, including the American Goldfinch and House Finch, add vibrant colors and diversity to the local bird population. Male House Finches display a striking red head, while Purple Finch males feature a coral-purplish hue.

Attracted to nyger and sunflower seeds, these finches are delightful to observe, especially in urban settings where they bring charm and color to the landscape.

Snow Bunting

arctic bird with white plumage

Adapting to the harsh winters of Ottawa, Snow Buntings are small, sparrow-sized birds that migrate from the Arctic to grace open fields and farmlands with their presence.

They flaunt striking black and white plumage, and in winter, form large flocks that forage for seeds and insects.

Their melodious song and dazzling white wing patches in flight enhance the winter landscape's beauty.

Diverse Ducks

variety of waterfowl species

From the fluttering snowflakes of Snow Buntings, attention shifts to the bustling waterways where an array of ducks, including the vibrant Mallards, enrich Ottawa's avian tapestry.

Ducks like the glossy green-headed Mallards and diving Goldeneyes are common in local parks and ponds. They play an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of Ottawa's water bodies, making them an essential part of the ecosystem.

Common Sparrows

chirping in the city

Common sparrows, such as House Sparrows and Song Sparrows, thrive across Ottawa, showcasing their adaptability in various urban and natural environments. These small birds, with brown and gray plumage and distinctive markings like streaked chests and colorful head patterns, are primarily seed-eaters.

Their melodious songs and social behavior make them frequent, delightful sights in both cityscapes and wooded areas.

Great Blue Heron

elegant wading bird species

The Great Blue Heron, with its long legs and striking blue-grey plumage, epitomizes grace and efficiency in Ottawa's aquatic landscapes.

This long-legged bird is often seen motionless, using its S-shaped neck to skillfully catch fish.

Found in wetlands and along water bodies, their slow, deliberate wing beats and natural camouflage make them exquisite hunters and a mesmerizing sight for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Red-Winged Blackbird

black bird with red

Red-Winged Blackbirds are easily recognizable by their glossy black plumage and vivid red shoulder patches. They are a prominent feature of Ottawa's marsh and wetland areas.

Males display striking colors, while females blend with mottled brown feathers for nesting camouflage.

These blackbirds are noted for their melodious songs during breeding and their skill in crafting robust, cup-shaped nests from local vegetation.

Black-Capped Chickadee

distinctive black and white

Easily identified by its black cap and white cheeks, the Black-Capped Chickadee emits a distinctive 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call, which is familiar to many residents of North America.

These social birds often mix with other species in flocks and thrive in various habitats including urban areas.

They exhibit acrobatic foraging skills and store food for later, enjoying treats like sunflower seeds and suet at feeders.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

tiny bird with iridescent feathers

Turning our attention to the skies of Ottawa, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird emerges as a mesmerizing spectacle with its shimmering green feathers and striking red throat.

This species, distinguished by its iridescent plumage and agile flight, feeds primarily on nectar and is a frequent visitor to gardens.

Their rapid wingbeats produce a characteristic humming sound, enhancing their presence in local green spaces.

Local Woodpeckers

woodpeckers in the neighborhood

Several species of woodpeckers, including the Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, and Northern Flicker, are prominent residents of Ottawa's wooded habitats. These woodpeckers are distinguished by their drumming on trees, a behavior important for communication and territory definition.

Adapted with strong bills and stiff tail feathers, they efficiently forage for insects, playing a vital role in ecological balance by controlling pest populations and aiding in forest health.

Nuthatches in Ottawa

birdwatching nuthatches in ottawa

Moving from the rhythmic drumming of local woodpeckers, we now explore the intriguing world of Nuthatches in Ottawa, known for their distinctive calls and unique behaviors.

These birds, including the Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, are skilled at maneuvering tree trunks headfirst.

Their foraging technique involves wedging seeds into bark to eat them, playing an essential role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds.

What Birds Can Be Found in Ottawa that are also Found in Edmonton?

Ottawa and Edmonton share some common bird species. The types of birds in Edmonton with pictures that can also be found in Ottawa include the American Robin, Bald Eagle, and the Canada Goose. These birds can be spotted in both cities, offering birdwatching enthusiasts a familiar sight. Both regions also provide seasonal opportunities to observe migratory birds, making them prime locations for nature lovers. Beyond Ottawa, those exploring the types of birds in northern Ontario may encounter species like the Common Loon and Great Gray Owl, which thrive in the region’s unique landscapes. These shared and distinct bird populations highlight Canada’s rich avian diversity across its provinces.

Waxwings Sightings

birdwatching in urban areas

Waxwings, characterized by their sleek bodies and crested heads, are a fascinating sight in Ottawa's diverse avian landscape. These birds, similar in size to starlings and sporting a white belly, thrive on a diet of insects, berries, and fruit.

Cedar Waxwings are commonly seen year-round, while the Bohemian variety frequents the city mainly in winter, often in lively flocks near fruitful trees and water.