Top 15 Types Of Birds In Quebec (With Pictures)

Highlighting Quebec's top 15 bird species, this guide offers stunning visuals and fascinating facts that will captivate any birdwatcher.

birds of quebec illustrated

Quebec is home to a diverse range of bird species. The Snowy Owl, notable for its brilliant white plumage and distinctive yellow eyes, thrives in Quebec's colder climates. The American Black Duck is found in rich wetlands, recognized by its dark body contrasted with a lighter face, and plays an essential role in the local ecosystem. The eerie calls of the Common Loon resonate across waterways, with their vivacious red eyes and expert diving abilities. The Peregrine Falcon, known for breathtaking diving speeds, and the vividly colored Atlantic Puffin, also contribute to Quebec's ornithological diversity. For a closer look at these species, consider exploring their varied habitats and behaviors.

Snowy Owl

arctic bird of prey

The Snowy Owl, Quebec's provincial bird, captivates with its brilliant white plumage and distinctive yellow eyes. These majestic birds, weighing up to 6.5 pounds with a wingspan of 4.5 feet, are adept hunters.

They thrive in Quebec's winter landscape, skillfully hunting small mammals like lemmings. Their presence, often observed on fence posts or in open fields, symbolizes the Arctic's influence on Quebec's avian life.

American Black Duck

eastern north american waterfowl

While the Snowy Owl represents the frosty reaches of Quebec, the American Black Duck exemplifies the province's rich wetlands and coastal ecosystems.

This dabbling duck is distinguished by its dark plumage and lighter face, resembling the Mallard. Known for their distinctive quacks, these ducks are adept at foraging for aquatic plants and invertebrates.

Efforts in Quebec focus on habitat conservation to maintain their stable population.

Common Loon

elegant black and white

Renowned for its eerie calls that echo across Quebec's waterways, the Common Loon holds the distinguished title of the provincial bird.

These striking water birds feature black and white plumage and vivid red eyes. Expert swimmers and divers, they plunge up to 200 feet for fish and crustaceans.

During breeding, they perform elaborate displays and nest near lakes and rivers.

Peregrine Falcon

swift and powerful bird

Peregrine Falcons, recognized for their breathtaking diving speeds of up to 240 mph, are a spectacular sight in Quebec's diverse habitats. These agile birds of prey feature dark blue-gray upperparts and distinct black 'mustache' markings.

Thriving in urban and coastal areas, they demonstrate remarkable hunting skills, primarily preying on medium-sized birds. Conservation efforts have greatly aided their recovery from near extinction.

Atlantic Puffin

colorful seabird in maine

The Atlantic Puffin, distinguished by its vividly colored beak and striking black and white feathers, is a notable resident of Quebec's coastal regions.

These seabirds breed on cliffs and islands, skillfully diving underwater and flying with rapid wingbeats to catch fish.

Birdwatchers often spot them during the breeding season, particularly around Bonaventure Island.

Canada Goose

iconic winter coat brand

Canada Geese, easily identified by their black heads and necks with distinctive white 'chinstrap' markings, are a prevalent species throughout Quebec.

These common birds thrive in various environments, from urban parks to rural wetlands. Recognizable by their V-shaped migration formations, they sustain on a diet of grasses, grains, and aquatic plants, showcasing their adaptability and pivotal role in Quebec's ecosystems.

Northern Gannet

seabird with striking plumage

Renowned for their spectacular plunge-diving skills, Northern Gannets are large seabirds possessing a wingspan that can reach up to 6.6 feet.

This bird species, characterized by striking white plumage, black wingtips, and a yellowish head, breeds in large colonies on cliffs along the North Atlantic coast.

Their excellent eyesight enables them to spot fish from great heights, diving with precision to catch their prey.

Bald Eagle

national bird of america

In Quebec, the Bald Eagle is recognized as a powerful symbol of strength and freedom, marked by its impressive wingspan and distinctive white head and tail.

These majestic birds of prey primarily feed on fish, expertly using their sharp talons. They build massive, enduring nests, reflecting their robust nature.

Conservation efforts have greatly aided in their population recovery, underscoring their resilience and importance.

Great Blue Heron

majestic wading bird species

The Great Blue Heron, with its striking blue-gray plumage and elongated neck, is a prominent feature of Quebec's aquatic landscapes. This large wading bird thrives near water bodies, skillfully hunting fish, frogs, and other small prey.

Their graceful flight and motionless stances in shallow waters are enchanting. Heronries, their nesting colonies, are typically situated in nearby trees.

Red-tailed Hawk

majestic bird of prey

Observing the skies of Quebec, one often spots the Red-tailed Hawk, recognized by its broad wings and distinctive red tail feathers.

These raptors are commonly seen soaring or perched, scanning for prey like rodents and other small animals.

Their sharp 'kee-rah' calls echo across the landscape, while their hunting prowess helps maintain ecological balance by controlling pest populations in the region.

Black-capped Chickadee

tiny songbird with signature call

Renowned for its lively 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' song, the Black-capped Chickadee is a charming presence in Quebec's forests and backyards. This forest species is a perky songbird, easily recognizable and widespread across Canada.

Known for its bold personality, it actively forages and socializes, bringing cheer to observers with its frequent visits to feeders and playful antics amidst the trees.

Cedar Waxwing

beautiful bird with crest

Shifting focus to another notable avian resident of Quebec, Cedar Waxwings are sleek, crested birds celebrated for their striking appearance and social behavior. Adorned with brown, gray, and yellow plumage, black masks, and distinctive red-tipped wings, they are often seen in large flocks.

These birds, also common in Nova Scotia, play an essential role in seed dispersal through their fruit-based diet.

Ring-billed Gull

seagull with black ring

Ring-billed Gulls, characterized by their white bodies and striking black ringed yellow bills, are a common sight in Quebec's diverse aquatic landscapes. These medium-sized gulls thrive near lakes, rivers, and coasts, feeding on fish, insects, and scraps.

They breed in colonies, often in urban areas, recognizable by their loud 'kwee, kwee' calls and nesting habits on the ground or rooftops.

Pileated Woodpecker

large striking forest bird

Adorned with a striking red crest, the Pileated Woodpecker is a prominent bird species in Quebec's forests.

This large woodpecker, recognized by its black body and white facial stripes, boasts a wingspan of up to 30 inches.

Importantly, its robust drumming and deep tree excavations help control insect populations and provide nesting opportunities for other birds, playing a significant role in the ecosystem.

Are the Types of Birds in Quebec the Same as the Types of Birds in Northern Ontario?

Yes, the types of birds in Northern Ontario are quite similar to those found in Quebec. Both areas share a range of bird species such as the common loon, bald eagle, and red-breasted merganser. However, some differences exist due to varying habitats and regional climates. Northern Ontario also has its own unique species of birds that are not typically found in Quebec, such as the Spruce Grouse and Boreal Chickadee. These species are adapted to the boreal forest environment and thrive in the region’s diverse ecosystems. Overall, both Northern Ontario and Quebec offer birdwatchers a wide variety of species to observe and appreciate throughout the year. The types of birds found in these regions showcase the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of Canada’s diverse landscapes. In addition to the similarities and differences in the types of birds found in Northern Ontario and Quebec, both regions also offer ample opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography. The diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and lakes, provide a home for a wide array of bird species, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Furthermore, conservation efforts in both areas are crucial for preserving the various types of birds and ensuring the continued existence of these important species. Overall, the types of birds found in Northern Ontario and Quebec contribute to the overall ecological richness of the region and serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting natural habitats for future generations to enjoy.

Eastern Bluebird

bright blue bird species

Similar to the Pileated Woodpecker, the Eastern Bluebird plays an essential role in Quebec's ecosystem. Thriving in open habitats, these small birds with vibrant blue backs and rusty throats are commonly seen in meadows and along fence lines. They help control pests by feeding on insects and also utilize nest boxes, aiding in their conservation.