Ontario boasts a diverse array of large bird species, each playing an important role in the ecosystem. Notable among them is the majestic Bald Eagle, with its impressive wingspan and recovery from near extinction. The Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl dominate the night skies, essential for controlling rodent populations. The Red-tailed Hawk and Peregrine Falcon are remarkable for their hunting prowess, maintaining ecological balance. Water bodies are graced by the Great Blue Heron and Osprey, both skilled at fishing. The landscape wouldn't be complete without the social and intelligent Common Raven and the scavenging Turkey Vulture. Each bird brings a unique aspect to Ontario's wildlife tableau, setting the stage for further intriguing discoveries about these magnificent creatures.
Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk, a formidable predator in Ontario, boasts a wingspan of 43-55 inches and adeptly adapts to diverse habitats ranging from dense forests to open fields.
These hawks, equipped with powerful talons, efficiently control rodent populations, underscoring their significant ecosystem role.
Their presence is crucial in maintaining the balance within their environment, showcasing the interconnectedness of species within ecological communities.
Great Horned Owl
Like the Red-tailed Hawk, the Great Horned Owl plays an essential role in Ontario's ecosystems, serving as a powerful nocturnal predator.
This large owl species is recognizable by its distinctive tufts of feathers, enhancing its mystique in Ontario's forests.
With a wingspan up to 5 feet, they are top predators, primarily hunting rodents and contributing to the control of these populations.
Wild Turkey
In Ontario, Wild Turkeys are a prominent sight, showcasing their impressive fan-shaped tails and shimmering plumage. Native to North America, these large birds weigh up to 24 lbs and span up to 5.6 ft.
Their diet includes acorns, seeds, and insects. Males feature distinctive wattles and spurs, contrasting with the more subdued females.
Wild Turkeys are a fascinating part of Ontario's wildlife.
Peregrine Falcon
Renowned for their astounding speed, Peregrine Falcons in Ontario represent a pinnacle of aerial predator evolution. These fastest animals, often spotted in urban areas, have a wingspan up to 47 inches and excel in hunting other birds.
Despite past threats from DDT poisoning, they've made a significant recovery, showcasing their resilience. Observing their high-speed pursuits offers a mesmerizing glimpse into nature's dynamism.
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle, a majestic bird of prey, is known for its impressive wingspan and distinctive white head and tail feathers. Symbolizing the United States, this powerful predator was once near extinction due to DDT poisoning.
Thanks to robust conservation efforts, their populations have recovered, thriving near Ontario's water bodies where they prey on fish, showcasing their resilience and splendor in the natural world.
Canada Goose
Canada Geese, often seen as nuisances due to their abundant presence and the waste they produce, are a common sight in Ontario.
These birds, ranging from 30-43 inches in length with a wingspan of 50-73 inches, play an essential role in the ecosystem.
Despite their pest status, they help control vegetation and serve as important prey for predators, maintaining ecological balance.
American Crow
Although often overlooked, the American Crow is a common and highly intelligent large bird found throughout Ontario. Its glossy black plumage and distinctive caw are recognizable features.
Omnivorous in nature, American Crows consume insects, fruits, seeds, and carrion. They thrive in diverse habitats, from urban areas to forests, and are known for their social behavior and communal roosting.
Osprey
Renowned for its impressive fishing abilities, the Osprey stands out as a distinctive bird species across Ontario's waterways. This fish-eating bird boasts a wingspan of 59-71 inches and utilizes sharp talons to capture prey.
With keen eyesight and a reversible outer toe, Ospreys are adept hunters, crucial for maintaining the balance in aquatic ecosystems by controlling fish populations.
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron, often spotted along the tranquil water bodies of Ontario, exhibits a notable size with a wingspan that facilitates its elegant flight.
These herons, reaching heights of 45-54 inches, are adept at wading in shallow waters, where they patiently hunt for fish, frogs, and mammals.
Their diet and hunting skills underscore their role as skilled predators in Ontario's aquatic ecosystems.
Cooper's Hawk
Cooper's Hawk, a formidable predator, masters the skies of Ontario with a wingspan that enhances its agility in hunting small birds.
This large bird of prey, with a length of up to 20 inches and a wingspan reaching 35.5 inches, adeptly captures songbirds.
Its long tail and sharp talons make it a skilled hunter, crucial for maintaining the balance of songbird populations.
Pileated Woodpecker
Among the most striking birds found in Ontario, the Pileated Woodpecker is easily identified by its vivid red crest and substantial size, reaching up to 19 inches in length.
These woodpeckers contribute greatly to the ecosystem by controlling insect populations in mature forests. Their unique drumming serves as communication and helps establish territory, essential for maintaining ecological balance.
Barred Owl
Residing across Ontario's diverse forested landscapes, the Barred Owl is distinguished by its striking barred plumage and impressive wingspan.
This large owl ranges from 16-25 inches in length and weighs 1-2.75 pounds. It plays an important role in controlling local prey populations through its diet of rodents and small animals.
The Barred Owl's nocturnal hoots enhance the natural nighttime ambiance of Ontario's forests.
Turkey Vulture
Shifting focus from the nocturnal Barred Owl, the Turkey Vulture offers a stark contrast as a diurnal scavenger with its striking bald red head and large wingspan.
Commonly seen in Ontario, these birds measure up to 32 inches and weigh around 5 pounds. They play an important role by scavenging carrion, thereby aiding in maintaining the ecological balance by disposing of decaying organic matter.
Common Raven
The Common Raven, known for its remarkable intelligence and adaptability, is a prominent bird species found throughout Ontario.
Measuring up to 27 inches in length, these birds display a variety of vocalizations and can mimic environmental sounds.
As opportunistic feeders, they consume insects, small animals, carrion, and plant matter.
Their social behavior includes playful aerial acrobatics and complex group dynamics.
Are Some of the Large Birds in Ontario Also Found in Alberta?
Yes, some types of birds in Alberta are also found in Ontario. Species like the red-tailed hawk, great horned owl, and American crow are common in both provinces. These large birds can be spotted in various habitats across Ontario and Alberta, showcasing their adaptability to different environments.
Northern Goshawk
Among the large birds of Ontario, the Northern Goshawk stands out for its impressive hunting skills and striking appearance.
This skilled hunter, distinguished by a dark head and vivid red eyes, thrives in extensive forests far from human disturbance.
With a wingspan of 35-50 inches and a diet of birds and mammals, it plays a crucial role in the region's ecological balance.