Canada supports one of the most diverse bird communities in the Northern Hemisphere, shaped by its vast size, varied climates, and extensive range of habitats. From Arctic tundra and boreal forests to grasslands, wetlands, mountains, and long coastlines, birdlife varies dramatically across the country and through the seasons.
This page serves as a central hub for AviBirds’ Canada-focused bird guides, bringing together regional overviews and available bird guides that support identification and exploration across the country. Coverage reflects current guide availability, with deeper resources for some provinces and broader overviews for others.
Atlantic Region
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador features a distinctive bird community shaped by its rugged coastline, offshore waters, boreal forests, wetlands, and northern climate. The region is especially important for seabirds, coastal migrants, and northern breeding species, with large colonies and key stopover sites along the Atlantic. Birdlife here reflects strong marine influence and seasonal movements tied to the North Atlantic.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is strongly shaped by its island geography, coastal habitats, farmland, wetlands, and surrounding marine environment. The province is particularly important for shorebirds, waterfowl, and coastal migrants, with seasonal movements influenced by the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Birdlife here reflects a close connection between land and sea throughout the year.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia hosts a diverse bird community influenced by its extensive coastline, offshore waters, wetlands, forests, and maritime climate. The province plays an important role for seabirds, coastal migrants, and breeding species adapted to Atlantic environments, with strong seasonal movement along the coast. Birdlife here is closely tied to marine influence and coastal habitats throughout the year.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is characterized by birdlife shaped by its forests, river systems, wetlands, coastal bays, and position between inland and maritime environments. The province includes a mix of forest birds, waterfowl, and coastal species, with seasonal migration influencing species composition throughout the year. Birdlife here reflects both Atlantic and interior ecological influences.
Central Canada
Quebec
Quebec includes a wide-ranging bird community influenced by vast forests, wetlands, river systems, northern tundra, and extensive boreal landscapes. The province contains important breeding areas, migration corridors, and seasonal habitats for forest, freshwater, and northern species. Birdlife here reflects strong latitudinal variation and pronounced seasonal change.
Ontario
Ontario supports one of the most diverse bird communities in Canada, shaped by its extensive forests, wetlands, river systems, and Great Lakes shoreline. The province plays a central role in continental migration and supports a wide range of breeding, resident, and seasonal species across diverse habitats. Birdlife here reflects strong seasonal change and regional variation throughout the year. Explore Ontario birds
Prairie Provinces
Manitoba
Manitoba provides habitat for a diverse range of birds across expansive wetlands, prairie landscapes, boreal forests, and major river systems. The province lies along key migration corridors and includes important breeding and stopover habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and grassland species. Birdlife here reflects a strong mix of prairie, freshwater, and northern influences.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is dominated by open grasslands, wetlands, boreal forest, and extensive prairie landscapes that shape its birdlife. The province plays an important role for breeding waterfowl, grassland species, and migratory birds moving through central Canada. Birdlife here is closely tied to prairie ecosystems and seasonal wetland conditions.
Alberta
Alberta spans multiple major habitats, including prairie grasslands, wetlands, boreal forest, foothills, and Rocky Mountain landscapes, resulting in a highly varied bird community. The province supports a wide range of breeding, resident, and seasonal species across major migration routes. Birdlife here reflects strong contrasts between open plains, forested regions, and alpine environments. Explore Alberta birds
West Coast
British Columbia
British Columbia stands out for its exceptionally diverse birdlife shaped by a Pacific coastline, temperate rainforests, interior plateaus, wetlands, and extensive mountain ranges. The province lies along the Pacific Flyway and includes important breeding, wintering, and migratory habitats across a wide range of elevations and climates. Birdlife here reflects strong coastal, montane, and interior influences. Explore British Columbia birds
North
Nunavut
Nunavut is defined by Arctic tundra, extensive coastlines, wetlands, and seasonal ice conditions that shape its birdlife. The territory serves as a crucial breeding ground for many Arctic-nesting species, with bird presence highly seasonal and closely tied to short summers and migratory cycles. Most species occur only during the breeding season.
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories include vast boreal forests, wetlands, river systems, and northern tundra that support a seasonally rich bird assemblage. The region provides important breeding habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and forest species, with strong seasonal migration defining species presence. Birdlife here reflects a transition between boreal and Arctic ecosystems.
Yukon
Yukon is shaped by mountainous terrain, boreal forests, river valleys, wetlands, and a subarctic climate that influence its birdlife. The region provides important breeding habitat for northern forest and alpine species, with bird presence largely seasonal and driven by short summers and migration. Many species occur only during the breeding period.