Birds

This page features articles and video presentations about Alberta's birds. See our Featured Species page for information on other species.

Stansell’s List

11 February 2024

A 1923 manuscript, Birds of Alberta, has recently come to light, describing the birdlife of Alberta a century ago.

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This glossy ibis was seen in Camrose County. IAN WALLIS

Five New Firsts in Alberta Bird Sightings

19 January 2024

Alberta’s official bird record gained five first-time species sightings last year!

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Early Motus results have shown that bank swallows can travel over 2,000 km in four days, which works out to an average flying speed of almost 30 km/h. MARK PECK

Motus: The Latest Advance in Tracking Bird Migration

19 January 2024

New technology, new insight — Motus is a tiny revolution in tracking bird migration.

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Canada jays can be found throughout Canada’s boreal forest and mountainous regions. They are frequent picnic table visitors at woodland campgrounds. RICHARD SCHNEIDER

Canada Jays: Grey Ghosts of the Northern Woods

19 January 2024

Meet the grey ghost of the northern woods — the mischievous yet charming Canada jay.

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Christmas Bird Count

2 December 2023

Across Alberta in December or January depending on local count day

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How to Build a Bird: The Story of Avian Evolution

23 October 2023

BY RICHARD SCHNEIDER AND NICK CARTER

The origin of the avian body plan is not something bird watchers often think about. With so many species to find and identify out there, what does it matter how they originated? However, the story of bird evolution is a fascinating one, and understanding it can bring great enrichment to the hobby of birdwatching. 

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Annual Sharp-Tailed Grouse Watch

9 October 2023

Wainwright Wildlife Society
Wainwright, AB
mid-April – mid-May

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Whooping Cranes: Step by Step, Egg by Egg, Towards Recovery

29 September 2023

BY HIRA SHAH

The whooping crane was once widely distributed across North America, but by the 1940s, hunting and habitat loss had reduced the species to only 21 birds. Wood Buffalo National Park remains the only place in Canada where whooping cranes nest.

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Owls of Alberta

28 August 2023

How many owls are found in Alberta? View the full list here!

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Alberta’s “Other” Woodpeckers

7 July 2023

BY NICK CARTER
Alberta is rich in woodpeckers, from common backyard visitors like the little downy woodpecker to the crow-sized pileated woodpecker with its flaming crest and manic voice. But there are a couple of interesting species that often get overlooked.

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