Birds Of Western Canada: The Ultimate Checklist of 348 Species 2026

Explore Western Canadian birding! Discover a breathtaking avian list spanning the Rockies and prairie birdlife. This unparalleled bird species diversity across North America is now compiled!

Get your complete checklist of 348 species—your essential resource for identification and planning. View the full BC bird sightings data now!

=> Download the Ultimate 348 Birds of Western Canada Species Checklist Today.

The Complete 348 Bird Species Checklist for Western Canada

Common Name	Scientific Name	Family	Status (Canada)
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck	Dendrocygna autumnalis	Anatidae	Vagrant
Fulvous Whistling-Duck	Dendrocygna bicolor	Anatidae	Vagrant
Emperor Goose	Anser canagicus	Anatidae	Vagrant
Snow Goose	Anser caerulescens	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Ross’s Goose	Anser rossii	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Greater White-fronted Goose	Anser albifrons	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Lesser White-fronted Goose	Anser erythropus	Anatidae	Vagrant
Taiga Bean-Goose	Anser fabalis	Anatidae	Vagrant
Tundra Bean-Goose	Anser serrirostris	Anatidae	Vagrant
Pink-footed Goose	Anser brachyrhynchus	Anatidae	Vagrant
Brant	Branta bernicla	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Barnacle Goose	Branta leucopsis	Anatidae	Vagrant
Cackling Goose	Branta hutchinsii	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Canada Goose	Branta canadensis	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Mute Swan	Cygnus olor	Anatidae	Introduced
Trumpeter Swan	Cygnus buccinator	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Tundra Swan	Cygnus columbianus	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Whooper Swan	Cygnus cygnus	Anatidae	Vagrant
Wood Duck	Aix sponsa	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Baikal Teal	Sibirionetta formosa	Anatidae	Vagrant
Garganey	Spatula querquedula	Anatidae	Vagrant
Blue-winged Teal	Spatula discors	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Cinnamon Teal	Spatula cyanoptera	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Northern Shoveler	Spatula clypeata	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Gadwall	Mareca strepera	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Falcated Duck	Mareca falcata	Anatidae	Vagrant
Eurasian Wigeon	Mareca penelope	Anatidae	Regular Visitor
American Wigeon	Mareca americana	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Mallard	Anas platyrhynchos	Anatidae	Not at Risk
American Black Duck	Anas rubripes	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Mottled Duck	Anas fulvigula	Anatidae	Vagrant
Northern Pintail	Anas acuta	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Green-winged Teal	Anas crecca	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Canvasback	Aythya valisineria	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Redhead	Aythya americana	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Common Pochard	Aythya ferina	Anatidae	Vagrant
Ring-necked Duck	Aythya collaris	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Tufted Duck	Aythya fuligula	Anatidae	Vagrant
Greater Scaup	Aythya marila	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Lesser Scaup	Aythya affinis	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Steller’s Eider	Polysticta stelleri	Anatidae	Vagrant
Spectacled Eider	Somateria fischeri	Anatidae	Vagrant
King Eider	Somateria spectabilis	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Common Eider	Somateria mollissima	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Harlequin Duck	Histrionicus histrionicus	Anatidae	Special Concern (East)
Surf Scoter	Melanitta perspicillata	Anatidae	Not at Risk
White-winged Scoter	Melanitta deglandi	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Black Scoter	Melanitta americana	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Long-tailed Duck	Clangula hyemalis	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Bufflehead	Bucephala albeola	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Common Goldeneye	Bucephala clangula	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Barrow’s Goldeneye	Bucephala islandica	Anatidae	Special Concern (East)
Smew	Mergellus albellus	Anatidae	Vagrant
Hooded Merganser	Lophodytes cucullatus	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Common Merganser	Mergus merganser	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Red-breasted Merganser	Mergus serrator	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Ruddy Duck	Oxyura jamaicensis	Anatidae	Not at Risk
Mountain Quail	Oreortyx pictus	Odontophoridae	Extirpated
California Quail	Callipepla californica	Odontophoridae	Introduced
Northern Bobwhite	Colinus virginianus	Odontophoridae	Endangered
Chukar	Alectoris chukar	Phasianidae	Introduced
Gray Partridge	Perdix perdix	Phasianidae	Introduced
Ring-necked Pheasant	Phasianus colchicus	Phasianidae	Introduced
Ruffed Grouse	Bonasa umbellus	Phasianidae	Not at Risk
Spruce Grouse	Canachites canadensis	Phasianidae	Not at Risk
Willow Ptarmigan	Lagopus lagopus	Phasianidae	Not at Risk
Rock Ptarmigan	Lagopus muta	Phasianidae	Not at Risk
White-tailed Ptarmigan	Lagopus leucura	Phasianidae	Not at Risk
Dusky Grouse	Dendragapus obscurus	Phasianidae	Not at Risk
Sooty Grouse	Dendragapus fuliginosus	Phasianidae	Not at Risk
Sharp-tailed Grouse	Tympanuchus phasianellus	Phasianidae	Not at Risk
Greater Prairie-Chicken	Tympanuchus cupido	Phasianidae	Extirpated
Wild Turkey	Meleagris gallopavo	Phasianidae	Not at Risk
Pied-billed Grebe	Podilymbus podiceps	Podicipedidae	Not at Risk
Horned Grebe	Podiceps auritus	Podicipedidae	Special Concern
Red-necked Grebe	Podiceps grisegena	Podicipedidae	Not at Risk
Eared Grebe	Podiceps nigricollis	Podicipedidae	Not at Risk
Western Grebe	Aechmophorus occidentalis	Podicipedidae	Special Concern
Clark’s Grebe	Aechmophorus clarkii	Podicipedidae	Not at Risk
Rock Pigeon	Columba livia	Columbidae	Introduced
Band-tailed Pigeon	Patagioenas fasciata	Columbidae	Special Concern
Eurasian Collared-Dove	Streptopelia decaocto	Columbidae	Introduced
White-winged Dove	Zenaida asiatica	Columbidae	Vagrant
Mourning Dove	Zenaida macroura	Columbidae	Not at Risk
Common Cuckoo	Cuculus canorus	Cuculidae	Vagrant
Yellow-billed Cuckoo	Coccyzus americanus	Cuculidae	Not at Risk
Black-billed Cuckoo	Coccyzus erythropthalmus	Cuculidae	Not at Risk
Common Nighthawk	Chordeiles minor	Caprimulgidae	Special Concern
Common Poorwill	Phalaenoptilus nuttallii	Caprimulgidae	Not at Risk
Chuck-will’s-widow	Antrostomus carolinensis	Caprimulgidae	Threatened
Eastern Whip-poor-will	Antrostomus vociferus	Caprimulgidae	Threatened
Black Swift	Cypseloides niger	Apodidae	Endangered
Chimney Swift	Chaetura pelagica	Apodidae	Threatened
Vaux’s Swift	Chaetura vauxi	Apodidae	Threatened
White-throated Swift	Aeronautes saxatalis	Apodidae	Not at Risk
Ruby-throated Hummingbird	Archilochus colubris	Trochilidae	Not at Risk
Black-chinned Hummingbird	Archilochus alexandri	Trochilidae	Not at Risk
Anna’s Hummingbird	Calypte anna	Trochilidae	Not at Risk
Costa’s Hummingbird	Calypte costae	Trochilidae	Vagrant
Calliope Hummingbird	Selasphorus calliope	Trochilidae	Special Concern
Rufous Hummingbird	Selasphorus rufus	Trochilidae	Special Concern
King Rail	Rallus elegans	Rallidae	Endangered
Virginia Rail	Rallus limicola	Rallidae	Not at Risk
Sora	Porzana carolina	Rallidae	Not at Risk
Common Gallinule	Gallinula galeata	Rallidae	Not at Risk
American Coot	Fulica americana	Rallidae	Not at Risk
Purple Gallinule	Porphyrio martinica	Rallidae	Vagrant
Yellow Rail	Coturnicops noveboracensis	Rallidae	Special Concern
Sandhill Crane	Antigone canadensis	Gruidae	Not at Risk
Whooping Crane	Grus americana	Gruidae	Endangered
Black-necked Stilt	Himantopus mexicanus	Recurvirostridae	Vagrant
American Avocet	Recurvirostra americana	Recurvirostridae	Not at Risk
American Oystercatcher	Haematopus palliatus	Haematopodidae	Vagrant
Black Oystercatcher	Haematopus bachmani	Haematopodidae	Not at Risk
Black-bellied Plover	Pluvialis squatarola	Charadriidae	Not at Risk
American Golden-Plover	Pluvialis dominica	Charadriidae	Not at Risk
Pacific Golden-Plover	Pluvialis fulva	Charadriidae	Regular Migrant
Semipalmated Plover	Charadrius semipalmatus	Charadriidae	Not at Risk
Piping Plover	Charadrius melodus	Charadriidae	Endangered
Killdeer	Charadrius vociferus	Charadriidae	Not at Risk
Mountain Plover	Charadrius montanus	Charadriidae	Endangered
Snowy Plover	Charadrius nivosus	Charadriidae	Vagrant
Upland Sandpiper	Bartramia longicauda	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Whimbrel	Numenius phaeopus	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Bristle-thighed Curlew	Numenius tahitiensis	Scolopacidae	Vagrant
Long-billed Curlew	Numenius americanus	Scolopacidae	Special Concern
Hudsonian Godwit	Limosa haemastica	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Bar-tailed Godwit	Limosa lapponica	Scolopacidae	Vagrant
Marbled Godwit	Limosa fedoa	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Ruddy Turnstone	Arenaria interpres	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Black Turnstone	Arenaria melanocephala	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Red Knot	Calidris canutus	Scolopacidae	Endangered
Surfbird	Calidris virgata	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Ruff	Calidris pugnax	Scolopacidae	Regular Visitor
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper	Calidris acuminata	Scolopacidae	Vagrant
Stilt Sandpiper	Calidris himantopus	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Curlew Sandpiper	Calidris ferruginea	Scolopacidae	Vagrant
Sanderling	Calidris alba	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Dunlin	Calidris alpina	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Purple Sandpiper	Calidris maritima	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Rock Sandpiper	Calidris ptilocnemis	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Baird’s Sandpiper	Calidris bairdii	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Little Stint	Calidris minuta	Scolopacidae	Vagrant
Least Sandpiper	Calidris minutilla	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
White-rumped Sandpiper	Calidris fuscicollis	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Buff-breasted Sandpiper	Calidris subruficollis	Scolopacidae	Special Concern
Pectoral Sandpiper	Calidris melanotos	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Semipalmated Sandpiper	Calidris pusilla	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Western Sandpiper	Calidris mauri	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Short-billed Dowitcher	Limnodromus griseus	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Long-billed Dowitcher	Limnodromus scolopaceus	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
American Woodcock	Scolopax minor	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Wilson’s Snipe	Gallinago delicata	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Spotted Sandpiper	Actitis macularius	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Solitary Sandpiper	Tringa solitaria	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Wandering Tattler	Tringa incana	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Lesser Yellowlegs	Tringa flavipes	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Willet	Tringa semipalmata	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Spotted Redshank	Tringa erythropus	Scolopacidae	Vagrant
Greater Yellowlegs	Tringa melanoleuca	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Wilson’s Phalarope	Phalaropus tricolor	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Red-necked Phalarope	Phalaropus lobatus	Scolopacidae	Special Concern
Red Phalarope	Phalaropus fulicarius	Scolopacidae	Not at Risk
Great Skua	Stercorarius skua	Stercorariidae	Regular Visitor
South Polar Skua	Stercorarius maccormicki	Stercorariidae	Regular Visitor
Pomarine Jaeger	Stercorarius pomarinus	Stercorariidae	Not at Risk
Parasitic Jaeger	Stercorarius parasiticus	Stercorariidae	Not at Risk
Long-tailed Jaeger	Stercorarius longicaudus	Stercorariidae	Not at Risk
Dovekie	Alle alle	Alcidae	Not at Risk
Common Murre	Uria aalge	Alcidae	Not at Risk
Thick-billed Murre	Uria lomvia	Alcidae	Not at Risk
Razorbill	Alca torda	Alcidae	Not at Risk
Great Auk	Pinguinus impennis	Alcidae	Extinct
Black Guillemot	Cepphus grylle	Alcidae	Not at Risk
Pigeon Guillemot	Cepphus columba	Alcidae	Not at Risk
Marbled Murrelet	Brachyramphus marmoratus	Alcidae	Threatened
Long-billed Murrelet	Brachyramphus perdix	Alcidae	Vagrant
Ancient Murrelet	Synthliboramphus antiquus	Alcidae	Special Concern
Cassin’s Auklet	Ptychoramphus aleuticus	Alcidae	Special Concern
Parakeet Auklet	Aethia psittacula	Alcidae	Vagrant
Rhinoceros Auklet	Cerorhinca monocerata	Alcidae	Not at Risk
Atlantic Puffin	Fratercula arctica	Alcidae	Not at Risk
Horned Puffin	Fratercula corniculata	Alcidae	Not at Risk
Tufted Puffin	Fratercula cirrhata	Alcidae	Not at Risk
Ivory Gull	Pagophila eburnea	Laridae	Endangered
Sabine’s Gull	Xema sabini	Laridae	Not at Risk
Black-legged Kittiwake	Rissa tridactyla	Laridae	Not at Risk
Red-legged Kittiwake	Rissa brevirostris	Laridae	Vagrant
Bonaparte’s Gull	Chroicocephalus philadelphia	Laridae	Not at Risk
Black-headed Gull	Chroicocephalus ridibundus	Laridae	Regular Visitor
Little Gull	Hydrocoloeus minutus	Laridae	Regular Visitor
Ross’s Gull	Rhodostethia rosea	Laridae	Threatened
Laughing Gull	Leucophaeus atricilla	Laridae	Vagrant
Franklin’s Gull	Leucophaeus pipixcan	Laridae	Not at Risk
Heermann’s Gull	Larus heermanni	Laridae	Regular Visitor
Mew Gull (Common Gull)	Larus canus	Laridae	Not at Risk
Ring-billed Gull	Larus delawarensis	Laridae	Not at Risk
Western Gull	Larus occidentalis	Laridae	Not at Risk
California Gull	Larus californicus	Laridae	Not at Risk
Herring Gull	Larus argentatus	Laridae	Not at Risk
Iceland Gull	Larus glaucoides	Laridae	Not at Risk
Lesser Black-backed Gull	Larus fuscus	Laridae	Regular Visitor
Slaty-backed Gull	Larus schistisagus	Laridae	Vagrant
Glaucous-winged Gull	Larus glaucescens	Laridae	Not at Risk
Glaucous Gull	Larus hyperboreus	Laridae	Not at Risk
Great Black-backed Gull	Larus marinus	Laridae	Not at Risk
Sooty Tern	Onychoprion fuscatus	Laridae	Vagrant
Caspian Tern	Hydroprogne caspia	Laridae	Not at Risk
Black Tern	Chlidonias niger	Laridae	Not at Risk
White-winged Tern	Chlidonias leucopterus	Laridae	Vagrant
Roseate Tern	Sterna dougallii	Laridae	Endangered
Common Tern	Sterna hirundo	Laridae	Not at Risk
Arctic Tern	Sterna paradisaea	Laridae	Not at Risk
Forster’s Tern	Sterna forsteri	Laridae	Not at Risk
Royal Tern	Thalasseus maximus	Laridae	Vagrant
Sandwich Tern	Thalasseus sandvicensis	Laridae	Vagrant
Elegant Tern	Thalasseus elegans	Laridae	Vagrant
Red-throated Loon	Gavia stellata	Gaviidae	Not at Risk
Arctic Loon	Gavia arctica	Gaviidae	Vagrant
Pacific Loon	Gavia pacifica	Gaviidae	Not at Risk
Common Loon	Gavia immer	Gaviidae	Not at Risk
Yellow-billed Loon	Gavia adamsii	Gaviidae	Not at Risk
Yellow-nosed Albatross	Thalassarche chlororhynchos	Diomedeidae	Vagrant
Laysan Albatross	Phoebastria immutabilis	Diomedeidae	Regular Visitor
Black-footed Albatross	Phoebastria nigripes	Diomedeidae	Special Concern
Short-tailed Albatross	Phoebastria albatrus	Diomedeidae	Threatened
Wilson’s Storm-Petrel	Oceanites oceanicus	Hydrobatidae	Regular Visitor
Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel	Hydrobates furcatus	Hydrobatidae	Not at Risk
Leach’s Storm-Petrel	Hydrobates leucorhous	Hydrobatidae	Vulnerable
Northern Fulmar	Fulmarus glacialis	Procellariidae	Not at Risk
Mottled Petrel	Pterodroma inexpectata	Procellariidae	Vagrant
Black-capped Petrel	Pterodroma hasitata	Procellariidae	Vagrant
Cory’s Shearwater	Calonectris diomedea	Procellariidae	Regular Visitor
Pink-footed Shearwater	Ardenna creatopus	Procellariidae	Threatened
Flesh-footed Shearwater	Ardenna carneipes	Procellariidae	Regular Visitor
Great Shearwater	Ardenna gravis	Procellariidae	Regular Visitor
Buller’s Shearwater	Ardenna bulleri	Procellariidae	Regular Visitor
Sooty Shearwater	Ardenna grisea	Procellariidae	Not at Risk
Short-tailed Shearwater	Ardenna tenuirostris	Procellariidae	Regular Visitor
Manx Shearwater	Puffinus puffinus	Procellariidae	Not at Risk
Magnificent Frigatebird	Fregata magnificens	Fregatidae	Vagrant
Blue-footed Booby	Sula nebouxii	Sulidae	Vagrant
Brown Booby	Sula leucogaster	Sulidae	Vagrant
Northern Gannet	Morus bassanus	Sulidae	Not at Risk
Brandt’s Cormorant	Urile penicillatus	Phalacrocoracidae	Not at Risk
Double-crested Cormorant	Nannopterum auritum	Phalacrocoracidae	Not at Risk
Great Cormorant	Phalacrocorax carbo	Phalacrocoracidae	Not at Risk
Pelagic Cormorant	Urile pelagicus	Phalacrocoracidae	Not at Risk
American White Pelican	Pelecanus erythrorhynchos	Pelecanidae	Not at Risk
Brown Pelican	Pelecanus occidentalis	Pelecanidae	Vagrant
American Bittern	Botaurus lentiginosus	Ardeidae	Not at Risk
Least Bittern	Ixobrychus exilis	Ardeidae	Threatened
Great Blue Heron	Ardea herodias	Ardeidae	Not at Risk
Great Egret	Ardea alba	Ardeidae	Not at Risk
Little Egret	Egretta garzetta	Ardeidae	Vagrant
Snowy Egret	Egretta thula	Ardeidae	Vagrant
Little Blue Heron	Egretta caerulea	Ardeidae	Vagrant
Tricolored Heron	Egretta tricolor	Ardeidae	Vagrant
Cattle Egret	Bubulcus ibis	Ardeidae	Regular Visitor
Green Heron	Butorides virescens	Ardeidae	Not at Risk
Black-crowned Night-Heron	Nycticorax nycticorax	Ardeidae	Not at Risk
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron	Nyctanassa violacea	Ardeidae	Vagrant
White Ibis	Eudocimus albus	Threskiornithidae	Vagrant
Glossy Ibis	Plegadis falcinellus	Threskiornithidae	Regular Visitor
White-faced Ibis	Plegadis chihi	Threskiornithidae	Not at Risk
Black Vulture	Coragyps atratus	Cathartidae	Vagrant
Turkey Vulture	Cathartes aura	Cathartidae	Not at Risk
Osprey	Pandion haliaetus	Pandionidae	Not at Risk
White-tailed Kite	Elanus leucurus	Accipitridae	Vagrant
Swallow-tailed Kite	Elanoides forficatus	Accipitridae	Vagrant
Golden Eagle	Aquila chrysaetos	Accipitridae	Not at Risk
Northern Harrier	Circus hudsonius	Accipitridae	Not at Risk
Sharp-shinned Hawk	Accipiter striatus	Accipitridae	Not at Risk
Cooper’s Hawk	Accipiter cooperii	Accipitridae	Not at Risk
Northern Goshawk	Accipiter atricapillus	Accipitridae	Not at Risk
Bald Eagle	Haliaeetus leucocephalus	Accipitridae	Not at Risk
Mississippi Kite	Ictinia mississippiensis	Accipitridae	Vagrant
Red-shouldered Hawk	Buteo lineatus	Accipitridae	Special Concern
Broad-winged Hawk	Buteo platypterus	Accipitridae	Not at Risk
Swainson’s Hawk	Buteo swainsoni	Accipitridae	Not at Risk
Red-tailed Hawk	Buteo jamaicensis	Accipitridae	Not at Risk
Rough-legged Hawk	Buteo lagopus	Accipitridae	Not at Risk
Ferruginous Hawk	Buteo regalis	Accipitridae	Threatened
Barn Owl	Tyto alba	Tytonidae	Threatened
Flammulated Owl	Psiloscops flammeolus	Strigidae	Special Concern
Western Screech-Owl	Megascops kennicottii	Strigidae	Threatened
Eastern Screech-Owl	Megascops asio	Strigidae	Not at Risk
Great Horned Owl	Bubo virginianus	Strigidae	Not at Risk
Snowy Owl	Bubo scandiacus	Strigidae	Not at Risk
Northern Hawk Owl	Surnia ulula	Strigidae	Not at Risk
Northern Pygmy-Owl	Glaucidium gnoma	Strigidae	Not at Risk
Burrowing Owl	Athene cunicularia	Strigidae	Endangered
Spotted Owl	Strix occidentalis	Strigidae	Endangered
Barred Owl	Strix varia	Strigidae	Not at Risk
Great Gray Owl	Strix nebulosa	Strigidae	Not at Risk
Long-eared Owl	Asio otus	Strigidae	Not at Risk
Short-eared Owl	Asio flammeus	Strigidae	Special Concern
Boreal Owl	Aegolius funereus	Strigidae	Not at Risk
Northern Saw-whet Owl	Aegolius acadicus	Strigidae	Not at Risk
Belted Kingfisher	Megaceryle alcyon	Alcedinidae	Not at Risk
Lewis’s Woodpecker	Melanerpes lewis	Picidae	Threatened
Red-headed Woodpecker	Melanerpes erythrocephalus	Picidae	Endangered
Red-bellied Woodpecker	Melanerpes carolinus	Picidae	Not at Risk
Williamson’s Sapsucker	Sphyrapicus thyroideus	Picidae	Endangered
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	Sphyrapicus varius	Picidae	Not at Risk
Red-naped Sapsucker	Sphyrapicus nuchalis	Picidae	Not at Risk
Red-breasted Sapsucker	Sphyrapicus ruber	Picidae	Not at Risk
American Three-toed Woodpecker	Picoides dorsalis	Picidae	Not at Risk
Black-backed Woodpecker	Picoides arcticus	Picidae	Not at Risk
Downy Woodpecker	Dryobates pubescens	Picidae	Not at Risk
Hairy Woodpecker	Dryobates villosus	Picidae	Not at Risk
White-headed Woodpecker	Dryobates albolarvatus	Picidae	Endangered
Northern Flicker	Colaptes auratus	Picidae	Not at Risk
Pileated Woodpecker	Dryocopus pileatus	Picidae	Not at Risk
Crested Caracara	Caracara plancus	Falconidae	Vagrant
American Kestrel	Falco sparverius	Falconidae	Not at Risk
Merlin	Falco columbarius	Falconidae	Not at Risk
Gyrfalcon	Falco rusticolus	Falconidae	Not at Risk
Peregrine Falcon	Falco peregrinus	Falconidae	Special Concern
Prairie Falcon	Falco mexicanus	Falconidae	Not at Risk
Ash-throated Flycatcher	Myiarchus cinerascens	Tyrannidae	Vagrant
Great Crested Flycatcher	Myiarchus crinitus	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Tropical Kingbird	Tyrannus melancholicus	Tyrannidae	Vagrant
Cassin’s Kingbird	Tyrannus vociferans	Tyrannidae	Vagrant
Western Kingbird	Tyrannus verticalis	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Eastern Kingbird	Tyrannus tyrannus	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Gray Kingbird	Tyrannus dominicensis	Tyrannidae	Vagrant
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher	Tyrannus forficatus	Tyrannidae	Vagrant
Fork-tailed Flycatcher	Tyrannus savana	Tyrannidae	Vagrant
Olive-sided Flycatcher	Contopus cooperi	Tyrannidae	Special Concern
Western Wood-Pewee	Contopus sordidulus	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Eastern Wood-Pewee	Contopus virens	Tyrannidae	Special Concern
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher	Empidonax flaviventris	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Acadian Flycatcher	Empidonax virescens	Tyrannidae	Endangered
Alder Flycatcher	Empidonax alnorum	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Willow Flycatcher	Empidonax traillii	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Least Flycatcher	Empidonax minimus	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Hammond’s Flycatcher	Empidonax hammondii	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Gray Flycatcher	Empidonax wrightii	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Dusky Flycatcher	Empidonax oberholseri	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Pacific-slope Flycatcher	Empidonax difficilis	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Black Phoebe	Sayornis nigricans	Tyrannidae	Vagrant
Eastern Phoebe	Sayornis phoebe	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Say’s Phoebe	Sayornis saya	Tyrannidae	Not at Risk
Vermilion Flycatcher	Pyrocephalus rubinus	Tyrannidae	Vagrant
Loggerhead Shrike	Lanius ludovicianus	Laniidae	Threatened
Northern Shrike	Lanius borealis	Lani	Not at Risk

Western Canada Birding: Defining the Geographical Scope and Provinces

To truly appreciate the richness of the Western Canadian birding experience, we must first establish its colossal geographical scope.

Western Canada is not a single ecosystem; it is a convergence of distinct climates and topographies, providing sanctuary for everything from delicate hummingbirds to mighty eagles.

Western Canada Provinces: A Birder’s Map

The region we explore encompasses the four western Western Canada provinces:

• British Columbia (BC): Defined by its Pacific coastline and towering coastal mountains.
• Alberta (AB): Home to the Canadian Rockies and the transition zone to the prairies.
• Saskatchewan (SK): Dominated by the Interior Grasslands and parklands.
• Manitoba (MB): The gateway to the Canadian Shield and vast Boreal forests.

This immense area, stretching from the temperate rainforests to the harsh arctic tundra of its northern extensions, establishes the foundation for a truly expansive bird species distribution.

The Ecological Divide: The Role of the Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains act as more than just a scenic backdrop; they function as a crucial ecological divide. They split the moisture-rich, temperate habitats of the Pacific coast from the continental, drier climate of the Interior Plains.

This separation creates distinct Canadian bird zones, dictating migratory routes and forming unique Boreal bird habitats to the north and east. Understanding this division is the first step in successful Rocky Mountain birding.

Biogeoclimatic Zone	Key Birding Feature	Characteristic Habitat
Coastal Rainforest	High endemism; seabirds	BC Pacific Coast
Interior Grasslands	Breeding ground for shorebirds	Southern Saskatchewan/Alberta
Boreal Forest	Warblers, owls, woodpeckers	Northern Alberta/Manitoba
Alpine/Tundra	Ptarmigan, raptors	High elevation Rockies/North

Bird Diversity by Habitat: Finding Western Canada’s Avian Gems

The best way to target the 348 species in this region is to explore its habitats. Each zone has sculpted its residents, resulting in remarkable specialization.

1. Coastal & Pelagic Species (The Pacific Edge)

The Pacific Coast of BC is a dynamic intersection of land and sea, resulting in an abundance of BC seabirds and shorebirds. For Pacific coast birdwatching enthusiasts, the opportunity to see truly pelagic species is the main draw.

• Key Focus: The families Alcidae (Auks) and Procellariidae (Shearwaters and Petrels) dominate the offshore waters.
• Alcidae Highlights: Species like the Tufted Puffin and Horned Puffin are iconic sights, utilizing remote islands for breeding.
• Pelagic Species: Ventures far offshore reward observers with Laysan Albatross sightings, a testament to the vast global range of these pelagic species.
• West Coast Bird Identification: Identifying these birds often requires specialized knowledge of flight patterns and color markings at sea. The rich coastal habitat also supports significant populations of diving ducks and cormorants.

2. Prairie & Grassland Birds (The Interior Plains)

Stretching across the southern portions of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, the Interior Plains are defined by expansive grasslands and wetlands. This region is critical for supporting prairie bird species, many of which are facing conservation challenges.

• Key Focus: Raptors, large game birds, and migrating shorebirds using the migratory flyway.
• Game Birds: Look for the impressive display of the Sharp-tailed Grouse during its spring lek (dancing ground).
• Raptors: The Ferruginous Hawk, a species of special concern, patrols these open skies.
• Shorebirds: The prairies are essential for Saskatchewan birding, hosting massive numbers of breeding and migrating shorebirds, including the Marbled Godwit.
• Conservation Concern: The Burrowing Owl is a flagship species for grassland birds conservation, classified as Endangered and requiring dedicated effort to preserve its unique underground nesting habitat on the Canadian plains.

3. Forest & Mountain Birds (The Rockies & Boreal Zone)

The vast central and northern reaches of Western Canada, dominated by the Boreal Forest and the high elevations of the Rocky Mountain bird species zone, offer an entirely different avian experience. This is the domain of secretive owls, hardy woodpeckers, and cryptic grouse.

• Key Focus: The families Picidae (Woodpeckers) and Strigidae (Owls).
• Woodpeckers Western Canada: The massive Pileated Woodpecker is a thrilling sight, while the lesser-seen American Three-toed Woodpecker is a specialty of the coniferous Boreal bird habitats.
• Owl Identification Canada: The Boreal zone is a crucial home for specialized owls. The legendary Great Gray Owl and the small, elusive Boreal Owl are top targets, often found hunting along forest edges in winter.
• Conservation Note: Protecting these deep forest birds relies heavily on maintaining large, unfragmented tracts of mature habitat, highlighting the importance of old-growth forest conservation.

Conservation Spotlight: Protecting Endangered and Threatened Birds

While celebrating the immense bird species diversity of Western Canada, birders must also acknowledge the critical role they play in protecting vulnerable populations.

Numerous iconic species on the 348 checklist face substantial risk due to habitat loss and climate change. Addressing this conservation aspect is vital to building topical authority and responsible birding practice.

COSEWIC Status: Understanding the Risk

In Canada, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC status) officially assesses and designates species at risk.

These designations—such as Endangered Canadian birds and Threatened species Western Canada—guide national bird conservation efforts.

Understanding these labels is the first step toward effective avian protection.

We highlight several priority species from our checklist currently under the highest threat:

• Whooping Crane (Endangered): This magnificent bird remains one of the rarest in North America. Western Canada is home to the only self-sustaining wild population, making its nesting grounds in Wood Buffalo National Park absolutely critical.
• Burrowing Owl (Endangered): A key indicator species for prairie health, the Burrowing Owl faces severe risk due to the conversion of native grasslands. Their decline underscores the urgency of preserving prairie habitat.
• Spotted Owl (Endangered): Confined to old-growth temperate rainforests, the Spotted Owl’s struggle is directly tied to forest fragmentation. Its survival depends on maintaining complex, mature forest ecosystems.
• Marbled Murrelet (Threatened): This unique seabird, which nests high in old-growth trees near the coast, is designated as Threatened species Western Canada. Its reliance on both marine and old-growth forest habitats makes it especially vulnerable.

Contributing to Western Canada Bird Conservation

What can birders do to support avian protection?

1. Support Conservation Groups: Donate or volunteer with local and national organizations focusing on bird conservation efforts.
2. Practice Ethical Birding: Follow all guidelines for maintaining distance, especially near breeding sites (see Section V).
3. Advocate for Habitat: Support policies that prevent further habitat loss, particularly in sensitive areas like native prairies and old-growth forests.

Essential Western Canada Birding Tips: Gear, Ethics, and Best Times to Visit

To maximize your success and ensure ethical birding, follow these proven Western Canada birding tips compiled by local experts.

When and Where to Find the Birds

• Best Time to Visit: Focus your trip during the peak migration seasons. Spring Migration (May–June) offers dazzling breeding plumages, while Fall Migration (August–October) provides high volume and diverse flocks.
• Top Birding Locations: Plan visits to renowned bird hotspots, where bird species distribution is concentrated:
  • Vancouver Island (BC): Excellent for coastal and winter sea BC bird sightings.
  • Waterton Lakes National Park (AB): Prime Rocky Mountain birding and alpine specialists.
  • Riding Mountain National Park (MB): Ideal for Boreal and transition zone birds.

Your Essential Bird Watching Gear Checklist

Effective bird watching relies on the right equipment. Ensure your bird watching gear is reliable:

1. High-Quality Binoculars: The single most important tool for field identification.
2. Regional Field Guide: Specific to Western Canada or North America.
3. eBird/Merlin App: Essential digital tools for recording sightings and acoustic identification.
4. Layered Clothing: Western Canadian weather changes rapidly across its vast geographical scope.

The Imperative of Ethical Birding

Responsible behavior is non-negotiable for Western Canada birding. Ethical birding practices protect the very birds you seek:

• Maintain Distance: Never approach nests, raptor perches, or areas where birds are clearly stressed.
• Minimize Disturbance: Avoid using recordings or calls to lure birds during breeding season.
• Stay on Trails: Respect private property and protected areas to prevent habitat loss.

Conclusion: Start Your Western Canadian Birding Trip Planning Today!

From the critical conservation needs of Endangered Canadian birds to the excitement of finding a new BC bird sighting, this region offers a profound experience. You have explored the ecological zones, learned key identification tips, and committed to avian protection.

With our definitive bird list completed and expert Western Canada birding tips in hand, it is time for your next avian adventure. Save this guide and our complete checklist of 348 species and start your Western Canada birding trip planning today!

Read More: National Bird of Canada: 17 Fascinating Facts