Canada’s birds have stories to tell.
The rise and fall of bird populations tells us how they, and by extension their habitats, are doing. Birds reflect our impact on the environment, tell us where conservation action is working, and show us where we need to focus more effort.
This report is a partnership between Birds Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada. It explores the status of Canada’s bird populations today, how they have changed over time, and what we can all do to help the birds that call Canada home.
Birds and People Have Shared Canada's Lands Since Time Immemorial
Indigenous peoples are the first biodiversity protectors and stewards of the lands, waters, and ice across Canada. This report presents data collected on the traditional territories of First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation. We respectfully acknowledge the history, cultural significance, and ongoing stewardship of birds by Indigenous communities and wish to carry the concepts of respect, connection, and responsibility forward as we help tell the story of Canada's birds.
Canada's Birds at a Glance
The trend graphs in this report are based on over 50 years of data from monitoring programs across the country, collected by dedicated Citizen Scientists and biologists. These graphs use a population index to show the percent change in populations over time. The shape and direction of the line is what matters, as it tells us how a population is doing relative to where it started. The species contained in each group are listed in the methods. Some species may fit into more than one group.
Population change by species
143 species have increased in population since 1970.
98 species have experienced little change since 1970.
168 species have decreased in population since 1970.
143
species
98
species
168
species
Data deficient (12%)
54
speciesYou can help bridge the data gap by becoming a Citizen Scientist today.
The remainder of this report includes three sections:
- Groups in Focus breaks Canada's birds down into groups and looks at the trends and threats they share.
- Goals for Conservation introduces The State of Canada's Birds population goals, and why immediate action is critical.
- Act, Advocate, Conserve provides easy, practical ways to help birds, and highlights work that is underway to reverse declines.
You can navigate between them using the menu in the bottom right corner.
You can also visit The State of Canada's Birds home page to explore the species accounts behind this report, or read the detailed methods.
Groups in Focus
Species groups
Waterfowl
Birds of Prey
Wetland Birds
Marine Birds
Forest Birds
Arctic Birds
Long-Distance Migrants
Shorebirds
Aerial Insectivores
Grassland Birds
Waterfowl
Feature species
Wood Duck
Once threatened by habitat loss and overhunting, Wood Ducks have increased in Canada thanks to habitat conservation, the installation of nest boxes, and hunting regulation. The resurgence of this showstopping swimmer is proof that we can reverse declines when we understand threats and take action.
Waterfowl
A conservation success
Waterfowl
Population change by species
17 species have increased in population since 1970.
12 species have experienced little change since 1970.
8 species have decreased in population since 1970.
17
species
12
species
8
species
Data deficient (0%)
0
speciesWaterfowl
Threats and conservation
Threats
In their coastal and marine habitats, sea ducks are threatened by interactions with shipping, aquaculture, and commercial fishing. Waterfowl in all habitats are harmed by water pollution, and they are particularly susceptible to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which is an emerging threat.
Conservation actions
Birds of Prey
Feature species
Peregrine Falcon
In the 1950s, poisoning from the pesticide DDT nearly wiped the Peregrine Falcon out in eastern North America. The advocacy of scientists, conservation groups, and the public led to the banning of DDT and ambitious conservation efforts. The Peregrine Falcon has made an incredible recovery thanks to this collective action, and become a flagship example of conservation success.
Birds of Prey
A steady recovery
Birds of Prey
Population change by species
17 species have increased in population since 1970.
7 species have experienced little change since 1970.
9 species have decreased in population since 1970.
17
species
7
species
9
species
Data deficient (6%)
2
speciesBoth of these species are owls. The Nocturnal Owl Survey is working to fill these data gaps. Follow the link below to learn how to participate.
Birds of Prey
Threats and conservation
Threats
Collisions with cars, windows, and other human-made structures also cause mortality in these birds. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a new risk to birds of prey, as they appear to be particularly susceptible to the disease.
Conservation actions
Wetland Birds
Feature species
Least Bittern
The Canadian population of Least Bittern appears relatively stable, but it is listed as a Threatened species and is vulnerable to wetland loss and degradation. The more we can learn about this cryptic species, the better.
Wetland Birds
A return on investment
Wetland Birds
Population change by species
24 species have increased in population since 1970.
19 species have experienced little change since 1970.
16 species have decreased in population since 1970.
24
species
19
species
16
species
Data deficient (6%)
4
speciesVolunteers across Canada are contributing to our knowledge of wetland birds through the Marsh Monitoring Program. To learn about participating, follow the link below.
Wetland Birds
Threats and conservation
Threats
Healthy and abundant wetlands are critical for this group. Wetlands also help us fight climate change by storing more carbon than any other ecosystem, and acting as sponges that buffer nearby communities from floods and droughts.
Conservation actions
Marine Birds
Feature species
Leach's Storm-Petrel
The Leach’s Storm-Petrel has declined significantly in the last 40 years. It faces many threats, including climate change and predation. Light pollution is a risk, too, as the birds are attracted to lights on shore, vessels, and oil rigs where they can become stranded.
Marine Birds
A knowledge gap
Adding to the challenge, many of these ocean wanderers are difficult to study, and are data deficient. Filling data gaps will help us better understand how marine birds in Canada are faring, and how to address threats.
Marine Birds
Population change by species
Surveys at sea improve our understanding of these ocean wanderers. Since 2006, marine bird surveys in Canada have surveyed thousands of kilometers. Programs like these must continue long-term to help us understand how populations are changing and what threatens them.
18 species have increased in population since 1970.
17 species have experienced little change since 1970.
23 species have decreased in population since 1970.
18
species
17
species
23
species
Data deficient (33%)
28
speciesCitizen scientists can help by recording marine bird observations with eBird or by participating in Beached Bird Surveys that document threats to marine birds.
Marine Birds
Threats and conservation
Threats
Marine birds face new and worsening threats. Light pollution on shore, vessels, and offshore industrial sites confuses birds at night, causing them to get stranded. These birds are also particularly vulnerable to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Recent outbreaks have had drastic effects at some breeding colonies.
Conservation actions
Forest Birds
Feature species
Evening Grosbeak
The population of Evening Grosbeak has declined drastically since 1970. The reasons for its decline are not yet fully understood, but it is likely affected by habitat alteration, insect decline, and collisions with windows and cars. More research is needed to better understand what is happening to this beautiful bird.
Forest Birds
Defined by variation
Forest Birds
Population change by species
39 species have increased in population since 1970.
36 species have experienced little change since 1970.
41 species have decreased in population since 1970.
39
species
36
species
41
species
Data deficient (3%)
4
speciesVolunteers across Canada are contributing to our knowledge of forest birds through the Breeding Bird Survey. To learn about participating, follow the link below.
Forest Birds
Threats and conservation
Threats
Predation by outdoor cats is a major threat to many birds in this group, especially when migration brings them into urban and rural areas. Window collisions also take a heavy toll on migrating forest birds.
Conservation actions
Arctic Birds
Feature species
Willow Ptarmigan
Like many Arctic birds, the Willow Ptarmigan’s northern range means it is not well covered by many monitoring programs. Its population appears stable, but improved monitoring and learning from Indigenous Knowledge is needed to help us understand more, especially as climate change affects the far north.
Arctic Birds
A worrying warning
Arctic Birds
Population change by species
11 species have increased in population since 1970.
11 species have experienced little change since 1970.
26 species have decreased in population since 1970.
11
species
11
species
26
species
Data deficient (27%)
18
speciesMany Arctic birds move south in the nonbreeding season, where they may be observed on Christmas Bird Counts. Participating in your local count helps monitor these northern birds.
Arctic Birds
Threats and conservation
Threats
Many Arctic birds are migratory, and so they face additional risks on their annual journeys. The loss of the habitats they use during migration and the nonbreeding season is a major threat.
Conservation actions
Long-Distance Migrants
Feature species
Blackpoll Warbler
The Blackpoll Warbler population in Canada has declined significantly by about 80% since 1970. It is vulnerable to habitat loss and other threats both in Canada and South America, a conservation challenge for many migratory birds.
Long-Distance Migrants
An international challenge
Long-Distance Migrants
Population change by species
23 species have increased in population since 1970.
22 species have experienced little change since 1970.
48 species have decreased in population since 1970.
23
species
22
species
48
species
Data deficient (14%)
15
speciesYou can help bridge the data gap by becoming a citizen scientist today.
Long-Distance Migrants
Threats and conservation
Threats
There are other risks, too. Window collisions, light pollution, hunting, introduced predators like domestic cats, and extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change all may have disproportionate effects on the birds that make the longest and most difficult journeys.
Conservation actions
Shorebirds
Feature species
Whimbrel
The Whimbrel population has declined drastically since 1970. Migratory stopovers are vital to Whimbrel conservation, and recent monitoring efforts are shedding light on its migratory routes. You can help Whimbrel by leashing dogs, minimizing disturbance along shorelines, and admiring resting birds from afar.
Shorebirds
A precipitous decline
Shorebirds
Population change by species
6 species have increased in population since 1980.
6 species have experienced little change since 1980.
26 species have decreased in population since 1980.
6
species
6
species
26
species
Data deficient (17%)
8
speciesThe Migration Program for Regional and International Shorebird Monitoring (Migration PRISM) is filling knowledge gaps for shorebirds. Learn about volunteering at the link below.
Shorebirds
Threats and conservation
Threats
Disturbance and hunting at migration stopovers place additional pressure on shorebirds. Loose dogs, off-road vehicles, and entanglement in garbage can harm or kill birds on beaches and other shorelines.
Conservation actions
Aerial Insectivores
Feature species
Bank Swallow
Bank Swallows have declined precipitously by over 90% in Canada. The cumulative effects of habitat destruction, pesticide use, and other human activities are likely to blame.
Aerial Insectivores
A glimmer of hope
Aerial Insectivores
Population change by species
5 species have increased in population since 1970.
3 species have experienced little change since 1970.
20 species have decreased in population since 1970.
5
species
3
species
20
species
Data deficient (7%)
2
speciesVolunteers are helping monitor aerial insectivores through dedicated programs like SwiftWatch and the Canadian Nightjar Survey.
Aerial Insectivores
Threats and conservation
Threats
Conservation actions
Grassland Birds
Feature species
Chestnut-collared Longspur
The Chestnut-collared Longspur's population has decreased by over 95% since 1970. This alarming decline is caused by the destruction, degradation, and fragmentation of the native grasslands it needs. It is a symbol for a group of birds that is disappearing, and in dire need of immediate conservation action.
Grassland Birds
A conservation crisis
Grassland Birds
Population change by species
4 species have increased in population since 1970.
5 species have experienced little change since 1970.
22 species have decreased in population since 1970.
4
species
5
species
22
species
Data deficient (3%)
1
speciesGrassland Birds
Threats and conservation
Threats
Agricultural pesticides affect grassland food webs, and may have health impacts on the birds themselves. These habitats are also naturally managed by fire, and the suppression of fires allows woody plants to colonize, making the habitat less suitable for grassland birds.
Conservation actions
A clearer picture
This report presents the best state of our knowledge of birds in Canada. Five years have passed since The 2019 State of Canada’s Birds report. In that time, the methods for analysis and assessment have improved, and we have added data for many species that were data deficient before. Some things have changed, but many of the lessons and key messages remain the same.
Conservation takes sustained, long-term action, and there are many new initiatives that aim to reverse declines and keep common birds common. To evaluate the success of these efforts, we must start by having something to aim for.
Setting Goals for Conservation
Some species are within their goal ranges, and so are not of conservation concern. Others are below their goal ranges, and need help to recover. These goals help guide and prioritize conservation action.
Goal status
Population goals can also act as our report card. The number of species below their goals gives us an idea of how we are doing, and where there is work yet to do. Currently, for the 390 species where we have set goals, 57% are within their goal ranges, while 42% are below their goal ranges. Less than 1% of species are above their goal ranges. A further 57 species did not have enough data to allow us to set a goal. Monitoring is critical for these species.
Acting quickly is key to conservation success. As a population gets smaller, it becomes harder, riskier, and more costly to recover. To help declining species and keep common birds common, we can use these goals to prioritize conservation action where it will do the most good.
All species
(390 species)Goal status by group
Every group of birds has some species that are meeting their goals, and some that are not. Even groups that have shown growth, like waterfowl and birds of prey, include birds that are in trouble. Five groups have more than half of their species below their goals: Arctic birds, shorebirds, aerial insectivores, grassland birds, and long-distance migrants.
Not all species that are below their goals are considered Threatened or Endangered, but many are heading in that direction. When a species drops below its goal range, it is an early warning that we need to take action.
Waterfowl
(37 species)Birds of Prey
(32 species)Wetland Birds
(59 species)Marine Birds
(56 species)Forest Birds
(112 species)Arctic Birds
(47 species)Long-Distance Migrants
(91 species)Shorebirds
(38 species)Aerial Insectivores
(28 species)Grassland Birds
(31 species)Goal legend
Together we can help birds
We’ve seen that many of Canada’s birds are in trouble. Goals give us something to work towards and a way to measure our progress. Armed with this information, what can we do?
The final section of this report provides practical ways to help birds in your everyday life, and highlights some exciting conservation programs that are already underway.
Act, Advocate, Conserve
You can act for birds
Everyone has the power to help birds. Simple actions in your everyday life can make a real, positive difference for Canada’s birds and their habitats. Sharing these ideas with others grows your impact exponentially.
What you can do:
You can advocate for birds
Individual action is important, but we have a greater impact when we speak and act together. There are lots of ways you can be a champion for birds, and join others in calling for conservation action.
What you can do
We’re all in this together
Individuals can truly make a difference for birds in Canada, but large-scale action is also vitally important. Governments, Indigenous-led efforts, and conservation organizations across the country are mobilizing to help birds and their habitats. The initiatives below are just a few examples of programs that are working to combat the loss of Canada’s birds.
- The Indigenous Guardians Program supports Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship of lands, waters, animals, and plants.
- Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and other Indigenous-led efforts are a vital, effective and growing method of conserving land and water.
- The Government of Canada is committed to conserving 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030, and supporting actions to protect Canada’s natural areas through the Natural Climate Solutions Fund.
- Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy is a path to achieving the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, halting and reversing biodiversity loss.
- Targeted efforts are underway to save Species at Risk, like the Pan-Canadian Approach and Birds Canada’s Piping Plover Conservation Program and Ontario Forest Birds at Risk Program.
- The Key Biodiversity Areas program identifies sites in Canada that are vital to the conservation of biodiversity.
- The Conserva Aves initiative is working to establish protected areas for migratory birds throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Nature Canada’s Bird Friendly City program engages municipal governments and urban residents in protecting birds in cities.
- The Bird Friendliness Index helps farmers and producers in the Prairies adapt their practices to help grassland birds.
The power of many
The State of Canada’s Birds would not be possible without their hard work and dedication. If you have participated in efforts to monitor Canada’s birds, thank you.
Spread the word about helping Canada’s birds by sharing this report!
Acknowledgements
The State of Canada’s Birds is presented in partnership by Birds Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Editors: Kyle Horner, Marie-Anne Hudson, Catherine Jardine, Marcel Gahbauer, Willow English, Denis Lepage
Data and Web: Catherine Jardine, Shane Creighton-Young, Brennen Creighton-Young, Denis Lepage, Janelle Baetiong, Farhad Makiabady
Statistical Analysis: Adam Smith, Tim Meehan, Frédérique Tremblay, Danielle Ethier, David Iles, Doug Tozer
Data Contributors: The trends used to compile this report were contributed by Birds Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, The National Audubon Society, and the United States Geological Survey, supported by dozens of other partner organizations. The majority of the data were collected by volunteer Citizen Scientists - their dedication, expertise, and hard work make The State of Canada’s Birds possible.
Technical Review: Sue Abbott, Jody Allair, Natasha Barlow, Brendan Boyd, Michael Brasher, Ted Cheskey, Katherine Conkin, Ian Cook, Pete Davidson, Kiel Drake, Matt Dyson, Wendy Easton, Charles Francis, Carina Gjerdrum, Andrea Gress, Christine Lepage, Amie MacDonald, Nancy Mahony, Allison Manthorne, Laura McFarlane Tranquilla, Ann McKellar, Barry Robinson, Natalie Savoie, Graham Sorenson, Sabina Wilhelm
Review: Review and feedback from several organizations were instrumental for this report. In particular, we thank Nature Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada.
Communications: Jody Allair, Andrea Gress, LeaAnne Ross, Josianne Vignola, Geneviève Houle-Grisé, Kyle Horner. We also thank the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ducks Unlimited, Nature Canada, and BirdLife International for their participation in the communications process.
Translation: Review and translation of the French site were provided by Serge Gagné, Denis Lepage, Christine Lepage, Jules Saladzius, and Fiona Couillard Tousignant.
Art and Design: Watercolour art by Shaylena Stenback. This report was designed by Breanne Dagenais at Punchard Systems. Icons and other graphics were contributed by Alexandre Nicole. Reference photos were contributed by Christian Artuso, Jacques Bouvier, Alix d'Entremont, Kyle Horner, Jukka Jantunen, Catherine Jardine, Emily Mesner, Nick Saunders, Mark Peck, and ZankaM.
Recommended Citation: Birds Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2024. The State of Canada’s Birds Report. Accessed from NatureCounts. DOI: https://doi.org/10.71842/8bab-ks08