Meet the familiar feathered visitors of Ontario neighbourhoods and learn what attracts them. Ontario's changing seasons and diverse landscapes make even a small backyard a fascinating place to observe nature.
Northern cardinal
The male is bright red, while females are warm brown with red accents. Cardinals often visit shrubs and feeders, and their whistled songs can be heard in neighbourhoods.
Black-capped chickadee
Small, curious and active year-round, chickadees are recognizable by their black cap and chick-a-dee-dee-dee calls.
Blue jay
These conspicuous blue-and-white corvids have varied calls and often cache food. They are common in wooded suburbs.
American robin
Robins search lawns for invertebrates and eat fruit from shrubs and trees. They are familiar signs of spring, although some remain in Ontario during winter.
Downy woodpecker and goldfinch
Downy woodpeckers visit trees and suet feeders. American goldfinches favour seeds, including those of native flowering plants.
Help birds safely
Grow native seed and berry plants, provide cover and keep cats indoors or supervised. Clean feeders regularly and pause feeding if sick birds are present.
Keep exploring
Every backyard can become a little more welcoming to nature. Start with one change, notice what visits, and build on what works.