The largest members of the duck family, Swans have long necks and are usually all white. Geese are smaller than swans, with a shorter neck and darker colours. They also have strong legs and often forage on land. Both species migrate in lines or V's with geese being much noiser in flight. They do not dive and feed by tipping up on the surface. Whistling-Ducks are noted for their long legs with sharp claws on their feet. Perching Ducks nest in tree holes and have sharp claws to assist in climbing. Surface feeding ducks do not dive for food, but feed by tipping up on the surface. They also feed on land. Other ducks dive under water to feed.
Grebes are diving birds with small heads, a slender neck and pointed bill. Can submerge until only the head and bill show.
Loons have large long bodies with a sharp pointed bill. Excellent swimmers and divers.
Coots and gallinules are part of the rail family but resemble ducks when they are swimming. Gulls are long winged swimming birds patterned in grey and white, often with black wing tips.
Jaegers and Skuas are seabirds with a hooked bill and long pointed wings.
Terns are smaller than gulls with a sharp pointed bill, short legs and a forked tail. Will dive in the water for food.
Shearwaters are ocean birds with nostril tubes on the bills and a stiff winged glide low over the waves.
Storm-Petrels are small dark ocean birds that skim low over the water. Have small nostril tubes on their bills.
Albatrosses are large ocean birds with long, narrow wings. Has a strong hooked bill with nostril tubes.
Gannets and boobies are seabirds with a tapered bill and pointed tail.Herons have long necks and legs, and a long tapered straight bill.In flight hold neck in an S shape.
Stilts and Avocets have very long legs and a long slender uptilted bill.
Rails are secretive chicken-like marsh birds. Rarely fly, they are more often heard than seen.
Coots and gallinules resemble ducks when they are swimming, have a hen-like bill.
Ibeses are long-legged waders with a long slender downcurved bills. Spoonbills have a flattened bill.
Cranes are long-legged waders that resemble herons. They fly however with their neck outstretched.
Auks, Murres and Puffins are stocky short necked black and white seabirds that resemble penguins. They are expert swimmers and divers.
They are found on the open ocean and come ashore only to breed.
Cormorants are dark water birds with a slender hooked bill. They are generally larger and longer than ducks. They often fly in lines or V's like geese but there dark colour and their longer tail is diagnostic. When they perch they hold may hold their wings half outstretched.
Anhingas resemble Cormorants but have a longer, snakier neck and a long pointed bill. They have large white wing patches and can swim partially submerged. They can perch like a Cormorant with wings half spread. Grouse and Ptarmigan are ground dwelling chicken like birds with completely or partially feathered legs. Partridge and Pheasants are chicken like birds with bare legs and toes. Some species have long tails and elaborate plummage.
Quail are smaller than grouse with short wings and tails. Some species will have a crest or plumes on the head.
Nightjars are nocturnal birds with a flattened head, large eyes, tiny bill and a large bristled mouth. During the day they rest horizontally on or near the ground. At night eat insects taken on the wing. Best identified by voice. Hawks can be either of two types, Accipiters or Buteos. Accipiters are recognized by their long tails and short rounded wings. Feeding mainly on small birds, they have great maneuverability in flight.
Buteos have broad wings and large rounded tails and spend much time soaring in the air looking for small rodents. Eagles are similar to buteos but are much larger in size with powerful wings.
Ospreys feed mainly on fish which they capture by diving from high in the air into the water.
Falcons have long pointed wings and a longish tail. They fly with quick powerful wing strokes.
Vultures are large long-winged birds with the head bare of feathers. They feed mainly on dead animals. Owls have a large head flattened in front with a broad facial disc. Eyes are large and directed forward. They have hooked bills and sharp claws. Some species have ear tufts. Most species hunt at night but the Snowy Short-Eared and Hawk Owl will hunt in the day, feeding mainly on rodents. Fluffy plummage makes their flight nearly soundless. Creepers have a stiff slender tail and a slender down-curved bill. Forages on tree trunks moving from the bottom to the top.
Nuthatches are small birds with a straight slender bill, long pointed wings and short tail. they forage on tree trunks working from top to bottom.
Woodpeckers have a hard straight bill ideal for digging holes in wood. It has short legs and a stiff tail for bracing against the trunk. Most species feed mainly on insects.
Hummingbirds are very small, brightly coloured birds with long slender pointed wings, small feet and a straight slender bill. The males usually have a brightly coloured throat or "gorget" which may appear black in bad light.
Characterized by their darting and hovering flight. Feeds mainly on nectar and insects in flowers.
