What will be Edmonton's City Bird?
VOTE for your favourite! We're down to the final round.
More than 300 bird species have been recorded in Edmonton. Some live here year-round, while others just visit when migrating to and from their breeding territory. Help us choose a bird to represent our city, raise awareness about how important urban wildlife and biodiversity is, and to celebrate Edmonton's birds! The Edmonton Nature Club consulted hundreds of local naturalists and members of the public to narrow the list of candidates. These birds are all found in many Edmonton neighbourhoods and natural areas throughout the year.
Thousands of votes were cast in the first round to determine your top 3 choices!
Everyone in the Edmonton area, of any age, is invited to cast one vote for their favourite candidate. The voting link is at the bottom of this page.
This final round of voting will be open until March 31, 2025.
VOTE for your favourite! We're down to the final round.
More than 300 bird species have been recorded in Edmonton. Some live here year-round, while others just visit when migrating to and from their breeding territory. Help us choose a bird to represent our city, raise awareness about how important urban wildlife and biodiversity is, and to celebrate Edmonton's birds! The Edmonton Nature Club consulted hundreds of local naturalists and members of the public to narrow the list of candidates. These birds are all found in many Edmonton neighbourhoods and natural areas throughout the year.
Thousands of votes were cast in the first round to determine your top 3 choices!
Everyone in the Edmonton area, of any age, is invited to cast one vote for their favourite candidate. The voting link is at the bottom of this page.
This final round of voting will be open until March 31, 2025.
In no particular order the 3 candidates are:
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Boreal Chickadee
Boreal Chickadees prefer coniferous trees and are slightly smaller than the more common Black-capped Chickadees. Boreal Chickadees have cinnamon-coloured flanks and a brown cap that contrasts well with the black throat. These agile little foragers restlessly hunt for insects among limbs and branches, with frequent acrobatic turns while perched, sometimes hovering to glean prey from tips of branches. Like most chickadees, the Boreal Chickadee hides food regularly. Known as caching, this habit assists their survival in harsh winter conditions. These caches may contain insect larvae as well as tree seeds from evergreen cones. Learn more about the Boreal Chickadee . Boreal Chickadee photo - Chris Rees |
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Black-billed Magpie
These clever, entertaining birds are found throughout western North America. A talkative bird, they often sit conspicuously in the open, making them easy to hear and see. The striking black and white pattern shows hints of iridescent blue or green in the black feathers. Here in Edmonton, we have a version referred to as the Ghost Magpie (photo), which, through a genetic mutation, exhibits imperfect albinism. The amount of black pigmentation is much lower than in normal Black-billed Magpies, giving a distinct white-grey colouring. Surprisingly, their eyes are pale blue. Royal Alberta Museum ornithologist Jocelyn Hudon says the phenomenon is highly unusual. The prevalence of the pale-coloured birds in Edmonton likely traces back to a single magpie that displayed the mutation many years ago. Over time, more birds have taken on the distinct quality or have carried the mutation. They have all the personality of a regular Black-billed Magpie. Learn more about the Black-billed Magpie . Black-billed Magpie photo - Gerald Romanchuk / "Ghost" Magpie photo - Don Delaney |
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Blue Jay
This common bird is familiar to many people, with its perky crest; blue, white, gray, and black plumage; and noisy calls. Blue Jays are known for their intelligence and complex social systems, and have tight family bonds. The birds lower their crests when they are feeding peacefully with family. They use a very wide variety of vocalizations to communicate. Blue Jays are also excellent mimics and may scare off other birds with a hawk call, or by meowing like a cat. The black markings across the face, nape, and throat vary extensively and may help Blue Jays recognize one another. The pigment in Blue Jay feathers is melanin, which is actually brown. The blue color is caused by scattering light through modified cells on the surface of the feathers. Learn more about the Blue Jay . Blue Jay photo - Ethan Denton |