Birds
Waterton Lakes National Park
Grab your binoculars! More than 260 bird species have been recorded in Waterton Lakes National Park. While most birds are just passing through, about 35 species are considered year-round residents. The Waterton lakes chain are vital stopover locations for migrating bird species. The montane and foothills parkland ecoregions also support rich and diverse bird populations.
Monitoring
Monitoring birds is one of many ways we keep tabs on the area’s ecological health. Since 1997, Parks Canada has undertaken many integrated ecological monitoring programs.
Grassland and forest songbird biodiversity project: We’re working to detect trends and changes in songbird species. Nearly half of songbirds identified in this project hail from wintering areas in Central and South America, and travel to nest in Waterton.
Bird species at risk: Tracking nesting and breeding activities of species at risk, such as the common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), western screech owl (Megascops kennicottii), and black swift (Cypseloides niger). This is an important part of understanding how to protect and recover these species in Canada. Sometimes, these birds nest in particularly challenging locations with high levels of human disturbance, like popular hiking trails. Temporary area closures may be put in place to protect the young of year, until they fledge and leave the nest.
Species to spot: common birds in Waterton
Bird watching is fun and rewarding, but respect for wildlife is crucial. Carry a spotting scope or binoculars to have a closer look without disturbing them.
©Mark Daly; Cornell Lab of Ornithology | Macaulay Library
The only aquatic songbird in North America. You will find dippers alongside creeks and rivers. They’re easily identified by their “dipping” behaviour, where they bob up and down when standing.
©Carmen Wong
An integral part of the lifecycle of whitebark pine trees, as the only species capable of opening the tree’s cones. Their natural food-caching behaviours help spread the seeds of this endangered pine.
©Josh Parks; Cornell Lab of Ornithology | Macaulay Library
A very cryptic species living in mountainous areas along the Continental Divide. Black swifts build their nests on small ledges near waterfalls and are hard to spot without binoculars.
©Parks Canada
A nocturnal, threatened species, which feeds on flying insects at dawn and dusk. Nighthawks have an incredibly long migration distance, flying to South America in the winter months.
©Cyndi Smith
Like other grouse species in the area, you will hear males “drumming” their wings during breeding season to attract females.
©John Reynolds
A passerine or ‘perching bird’ species with beautiful olive-toned colorings. Their loud, three-note whistle is often described as sounding like “quick, three beers!”.
©Parks Canada
Spot this waterfowl in waterbodies near the park gate and the Maskinonge Day Use Area. Trumpeter swans are one of the heaviest birds in the world that are still capable of flight. They are easy to identify by their size and entirely white plumage.
©Troy Malish
One of the few owl species that is active during the day. They hunt small mammals and other bird species as part of its diet. Adults measure 15 to 17 centimetres (5.9 to 6.7 inches) in overall length.
©Parks Canada
Volunteer with us! Register for our annual Spring and Christmas bird counts.
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