List of birds of Ontario

This list of Ontario birds is a listing of all the bird species seen naturally in the Canadian province of Ontario as determined by the Ontario Bird Records Committee (OBRC). There are, as of 2008, 478 species on this list, 291 of which are known to breed in the province.cite web| author = | title=Checklist of the Birds of Ontario | work= | url=http://www.ofo.ca/checklist/checklist.php | publisher= Ontario Field Ornithologists| accessdate=2008-07-24] Ontario has a considerable variety of bird species. One of the factors in this diversity is the size and range of environments in Ontario. Another is the Great Lakes–many birds use the shores as a stopping point during migration. [cite book |title=The ROM Field Guide to Birds of Ontario |publisher=Royal Ontario Museum |author=Hughes, Janice M.| page=pp. 5–12|location=Toronto |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-7710-7650-3]

Several common birds in Ontario, such as the House Sparrow, the Rock Dove, the European Starling, and the Mute Swan are introduced species, meaning that they are not native to this continent but were brought here by man from Europe or elsewhere.

This list is presented in taxonomic order and follows "The Check-list of North American Birds", published by the American Ornithologists' Union.cite book |author = The committee on classification and nomenclature of the American Ornithologists' Union
url=http://www.aou.org/checklist |title=Check-list of North American Birds |publisher=American Ornithologists' Union |location=Washington, D.C. |year=1998 |edition=7th edition |isbn=1-891276-00-X |] The table of contents is grouped into passerines (the largest order of birds) and non-passerines. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family accounts.

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Taxonomy

The taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families, and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) used in the accompanying bird lists adhere to the conventions of the AOU's (1998) "Check-list of North American birds", the recognized scientific authority on the taxonomy and nomenclature of North America birds. The AOU's Committee on Classification and Nomenclature, the body responsible for maintaining and updating the "Check-list", "strongly and unanimously continues to endorse the biological species concept (BSC), in which species are considered to be genetically cohesive groups of populations that are reproductively isolated from other such groups" (AOU 1998). See Sibley-Ahlquist taxonomy for an alternative phylogenetic arrangement based on DNA-DNA hybridization.

Unless otherwise noted, all species listed below are considered to occur regularly in North America as permanent residents, summer or winter residents or visitors, or migrants. The following codes are used to denote certain categories of species:

*(A) = Accidental–occurrence based on one or two (rarely more) records, and unlikely to occur regularly.cite book |title=The ROM Field Guide to Birds of Ontario |publisher=Royal Ontario Museum |author=Hughes, Janice M.| |location=Toronto |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-7710-7650-3]

*(I) = Introduced–The population in North America was established solely as result of direct or indirect human intervention; synonymous with non-native and non-indigenous.

*(E) = Extinct; a recent member of the avifauna that no longer exists.

*(Ex) = Extirpated–No longer occurs in area of interest, but other populations still exist elsewhere.

Ducks, geese, and swans

Order: AnseriformesFamily: Anatidae

The family Anatidae includes ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, bills which are flattened to a greater or lesser extent, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to special oils. There are 131 species worldwide and 44 species in Ontario.cite book | last =Madge | first =Steve | coauthors= Burn, Hilary|title = Wildfowl: An Identification Guide to the Ducks, Geese and Swans of the World (Helm Identification Guides) | year = 1988| publisher = Christopher Helm|pages =| isbn = 0-7470-2201-1]

* Black-bellied Whistling Duck, "Dendrocygna autumnalis" (A)
* Fulvous Whistling Duck, "Dendrocygna bicolor" (A)
* Greater White-fronted Goose, "Anser albifrons"
* Snow Goose, "Chen caerulescens"
* Ross's Goose, "Chen rossii"
* Brant, "Branta bernicla"
* Cackling Goose, "Branta hutchinsii"
* Canada Goose, "Branta canadensis"
* Mute Swan, "Cygnus olor" (I)
* Trumpeter Swan, "Cygnus buccinator"
* Tundra Swan, "Cygnus columbianus"
* Wood Duck, "Aix sponsa"
* Gadwall, "Anas strepera"
* Eurasian Wigeon, "Anas penelope"
* American Wigeon, "Anas americana"
* American Black Duck, "Anas rubripes"
* Mallard, "Anas fulvigula"
* Blue-winged Teal, "Anas discors"
* Cinnamon Teal, "Anas cyanoptera"
* Northern Shoveler, "Anas clypeata"
* Northern Pintail, "Anas bahamensis"
* Garganey, "Anas querquedula" (A)
* Green-winged Teal, "Anas crecca"
* Canvasback, "Aythya valisineria"
* Redhead, "Aythya americana"
* Ring-necked Duck, "Aythya collaris"
* Tufted Duck, "Aythya fuligula" (A)
* Greater Scaup, "Aythya marila"
* Lesser Scaup, "Aythya affinis"
* King Eider, "Somateria spectabilis"
* Common Eider, "Somateria mollissima"
* Harlequin Duck, "Histrionicus histrionicus"
* Surf Scoter, "Melanitta perspicillata"
* White-winged Scoter, "Melanitta fusca"
* Black Scoter, "Melanitta nigra"
* Long-tailed Duck, "Clangula hyemalis"
* Bufflehead, "Bucephala albeola"
* Common Goldeneye, "Bucephala clangula"
* Barrow's Goldeneye, "Bucephala islandica"
* Smew, "Mergellus albellus"
* Hooded Merganser, "Lophodytes cucullatus"
* Common Merganser, "Mergus merganser"
* Red-breasted Merganser, "Mergus serrator"
* Ruddy Duck, "Oxyura jamaicensis"

Partridges, grouse and turkeys

Order: GalliformesFamily: Phasianidae

The Phasianidae is a family of birds which consists of pheasants, Partridges, Grouse, Turkeys and their allies. These are terrestrial species, variable in size but generally plump, with broad relatively short wings. Many species are gamebirds, or have been domesticated as a food source for humans. There are 180 species worldwide and nine in Ontario.cite book | last = Madge | first = Steve | coauthors= McGowan, Phil |title = Pheasants, Partridges and Grouse | year = 2002 | publisher = Christopher Helm| isbn = 0-7136-3966-0]

* Gray Partridge, "Perdix perdix" (I)
* Ring-necked Pheasant, "Phasianus colchicus" (I)
* Ruffed Grouse, "Bonasa umbellus"
* Spruce Grouse, "Dendrogapus canadensis"
* Willow Ptarmigan, "Lagopus lagopus"
* Rock Ptarmigan, "Lagopus mutus"
* Sharp-tailed Grouse, "Tympanuchus phasianellus"
* Greater Prairie Chicken, "Tympanuchus cupido" (Ex)
* Wild Turkey, "Meleagris gallopavo"

New World quail

Order: GalliformesFamily: Odontophoridae

The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. There are 32 species worldwide, all found only in the Americas but only one occurs in Ontario.

* Northern Bobwhite, "Colinus virginianus"

Loons

Order: GaviiformesFamily: Gaviidae

Loons, known as divers in Europe, are aquatic birds size of a large duck, to which they are unrelated. Their plumage is largely grey or black, they have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim well, and fly adequately, but, because their legs are placed towards the rear of the body, are almost helpless on land. There are five species worldwide, four of which can be found in Ontario.

* Red-throated Loon, "Gavia stellata"
* Pacific Loon, "Gavia pacifica"
* Common Loon, "Gavia immer"
* Yellow-billed Loon, "Gavia adamsii" (A)

Grebes

* Pied-billed Grebe, "Podilymbus podiceps"
* Horned Grebe, "Podiceps auritus"
* Red-necked Grebe, "Podiceps grisegena"
* Eared Grebe, "Podiceps nigricollis"
* Western Grebe, "Aechmorphorus occidentalis" (A)

hearwaters and petrels

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: Procellariidae

The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized 'true petrels', characterised by united nostrils with medium septum, and a long outer functional primary. There are 75 species worldwide and five found in Ontario.cite book | last = Onley | first = Derek | coauthors= Scofield, Paul |title = Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters of the World (Helm Field Guides) | year = 2007 | publisher = Christopher Helm Publishers Ltd | isbn =0713643323 ]

* Northern Fulmar, "Fulmarus glacialis"
* Black-capped Petrel, "Pterodroma hasitata" (A)
* Greater Shearwater, "Puffinus gravis" (A)
* Manx Shearwater, "Puffinus puffinus" (A)
* Audubon's Shearwater, "Puffinus lherminieri" (A)

torm-petrels

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: Hydrobatidae

The storm-petrels are the smallest of seabirds, relatives of the petrels, feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 21 species worldwide and three found in Ontario, all of which are accidentals.

* Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, "Oceanites oceanicus" (A)
* Leach’s Storm-Petrel, "Oceanodroma leucorhoa" (A)
* Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, "Oceanodroma castro" (A)

Gannets

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Sulidae

The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium-large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish. There are eight species worldwide and one found in Ontario.

* Northern Gannet, "Morus bassanus"

Pelicans

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are very large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak. Like other birds in the order Pelecaniformes, they have four webbed toes. There are eight species worldwide and two in Ontario.cite book | last = Harrison | first = Peter | coauthors= Peterson, Roger Tory |title = Seabirds: A Complete Guide to the Seabirds of the World (Helm Identification Guides)| year = 1991 | publisher =Christopher Helm Publishers Ltd | isbn =071363510X ]

* American White Pelican, "Pelecanus erythrorhynchos"
* Brown Pelican, "Pelecanus occidentalis" (A)

Cormorants

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Phalacrocoracidae

Cormorants are medium-to-large aquatic birds, usually with mainly dark plumage and areas of coloured skin on the face. The bill is long, thin, and sharply hooked. Their feet are four-toed and webbed, a distinguishing feature among the Pelecaniformes order. Three species can be found in Ontario.

* Neotropic Cormorant, "Phalacrocorax brasilianus" (A)
* Double-crested Cormorant, "Phalacrocorax auritus"
* Great Cormorant, "Phalacrocorax carbo" (A)

Darters

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Anhingidae

Darters are cormorant-like water birds with very long necks and long, straight beaks. They often swim with only the neck above water, and are fish-eaters. There are four species worldwide, one of which is found in Ontario as an accidental.

* Anhinga, "Anhinga anhinga" (A)

Frigatebirds

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Fregatidae

Frigatebirds are large sea-birds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black or black and white, with long wings and deeply-forked tails. The males have inflatable coloured throat pouches. They do not swim or walk, and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan to body weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. There are five species worldwide and one Ontario species.

*Magnificent Frigatebird, "Fregata magnificens" (A)

Bitterns, herons, and egrets

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of this family fly with their necks retracted. There are 61 species worldwide of which 11 occur in Ontario.cite book | last = Walters | first = Michael P.| coauthors= |title = Complete Birds of the World | year =1980 | publisher = David & Charles PLC | isbn = 0715376667]

* American Bittern, "Botaurus lentiginosus"
* Least Bittern, "Ixobrychus exilis"
* Great Blue Heron, "Ardea herodias"
* Great Egret, "Ardea alba"
* Snowy Egret, "Egretta thula"
* Little Blue Heron, "Egretta caerulea"
* Tricolored Heron, "Egretta tricolor"
* Cattle Egret, "Bubulcus ibis"
* Green Heron, "Butorides virescens"
* Black-crowned Night-Heron, "Nycticorax nycticorax"
* Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, "Nyctanassa violacea"

Ibises

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Threskiornithidae

Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which comprises the ibises and spoonbills. Its members have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary flight feathers. They are strong fliers and, despite their size and weight, very capable soarers. There are 36 species worldwide of which one occurs in Ontario.

* American White Ibis, "Eudocimus albus" (A)
* Glossy Ibis, "Plegadis falcinellus"
* White-faced Ibis, "Plegadis chihi" (A)

torks

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, heavy, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long stout bills and wide wingspans. They lack the powder down that other wading birds such as herons, spoonbills and ibises use to clean off fish slime. Storks lack a pharynx and are mute. There are 19 species worldwide and one in Ontario.

* Wood Stork, "Mycteria americana" (A)

New World vultures

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Cathartidae

The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers. However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carcasses. There are seven species worldwide, all found only in the Americas and two Ontario species.

* Black Vulture, "Coragyps atratus"
* Turkey Vulture, "Cathartes aura"

Eagles, kites, and hawks

Order: FalconiformesFamily: Accipitridae

The Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds mostly have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. There are 233 species worldwide of which 15 occur in Ontario.cite book | last = Ferguson-Lees | first = James | coauthors= Christie, David |title = Raptors of the World: A Field Guide (Helm Field Guides) | year = 2005 | publisher = Christopher Helm Publishers Ltd | isbn =0713669578 ]

*Osprey, "Pandion haliaetus"
*Swallow-tailed Kite, "Elanoides forficatus" (A)
*Mississippi Kite, "Ictinia mississippiensis"
*Bald Eagle, "Haliaeetus leucocephalus"
*Northern Harrier, "Circus cyaneus"
*Sharp-shinned Hawk, "Accipiter striatus"
*Cooper's Hawk, "Accipiter cooperii"
*Northern Goshawk, "Accipiter gentilis"
*Red-shouldered Hawk, "Buteo lineatus"
*Broad-winged Hawk, "Buteo platypterus"
*Swainson's Hawk, "Buteo swainsoni"
*Red-tailed Hawk, "Buteo jamaicensis"
*Ferruginous Hawk, "Buteo regalis" (A)
*Rough-legged Hawk, "Buteo lagopus"
*Golden Eagle, "Aquila chrysaetos"

Caracaras and falcons

Order: FalconiformesFamily: Falconidae

Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey, notably the falcons and caracaras. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their feet. There are 62 species worldwide and six Ontario species.

*Northern Caracara, "Caracara cheriway" (A)
*American Kestrel, "Falco sparverius"
*Merlin, "Falco columbarius"
*Gyrfalcon, "Falco rusticolus"
*Peregrine Falcon, "Falco peregrinus"
*Prairie Falcon, "Falco mexicanus" (A)

Rails, gallinules, and coots

Order: GruiformesFamily: Rallidae

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the [Rail (bird)|rail] s, crakesgallinules, and coots. The most typical family members occupy dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide and eight Ontario species.cite book | last = Taylor | first = Barry | coauthors= van Perlo, Ber |title = Rails | year = 2000 | publisher = Pica / Christopher Helm | isbn =1873403593 ]

*Yellow Rail, "Coturnicops noveboracensis"
*Black Rail, "Laterallus jamaicensis" (A)
*King Rail, "Rallus elegans"
*Virginia Rail, "Rallus limicola"
*Sora, "Porzana carolina"
*Purple Gallinule, "Porphyrio martinica" (A)
*Common Moorhen, "Gallinula chloropus"
*American Coot, "Fulica americana"

Cranes

Order: GruiformesFamily: Gruidae

Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide of which two occur in Ontario.

*Sandhill Crane, "Grus canadensis"
*Whooping Crane, "Grus americana" (A)

Plovers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Charadriidae

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide of which eight occur in Ontario.cite book | last = Hayman | first = Peter | coauthors= Marchant, John; Prater, Tony |title = Shorebirds: An Identification Guide to the Waders of the World | year = 1991| publisher = Houghton Mifflin | isbn = 0395602378]

*Black-bellied Plover, "Pluvialis squatarola"
*American Golden-Plover, "Pluvialis dominica"
*Lesser Sand-Plover, "Charadrius mongolus" (A)
*Snowy Plover, "Charadrius alexandrinus" (A)
*Wilson's Plover, "Charadrius wilsonia" (A)
*Semipalmated Plover, "Charadrius semipalmatus"
*Piping Plover, "Charadrius melodus"
*Killdeer, "Charadrius vociferus"

Oystercatchers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Haematopodidae

The oystercatchers are large, obvious and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. There are 11 species worldwide and one Ontario species.

*American Oystercatcher, "Haematopus palliatus"

tilts and avocets

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are nine species worldwide of which two occur in Ontario.

*Black-necked Stilt, "Himantopus mexicanus" (A)
*American Avocet, "Recurvirostra americana"

andpipers and allies

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Scolopacidae

The Scolopacidae are a large diverse family of small to medium sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 89 species worldwide of which 39 occur in Ontario.

*Spotted Sandpiper, "Actitis macularia"
*Solitary Sandpiper, "Tringa solitaria"
*Wandering Tattler, "Heteroscelus incanus" (A)
*Spotted Redshank, "Tringa erythropus" (A)
*Greater Yellowlegs, "Tringa melanoleuca"
*Willet, "Catoptrophorus semipalmatus"
*Lesser Yellowlegs, "Tringa flavipes"
*Upland Sandpiper, "Bartramia longicauda"
*Eskimo Curlew, "Numenius borealis" (A, E?)
*Whimbrel, "Numenius phaeopus"
*Slender-billed Curlew, "Numenius tenuirostris" (A, E?)
*Long-billed Curlew, "Numenius americanus" (A)
*Black-tailed Godwit, "Limosa limosa" (A)
*Hudsonian Godwit, "Limosa haemastica"
*Marbled Godwit, "Limosa fedoa"
*Ruddy Turnstone, "Arenaria interpres"
*Red Knot, "Calidris canutus"
*Sanderling, "Calidris alba"
*Semipalmated Sandpiper, "Calidris pusilla"
*Western Sandpiper, "Calidris mauri"
*Little Stint, "Calidris minuta" (A)
*Least Sandpiper, "Calidris minutilla"
*White-rumped Sandpiper, "Calidris fuscicollis"
*Baird's Sandpiper, "Calidris bairdii"
*Pectoral Sandpiper, "Calidris melanotos"
*Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, "Calidris acuminata" (A)
*Purple Sandpiper, "Calidris maritima"
*Dunlin, "Calidris alpina"
*Curlew Sandpiper, "Calidris ferruginea"
*Stilt Sandpiper, "Calidris himantopus"
*Buff-breasted Sandpiper, "Tryngites subruficollis"
*Ruff, "Philomachus pugnax"
*Short-billed Dowitcher, "Limnodromus griseus"
*Long-billed Dowitcher, "Limnodromus scolopaceus"
*Wilson's Snipe, "Gallinago delicata"
*American Woodcock, "Scolopax minor"
*Wilson's Phalarope, "Phalaropus tricolor"
*Red-necked Phalarope, "Phalaropus lobatus"
*Red Phalarope, "Phalaropus fulicarius"

Gulls, terns, and skimmers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large birds seabirds and includes gulls, terns, kittiwakes and skimmers. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 108 species worldwide and 31 Ontario species.

*Laughing Gull, "Larus atricilla"
*Franklin's Gull, "Larus pipixcan"
*Little Gull, "Larus minutus"
*Black-headed Gull, "Larus ridibundus"
*Bonaparte's Gull, "Larus philadelphia"
*Heermann's Gull, "Larus heermanni" (A)
*Mew Gull, "Larus canus"
*Ring-billed Gull, "Larus delawarensis"
*California Gull, "Larus californicus"
*Herring Gull, "Larus argentatus"
*Thayer's Gull, "Larus thayeri"
*Iceland Gull, "Larus glaucoides"
*Lesser Black-backed Gull, "Larus fuscus"
*Slaty-backed Gull, "Larus schistisagus" (A)
*Glaucous Gull, "Larus hyperboreus"
*Great Black-backed Gull, "Larus marinus"
*Sabine's Gull, "Xema sabini"
*Black-legged Kittiwake, "Rissa tridactyla"
*Ross's Gull, "Rhodostethia rosea" (A)
*Ivory Gull, "Pagophila eburnea"
*Sooty Tern, "Onychoprion fuscata" (A)
*Least Tern, "Sternula antillarum" (A)
*Caspian Tern, "Hydroprogne caspia"
*Black Tern, "Chlidonias niger"
*White-winged Tern, "Chlidonias leucopterus" (A)
*Common Tern, "Sterna hirundo"
*Arctic Tern, "Sterna paradisaea"
*Forster's Tern, "Sterna forsteri"
*Royal Tern, "Sterna maxima" (A)
*Sandwich Tern, "Sterna sandvicensis" (A)
*Black Skimmer, "Rynchops niger" (A)

Jaegers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Stercorariidae

The family Stercorariidae are large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They have longish bills with a hooked tip, and webbed feet with sharp claws. They look like large dark gulls, but have a fleshy cere above the upper mandible. They are strong, acrobatic fliers. There are eight species worldwide and three in Ontario.

*Pomarine Jaeger, "Stercorarius pomarinus"
*Parasitic Jaeger, "Stercorarius parasiticus"
*Long-tailed Jaeger, "Stercorarius longicaudus"

Auks, murres and puffins

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Alcidae

Alcids are superficially similar to penguins due to their black-and-white colours, their upright posture and some of their habits, however they are not related to the penguins at all, being able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, only deliberately coming ashore to nest. The family consists of auks, murres and puffinsThere are 24 species worldwide and seven Ontario species, six of which are accidentals.

*Dovekie, "Alle alle" (A)
*Thick-billed Murre, "Uria lomvia" (A)
*Razorbill, "Alca torda" (A)
*Black Guillemot, "Cepphus grylle"
*Long-billed Murrelet, "Brachyramphus perdix" (A)
*Ancient Murrelet, "Synthliboramphus antiquus" (A)
*Atlantic Puffin, "Fratercula arctica" (A)

Pigeons and doves

Order: ColumbiformesFamily: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide of which seven occur in Ontario.cite book | last = Gibbs | first = David | coauthors= Barnes, Eustace; Cox, John |title = Pigeons and Doves | year =2001 | publisher = Pica Press | isbn = 1873403607]

*Rock Pigeon, "Columba livia" (I)
*Band-tailed Pigeon, "Patagioenas fasciata" (A)
*Eurasian Collared-Dove, "Streptopelia decaocto" (A)
*White-winged Dove, "Zenaida asiatica" (A)
*Mourning Dove, "Zenaida macroura"
*Inca Dove, "Columbina inca" (A)
*Common Ground-Dove, "Columbina passerina" (A)

Cuckoos and anis

Order: CuculiformesFamily: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Many Old World cuckoo species are brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide of which three occur in Ontario.

*Black-billed Cuckoo, "Coccyzus erythropthalmus"
*Yellow-billed Cuckoo, "Coccyzus americanus"
*Groove-billed Ani, "Crotophaga sulcirostris" (A)

Barn owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: Tytonidae

Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide, one of which can be found in Ontario.

*Barn Owl, "Tyto alba"

Typical owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: Strigidae

Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. There are 195 species worldwide of which 11 occur in Ontario.

*Eastern Screech-Owl, "Megascops asio"
*Great Horned Owl, "Bubo virginianus"
*Snowy Owl, "Bubo scandiacus"
*Northern Hawk Owl, "Surnia ulula"
*Burrowing Owl, "Athene cunicularia" (A)
*Barred Owl, "Strix varia"
*Great Gray Owl, "Strix nebulosa"
*Long-eared Owl, "Asio otus"
*Short-eared Owl, "Asio flammeus"
*Boreal Owl, "Aegolius funereus"
*Northern Saw-whet Owl, "Aegolius acadicus"

Nightjars

Order: CaprimulgiformesFamily: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized ground-nesting nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide of which five occur in Ontario.cite book | last = Cleere | first = Nigel | coauthors= Nurney, David |title = Nightjars: A Guide to the Nightjars, Frogmouths, Potoos, Oilbird and Owlet-nightjars of the World | year =2000 | publisher = Pica / Christopher Helm | isbn =1873403488 ]

*Lesser Nighthawk, " Chordeiles acutipennis" (A)
*Common Nighthawk, " Chordeiles minor"
*Common Poorwill, " Phalaenoptilus nuttallii" (A)
*Chuck-will's-widow, " Caprimulgus carolinensis"
*Whip-poor-will, " Caprimulgus vociferus"

wifts

Order: ApodiformesFamily: Apodidae

Swifts are small aerial birds, spending the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide of which two occur in Ontario.cite book | last = Chantler | first = Phil | coauthors= Driessens, Gerald (illustrator |title = Swifts | year =2000 | publisher = Pica / Christopher Helm | isbn =1873403836 ]

*White-collared Swift, "Streptoprocne zonaris" (A)
*Chimney Swift, "Chaetura pelagica"

Hummingbirds

Order: ApodiformesFamily: Trochilidae

Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. There are 337 species worldwide and five Ontario species.

*Green Violet-ear, "Colibri thalassinus" (A)
*Broad-billed Hummingbird, "Cynanthus latirostris" (A)
*Ruby-throated Hummingbird, "Archilochus colubris"
*Black-chinned Hummingbird, "Archilochus alexandri" (A)
*Rufous Hummingbird, "Selasphorus rufus" (A)

Kingfishers

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Cerylidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and one occurs in Ontario.cite book | last =Fry| first =C. Hilary | coauthors =Fry, Kathie and Harris, Alan | year = 1992 | title = Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers | publisher = Christopher Helm|location =London| pages = | isbn = 0-7136-1410-8|]

*Belted Kingfisher, "Megaceryle alcyon"

Woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and flickers

Order: PiciformesFamily: Picidae

Woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and flickers are small to medium sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward, and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. There are 218 species worldwide of which 10 occur in Ontario.

*Lewis's Woodpecker, "Melanerpes lewis" (A)
*Red-headed Woodpecker, "Melanerpes erythrocephalus"
*Red-bellied Woodpecker, "Melanerpes carolinus"
*Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, "Sphyrapicus varius"
*Downy Woodpecker, "Picoides pubescens"
*Hairy Woodpecker, "Picoides villosus"
*American Three-toed Woodpecker, "Picoides dorsalis"
*Black-backed Woodpecker, "Picoides arcticus"
*Northern Flicker, "Colaptes auratus"
*Pileated Woodpecker, "Dryocopus pileatus"

Tyrant flycatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Tyrannidae

Tyrant flycatchers are Passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust with stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, are rather plain. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. There are 429 species worldwide, all found only in the Americas and 26 Ontario species.

*Olive-sided Flycatcher, "Contopus cooperi"
*Western Wood-Pewee, "Contopus sordidulus" (A)
*Eastern Wood-Pewee, "Contopus virens"
*Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, "Empidonax flaviventris"
*Acadian Flycatcher, "Empidonax virescens"
*Alder Flycatcher, "Empidonax alnorum"
*Willow Flycatcher, "Empidonax traillii"
*Least Flycatcher, "Empidonax minimus"
*Gray Flycatcher, "Empidonax wrightii" (A)
*Dusky Flycatcher, "Empidonax oberholseri" (A)
*Eastern Phoebe, "Sayornis phoebe"
*Say's Phoebe, "Sayornis saya" (A)
*Vermilion Flycatcher, "Pyrocephalus rubinus" (A)
*Ash-throated Flycatcher, "Myiarchus cinerascens" (A)
*Great Crested Flycatcher, "Myiarchus crinitus"
*Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, "Myiodynastes luteiventris" (A)
*Piratic Flycatcher, "Legatus leucophaius" (A)
*Variegated Flycatcher, "Empidonomus varius" (A)
*Tropical Kingbird, "Tyrannus melancholicus" (A)
*Couch's Kingbird, "Tyrannus couchii"
*Cassin's Kingbird, "Tyrannus vociferans" (A)
*Western Kingbird, "Tyrannus verticalis"
*Eastern Kingbird, "Tyrannus tyrannus"
*Gray Kingbird, "Tyrannus dominicensis" (A)
*Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, "Tyrannus forficatus"
*Fork-tailed Flycatcher, "Tyrannus savana" (A)

hrikes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Laniidae

Shrikes are passerine birds known for the habit of some species of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 31 species worldwide of which two occur in Ontario.cite book | last = Harris | first = Tony | coauthors= Franklin, Kim |title =Shrikes and Bush-shrikes: Including Wood-shrikes, Helmet-shrikes, Shrike Flycatchers, Philentomas, Batises and Wattle-eyes (Helm Identification Guides) | year = 2000 | publisher =Christopher Helm Publishers Ltd | isbn =0691070369 ]

*Loggerhead Shrike, "Lanius ludovicianus"
*Northern Shrike, "Lanius excubitor"

Vireos

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Vireonidae

The vireos are a group of small to medium sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in colour and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. There are 52 species worldwide and nine Ontario species.

*White-eyed Vireo, "Vireo griseus"
*Bell's Vireo, "Vireo bellii" (A)
*Black-capped Vireo, "Vireo atricapilla" (A)
*Yellow-throated Vireo, "Vireo flavifrons"
*Plumbeous Vireo, "Vireo plumbeus" (A)
*Blue-headed Vireo, "Vireo solitarius"
*Warbling Vireo, "Vireo gilvus"
*Philadelphia Vireo, "Vireo philadelphicus"
*Red-eyed Vireo, "Vireo olivaceus"

Jays, crows, magpies and ravens

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Corvidae

The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species show high levels of learning behaviour. There are 120 species worldwide of which eight occur in Ontario.cite book | last = Madge | first = Steve | coauthors= Burn, Hilary |title = Crows and jays: a guide to the crows, jays and magpies of the world | year = 1994 | publisher = A&C Black | pages = | isbn = 0-7136-3999-7]

*Gray Jay, "Perisoreus canadensis"
*Blue Jay, "Cyanocitta cristata"
*Clark's Nutcracker, "Nucifraga columbiana" (A)
*Black-billed Magpie, "Pica hudsonia"
*Eurasian Jackdaw, "Corvus monedula" (A)
*American Crow, "Corvus brachyrhynchos"
*Fish Crow, "Corvus ossifragus" (A)
*Common Raven, "Corvus corax"

Larks

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Alaudidae

Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species worldwide and one in Ontario.

*Horned Lark, "Eremophila alpestris"

wallows and martins

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Hirundinidae

The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. The family includes swallows and martins. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide of which eight occur in Ontario.cite book |title=Swallows and Martins of the World : an identification guide and handbook |last=Turner |first=Angela K |coauthors= Rose, Chris |publisher=Houghton Mifflin |year=1989 |pages = |id=ISBN 0-395-51174-7 ]

*Purple Martin, "Progne subis"
*Tree Swallow, "Tachycineta bicolor"
*Violet-green Swallow, "Tachycineta thalassina" (A)
*Northern Rough-winged Swallow, "Stelgidopteryx serripennis"
*Bank Swallow, "Riparia riparia"
*Cliff Swallow, "Petrochelidon pyrrhonota"
*Cave Swallow, "Petrochelidon fulva" (A)
*Barn Swallow, "Hirundo rustica"

Chickadees and titmice

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Paridae

Chickadees and titmice are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. There are species 59 worldwide and four species in Ontario.

*Carolina Chickadee, "Poecile carolinensis" (A)
*Black-capped Chickadee, "Poecile atricapilla"
*Boreal Chickadee, "Poecile hudsonica"
*Tufted Titmouse, "Baeolophus bicolor"

Nuthatches

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sittidae

Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet. There are 24 species worldwide of which two occur in Ontario.cite book | last = Harrap | first =Simon | coauthors= Quinn, David |title = Tits, Nuthatches and Treecreepers | year = 1996 | publisher = Christopher Helm | pages = |isbn = 0-7136-3964-4]

*Red-breasted Nuthatch, "Sitta canadensis"
*White-breasted Nuthatch, "Sitta carolinensis"

Treecreepers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Certhiidae

Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees. There are six species worldwide of which one occurs in Ontario.

*Brown Creeper, "Certhia americana"

Wrens

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Troglodytidae

Wrens are small and inconspicuous birds, except for their loud songs. They have short wings and a thin down-turned bill. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. There are 79 species worldwide and seven Ontario species.

*Rock Wren, "Salpinctes obsoletus" (A)
*Carolina Wren, "Thryothorus ludovicianus"
*Bewick's Wren, "Thryomanes bewickii"
*House Wren, "Troglodytes aedon"
*Winter Wren, "Troglodytes troglodytes"
*Sedge Wren, "Cistothorus platensis"
*Marsh Wren, "Cistothorus palustris"

Kinglets

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Regulidae

The kinglets are a small family of birds which resemble the titmice. They are very small insectivorous birds in the genus "Regulus". The adults have coloured crowns, giving rise to their name. There are five species worldwide and two in Ontario.

*Golden-crowned Kinglet, "Regulus satrapa"
*Ruby-crowned Kinglet, "Regulus calendula"

Gnatcatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sylviidae

Gnatcatchers are a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. The Sylviidae mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs. There are about 300 species worldwide and one Ontario Species.

*Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, "Polioptila caerulea"

Thrushes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Turdidae

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 335 species worldwide of which 15 occur in Ontario.cite book |title=Thrushes (Helm Identification Guides) |last= Clement |first= Peter |coauthors= Hathway, Ren; Wilczur, Jan |publisher=Christopher Helm Publishers Ltd |year=2000 |id= ISBN 0713639407]

*Siberian Rubythroat, "Luscinia calliope" (A)
*Northern Wheatear, "Oenanthe oenanthe"
*Eastern Bluebird, "Sialia sialis"
*Mountain Bluebird, "Sialia currucoides"
*Townsend's Solitaire, "Myadestes townsendi"
*Veery, "Catharus fuscescens"
*Gray-cheeked Thrush, "Catharus minimus"
*Bicknell's Thrush, "Catharus bicknelli" (A)
*Swainson's Thrush, "Catharus ustulatus"
*Hermit Thrush, "Catharus guttatus"
*Wood Thrush, "Hylocichla mustelina"
*Eurasian Blackbird, "Turdus merula" (A)
*Fieldfare, "Turdus pilaris" (A)
*American Robin, "Turdus migratorius"
*Varied Thrush, "Ixoreus naevius"

Mockingbirds and thrashers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Mimidae

The Mimids are a family of passerine birds that includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalization, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. The species tend towards dull grays and browns in their appearance. There are 35 species worldwide and four Ontario species.

*Gray Catbird, "Dumetella carolinensis"
*Northern Mockingbird, "Mimus polyglottos"
*Sage Thrasher, "Oreoscoptes montanus"
*Brown Thrasher, "Toxostoma rufum"

tarlings

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct, and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. There are 125 species worldwide of which one occurs in Ontario.cite book | last = Feare | first = Chris | coauthors = Craig, Adrian | year = 1999 | title = Starlings and Mynas | publisher = Princeton University Press | id = ISBN 0-7136-3961-X]

*European Starling, "Sturnus vulgaris" (I)

Wagtails and pipits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Motacillidae

The Motacillidae are a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species worldwide and two found in Ontario.

*American Pipit, "Anthus rubescens"
*Sprague's Pipit, "Anthus spragueii" (A)

Waxwings

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Bombycillidae

The waxwings are a group of passerine birds characterised by soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax, and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter. There are three species worldwide and two Ontario species.

*Bohemian Waxwing, "Bombycilla garrulus"
*Cedar Waxwing, "Bombycilla cedrorum"

ilky-flycatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Ptilogonatidae

*Phainopepla, "Phainopepla nitens" (A)

Wood-warblers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Parulidae

The =Wood-warblers are a group of small often colourful passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some like are more terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. There are 119 species worldwide and 46 Ontario species.cite book | last = Baker | first = Kevin | coauthors= Baker, |title = Warblers of Europe Asia and North Africa Jeff | year =1997 | publisher = Princeton University Press | isbn =0691011699 ]

*Blue-winged Warbler, "Vermivora pinus"
*Golden-winged Warbler, "Vermivora chrysoptera"
*Tennessee Warbler, "Vermivora peregrina"
*Orange-crowned Warbler, "Vermivora celata"
*Nashville Warbler, "Vermivora ruficapilla"
*Virginia's Warbler, "Vermivora virginiae" (A)
*Northern Parula, "Parula americana"
*Yellow Warbler, "Dendroica petechia"
*Chestnut-sided Warbler, "Dendroica pensylvanica"
*Magnolia Warbler, "Dendroica magnolia"
*Cape May Warbler, "Dendroica tigrina"
*Black-throated Blue Warbler, "Dendroica caerulescens"
*Yellow-rumped Warbler, "Dendroica coronata"
*Black-throated Gray Warbler, "Dendroica nigrescens" (A)
*Black-throated Green Warbler, "Dendroica virens"
*Townsend's Warbler, "Dendroica townsendi" (A)
*Hermit Warbler, "Dendroica occidentalis" (A)
*Blackburnian Warbler, "Dendroica fusca"
*Yellow-throated Warbler, "Dendroica dominica"
*Pine Warbler, "Dendroica pinus"
*Kirtland's Warbler, "Dendroica kirtlandii"
*Prairie Warbler, "Dendroica discolor"
*Palm Warbler, "Dendroica palmarum"
*Bay-breasted Warbler, "Dendroica castanea"
*Blackpoll Warbler, "Dendroica striata"
*Cerulean Warbler, "Dendroica cerulea"
*Black-and-white Warbler, "Mniotilta varia"
*American Redstart, "Setophaga ruticilla"
*Prothonotary Warbler, "Protonotaria citrea"
*Worm-eating Warbler, "Helmitheros vermivorus"
*Swainson's Warbler, "Limnothlypis swainsonii" (A)
*Ovenbird, "Seiurus aurocapilla"
*Northern Waterthrush, "Seiurus noveboracensis"
*Louisiana Waterthrush, "Seiurus motacilla"
*Kentucky Warbler, "Oporornis formosus"
*Connecticut Warbler, "Oporornis agilis"
*Mourning Warbler, "Oporornis philadelphia"
*MacGillivray's Warbler, "Oporornis tolmiei" (A)
*Common Yellowthroat, "Geothlypis trichas"
*Gray-crowned Yellowthroat, "Geothlypis poliocephala" (A)
*Hooded Warbler, "Wilsonia citrina"
*Wilson's Warbler, "Wilsonia pusilla"
*Canada Warbler, "Wilsonia canadensis"
*Red-faced Warbler, "Cardellina rubrifrons"
*Painted Redstart, "Myioborus pictus" (A)
*Yellow-breasted Chat, "Icteria virens"

Tanagers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Thraupidae

The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly coloured. They are seedeaters, but their preference tends towards fruit and nectar. Most have short, rounded wings. There are 256 species worldwide and three Ontario species.

*Summer Tanager, "Piranga rubra"
*Scarlet Tanager, "Piranga olivacea"
*Western Tanager, "Piranga ludoviciana"

American sparrows, towhees, juncos and longspurs

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Emberizidae

The Emberizidae are a large family of passerine birds that includes American sparrows, towhees, juncos and longspurs. They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are species 275 worldwide and 34 Ontario species.

*Green-tailed Towhee, "Pipilo chlorurus" (A)
*Spotted Towhee, "Pipilo maculatus" (A)
*Eastern Towhee, "Pipilo erythrophthalmus"
*Cassin's Sparrow, "Aimophila cassinii" (A)
*Bachman's Sparrow, "Aimophila aestivalis" (A)
*American Tree Sparrow, "Spizella arborea"
*Chipping Sparrow, "Spizella passerina"
*Clay-colored Sparrow, "Spizella pallida"
*Brewer's Sparrow, "Spizella breweri"
*Field Sparrow, "Spizella pusilla"
*Vesper Sparrow, "Pooecetes gramineus"
*Lark Sparrow, "Chondestes grammacus"
*Black-throated Sparrow, "Amphispiza bilineata" (A)
*Lark Bunting, "Calamospiza melanocorys"
*Savannah Sparrow, "Passerculus sandwichensis"
*Grasshopper Sparrow, "Ammodramus savannarum"
*Baird's Sparrow, "Ammodramus bairdii" (A)
*Henslow's Sparrow, "Ammodramus henslowii"
*Le Conte's Sparrow, "Ammodramus leconteii"
*Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, "Ammodramus nelsoni"
*Fox Sparrow, "Passerella iliaca"
*Song Sparrow, "Melospiza melodia"
*Lincoln's Sparrow, "Melospiza lincolnii"
*Swamp Sparrow, "Melospiza georgiana"
*White-throated Sparrow, "Zonotrichia albicollis"
*Harris's Sparrow, "Zonotrichia querula"
*White-crowned Sparrow, "Zonotrichia leucophrys"
*Golden-crowned Sparrow, "Zonotrichia atricapilla" (A)
*Dark-eyed Junco, "Junco hyemalis"
*McCown's Longspur, "Calcarius mccownii"
*Lapland Longspur, "Calcarius lapponicus"
*Smith's Longspur, "Calcarius pictus"
*Chestnut-collared Longspur, "Calcarius ornatus" (A)
*Snow Bunting, "Plectrophenax nivalis"

Cardinals and grosbeaks

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Cardinalidae

Cardinals and grosbeaks are a family of passerine birds that are robust, seed-eating birds, with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. There are 43 species worldwide and nine Ontario species.

*Northern Cardinal, "Cardinalis cardinalis"
*Rose-breasted Grosbeak, "Pheucticus ludovicianus"
*Black-headed Grosbeak, "Pheucticus melanocephalus"
*Blue Grosbeak, "Passerina caerulea"
*Lazuli Bunting, "Passerina amoena" (A)
*Indigo Bunting, "Passerina cyanea"
*Varied Bunting, "Passerina versicolor" (A)
*Painted Bunting, "Passerina ciris" (A)
*Dickcissel, "Spiza americana"

Blackbirds, meadowlarks, cowbirds, grackles and orioles

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Icteridae

The Icterids are a group of small to medium, often colourful passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the Blackbirds, meadowlarks, cowbirds, grackles and New World oriole. Most species have black as a predominant plumage colour, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. There are 98 species worldwide and 15 that occur in Ontario.

*Bobolink, "Dolichonyx oryzivorus"
*Red-winged Blackbird, "Agelaius phoeniceus"
*Eastern Meadowlark, "Sturnella magna"
*Western Meadowlark, "Sturnella neglecta"
*Yellow-headed Blackbird, "Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus"
*Rusty Blackbird, "Euphagus carolinus"
*Brewer's Blackbird, "Euphagus cyanocephalus"
*Common Grackle, "Quiscalus quiscula"
*Great-tailed Grackle, "Quiscalus mexicanus" (A)
*Brown-headed Cowbird, "Molothrus ater"
*Orchard Oriole, "Icterus spurius"
*Hooded Oriole, "Icterus cucullatus" (A)
*Bullock's Oriole, "Icterus bullockii" (A)
*Baltimore Oriole, "Icterus galbula"
*Scott's Oriole, "Icterus parisorum" (A)

Finches

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Fringillidae

Finches are small to moderately large seed-eating passerine birds with a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have 12 tail feathers and nine primary flight feathers. Finches have a bouncing flight, alternating bouts of flapping with gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 137 species worldwide, of which 14 occur in Ontario.cite book | last = Clement | first = Peter | coauthors= Harris, Alan; Davis, John |title = Finches and Sparrows: An Identification Guide (Helm Identification Guides) | year = 1999 | publisher = Christopher Helm Publishers Ltd | isbn =0713652039 ]

*Brambling, "Fringilla montifringilla"
*Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, "Leucosticte tephrocotis"
*Pine Grosbeak, "Pinicola enucleator"
*Purple Finch, "Carpodacus purpureus"
*Cassin's Finch, "Carpodacus cassinii"
*House Finch, "Carpodacus mexicanus"
*Red Crossbill, "Loxia curvirostra"
*White-winged Crossbill, "Loxia leucoptera"
*Common Redpoll, "Carduelis flammea"
*Hoary Redpoll, "Carduelis hornemanni"
*Pine Siskin, "Carduelis pinus"
*Lesser Goldfinch, "Carduelis psaltria" (A)
*American Goldfinch, "Carduelis tristis"
*Evening Grosbeak, "Coccothraustes vespertinus"

Old World sparrows

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Passeridae

Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small plump brownish or greyish birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, and they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and two Ontario species.

*House Sparrow, "Passer domesticus" (I)
*Eurasian Tree Sparrow, "Passer montanus" (I, A)

ee also

*List of birds
*Lists of birds by region

References