Top 31 Backyard Birds In Quebec (Free ID Chart) (2024)

Have you wondered what those birds are that are visiting your backyard in Quebec?

Well, this guide will help you to find out how to identify these birds by sight and sound and what time of year you can spot them in Quebec. Also, get a free ID chart to print with the most common backyard birds in Quebec.

American Robins, Cedar Waxwing, and Common Yellowthroat are more common in birds in summer in Quebec, and Blue Jays, Downy Woodpeckers, and Hairy Woodpeckers are more common birds in winter in Quebec.

Backyard birds in Quebec all year: American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Blue Jay, Downy Woodpecker, European Starling, Hairy Woodpecker, Mourning Dove, White-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Cardinal, House Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch
Backyard birds in Quebec in summer: American Robin, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Cedar Waxwing, White-throated Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat, Dark-eyed Junco, Tree Swallow, Chipping Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Northern Flicker, Eastern Kingbird, Purple Finch, Magnolia Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Gray Catbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler
Backyard birds in Quebec during migration: Pine Siskin

These are the most common backyard birds in Quebec that may visit your lawn or feeders. They are the birds that appear most frequently on state checklists submitted by bird watchers on ebird.

This article gives you identification information and photos to help you identify and attract more of the common backyard birds that you can spot in Quebec.

Facts About Birds in Quebec

The Snowy Owl is the provincial bird of Quebec. This bird was chosen in 1987 in support of wildlife protection and the snowy owl feeds mainly on lemmings during the day and night as it is not nocturnal.

There are 460 species of bird recorded in Quebec according to ebird. Some of the highlight birds in Quebec include Great Blue Heron, Double-Crested Cormorant, Cedar Waxwing, Turkey Vulture, Belted Kingfisher, Pileated Woodpecker, Snow Goose, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Baltimore Oriole, Osprey, Rough-legged Hawks, and Snowy Owls.

The biggest bird in Quebec is the Bald Eagle, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet (2.5 m) for females, this white-headed bird of prey is the largest bird in Quebec.

The most common bird in Quebec is the American Crow, which is seen in 56% of recorded checklists for the state on ebird throughout the year.

Quebec has 4 National Parks, 70 Ecological Reserves, 4 Biodiversity Reserves, 8 National Wildlife areas, and 28 Migratory Bird Sanctuary, which offer excellent bird watching opportunities if you want to get out and watch birds in their natural environment.

Free Printable Backyard Birds Worksheet Quebec

Thesefree bird identification worksheets have all the common backyard birds in Quebec, Canada at different times of the year. So when you want to do some backyard birding these handy guides have pictures and space to either tick off the types of birds you have seen or keep a tally of the total number of birds.

Top 31 Backyard Birds In Quebec

1. American Crow

American Crows are more frequently spotted in Quebec during the breeding season, but they are also seen in the south of the province all year. They appear in 59% of summer checklists and 41% of winter checklists submitted by bird watchers for the province.

American crows are large all-black birds that make a hoarse, cawing sound.

• Corvus brachyrhynchos
• Length: 15.8-20.9 in (40-53 cm)
• Weight: 11.2-21.9 oz (316-620 g)
• Wingspan: 33.5-39.4 in (85-100 cm)

American Crows are residents all year in most of the lower 48 and the Pacific Coast in Canada and Alaska. Those that breed in Canada and the northern Midwest migrate south for winter.

They are common birds found in most habitats, including treetops, woods, fields, beaches, or towns.

They eat most things and usually feed on the ground, eating earthworms, insects, seeds, and fruit. They also eat fish, young turtles, mussels, and clams and will even eat eggs and nestlings of many species of birds.

In winter, American Crows gather in large numbers of up to two million crows to sleep in noisy communal roosts.

American Crow Call:

Attract American Crows to your backyard by scattering peanuts, but they can become a nuisance as they are attracted by garbage or pet food if left out.

2. Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadees are residents of Quebec all year. They do not migrate and occur in 46% of summer checklists and 63% of winter checklists.

The Black-capped Chickadee is a cute bird with a big round head and tiny body. These birds will happily feed at backyard feeders and investigate everything, including you!

They have black caps and beaks, white cheeks, and are gray on the back, wings, and tail.

• Poecile atricapillus
• Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
• Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-14 g)
• Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)

Black-capped Chickadees do not migrate and can be spotted in the northern half of the US and Canada.

You can find them in forests, open woods, and parks. Black-capped Chickadees eat seeds, berries and insects, spiders, and suet.

Black-capped Chickadee Call/Song:

Attract Black-capped Chickadees to your backyard with suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts or peanut butter. They will even feed from your hand and are often one of the first birds to discover new feeders. They will also use nest boxes, especially if you fill them with wood shavings.

3. American Robin

American Robins spend the breeding season in Quebec and occur in 66% of summer checklists. They are mainly spotted from April to October, but some remain in the province all year and appear in 9% of winter checklists.

American Robins are a common sight on lawns eating earthworms.They have black heads and backs with red or orange breasts.They tend to roost in trees in winter, so you are more likely to see them in your backyard from spring.

• Turdus migratorius
• Length: 7.9-11.0 in (20-28 cm)
• Weight: 2.7-3.0 oz (77-85 g)
• Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm)

American Robins are residents in the lower 48 and the coast of Western Canada and Alaska. Those that breed in Canada and inland Alaska move south for the winter.

American Robins can be found in many habitats, from woodlands, forests, and mountains to fields, parks, and lawns. They eat earthworms, insects, snails, and fruit.

American Robin Song:

American Robin Call:

Attract American Robins to your backyard with sunflower seeds, suet and peanut hearts, fruit, and mealworms.Platform feeders are best or food scattered on the ground. Also, try planting some native plants that produce berries, such as juniper, sumac, hawthorn, and dogwood.

4. American Goldfinch

American Goldfinches are spotted all year in southern Quebec, but their numbers increase during the breeding season from May to September. They are recorded in 52% of summer checklists and 25% of winter checklists submitted by bird watchers for the province.

American Goldfinches are popular birds with the males’ bright yellow and black coloring in spring.The females are duller brown, as are males in winter.

• Spinus tristis
• Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
• Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz (11-20 g)
• Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm)

American Goldfinches can be found in most of North America and are usually resident all year. However, those that breed in Canada and the Midwest migrate to southern US States for winter.

They can be found in weedy fields and overgrown areas foraging for sunflower, thistle, and aster plants. They are also common in suburbs, parks, and backyards.

American Goldfinch Song:

Attract American Goldfinches to your backyard by planting thistles and milkweed. They will visit most bird feeders and prefer sunflower seed and nyjer seed.

There are a surprising number of finches in Quebec that you can get to know.

5. Song Sparrow

Song Sparrows breed in southern Quebec and are mainly spotted from April to October. They appear in 61% of summer checklists for the province.

Song sparrows are not as remarkable looking as other backyard birds, but these predominantly brown-streaked birds use their almost constant song to attract mates in spring and summer.

• Melospiza melodia
• Length: 4.7-6.7 in (12-17 cm)
• Weight: 0.4-1.9 oz (12-53 g)
• Wingspan: 7.1-9.4 in (18-24 cm)

Song Sparrows live all year in the northern US states. Those that breed in Canada migrate to southern US states for winter.

They can be found in open, shrubby, and wet areas, often perched on a low shrub singing. They are often found at backyard feeders.

Song Sparrows eat a wide variety of insects and plants, including beetles, caterpillars, midges, spiders, and earthworms. They will also eat buckwheat, sunflower, raspberries, wild cherries, blackberries, wheat, and rice.

Song Sparrow Song:

Song Sparrow Call:

Attract Song Sparrows to your backyard feeders by putting black oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and nyjer on platform feeders.

Sparrows are known as LBJs (Little brown jobs) but if you want to know more, check out this guide to sparrows in Quebec.

6. Red-winged Blackbird

Red-winged blackbirds are frequently spotted in Quebec during summer. They spend the breeding season here and appear in 50% of checklists at this time. While most migrate south for the winter, a few remain in the province all year and occur in 1% of winter checklists.

Red-winged blackbirds are very common and easy to identify with the all-black coloring except for the reddish-orange wing patches. Females are rather dull in comparison with streaky brown color.

• Agelaius phoeniceus
• Length: 6.7-9.1 in (17-23 cm)
• Weight: 1.1-2.7 oz (32-77 g)
• Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm)

Red-winged Blackbirds remain all year in the lower 48 and the Pacific Coast of British Columbia. Those that breed in Canada and some northern US states migrate south for the winter.

They can often be spotted sitting on telephone wires, and the males will fiercely defend their territories in the breeding season, even attacking people that get too close to their nests. In winter, they roost in large numbers into the millions.

Red-winged Blackbird Song:

Red-winged Blackbird Calls:

Attract Red-winged blackbirds to your backyard with mixed grain and seeds spread on the ground. They will also feed from large tube feeders or platform feeders.

Blackbirds are a vast family of birds that have numerous family members, and why don’t you get to know all the blackbirds in Quebec?

7. Common Grackle

Although they are near-threatened species, Common Grackles are spotted in Quebec during summer and appear in 48% of checklists at this time. They can be spotted here during the breeding season, from March to October, but a few hang around all year and occur in 1% of winter checklists.

The Common Grackle is a blackbird taller and longer tailed than a typical blackbird with glossy iridescent bodies.

• Quiscalus quiscula
• Length: 11.0-13.4 in (28-34 cm)
• Weight: 2.6-5.0 oz (74-142 g)
• Wingspan: 14.2-18.1 in (36-46 cm)

Common Grackles are resident all year in southeastern states, but those that breed in Canada and the Midwest migrate south.

They eat many crops but mostly corn, and they gather in noisy groups high up in trees.Unfortunately, they will also eat garbage and so can be a nuisance.Their habitat is varied and includes open woodlands, marshes, parks, and fields.

They may gather in their millions in winter to forage and roost, mixed in with other species of blackbirds.

Common Grackle Call:

Attract more Common Grackles to your backyard with mixed grain and seed sprinkled on the ground or platform feeders.

8. Cedar Waxwing

Cedar Waxwings are seen in Quebec during the breeding season and are usually spotted from June to September, but some hang around all year. They are recorded in 23% of summer checklists and 1% of winter checklists.

Cedar Waxwings are elegant social birds that are pale brown on the head, chest, and crest, which fades to gray on the back, wings, and tail.

Their belly is pale yellow and bright yellow towards the tail. They have a narrow black mask over their eyes and bright red on the wingtips.

• Bombycilla cedrorum
• Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)
• Weight: 1.1 oz (32 g)
• Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in (22-30 cm)

Cedar Waxwings remain all year in the northern half of the US. Those that breed in Canada migrate to the southern half of the US for winter.

They make a high-pitched call and can be found in berry bushes, woodlands, and streams.

Cedar Waxwing Call:

Attract Cedar Waxwings to your backyard by planting native trees and shrubs with small fruit such as serviceberry, dogwood, juniper, winterberry, and hawthorn. You can also try fruit on platform feeders.

There are so many yellow birds in Quebec that you will spot, especially in spring.

9. White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrows breed in Quebec. However, their numbers increase during migration from April to May and September to October. They appear in 41% of summer checklists and up to 52% of checklists during migration.

White-throated Sparrows have a distinctive black and white striped head, bright white throat, and yellow between the eye and bill.Their backs are brown, and underneath is gray.

• Zonotrichia albicollis
• Length: 6.3-7.1 in (16-18 cm)
• Weight: 0.8-1.1 oz (22-32 g)
• Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in (20-23 cm)

White-throated Sparrows are migratory birds, breeding mainly in Canada before heading south in winter to eastern and southern US states and the Pacific Coast.

You can find White-throated Sparrows on the ground in forests and woods and along the edges of wooded areas, often in large flocks.

White-throated Sparrows’ diet is mainly seeds of grasses and weeds and fruits such as grape, sumac, mountain ash, blueberry, blackberry, and dogwood. They will also eat many insects from the forest floor, especially in summer.

White-throated Sparrow Song:

Attract White-throated Sparrows to your backyard with millet and black oil sunflower seeds on platform feeders.

10. Common Yellowthroat

Common Yellowthroats spend the breeding season in Quebec and appear in 27% of summer checklists. They are mainly spotted from May to October, but a few stay until December.

Common Yellowthroats are small songbirds that are brownish on the back and bright yellow underneath, with long tails. The males have black masks across their faces.The brightness of the yellow can vary geographically, and they may be more olive in parts underneath.

• Geothlypis trichas
• Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
• Weight: 0.3-0.3 oz (9-10 g)
• Wingspan: 5.9-7.5 in (15-19 cm)

Common Yellowthroats spend the summer breeding over most of North America, except Alaska and northern Canada. Some remain all year along the Gulf Coast and Pacific Southwest. Then, they migrate south for winter.

You can find Common Yellowthroats often in marshy or wetland areas and brushy fields living in thick, tangled vegetation.

Common Yellowthroat Song:

Attract Common Yellowthroats to large backyards with dense vegetation and native plants to attract insects.

11. Blue Jay

Blue Jays can be spotted all year in Quebec, mainly in the south of the province. They are recorded in 29% of summer checklists and 34% of winter checklists.

Blue Jays are common large songbirds with a blue upright crest, blue and black backs, and white undersides.

• Cyanocitta cristata
• Length: 9.8-11.8 in (25-30 cm)
• Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz (70-100 g)
• Wingspan: 13.4-16.9 in (34-43 cm)

Blue Jays live in eastern US states and Southern Canada all year. Some birds will migrate west for winter but not very frequently.

They are noisy birds that travel in family groups eating acorns when available. They can be found in forests, mainly near oak, as they eat acorns. They can also be found in backyards near feeders.As well as acorns, they eat insects, nuts and seeds, and grain. They may also take eggs from nests or take nestlings.

Blue Jay Call:

Blue Jays are large birds and prefer to fly in, grab a peanut or sunflower seed and take it away to feed. They prefer platform or tray feeders to make it easy to make a quick exit.

Attract Blue Jays to your backyard with peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet. They prefer these on open tray feeders or hopper feeders on a post.They will also enjoy a birdbath.

12. Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpeckers can be found in Quebec all year, mainly in the south of the province. They occur in 26% of summer checklists and 32% of winter checklists.

Downy Woodpeckers are small birds that are common at backyard feeders.They are often mixed in with other birds, such as chickadees and nuthatches.

They have black and white coloring with a red patch at the back of their heads.They look similar to the Hairy Woodpecker but smaller.

• Dryobates pubescens
• Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)
• Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz (21-28 g)
• Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in (25-30 cm)

Downy Woodpeckers do not migrate and can be spotted in most states and provinces, except the north of Canada.

You can find Downy woodpeckers in woodlots, along streams, city parks, and backyards, and they eat mainly insects and beetle larvae but also berries, acorns, and grains.

Downy Woodpecker Call:

Attract Downy Woodpeckers to your backyard with their favorite treat of suet, but they will also eat black oil sunflower seeds, millet, and peanuts on platform feeders.

Some woodpeckers are more easily recognized than others, but with this guide, you can identify all the woodpeckers in Quebec.

13. European Starling

European Starlings are an introduced species in Quebec that can be seen here all year, and they do not migrate. They appear in 35% of summer checklists and 28% of winter checklists submitted by bird watchers for the province.

European Starlings are not native but are now one of the most numerous songbirds. They are stocky black birds with iridescent purple, green, and blue tones.

• Sturnus vulgaris
• Length: 7.9-9.1 in (20-23 cm)
• Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz (60-96 g)
• Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm)

European Starlings live in all of North America, except the north of Canada and Alaska.

They are considered a pest by some due to their aggressive behavior. These birds fly in large, noisy flocks and can be seen perched in groups on the top of trees or flying over fields.

European Starling Calls:

Starlings predominantly eat insects, including beetles, flies and caterpillars, earthworms, and spiders.However, they also eat fruit, including cherries, holly berries, mulberries, Virginia Creeper, sumac, blackberries, and grains and seeds.

Attract European Starlings to your backyard feeders with black oil sunflower seeds, suet, cracked corn, and peanuts.

14. Hairy Woodpecker

Although Hairy Woodpeckers occur more in winter checklists in Quebec, they are residents here all year and appear in 16% of summer checklists and 29% of winter checklists.

Hairy Woodpeckers are medium-sized woodpeckers with a black and white pattern and a large white patch on their backs. The males have a flash of red towards the back of their heads.

They are visually similar to Downy Woodpeckers but larger and with longer bills. As they are often found in the same areas, it is hard to tell them apart if they are not near each other.

• Dryobates villosus
• Length: 7.1-10.2 in (18-26 cm)
• Weight: 1.4-3.4 oz (40-95 g)
• Wingspan: 13.0-16.1 in (33-41 cm)

Hairy Woodpeckers do not migrate and live in all US states and Canada, except the far north of Canada.

You can find Hairy Woodpeckers in woodlands on trunks or main branches of large trees, but they are also found in a wide variety of habitats, including woodlots, parks, and cemeteries. Hairy Woodpeckers’ diet is mostly insects.

Hairy Woodpecker Call/drumming:

Attract Hairy Woodpeckers to your backyard with suet feeders.

15. Mourning Dove

Mourning Doves are spotted all year in Quebec, mainly in the south of the province, and occur in 26% of summer and winter checklists.

Mourning Doves are graceful small-headed birds with plump bodies and long tails.They are a soft brown color with black spots on the wings. Males are slightly heavier than females.

• Zenaida macroura
• Length: 9.1-13.4 in (23-34 cm)
• Weight: 3.0 -6.0 oz (96-170 g)
• Wingspan: 17.7 in (45 cm)

Mourning Doves are common over all of the lower 48 all year but may migrate after breeding from the north of the Midwest and southern Canada.

Mourning Doves can be seen perching on telephone wires and foraging for seeds on the ground in grasslands, fields, and backyards. They can also be found in open areas or woodland edges.

Mourning Dove call:

Attract Mourning Doves to your backyard by scattering millet on the ground or platform feeders.They will also eat black sunflower seeds, nyjer, cracked corn, and peanut hearts.

16. Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Juncos can be spotted in Quebec during the breeding season, but some can also be spotted during winter in the southwest of the province.They appear in 14% of summer checklists and 21% of winter checklists. They occur in more checklists in winter because of the lack of other birds during winter.

Dark-eyed Juncos are sparrows that are different colors depending on the state.They are generally slate-colored in the east and black, white, and brown in the west.

• Junco hyemalis
• Length: 5.5-6.3 in (14-16 cm)
• Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (18-30 g)
• Wingspan: 7.1-9.8 in (18-25 cm)

Dark-eyed Juncos remain resident all year in northeastern and western US states and the Appalachian Mountains.Those that breed in Canada and Alaska migrate south in winter to the United States.

They can be found in open and partially wooded areas, often on the ground, and are common across the continent.

Dark-eyed Junco Song:

Attract Dark-eyed Juncos to backyard feeders with a variety of seeds such as black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer, cracked corn, millet, and peanuts.Platform feeders or scattered on the ground are best.

17. White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatches are residents of Quebec all year, mainly in the south of the province. They are recorded in 13% of summer checklists and 25% of winter checklists.

White-breasted Nuthatches are active little birds that are gray-blue on the back and white on the face and belly, with a black cap.They will often have a chestnut color on the lower belly and under the tail.

• Sitta carolinensis
• Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)
• Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (18-30 g)
• Wingspan: 7.9-10.6 in (20-27 cm)

White-breasted Nuthatches live all year in the US and southern Canada.

You can find White-breasted Nuthatches in deciduous forests, woodland edges, parks, and yards with trees or at feeders. They mainly eat insects, including beetles and their larvae, caterpillars, ants, and also spiders.

White-breasted Nuthatches also eat seeds and nuts, including acorns, hawthorns, sunflower seeds, and sometimes corn crops. They jam large nuts and acorns into tree bark and then whack them with their bills to open or ‘hatch’ them to get the seed out.

White-breasted Nutcracker Call:

Attract White-breasted Nuthatches to your backyard with sunflower seeds and peanuts on tube feeders or suet feeders.

18. Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinals can be found in Quebec all year. They do not migrate and occur in 18% of summer and winter checklists.

The bright red male Northern Cardinal with black around their faces is an incredible sight, especially against a white winter background.They also have red crests and beaks.

Females are also a little showy with their brown coloring, sharp brown crest, red highlights, and red beaks.

• Cardinalis cardinalis
• Length: 8.3-9.1 in (21-23 cm)
• Weight: 1.5-1.7 oz (42-48 g)
• Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 in (25-31 cm)

Northern Cardinals live in the Eastern half of the US and some states in the south as far west as Arizona.

You can find Northern Cardinals in dense vegetation foraging for seeds, fruit, and insects. Northern Cardinals will sometimes attack their own reflection during the breeding season as they obsessively defend their territories.

Northern Cardinal Song:

Northern Cardinal Call:

Attract Northern Cardinals to your backyard with feeders full of sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, millet, and milo. They will feed from large tube feeders, hoppers, platform feeders, or food scattered on the ground.

There are lots of other red birds in Quebec that you can spot.

19. Tree Swallow

Tree Swallows spend the breeding season in Quebec and occur in 38% of summer checklists. They arrive in March and start to migrate in October.

Tree Swallows are small blue-green birds on the back and white below, with darker gray wings in the males. Females are browner in color.

• Tachycineta bicolor
• Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
• Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz (16-25 g)
• Wingspan: 11.8-13.8 in (30-35 cm)

Tree Swallows breed over much of the US, Canada, and Alaska before migrating to the Gulf Coast, Florida, Mexico, and along the southern border. They can be seen during migration over southern states and can form huge flocks in the hundreds of thousands.

You can find Tree Swallows in wooded swamps, fields, marshes, and near water that provides the flying insects that they feed on.

Tree Swallow song:

Attract Tree Swallows to your backyard by placing nest boxes as they readily take to them.

20. House Sparrow

House Sparrows are an introduced species in Quebec that can be spotted here all year. They do not migrate and occur in 14% of summer checklists and 17% of winter checklists submitted by the bird watchers for the province.

The House Sparrow is another introduced species that has done very well and is now one of the most common birds.They have gray and brown heads and white cheeks. Their backs are black and brown, and their bellies are gray.

• Passer domesticus
• Length: 5.9-6.7 in (15-17 cm)
• Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz (27-30 g)
• Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in (19-25 cm)

House Sparrows live in the US and Southern Canada all year.

You can find them near houses and buildings, and they can be pretty tame, and they may even eat out of your hand.

House Sparrows eat mostly grain and seed as well as discarded food. They can be considered a pest because they are non-native, but they are found in backyards even if you do not feed them.

House Sparrow Song:

Attract House Sparrows to your backyard feeders with most kinds of birdseed, including millet, corn, and sunflower seeds.

21. Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrows spend the breeding season in southern Quebec and appear in 35% of summer checklists. You can spot them from April, and they start to leave in November.

Chipping Sparrows are slender, long-tailed birds with a grayish belly and brown and black-streaked back, with a rusty crown and black eye line. In winter, the colors are more subdued.

• Spizella passerina
• Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
• Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz (11-16 g)
• Wingspan: 8.3 in (21 cm)

Chipping Sparrows spend their summer breeding in the US and Canada before flying to Mexico and Florida for winter.Some remain all year in the southern states.

You can find Chipping Sparrows in small flocks on open ground and will come to backyards for many kinds of birdseed.

Chipping Sparrow Song:

Attract Chipping Sparrows to your backyard with seeds or cracked corn on open feeders such as hoppers or platforms.

22. Yellow Warbler

Yellow Warblers are frequently spotted in Quebec during the breeding season. They are spotted from May to September, but a few remain until December. They occur in 28% of summer checklists.

Yellow Warblers are small bright yellow birds with a yellow-green back, and the males have chestnut streaks on the breast.

• Setophaga petechia
• Length: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
• Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (9-11 g)
• Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 in (16-20 cm)

Yellow Warblers migrate a long distance to breed in Canada and the US, except for southeastern states, before heading back into Central and South America for winter. However, they can be seen during migration in southeastern US states.

You can find Yellow Warblers along streams and wetlands in thickets and along the edges of fields foraging for insects, including caterpillars, midges, beetles, bugs, and wasps.

Yellow Warbler Song:

Attract Yellow Warblers to your backyard with suet, oranges, peanut butter, and plants with berries. Also, plant native plants that attract insects without pesticides or being too tidy!Also, try birdbaths with fountains near secluded thickets to provide protection.

23. Northern Flicker

Northern Flickers spend the breeding season in Quebec and occur in 32% of summer checklists. They are mainly spotted from April to October, but a few hang around all year.

Northern Flickers are large brown woodpeckers with black spots and a white patch on their rump in flight, plus a red nape of the neck in the males.

Northern Flickers have red or yellow flashes in the wings and tail depending on where they originate. Red-shafted birds live in the west, and yellow-shafted birds live in the east.

• Colaptes auratus
• Length: 11.0-12.2 in (28-31 cm)
• Weight: 3.9-5.6 oz (110-160 g)
• Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 in (42-51 cm)

Northern Flickers can be spotted across the US all year and in Canada during summer. Those that breed in Canada migrate south for the winter.

Northern Flickers mainly eat ants, beetles, fruits, and seeds, and they can often be seen on the ground digging with their curved bill.

Northern flicker Call:

Attract Northern Flickers to your backyard with suet.

24. Red-breasted Nuthatch

Red-breasted Nuthatches can be found in Quebec all year and occur in 15% of summer and winter checklists for the province.

Red-breasted Nuthatches are blue-gray birds with black and white stripes on their heads and a rusty underside.

• Sitta canadensis
• Length: 4.3 in (11 cm)
• Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (8-13 g)
• Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in (18-20 cm)

Red-breasted Nuthatches remain all year in northeastern and western states, Alaska and Canada but may move south in winter if cone crops are poor.

You can find Red-breasted Nuthatches in coniferous woods foraging for cones, and they also visit backyard feeders.

Red-breasted Nuthatch Call:

Attract Red-breasted Nuthatches to your backyard with black oil sunflower seeds, suet feeders, peanuts, and mealworms.

25. Eastern Kingbirds

Eastern Kingbirds spend the breeding season in Quebec and occur in 13% of summer checklists. They are spotted mainly from May to October in the south of the province.

Eastern Kingbirds are medium-sized, large-headed flycatchers that are blackish on the back and white underneath. Their heads are darker black, and they have a white tip on the tail.

They get their name ‘king’ from the aggression they show each other and other birds when defending their nests. They have a concealed crown of yellow, orange, or red feathers, which they raise when defending themselves or their nest.

• Tyrannus tyrannus
• Length: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)
• Weight: 1.2-1.9 oz (33-55 g)
• Wingspan: 13.0-15.0 in (33-38 cm)

They breed in the US before heading south into Central and South America for winter. They usually breed in fields, orchards, and along forest edges. They can often be found nesting near water such as rivers or lakes.

Eastern Kingbirds catch insects in midair, including bees, wasps, ants, beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, bugs, and flies. They will often perch up above fields waiting for insects to fly past. They will also eat fruit, including serviceberries, cherries, blackberries, and elderberries.

You can attract more Eastern Kingbirds to your yard with native berry bushes and having lots of native vegetation that attracts insects.

26. Purple Finch

Purple Finches are seen in southern Quebec during the breeding season and are mainly spotted from April to October. However, some remain here all year. They are recorded in 20% of summer checklists and 3% of winter checklists.

Purple Finches males have reddish-purple heads and breasts with more brown on the back and wings, and they have a paler belly. Females are brown-streaked all over. They look very similar to House Finch but are redder, especially at the top of their back.

• Haemorhous purpureus
• Length: 4.7-6.3 in (12-16 cm)
• Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (18-32 g)
• Wingspan: 8.7-10.2 in (22-26 cm)

Purple Finches breed in Canada and overwinter in eastern states but can be found all year in the north-east and Pacific coast.

You can find Purple Finch in evergreen forests feeding on seeds but also buds, nectar, and berries.

Purple Finch Song:

Attract Purple Finches to your backyards with black oil sunflower seeds.

27. Magnolia Warbler

Magnolia Warblers can be spotted in southern Quebec from mid-April until November and occur in 14% of summer checklists.

Magnolia Warblers males are black on the back and yellow underneath. They have black streaking forming a ‘necklace’ on their necks and down over their bellies. Females are grayer on the back and lack the distinctive streaking down the belly.

• Setophaga magnolia
• Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
• Weight: 0.2-0.5 oz (6-15 g)
• Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 in (16-20 cm)

Magnolia Warblers breed across Canada and northeastern US states. They can be seen during migration in the eastern US. They spend the winter in Central America and the Caribbean.

You can find Magnolia Warblers on low branches in forests or parks, so it’s easier to spot them during migration. Their diet is insects and spiders.

Magnolia Warbler song:

Attract Magnolia Warblers to your backyard with native shrubs and trees for them to rest in during migration.

28. Chestnut-sided Warbler

Chestnut-sided Warblers are spotted during summer in southern Quebec from mid-April to October. They appear in 14% of checklists at this time.

Chestnut-sided Warbler males have bright yellow crowns and black masks and are gray underneath with chestnut down the sides. In winter, males molt into green and white coloring and look similar to breeding females.

Females are paler than males and do not have black on their face. They still have the chestnut sides and yellow crown during the breeding season, but in winter, they lack the chestnut sides, and the crown is brighter. Juveniles are similar to winter females.

• Setophaga pensylvanica
• Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)
• Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (10.7-14.3 g)
• Wingspan: 7.5-8.3 in (19-21 cm)

Chestnut-sided Warblers breed in northeastern US states and southeastern Canada and can also be seen during migration over eastern US states.

You can find Chestnut-sided Warblers on forest edges or thickets, mainly looking for insects. They especially like forests that have been damaged and are regenerating after fires, logging, or floods.

Chestnut-sided Warbler song:

29. Pine Siskin

Pine Siskins spend the breeding season in Quebec, but their numbers increase during the migration. They can also be seen here all year in the south of the province.

They appear in around 9% of summer checklists, 6% of winter checklists, and up to 13% of checklists during migration.

Pine Siskins are small brown finches with yellow streaks on the wing and tail. They have a forked tail and pointed wings, with a short pointed bill.

• Spinus Pinus
• Length: 4.3-5.5 in (11-14 cm)
• Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz (12-18 g)
• Wingspan: 7.1-8.7 in (18-22 cm)

Pine Siskins remain all year in the pine forests in the western states and along the Canadian Border. Some also breed in Canada before heading south for winter.

Depending on pine cone crops, they can be found over much of North America. As their name suggests, Pine Siskins predominantly eat seeds from conifers, but they also eat young buds and seeds from grasses and weeds.

Pine Siskin Song:

Nests of Pine Siskins are built ten to fifty feet high above the ground, away from the tree trunk. They are usually made of twigs, barks, and moss and are home to three to five eggs. It takes about thirteen days for the eggs to hatch.

Attract Pine Siskins to your backyards with thistle and nyjer feeders but also black oil sunflower seeds and suet.

Fun Fact: The name “Siskin” comes from the Pine Siskin’s chirp. So, it’s basically a “pine chirper.”

30. Gray Catbird

Gray Catbirds can be spotted in southern Quebec mainly from May to October and occur in 16% of summer checklists.

Gray Catbirds are so named because of their distinctive catty mew song that can last for up to 10 minutes.They are medium-sized songbirds with a slate gray coloring, black cap and tail, and a reddish patch under their tails.

• Dumetella carolinensis
• Length: 8.3-9.4 in (21-24 cm)
• Weight: 0.8-2.0 oz (23.2-56.5 g)
• Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in (22-30 cm)

Gray Catbirds breed in the Midwest, eastern US states, and southern Canada before heading to the Gulf Coast and the Caribbean for winter. Some remain all year along the East Coast.

You can spot Gray Catbirds in dense shrubs, small trees, and along forest edges or hedgerows. They are named after their ‘mew’ sounding call.

Gray Catbird Call:

Attract Gray Catbirds to your backyard with fruit and fruit trees or shrubs such as dogwood, winterberry, and serviceberry.

31. Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warblers can be spotted during the breeding season in Quebec, but their numbers increase during migration in May and from September to October. They are recorded in 24% of summer checklists and up to 45% of checklists during migration.

Yellow-rumped Warblers are gray with flashes of yellow on the face, sides, and rump and white in the wings.

Females may be slightly brown, and winter birds are paler brown with bright yellow rumps and sides turning bright yellow and gray again in spring.

• Setophaga coronata
• Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)
• Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (12-13 g)
• Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)

Yellow-rumped Warblers breed predominantly in Canada and parts of the Rockies and the Appalachian mountains.

During migration, they can be seen in the Midwest before overwintering in southern and southwestern US states and the Pacific Coast and into Mexico and Central America.

You can find Yellow-rumped Warblers in coniferous forests, especially during the breeding season. During winter, they can be found in open areas with fruiting shrubs. In summer, they eat mostly insects and on migration, and in winter, they eat mostly fruit, including bayberry and wax myrtle.

Yellow-rumped Warbler Song:

Attract Yellow-rumped Warblers to your backyard with sunflower seeds, suet, raisins, and peanut butter.

Birds in Quebec in Summer or Winter

The birds listed above are the birds that appear most frequently on state checklists on ebird and the data is a combination of birds most frequently spotted in Quebec in summer (June and July), winter (December and January), and throughout the year.

Birds that are not often seen at feeders or in backyards were removed to give you the birds in Quebec you are most likely to see from home.This data mix ensures that whatever time of year you are bird-watching in Quebec these are the birds you will most likely spot at feeders or on your lawn.

The birds that are attracted to backyards in Quebec change throughout the year.The lists below show the backyard birds that are most commonly seen at different times of the year in Quebec.

Notable differences show that American Robins, Cedar Waxwing, and Common Yellowthroat are more common in summer, and Blue Jays, Downy Woodpeckers, and Hairy Woodpeckers are more common in winter in Quebec

Best Bird Feeders to Attract Birds in Quebec

A variety of different bird feeders will attract the most species of birds.

1. Tube Feeders can be filled with different types of birdseed, and depending on the seed, different birds will be attracted. Black oil sunflower seeds attract Goldfinches, Chickadees, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, and Pine Siskins.
2. Ground Feeders or a tray below a Tube Feeder with Black oil sunflowers tube feeders attract Cardinals, Jays, Finches, and Sparrows.
3. Platform feeders with Millet or Corn attract small and medium-sized birds such as sparrows, Blackbirds, Towhees, Juncos, Doves, Grackles, and Starlings.
4. Peanut feeders attract Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Titmice, Jays, Juncos, Finches, and Sparrows.
5. Suet Feeders are great, especially in winter, for Woodpeckers, Cardinals, Nuthatches, Kinglets, Wrens, and Chickadees.
6. Hummingbird feeders attract these tiny, fascinating birds, but they also attract other birds too.

How to Attract Birds to Your Backyard in Quebec

If you would like to attract more birds to your yard in Quebec, here are some tips:

1. Provide bird feeders for different types of birds to get the most species to visit your yard.
2. Provide a water feature such as a birdbath fountain or stream.Ensure that the water is clean and not stagnant
3. Grow native plants that will provide food and shelter. Plant trees and shrubs that provide fruit, berries, and nuts. Blackberries, wild grasses, elderberries, serviceberries, Oaks, Beeches, Cherries, sumacs, hemlocks, Purple Coneflowers, Sunflowers, Milkweed, Cardinal Flowers, Trumpet Honeysuckle, Virginia Creeper, Buttonbush, and Dogwoods.
4. Let your grass grow long to provide cover and seeds.
5. Leave a brush pile to provide food, protection, and nesting opportunities for birds.
6. Don’t use pesticides and herbicides as these may be toxic to birds and prevent the natural foraging opportunities for insects and seeds that birds will seek in your yard.
7. Set up nest boxes to attract breeding birds and ensure they are cleaned every year.

How to Identify Birds in Quebec

Here are some tips to help you identify birds:

1. Size – Size is the easiest thing to notice about a bird.Birds are often measured in inches or centimeters in guide books.It’s best to take a note of the bird in terms of small, medium, or large to be able to look for it later. A small bird is about the size of a sparrow, a medium bird is about the size of a pigeon, and a large bird is the size of a goose.
2. Shape – Take note of the silhouette of the bird and jot it down or draw the outline. Look at tail length, bill shape, wing shape, and overall body shape.
3. Color pattern – Take a note of the main color of the head, back, belly, wings, and tail for the main color and then any secondary colors or patterns. Also, take note of any patterns such as banding, spots, or highlights.
4. Behavior – Are they on the ground or high up in the trees. Are they in flocks or on their own? Can you spot what they are eating?
5. Habitat – Woodlands, parks, shrubs, grasslands or meadows, shore or marsh.
6. Use a bird identification app such as those created by ebird or Audubon.