Gwaii Haanas Guest House and Kayaks
Haida Gwaii / Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia, Canada

Birds of Haida Gwaii (3)

Family Laridae
(Skuas, Gulls, Terns, Skimmers)

Large Seabirds with strong wings, powerful flight.  Some species are highly pelagic, spending most of their time over the open sea.  Others are seen in coastal waters, and some frequent inland waters.

Family Alcidae
(Auks, Murres, Puffins)

These black and white "penguins of the north" have set back legs that give them and upright stance on land.  In flight, wingbeats are rapid and shallow.

Family Columbidae
(Pigeons, Doves)

The larger of these species are called pigeons, the smaller ones doves.  All are strong, fast fliers.  Juveniles have pale-tipped feathers, lack the neck markings of adults. Pigeons and doves feed chiefly on grain, other seeds, and fruit.

Families Tytonidae and Strigidae
(Owls)

These distinctive birds of prey are divided by structural differences into two families, the barn Owls (Tytonidae) and the typical Owls Strigidae).  All have immobile eyes in large heads and a very sophisticated hearing system.  Fluffy plumage makes their flight nearly soundless.  Many species hunt at night and roost during the day.

Family Caprimulgidae
(Nighthawks, Nightjars)

Wide mouths help these night-hunters snare flying insects.  Most species are best located and identified by their distinctive calls.

Family Apodidae
(Swifts)

These fast-flying bird spend most of the day aloft, feeding on insects.  Long wings bend closer to the body than those of similar swallows.

Family Trochilidae
(Hummingbirds)

These birds hover at flowers to sip nectar with needlelike bills.  Often identified by twittery calls or chattering "chase notes" when driving off intruders.

Family Alcedinidae
(Kingfishers)

Stocky and short-legged, with a large head, a large bill, and in two American species, a ragged crest.  Look for Kingfishers near woodland streams, ponds and coastal areas.  They can hover over water or watch from low perches, then plunge headfirst to catch small fishes.  With strong bill and feet, they also dig nest burrows in stream banks

Family Picidae
(Woodpeckers)

Strong claws, short legs, and stiff tail feathers enable woodpeckers to climb tree trunks.  Sharp bill is used to chisel out insect food and nest holes, and to drum a territorial signal to rivals.

Family Tyrannidae
(Tyrant Flycatchers)

A typical flycatcher darts out from a fixed perch to catch insects.  Most have a large head, bristly "whiskers," and a broad-based, flat bill.

Family Laniidae
(Shrikes)

These masked hunters scan the countryside from lookout perches, then swoop down on insects, rodents, snakes, small birds.  Known as "butcher-birds", they mostly impale their prey on thorns.  Recent research indicates that this is to mark territory and attract mates.

 Family Corvidae
(Crows, Jays)

Harsh voice and aggressive manner draw attention to these large, often gregarious birds.  Crows and raven are somber in hue, jays and magpies more colourful.  In most species, bristles cover nostrils.  Powerful all-purpose bill efficiently handles a varied diet.

Family Alaudidae
(Larks)

Ground dwellers of open fields, larks are slender-billed seed and insect eaters.  They seldom alight on trees or bushes. On the ground, they walk rather then hop.

Family Hirundinidae
(Swallows)

Slender bodies with long, pointed wings resemble swifts, but wrist angle is sharper and farther from the body; flight is more fluid.  Adept aerialists, swallows dart to catch flying insects.  Flock perch in long rows on branches and wires

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