La Mauricie National Park

Birds

La Mauricie National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with a diverse range of species that inhabit its forests, lakes, and wetlands. Below are some of the more popular birds that can be found in the park.

Common Loon
A symbol of Canada’s wilderness, the common loon is known for its haunting calls and striking black-and-white plumage. It is an expert diver, catching fish in the park’s many lakes.

Bald Eagle
This majestic bird of prey is a top predator in the park, often seen soaring over lakes and rivers in search of fish. With its striking white head and powerful talons, it commands attention.

Great Horned Owl
A skilled nocturnal hunter, the great horned owl preys on small mammals and birds. Its large, tufted “horns” and piercing yellow eyes make it one of the most recognizable owls in North America.

Pileated Woodpecker
This large woodpecker is known for its loud drumming on tree trunks and striking red crest. It chisels out large holes in search of insects, particularly carpenter ants.

Osprey
Often seen hovering over lakes before plunging into the water to catch fish, the osprey is a skilled fisher with sharp talons and a distinctive white underside.

Barred Owl
Recognized by its haunting “Who cooks for you?” call, the barred owl prefers dense forests and hunts mainly at night. It has dark eyes and a rounded face without ear tufts.

Gray Jay
Also called the “whiskey jack,” this intelligent and curious bird is known for its fearless behavior around humans. It is a year-round resident and often stores food to survive harsh winters.

Wood Duck
One of the most colorful ducks in the park, the wood duck nests in tree cavities and is often seen gliding across calm waters. Males have iridescent green and purple feathers, while females have a more subdued brown plumage.

Northern Goshawk
A powerful and stealthy hunter, the northern goshawk is a skilled predator that ambushes birds and small mammals from cover. It has a fierce gaze and swift flight.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird
This tiny, energetic bird flits through the park’s flowering plants, feeding on nectar with its long, slender beak. Males have a distinctive red throat that shimmers in the sunlight.

La Mauricie National Park, located in Quebec, Canada, is a vast wilderness area known for its pristine lakes, rolling hills, and dense forests. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including large mammals and smaller forest-dwelling creatures. Below are some of the more popular species that visitors might encounter while exploring the park.

Moose
The moose is the largest land mammal in the park, often seen near wetlands and lakeshores. These majestic creatures are known for their long legs, distinctive snouts, and impressive antlers, which are sported by males during the breeding season.

Black Bear
Black bears roam the park’s dense forests and are skilled foragers, feeding on berries, nuts, and small mammals. Though they generally avoid humans, visitors should always exercise caution and follow park safety guidelines.

White-tailed Deer
These agile and graceful animals are common throughout the park. With their reddish-brown coats in summer and grayish fur in winter, they blend well into the surroundings. They are most active during dawn and dusk.

Beaver
One of Canada’s most iconic animals, the beaver is a skilled engineer, known for building impressive lodges and dams. These industrious rodents create wetland habitats that benefit many other species in the park.

Red Fox
The red fox is a highly adaptable predator that can be found in forests, meadows, and near water sources. Recognizable by its bushy tail and reddish fur, it hunts small mammals, birds, and insects.

River Otter
A playful and agile swimmer, the river otter can be seen in the park’s lakes and rivers. These sleek mammals use their webbed feet and streamlined bodies to chase fish and other aquatic prey.

Eastern Wolf
A relative of the gray wolf, the eastern wolf is a rare and elusive predator that inhabits La Mauricie’s forests. It preys on deer, beavers, and small mammals, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

Snowshoe Hare
This small mammal is well-adapted to the park’s cold winters, with thick fur and large hind feet that help it move easily through the snow. Its fur changes color with the seasons—brown in summer and white in winter.

Porcupine
A slow-moving but well-defended animal, the porcupine is covered in sharp quills that deter predators. It is primarily nocturnal and feeds on tree bark, leaves, and twigs.

Marten
A member of the weasel family, the marten is an agile climber that hunts small rodents and birds. It has soft, luxurious fur and thrives in the park’s mature forests.