Wood Buffalo National Park

Birds

Wood Buffalo National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a mix of boreal forest, wetlands, and grasslands that attract a variety of avian species. The park is perhaps best known for being the last natural nesting area of the endangered whooping crane.

Whooping Crane
One of North America’s rarest birds, the whooping crane breeds exclusively in the remote wetlands of the park before migrating to Texas for the winter. Conservation efforts have helped this species recover from near extinction.

Bald Eagle
A majestic bird of prey, the bald eagle is frequently seen soaring over the park’s rivers and lakes. It feeds primarily on fish and waterfowl and is a symbol of wilderness and strength.

Great Horned Owl
The largest owl in the park, the great horned owl is a powerful nocturnal predator, preying on small mammals, birds, and even other raptors.

Common Loon
With its haunting calls echoing over the lakes, the common loon is a symbol of Canada’s wild lakes and waterways. It is an expert diver, catching fish underwater with incredible agility.

Osprey
Also known as the “fish hawk,” the osprey nests near lakes and rivers, using its keen eyesight and sharp talons to catch fish with remarkable precision.

Peregrine Falcon
One of the fastest birds in the world, the peregrine falcon can reach speeds of over 240 km/h (150 mph) when diving to catch prey. It nests on cliffs and high trees throughout the park.

Trumpeter Swan
One of the largest waterfowl species in North America, trumpeter swans are found in the park’s wetlands and lakes. Their deep, trumpet-like calls make them easily recognizable.

Northern Shrike
A songbird with raptor-like hunting skills, the northern shrike is known for impaling its prey, which includes small birds and insects, on thorns or branches.

Boreal Chickadee
A small but resilient bird, the boreal chickadee thrives in the park’s coniferous forests, surviving harsh winters by caching food and using tree cavities for shelter.

Sandhill Crane
These tall, elegant birds gather in wetlands and meadows during the summer months. Their distinctive calls and elaborate courtship dances make them a fascinating sight for birdwatchers.

Wood Buffalo National Park provides a pristine and ecologically rich environment for these remarkable species, making it a critical area for wildlife conservation and an unforgettable destination for nature enthusiasts.

Wood Buffalo National Park, located in northern Alberta and the southern Northwest Territories of Canada, is the country’s largest national park and home to a diverse range of wildlife. This vast wilderness supports some of North America’s most iconic species, including the world’s largest free-roaming herd of wood bison and the elusive timber wolf.

Wood Bison
The park is home to the largest free-ranging herd of wood bison in the world. These massive herbivores, larger than their plains bison relatives, graze on the park’s grasslands and wetlands. They are a key species in the park’s ecosystem, influencing vegetation and providing food for predators.

Timber Wolf
Apex predators of the region, timber wolves play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. They primarily hunt wood bison, moose, and other large mammals, ensuring population control of herbivores.

Moose
One of the largest land mammals in North America, moose are commonly seen in the park’s wetlands and forests. They feed on aquatic plants, willows, and shrubs, and are well-adapted to the cold climate.

Black Bear
These adaptable omnivores are found throughout the park, foraging for berries, insects, and small mammals. Though generally shy, they play an important role in seed dispersal within the ecosystem.

Lynx
A secretive and elusive predator, the Canada lynx thrives in the dense boreal forests of the park. It preys primarily on snowshoe hares, with its population closely tied to hare abundance.

Snowshoe Hare
This small mammal is a vital food source for many predators, including lynx and foxes. Its seasonal camouflage, turning white in winter and brown in summer, helps it evade predation.

Red Fox
A highly adaptable species, the red fox is known for its cunning hunting skills. It preys on small mammals, birds, and insects and can be found in a variety of habitats throughout the park.

Beaver
One of nature’s best engineers, the beaver constructs dams and lodges that create wetland habitats supporting diverse wildlife. These industrious rodents are a common sight along the park’s waterways.

Wolverine
A rare and powerful carnivore, the wolverine is known for its strength and ability to take down prey much larger than itself. It scavenges carcasses and is highly territorial.

Muskox
Although rare in the park, muskoxen are occasionally seen in the more remote regions. These shaggy-coated herbivores are well-adapted to the harsh Arctic-like conditions of the northern boreal forest.