Prince Edward Island National Park

Birds

Prince Edward Island National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with its varied habitats supporting a wide range of bird species. The coastal dunes, forests, and wetlands provide nesting and feeding grounds for both resident and migratory birds.

Piping Plover
A threatened shorebird species, the piping plover nests along the sandy beaches of the park. Its pale coloration provides excellent camouflage, and conservation efforts help protect its delicate nesting sites.

Great Blue Heron
Often seen wading in shallow waters, the great blue heron is a striking bird with long legs, a sharp beak, and slow, deliberate movements. It hunts fish and amphibians along the park’s marshes and shorelines.

Bald Eagle
This majestic raptor, with its white head and powerful wingspan, soars high above the park’s forests and coastal areas. The bald eagle is a skilled hunter, feeding mainly on fish and waterfowl.

Common Loon
Famous for its eerie calls that echo across the park’s lakes, the common loon is a skilled diver and expert fisherman. Its black-and-white breeding plumage and red eyes make it easily recognizable.

Osprey
Nicknamed the “fish hawk,” the osprey is a formidable bird of prey found near water. It hovers over the surface before plunging in to catch fish with its powerful talons.

Black-capped Chickadee
This small but bold songbird is a year-round resident of the park. Its distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call and friendly nature make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

American Woodcock
Well-camouflaged among the forest floor, the American woodcock is known for its unique bobbing walk and aerial courtship displays during the breeding season.

Northern Harrier
A graceful raptor with an owl-like face and long, slender wings, the northern harrier hunts low over marshes and grasslands, searching for small mammals and birds.

Red-breasted Merganser
This diving duck is often spotted in coastal waters, using its serrated bill to catch fish. Its spiky head crest and slender build give it a distinctive appearance.

Tree Swallow
Aerial acrobats, tree swallows are seen darting through the air as they catch flying insects. They nest in tree cavities and artificial boxes, thriving in the park’s open spaces.

Prince Edward Island National Park’s rich biodiversity makes it a special destination for nature lovers, offering a chance to observe both land and marine wildlife in a stunning coastal setting.

Prince Edward Island National Park, located on the north shore of Canada’s smallest province, is known for its stunning coastal landscapes, red sandstone cliffs, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of fascinating animal species, including mammals and marine life, that thrive in its rich ecosystems.

Red Fox
One of the most commonly spotted animals in the park, the red fox is known for its striking orange-red coat, bushy tail, and sharp intelligence. These adaptable creatures can be seen hunting along the beaches, dunes, and forests, especially during dawn and dusk.

Harbor Seal
Often spotted lounging on the park’s rocky shores or swimming in the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, harbor seals are curious and playful marine mammals. They have sleek, spotted coats and large, dark eyes that help them navigate their aquatic environment.

Snowshoe Hare
Blending into the landscape with its seasonally changing coat—brown in summer and white in winter—the snowshoe hare is a key prey species in the park. Its large hind feet help it move easily across snowy terrain.

American Mink
This semi-aquatic predator thrives in the park’s wetlands, feeding on fish, amphibians, and small mammals. Recognizable by its dark brown fur and slender body, the American mink is an elusive yet important part of the ecosystem.

North American River Otter
An agile swimmer and playful mammal, the North American river otter can be seen frolicking in the park’s freshwater lakes and along the coastline. These social creatures have sleek, water-repellent fur and are known for their energetic behavior.

Striped Skunk
Known for its distinctive black-and-white coloring and potent defense mechanism, the striped skunk is a nocturnal forager found in the park’s fields and woodlands. Though often avoided by other animals, it plays a vital role in controlling insect populations.

Little Brown Bat
As one of the park’s essential insectivores, the little brown bat helps keep mosquito populations in check. It roosts in trees and man-made structures, emerging at night to hunt using echolocation.

Beaver
The park’s wetlands provide the perfect habitat for beavers, which build lodges and dams that shape the local ecosystem. These industrious rodents have strong, chisel-like teeth and broad, flat tails used for communication and swimming.

White-tailed Deer
Graceful and abundant, white-tailed deer roam the park’s meadows and forests, grazing on vegetation. Their keen senses help them evade predators, and their ability to adapt makes them a common sight in the area.

Porcupine
Covered in sharp quills for defense, the porcupine is a slow-moving but resilient forest dweller. It feeds on tree bark, twigs, and leaves and is often seen climbing trees in search of food.