Canada - 62nd in the world for number of bird species...

Canada Jay - Photo: Vitalii Khustochka / Macauley Library

As of late 2023, Canada ranked 62nd in the world for the number of bird species. 

For comparison...

* COLUMBIA holds the top rank, with over 1,900 species.

* The UNITED STATES ranks 16th, with 1,036 species.

Canada's lower ranking is largely due to its northern, colder climate.   In contrast, countries with the highest bird species diversity are located in the neotropical realm, which includes Central and South America.   For further comparison, Russia has approximately 732 to 810 species, while Australia has approximately 850 to 900 species.

Canada's national bird is yet to be declared.   The Canada Jay, also known as the Gray Jay or Whisky Jack, was formally declared in 2025 by Canada Geographic, but awaits a Canada Senate bill to be officially recognized.

Bird species by Canadian provinces and territories are:

1. Ontario                               - 511

2. British Columbia               - 488 to 520

3. Nova Scotia                       - 478

4. Quebec                               - 471

5. New Brunswick                 - 442 

6. Alberta                               - 424 to 433

7. Newfoundland                   - 427

8. Prince Edward Island       - 363

9. Yukon                                 - 348

0. Manitoba                            - 308

11. North West Territories    - 301

12. Saskatchewan                 - 300

13. Nunavut                           - 298

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder