Birds are warm-blooded vertebrates. They have three characteristics that distinguish them from other animals: feathers; hard-shelled eggs; and hollow bones.

Most birds are able to fly, but some (like ostriches and penguins) cannot fly even though they still have wings.

They have a unique digestive system that allows them to eat when they can and digest later.

They use their beaks to grab and swallow food. Instead of carrying the extra weight of developing young inside their bodies,

they lay eggs and incubate them in a nest.

Birds you can see in your back yard in Canada

American Robins:

Robins are comfortable around people and are common to see in backyards.

They have a rusty red breast feathers and a dark head and back. 

A white throat and white splotches around the eyes.

These birds also commonly nest near people.

The nest is an open cup-shaped nest that has 3-5 beautiful, distinctive sky blue color eggs.

THE BLUE JAY

BLUE JAYS ARE WELL-KNOWN TO MIMIC THE CALL OF HAWKS, ESPECIALLY THE RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. 

BLUE JAYS’ LOVE FOR ACORNS IS CREDITED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SPREAD OF OAK TREES AFTER THE LAST ICE AGE! 

Blue Jays lower their crests when they are feeding peacefully with family and flock members or tending to nestlings.

The black bridle across the face, nape, and throat varies extensively and may help Blue Jays recognize one another.

DOWNY WOODPECKER

The woodpeckers have a short bill and are relatively small.

Color-wise, they have white bellies, with a mostly black back that features streaks and spots of white.

Male birds have a distinctive red spot on the back of their head, which females lack.

SONG SPARROW

Song Sparrows are one of the easier sparrow species to determine correctly.

Chest has brown streaks that converge onto a central breast spot.

Head has a brown crown with a grey stripe down the middle. Also, look for a grey eyebrow and cheek.

Back and body are mostly rust-brown with grey streaks throughout.

BALTIMORE ORIOLE

Nothing marks the return of spring quite like the whistling song of the Baltimore Oriole.

Males are unmistakable being a stunning combination of orange and black with white wing bars.

They are arguably one of the most beautiful birds in Canada.

Females are beautiful in their own way, featuring duller colors than the males while lacking a black hood and back.

Baltimore Orioles LOVE eating ripe fruit, jelly, and nectar!

These two sugary foods provide lots of energy, while insects give them the nutrition they need. And luckily, these birds are relatively easy to attract to bird feeders, as long as you use their favorite foods.

Black-billed Magpie

A large black and white bird with a long tail.

In the right light, you can see beautiful blue iridescent feathers on the wings and tail.

It’s hard to miss these bold birds in Canada!

Black-billed Magpies demand your attention. They are very social, noisy, and comfortable living amongst people and are commonly seen in smaller towns.

Naturally, they live in open grasslands and plains and tend to avoid dense forests.

You can find printable with pictures here.

Sources:

https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/education/documents/birdsunit1.pdf

http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Aves/#:~:text=birds-,Aves,though%20they%20still%20have%20wings.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds

https://www.birdscanada.org/

https://birdwatchinghq.com/common-birds-in-canada/

https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/nature/animals/5-backyard-birds-you-can-find-in-canada-blue-jay-oriole-woodpecker-songbird

https://naturecanada.ca/news/blog/all-about-blue-jays-are-they-actually-blue/