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| What is a Bird? |
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Birds belong to the vertebrate classification of animals, meaning they have a backbone. It is thought that birds and reptiles are old relatives because of the many traits that they share. For example, both birds and reptiles lay eggs and have similar skull and ear bones structure. Although they share similar traits, birds are warm-blooded which means they control and maintain their body temperature even when the temperature around them changes. Reptiles are cold-blooded and can only control their temperature by moving from warmer to cooler areas. Birds bodies are covered in feathers which separates them from all other animals. Feathers help the birds survive. They protect the bird’s skin, help trap body heat and serve as camouflage. The most unique feature of birds, with the exception of flightless birds like ostriches and penguins, is the fact that they fly. With the use of wings and feathers birds are able to lift off the ground and soar in the sky. |
| Birds in the Algonquin Highlands Region |
| The Algonquin Highlands geographical location makes for a exceptional area for bird watching. 260 species have been recorded so far, with 138 species known to breed in the area and 90 of these are considered permanent residents. The Algonquin Highlands Region is middle ground between the evergreens of the north and the hardwood forests of the south. The local climate attracts birds that prefer colder, wetter and snowier weather like the Grey Jay, Boreal Chickadee and Spruce Grouse. It is also warm enough to attract more southern birds like the Indigo Bunting and Brown Thrasher. |
| A Word About Names |
| This site is designed to help introduce you to the main habitats of the Highlands. Through colour photographs and short descriptions we are showing some of the most striking birds. We hope that with this web site you will enjoy and discover the beauty and interest of the birds found in Algonquin Highlands. However, the photographs found here may help you identify many Algonquin birds, this site is not intended to be a field identification guide. |
| birds of:
clearings deciduous forest evergreen forest prey tree bogs water's edge year-round |
