Birds of the Salish Sea – Pt 2

Cepphus columba

The Pigeon Guillemot is a striking seabird often seen along BC’s rugged coastline. This tiny bird is elegant and energetic with its black plumage, bright red feet, and white wing patches. These birds dive into the ocean to catch fish and invertebrates, using their wings to swim underwater. Their distinct, high-pitched whistles are often heard as they nest in rocky crevices near the shore.

Cathartes aura

The Turkey Vulture, with its distinctive red, bald head and broad, dark wings, is a common sight soaring in the skies over BC’s interior and coastal regions. Known for their excellent sense of smell, Turkey Vultures are scavengers, feeding on carrion and playing an important role in the ecosystem by helping to clean up the environment. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, these birds are gentle and social, often seen riding thermal currents in groups.

Uria aalge

Common murres are seabirds found along the British Columbia coast, often seen nesting in dense colonies on rocky cliffs and islands. With their sleek black-and-white plumage, they are adept divers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater in search of fish and other marine prey. In BC, they are commonly spotted as they thrive in the nutrient-rich waters of the Pacific. Despite their resilience, common murres face challenges from habitat disturbances and changing ocean conditions, making conservation efforts important for maintaining healthy populations.

Pelecanus occidentalis

Although the Brown Pelican is more commonly associated with warmer climates, it is occasionally spotted along BC’s coast, especially in late summer. With its massive bill and expandable throat pouch, this pelican is an impressive sight as it plunges into the water to catch fish. The Brown Pelican’s long, narrow wings and graceful flight make it one of the more elegant coastal birds, often seen skimming just above the water’s surface.

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

One of the most iconic birds in North America, the Bald Eagle is a majestic symbol of strength and freedom. With a wingspan of over 2 meters, their sheer size and white head and tail feathers make them easily recognizable. Bald Eagles are often seen soaring above the forests and coastlines of BC, hunting fish, small mammals, and birds. In British Columbia, especially around Vancouver Island, they gather in large numbers during the winter months to feast on salmon. We love bald eagles so much we have dedicated an entire blog to them!