Birding Through the Seasons in Toronto's High Park

Discover the diversity of birds that call High Park home during the spring, summer, fall and winter seasons in Toronto.

High Park is one of Toronto’s top destinations for birdwatching, offering year-round opportunities to observe a wide variety of species. High Park has historically been home to over 260 recorded bird species. This impressive list includes both common and familiar residents and rare migratory visitors, making it a must-visit location for birders of all experience levels.

Year-Round Birds in Toronto's High Park

Bright red Northern Cardinal perched on a tree branch with fresh green leaves in spring sunlight in High Park, Toronto. — A male Northern Cardinal in High Park. Photo Credit: James Kamstra

Blue jay with bright blue wings and crest perched on a weathered wooden post against a blurred natural green background in High Park, Toronto. — Blue Jay in High Park. Photo Credit: Iain Fleming

Black-capped chickadee perched on a thin branch with soft green background in a woodland habitat in High Park, Toronto. — Black-capped Chickadee in High Park. Photo Credit: David Beadle

White-breasted nuthatch climbing headfirst down a tree trunk with textured bark in a natural woodland setting in High Park, Toronto. — White-breasted Nuthatch in High Park. Photo Credit: David Beadle

Red-breasted nuthatch with a black eye stripe, gray-blue back, and warm rust-colored underside perched on a thin branch against a soft, blurred brown background in High Park, Toronto. — A female Red-breasted Nuthatch. Photo Credit: David Beadle

Male downy woodpecker with black-and-white feathers and a small red patch perched on a tree branch in High Park, Toronto. — A male Downy Woodpecker in High Park. Photo Credit: David Beadle

American Robin standing on green grass holding earthworms in its beak in a spring lawn setting in High Park, Toronto. — American Robin eating an earthworm. Photo Credit: Iain Fleming

Mourning dove perched on a bare tree branch, displaying soft tan-brown plumage and a slender beak against a warm, blurred background in a natural outdoor setting in High Park, Toronto. — Mourning Dove in High Park. Photo Credit: JM

American goldfinch with bright yellow plumage and black cap perched on a curved metal railing against a soft, blurred gray background in High Park, Toronto. — American Goldfinch in High Park. Photo Credit: Ken Mulhall

Pair of mallard ducks swimming together on calm water with clear reflections, showing male and female plumage in High Park, Toronto. — Female Mallard hen (left) and male Mallard drake (right) in High Park. Photo Credit: Lu Liu

Ring-billed gull standing on grass near water while pecking at a fish along the shoreline of Grenadier Pond in High Park, Toronto. — Ring-billed Gull eating Sunfish in High Park. Photo Credit: Karen Yukich

Canada goose standing on a log in calm water with green reflections in a natural wetland setting in High Park, Toronto. — Canada Goose in High Park. Photo Credit: Katherine Pawling

Juvenile red-tailed hawk with mottled brown and white plumage perched on a mossy tree branch, gripping prey, against a blurred forest background in High Park, Toronto. — Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk in High Park. Photo Credit: Nancy Shanoff

Great horned owl perched on a tree branch in a pine forest, showing mottled brown and white feathers, prominent ear tufts, and sharp yellow eyes in natural daylight in High Park, Toronto. — Great Horned Owl in High Park. Photo Credit: Richard Sigesmund

Eastern screech-owl perched on a tree branch, camouflaged with gray mottled plumage and distinctive ear tufts, surrounded by green leaves in a sunlit forest setting in High Park, Toronto. — Eastern Screech-Owl in High Park. Photo Credit: Iain Fleming

Cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, robins, and woodpeckers are among the most common native species of birds you can spot all year-round in High Park and other natural areas across Toronto. Several hawk species can also be seen throughout the year, with some occasionally nesting in the park. You may also encounter non-native, introduced species of finches, pigeons, sparrows, starlings, and swans.

Backyard & Common Birds

Common backyard birds you can see in High Park all year-round include:

American Crow
American Goldfinch
American Robin
Black-capped Chickadee
Blue Jay
Downy Woodpecker
European Starling (introduced species)
Hairy Woodpecker
House Finch (introduced species)
House Sparrow (introduced species)
Mourning Dove
Northern Cardinal
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Rock Pigeon (introduced species)
White-breasted Nuthatch

Introduced Species: These species are not native to Toronto, but were brought here by humans and have since established strong populations. While some introduced species may out-compete native species, it is important to respect all wildlife, native and non-native alike.

Wetland and Shoreline Birds

Common wetland and shoreline birds you can see in High Park all year-round include:

Raptors

Common raptors you can see in High Park all year-round include:

*Note: Owls are highly sensitive to human attention and interference. If you see an owl, observe quietly from a safe distance, avoid drawing attention to it, and never share their location.

Ethical Owl Observation

Toronto is fortunate to be home to a variety of owl species, but their popularity with birders and photographers has put them at enormous risk. Human attention stresses owls and can cause them to abandon nests or leave the area. If you encounter an owl, observe quietly from a far distance using binoculars, avoid disturbing or baiting it, and never share or tag the location of the owl or its nests. This protects not only owls but all wildlife, ensuring they continue to thrive in the city.

Note: If you find injured or distressed wildlife, contact Toronto Wildlife Centre or call 311 to contact the City of Toronto.

Spring Migration: Peak Birding Season

Male red-winged blackbird perched with wings partially open, displaying glossy black feathers and bright red-and-yellow shoulder patches against a green background in High Park, Toronto. — A male Red-winged Blackbird in High Park. Photo Credit: JM

Pair of wood ducks perched on a tree branch, featuring a colorful male with iridescent green head and a mottled brown female in a natural woodland setting in High Park, Toronto. — A female (top) and male (bottom) Wood Duck pair in High Park. Photo Credit: Peter Darcy

Common grackle perched on a tree branch, showing iridescent dark feathers and pale yellow eye against a soft natural background in High Park, Toronto. — Common Grackle in High Park. Photo Credit: David Beadle

Close-up of a chipping sparrow perched on a wooden branch, featuring a rusty red cap, black eye line, and brown streaked wings against a soft, blurred woodland background in High Park, Toronto. — Chipping Sparrow in High Park. Photo Credit: David Beadle

Close-up of a brown creeper bird climbing vertically up a tree trunk, showing mottled brown and white plumage and curved bill against a softly blurred woodland background in High Park, Toronto. — Brown Creeper in High Park. Photo Credit: David Beadle

Turkey vulture soaring in flight with wide wings spread, showing dark plumage and pale wing edges against a clear sky in High Park, Toronto. — Turkey Vulture in High Park. Photo Credit: Ronald Wilkins

Vibrant Baltimore oriole perched among green leaves, displaying bright orange underparts, black head and back, and striking white wing bars in a lush summer setting in High Park, Toronto. — A male Baltimore Oriole in High Park. Photo Credit: Iain Fleming

A male scarlet tanager perched on a tree branch, featuring bright red plumage with contrasting black wings in a leafy woodland setting in High Park, Toronto. — A male Scarlet Tanager in High Park. Photo Credit: Bob Yukich

Male indigo bunting perched on a slender branch, displaying vivid blue feathers and a conical bill against a smooth green background in High Park, Toronto. — A male Indigo Bunting in High Park. Photo Credit: JM

Brown-headed cowbird perched on a wooden fence feeding on scattered seeds, showing glossy black body and warm brown head in a natural outdoor setting in High Park, Toronto. — A male Brown-headed Cowbird in High Park. Photo Credit: Colin Marcano

Golden-crowned kinglet perched on a twig, featuring a bright yellow crown stripe, gray feathers, and fine markings in a dense forest habitat in High Park, Toronto. — Golden-crowned Kinglet. Photo Credit: David Beadle

Bright yellow warbler perched on a feeder edge, featuring smooth yellow plumage, a small pointed bill, and a soft green background in High Park, Toronto. — Yellow Warbler in High Park. Photo Credit: Iain Fleming

Yellow-rumped warbler perched on a thin branch, displaying gray streaked plumage, a bright yellow side patch, and a distinct white throat against a blurred natural background in High Park, Toronto. — Yellow-rumped Warbler in High Park: Photo Credit: Steven Rose

Warbling vireo perched on thin tree branches, showing soft gray-brown plumage and pale underparts against an overcast sky in High Park, Toronto. — Eastern Warbling Vireo in High Park. Photo Credit: David Beadle

Blue-gray gnatcatcher perched on a thin tree branch, displaying soft gray plumage, white underside, and long tail in a blurred woodland background in High Park, Toronto. — Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in High Park. Photo Credit: Howard Shapiro

Close-up of a Tennessee warbler perched among white cherry blossoms, featuring olive-green upperparts, a pale underside, and a fine pointed bill in a soft spring setting in High Park, Toronto. — Tennessee Warbler in High Park. Photo Credit: JM

Magnolia warbler perched on a branch, displaying bold yellow underparts with black streaking, a gray head with distinctive facial mask, and contrasting black-and-white wing markings against a green blurred background in High Park, Toronto. — Magnolia Warbler in High Park. Photo Credit: Iain Fleming

Blackburnian warbler perched on a branch, featuring a vivid orange throat, bold black-and-white wings, and bright yellow facial markings in a sunlit woodland setting in High Park, Toronto. — Blackburnian Warbler in High Park. Photo Credit: David Beadle

Close-up of a northern parula perched among pink cherry blossoms, showing blue-gray upperparts, bright yellow throat and chest, and delicate white wing bars in a soft floral background in High Park, Toronto. — Northern Parula in High Park. Photo Credit: JM

Close-up of a pine warbler perched among bare tree branches, showing olive-yellow plumage, subtle wing bars, and a soft blue sky background in High Park, Toronto. — Pine Warbler in High Park. Photo Credit: Paul Prior

Close-up of a black-and-white warbler clinging to a tree branch, showing bold striped plumage and a slender downcurved bill against a softly blurred woodland background in High Park, Toronto. — Black-and-white Warbler in High Park. Photo Credit: Steven Rose

Spring is the most anticipated season for birdwatching in Toronto, and High Park is among the most popular locations to witness and welcome the arrival of migratory birds from their winter vacation down south.

Migration begins in March with the bold and unmistakable arrival of Common Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds, and early returning American Robins. By April and early May, the pace picks up as thrushes, flycatchers, and the first warblers appear. In May, activity reaches its peak, with an impressive 25–30 warbler species often recorded in a single month. Add in brilliantly coloured migrants such as Baltimore Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings, Roase-breasted Grosbeaks and vireos, and the park comes alive with birdsong, movement, and flashes of colour at every turn.

Peak migration continues throughout May, as more than 50 million birds pass through the Toronto region along major migratory flyways. High Park is a critical stopover habitat, with strong bird activity often extending into early June. This season also features several globally recognized birding events. World Migratory Bird Day, celebrated on the second Saturday of May, coincides with Global Big Day, when birders around the world record and submit observations. Year after year, Canada ranks among the top contributors, second only to the United States. Another highlight is International Dawn Chorus Day, when birders gather at sunrise in natural areas like High Park to experience the unforgettable surge of birdsong that greets the day.

Early Arrivals

Some early bird arrivals in High Park and Toronto during spring migration include:

Warblers

Some of the warblers you may see during spring migration in High Park include:

Other Popular Arrivals

Some of the other popular spring arrivals in High Park during peak migration season include:

eBird Community Science

eBird is one of the world’s largest biodiversity science projects, with over 100 million bird sightings submitted annually. Your observations contribute to a freely accessible global database which is used by scientists and researchers to track bird distribution, abundance, habitat use, and trends.

Merlin Bird ID

Find carrying bulky bird guides on hikes inconvenient? Merlin Bird ID puts a powerful bird identification tool in your pocket. This app allows you to identify birds by calls, photos, or simple details like size, colour, and location all from your phone.

Lights Out Toronto

Each year millions of birds pass through Toronto during migration season. Many migrate at night and are drawn to city lights, leading to fatal window collisions. In Canada, about 25 million migratory birds die each year from window collisions.

Lights Out Toronto is a public awareness campaign that helps reduce migratory bird deaths by urging residents and businesses to turn off non-essential lights during spring and fall migration seasons. It also encourages the use of bird-friendly lighting and glass fixtures to help reduce fatalities.

Summer Breeding Season

Great blue heron standing in a wetland marsh, displaying long legs, blue-gray plumage, and a curved neck among tall green grasses in High Park, Toronto. — Great Blue Heron in High Park. Photo Credit: Steven Rose

Great egret in flight over water, with white plumage, long neck, trailing black legs, and yellow bill against a natural wetland background in High Park, Toronto. — Great Egret in High Park. Photo Credit: Iain Fleming

Double-crested cormorant perched on a rock with wings spread to dry, showing dark glossy feathers against calm green water in High Park, Toronto. — Double-crested Cormorant in High Park. Photo Credit: Katherine Pawling

Female (left) and male (right) Northern Flickers in High Park. Photo Credit: Monika Croydon

Pair of cedar waxwings perched on a branch, showing sleek tan plumage, black masks, and yellow-tipped tails in a leafy green background in High Park, Toronto. — A pair of Cedar Waxwings in High Park. Photo Credit: JM

Belted kingfisher perched on a metal railing, featuring a shaggy crest, blue-gray feathers, and a long pointed bill in a soft urban background in High Park, Toronto. — Belted Kingfisher in High Park. Photo Credit: Richard Sigesmund

Tree swallow perched on a branch, displaying glossy blue-black upperparts and white underside in a blurred woodland setting in High Park, Toronto. — Tree Swallow in High Park. Photo Credit: Bob Yukich

Ruby-throated hummingbird hovering beside bright red flowers, showing iridescent green body and red throat against a soft green background in High Park, Toronto. — Ruby-throated Hummingbird in High Park. Photo Credit: JM

Green heron crouched on a branch over water, displaying glossy green-black crown, chestnut neck, and sharp bill against a dark backdrop in High Park, Toronto. — Green Heron in High Park. Photo Credit: Ali Pashang

Caspian tern in flight with white body, black cap, and bright red-orange bill, wings outstretched against a soft green backdrop in High Park, Toronto. — Caspian Tern in High Park. Photo Credit: Tony Pus

Gray catbird perched on a tree branch, showing smooth slate-gray plumage and dark cap in a soft, muted woodland background in High Park, Toronto. — Gray Catbird in High Park. Photo Credit: David Beadle

Eastern kingbird feeding chicks in a nest, with open-mouthed nestlings and a gray-black adult perched among dense green foliage in High Park, Toronto. — Eastern Kingbird and nestlings in High Park. Photo Credit: Steven Rose

While summer brings larger crowds to the park, bird activity becomes quieter following spring migration. However, several breeding species remain, including orioles, thrushes and wrens.

Common summer birds you are sure to spot in High Park include Red-winged Blackbirds, Grackles, Starlings, and Robins. Keep an eye out for Northern Flickers foraging in open fields.

High Park’s wetlands become important feeding areas for egrets and various species of herons. Wood Duck pairs can also be seen nesting in the tree cavities by the shorelines.

Wetland Birds

Some of the birds you may see around High Park’s wetlands in the summer include:

Other Summer Residents

Some of the other popular birds that might stick around for the summer in High Park include:

Birding Hotspots in High Park

High Park offers a rich variety of bird species across diverse habitats. Top spots for a rewarding birding walk include:

High Park is home to rare ecosystems and sensitive native species. Please stay on trails, avoid trampling vegetation, and never feed, disturb, or harass wildlife. Respect the park rules and help protect nature.

Fall Migration: The Journey South

Osprey in midair carrying a freshly caught fish in its talons, wings fully spread against a blurred green background in High Park, Toronto. — Osprey in High Park. Photo Credit: JM

Bald eagle lifting off from water with a large fish in its talons, wings extended and water splashing below in High Park, Toronto. — Bald Eagle in High Park. Photo Credit: Steven Rose

Northern shoveler duck with iridescent green head and chestnut body swimming in a calm pond in High Park, Toronto. — A male Northern Shoveler in High Park. Photo Credit: Colin Marcano

Male bufflehead duck with iridescent green and purple head and bright white patch swimming on calm water in High Park, Toronto. — A male Bufflehead in High Park. Photo Credit: Steven Rose

Male hooded merganser with bold black-and-white fan-shaped crest floating on blue water, showing yellow eye and sharp contrast plumage in High Park, Toronto. — A male Hooded Merganser in High Park. Photo Credit: Ken Sproule

Hooded merganser duck with raised brown crest and dark patterned body gliding through the rippling waters of a pond in High Park, Toronto. — A female Hooded Merganser in High Park. Photo Credit: Michael Taggart

Male common merganser swimming on calm water, showing a dark green-black head, bright red bill, and clean white body with subtle ripples reflecting around it in High Park, Toronto. — A male Common Merganser in High Park. Photo Credit: Ken Sproule

Fall is one of the most exciting seasons for birdwatching in High Park. The park becomes a focal point for raptor migration from Labour Day through November. Birders may observe various species of eagles, falcons, hawks and other birds of prey.

As many breeding birds begin their fall migration down south, High Park also welcomes a variety of seasonal visitors and winter residents. Most notably, the park’s wetlands become a popular spot for a wide variety of waterfowl including grebes, mergansers, shovelers, buffleheads, and more. Many of these waterfowl stick around in High Park and Toronto through the winter season.

In the fall, World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of October. Be sure to have a pair of binoculars handy to spot raptors flying high above, and waterfowl present right before the wetlands freeze over for the winter.

Raptors

Some birds of prey you are likely to spot in the skies of High Park and Toronto during their southbound fall migration include:

Waterfowl

Many diverse species of ducks also arrive in High Park and Toronto during the fall and stick around in the winter season. These include:

Code of Birding Ethics

Birding is not just about personal curiosity. It also means supporting conservation, protecting habitats, and raising awareness. We encourage you to read and follow the American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics.

Practice responsible birding by protecting birds and minimizing disturbance. Support conservation through actions like controlling pets, preventing window strikes, and using native plants. Avoid stressing or baiting birds, especially near nests. Respect others, share knowledge responsibly, follow laws, and promote inclusive, positive experiences that put wildlife first.

Ethical Owl Observation

Note: If you find injured or distressed wildlife, contact Toronto Wildlife Centre or call 311 to contact the City of Toronto.

Winter Birding in Toronto's High Park

Dark-eyed junco standing on snow, showing slate-gray upperparts, white belly, and a pale pink bill in a winter landscape in High Park, Toronto. — Dark-eyed Junco in High Park. Photo Credit: Iain Fleming

Male northern cardinal perched in a snow-covered shrub, featuring vivid red plumage, a black face mask, and a reddish-orange bill in High Park, Toronto. — A male Northern Cardinal in High Park. Photo Credit: Sean Fraser

Black-capped chickadee perched on a thin branch, displaying a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and soft gray feathers against a snowy background in High Park, Toronto. — Black-capped Chickadee in High Park. Photo Credit: High Park Nature Centre

Red-bellied woodpecker clinging to a tree trunk, showing a bright red crown, pale face, and black-and-white barred back in a winter setting in High Park, Toronto. — Red-bellied Woodpecker in High Park. Photo Credit: David Beadle

American robin perched on leafless branches with dark berries, displaying a bright orange breast and gray-brown back in a winter landscape in High Park, Toronto. — American Robin in High Park. Photo Credit: Sean Fraser

Song sparrow perched on dried reeds in a snowy setting, displaying brown streaked plumage and a distinct dark central chest spot in High Park, Toronto. — Song Sparrow in High Park. Photo Credit: Sean Fraser

Downy woodpecker clinging to a tree branch, featuring black-and-white plumage, small bill, and spotted wings in a leafless forest in High Park, Toronto. — Downy Woodpecker in High Park. Photo Credit: Mila Ark

Trumpeter swans on open water in winter, one with wings fully spread and another swimming nearby, set against icy shoreline and rippling blue water in High Park, Toronto. — Trumpeter Swans in High Park. Photo Credit: High Park Nature Centre

Large flock of mallard ducks gathered along a snowy shoreline, showing green-headed males and mottled brown females near a partially frozen pond in High Park, Toronto. — Mallards in High Park. Photo Credit: Lenka Holubec

Winter birdwatching in High Park can be surprisingly rewarding. While bird activity shifts with changing weather conditions, the park’s key habitats continue to support a diverse range of species throughout the colder months.

Leafless trees and lesser foliage make winter birds often easier to spot — making it an excellent season for beginner birders to build their identification skills. Common winter sightings include cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, sparrows, and woodpeckers. Dark-eyed Juncos, a familiar seasonal visitor, are also a highlight of winter birding in the park.

Open water is especially important during winter and becomes a focal point for bird activity. Creeks, ponds, and unfrozen sections of Grenadier Pond attract a variety of waterfowl, including mallards, geese, swans, buffleheads, shovelers, and different species of mergansers.

Winter also plays a crucial role in bird research and conservation. Observations collected during this season help scientists understand how birds adapt to colder temperatures, shifting food sources, and the impacts of climate change. This work is supported by major community science initiatives such as the Christmas Bird Count which is North America’s longest-running community science project, and the global Great Backyard Bird Count each February.

Common Winter Backyard Birds

Some common backyard birds you can easily spot in High Park and across Toronto during the winter season include :

Winter Waterfowl

Some waterfowl that stick around in High Park for the winter include:

Birding Tips in High Park

Stay quiet and observant
Birds often detect your presence long before you see them. Move slowly and minimize noise.
Respect nesting areas
Avoid disturbing birds, especially during breeding season. It’s hard enough for birds to compete with each other for mates and space, and human interference only causes more stress.
Use visual identification clues
Focus on relative size, shape, beak, tail, and distinguishing physical markings. Remember that plumage of the same species can vary by season, age, and sex.
Listen for bird calls
Many birds are easier to hear than see. Follow sounds carefully and approach slowly.
Choose the right binoculars
Wide field of view and moderate magnification, such as 8×35, is ideal. Remember to try it before you buy it.
Scan all levels
Look both high in trees and low in shrubs, but stay aware of hazards like poison ivy, your general surrounding, and other park wildlife and users.

Birds of the City

Build your birding skills and discover how our feathered friends survive in urban neighbourhoods in Toronto.

Created by naturalist and former High Park Nature Centre staff, Mallory Parks, this online naturalist course covers the fascinating and diverse world of birds you can find in your own neighbourhoods. Sign up for this course today and discover how our feathered citizens make their way in the big city.

City of Toronto's Biodiversity Booklet

Birds of Toronto offers an overview of the 410 bird species recorded across the GTA, including 369 observed within Toronto. Discover the remarkable diversity of local birdlife: from year-round residents and winter visitors to summer breeders and the many migratory species that pass through Toronto on their journeys north during the spring season or south towards warmer wintering sites. This useful booklet provides everything you need to better understand, enjoy, and help protect the birds that share our city.