Andrea Gress – Special Projects Coordinator
12 min read | Lien vers le blog en français.
Marshes are filled with diverse species, many of which you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Each of the species in this list perfectly embodies a marsh-loving lifestyle. They are often shy and secretive – yet weirdly vocal. Emphasis on weird. That’s why we love them.
Marshes are one of the best places to go birding– bring your bug spray and binoculars, and join us for an exploration of some of our favourite marsh birds.
American Bittern
American Bitterns are medium-sized herons, heavily streaked with shades of brown and white. Photo: Brent Ferrie
The American Bittern is a classic marsh bird. In fact, they’re so perfectly *marsh* that they practically become one. They’re extremely secretive and well camouflaged, and unlikely to be seen outside of a wetland habitat.
American Bitterns are medium-sized herons, heavily streaked with shades of brown and white. Their peak marsh form is found when they extend their neck up, and tilt their sharp bill into the air – becoming a near-perfect replica of the straight and tall marsh vegetation that they are typically found in. For added effect, they’ll even sway gently in the wind if the conditions call for it.
But don’t be fooled by this docile behaviour! American Bitterns are fierce hunters, capable of stalking their prey at incredibly slow speeds, and then striking when the poor creature – fish, bug, or frog – least expects it.
How to find one?
Many birders consider simply hearing an American Bittern to be an achievement. Spotting one requires patience, good timing, and a little luck. Find an area in a reedy marsh where you can slowly scan the edges between the reeds and water. Increase your odds by looking for them at dawn and dusk. In the spring, listen for their distinct song that sounds like water dropping.
The American Bittern can be found in all provinces with some presence in the Northwest Territories. Their population has declined by over 50% since 1970 according to the State of Canada’s Birds. Efforts to protect and create wetland habitats will help this species.
Virginia Rail
Don’t let their side profile fool you, Virginia Rails are deceivingly slender birds. Photo: Amanada Guercio
Rails are a group of marsh-loving birds that includes Sora, Yellow Rail and of course, the Virginia Rail. Forget flight—rails are proof that in the marsh, it’s all about the legs. In fact, their ratio of leg muscles to flight muscles outweighs any other bird group. Bulky legs and long, dexterous toes gives Virginia Rails the ability to comfortably lurk through wetlands, squishing through mud and across dense mats of vegetation.
In addition to their buff legs, Virginia Rails also have a slender body and flexible vertebrae for squeezing through tight spaces. Even their forehead feathers are specially adapted to withstand the sharp marsh vegetation that they’re constantly walking though.
How to find one?
The Virginia Rail is widespread across Canada, but not in northern regions. Visit a freshwater marsh at dawn or dusk, and look for movement in open shallow water or mudflats, next to tall vegetation (like cattails or rushes). Their movement is less cryptic than the American Bittern. You’ll spot them flicking their tails as they walk, and may see them dive underwater to move across the wetland. Flight is rare– why fly when you’ve got legs made of steel?
Finally, but perhaps most importantly, listen for a pig. Seriously. Virginia Rails make a variety of sounds, but the most distinct is their grunting call.
Population levels for the Virginia Rail vary regionally and with water levels, but on a national scale, their population has doubled since 1970.
Wilson’s Snipe
The Wilson’s Snipes long bill is specially adapted to feed on invertebrates in the mud. Photo: Aaron Everingham
While Virginia Rails rule the marsh with their powerful legs, Wilson’s Snipes take a different approach—putting all their strength into flight. These birds have extremely strong breast muscles that make up a quarter of their weight – a higher ratio than all other shorebirds – and can propel them to speeds of almost 100 km per hour!
Their long bill is specially adapted to feed on invertebrates in the mud, like worms and insect larvae. The tip of their bill can sense prey, and is flexible, allowing them to slurp their tasty treats from the mud without needing to resurface in between bites.
How to find one?
The Wilson’s Snipe breeds across most of Canada, from the tip of Newfoundland to the far corner of the Yukon. They can be found in any type of wet, marshy habitat, and are most active at dawn and dusk. Look for them foraging in the mud, or perched on fence posts or tree stumps. If you accidentally flush one, they’ll burst into the air and fly off in a zigzagging pattern, which can distinguish it from similar species.
While in flight, the Wilson’s Snipe can make a unique sound with their fanned out tail feathers called a “winnow”. This sound is used to defend territories and attract mates – and it will certainly alert you to their presence!
Approximately 69% of the Wilson’s Snipe population breeds in Canada. Population has fluctuated over the years, but is currently within its goal range.
Nelson’s Sparrow
Despite their flashy appearance, Nelson’s Sparrows prefer to stay hidden – camouflaging well with marsh vegetation. Photo: Mark Peck
Most marsh birds are specialized for specific types of wetlands. Some prefer saltwater, others prefer freshwater. That’s what makes the Nelson’s Sparrow unique – it breeds in both!
The Nelson’s Sparrow breeds in freshwater marshes in the prairies and boreal forest, but in saltwater marshes along Hudson Bay and the Atlantic Coast. Around 86% of the global population of Nelson’s Sparrow breeds in Canada, so they’re a great marsh bird to seek on your next adventure.
How to find one?
Nelson’s Sparrows are strikingly pretty! Their grey cheeks are framed by a yellow-orange colour that streaks down their breast and sides, contrasting with patches of grey, light browns, and a light belly. Despite their flashy appearance, they prefer to stay hidden– camouflaging well with marsh vegetation.
Look low to the ground. Nelson’s Sparrows nest in grasses only a few inches off the ground. They prefer to hop, walk, or make short low flights, as they scurry through the vegetation seeking insects. Listen for their song, which sounds more like a wheezing gasp for air, than a musical melody.
The Nelson’s Sparrow population remains stable across Canada, but has fluctuated regionally, with declines in the Boreal and Maritime regions, but soaring in the Prairie grasslands.
Pied-billed Grebe
The Pied-billed Grebe can be found in classic marsh habitats but also on lakes, and slow rivers, often foraging on open water. Photo: Darshan Talawadekar
The Pied-billed Grebe is a small, compact waterbird with a distinct black stripe around their grey bill during the breeding season. They are mostly brown with short tails, but navigate the water fabulously with large lobed feet. They may not be the flashiest of the grebes, but their submarine skills earn them a place on this list!
Pied-billed Grebes trap air in their feathers and release it as much or as little as desired to control their buoyancy. This allows the grebe to slowly (or quickly) sink into the water, submerging itself much like a submarine. They may even keep their eyes peering out above the surface like a crocodile or hippopotamus. While grebes all have this skill set, the Pied-billed Grebe is the most pronounced.
If urgently threatened, the Pied-billed Grebe will ditch the delicate submarine method and instead plunge themselves into the water, using their wings to push its body down. Awards received for the biggest splash.
How to find one?
The Pied-billed Grebe can be found in classic marsh habitats but also on lakes, and slow rivers – often foraging on open water, and sneaking off to vegetated areas (amongst cattails and rushes) where they construct floating nests.
The Pied-billed Grebe will not be outdone in the sound category. Like many marsh species, they also have a unique call that sounds sort of like a cartoon character laughing.
Only 13% of the Pied-billed Grebe breeds in Canada. Their population has increased slightly above 1970 levels, but varies regionally with water levels.
