Residents of Gatineau, Que. are being asked to pick the city’s official bird. The city is inviting residents to vote for the emblematic bird to represent the city. “In its efforts to actively contribute to the protection of birds and the preservation of biodiversity, the City of Gatineau aspires to become a bird-friendly city,” the City of Gatineau says on its website. “To support this initiative, a Bird-Friendly City Committee has been established, fostering close collaboration between the city, the Outaouais Ornithologists Club, the National Capital Commission, and the Kitigan Zibi community.” The city’s ‘Bird-Friendly City Committee’ identified the five bird species that are under consideration to be named Gatineau’s emblematic bird. The criteria used to select the birds included the bird being native to the area, easy to recognize and has an ecological role and value to the western Quebec city. The five species are: The Wood Duck “The Wood Duck is a true symbol of Gatineau’s natural wealth, embodying the harmony between water and forest,” the City of Gatineau said on its website. “The elegant male proudly wears the colours blue and green on its head, the Gatineau logo.” The Great Woodpecker “The undisputed master of our forests, the Pileated Woodpecker reigns over the vast wooded expanses of Gatineau,” says the city’s website. “This majestic bird proudly displays ebony plumage enhanced by a scarlet crown.” The Cedar Waxwing The City of Gatineau says the Cedar Waxwing “embodies the nomadic spirit and a love of community life.” “Its unique colours, graceful silhouette, and acrobatic flight make it remarkable, just like Gatineau. It leaves and returns, but sometimes it chooses to stay with us year-round—or even for life,” the city said on its website. The Belt Kingfisher “The American Kingfisher, a true aquatic virtuoso, embodies the very essence of the symbiosis between water and bird,” says the city’s website. The White-breasted Nuthatch The City of Gatineau says the discreet White-breasted Nuthatch “embodies perseverance and ingenuity.” “Like the people of Gatineau, it demonstrates great resilience, adapting easily to the different seasons and the little surprises that nature can throw at it.” You can vote for Gatineau’s official bird on the city’s website until June 4.
