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Canada Warbler

Wilsonia canadensis

COSEWIC Status: Threatened

COSSARO Status: Special Concern

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

The committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada is a committee of experts who determine the national status of native species thought to be at risk of disappearing from Canada. Members include academics, specialists, Aboriginal people or government, & biologists.

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Species at Risk Status

Threatened

This species is likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed.

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Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario

The committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario reviews the COSEWIC status reports for species that occur in Ontario, then makes recommendations on the appropriate provincial status of the species. Provincial status is identified on the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List.

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Species at Risk Status

Special Concern

This is a species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events.

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Credit: E. Meleg

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Food

• Feeds mainly on flying insects and spiders.

Habits and Reproduction

• Despite its name, this warbler doesn’t spend much time in this country. It is one of the last warblers to arrive (early June) and the first to leave (early September) for its wintering grounds in South America.
• Nests on or near ground usually in a hummock or at the base of shrubs.
• Clutch size of 2-6 eggs.

Threats

• Brown-headed Cowbirds lay their eggs in the Canada warbler’s nests and the young cowbirds out compete the young warblers (brood parasitism).
• Loss and degradation of habitat in both the breeding and over wintering habitat.

Conservation Actions

• If you’re a coffee drinker, try to buy shade grown, preferably organic coffee. You’ll help protect over wintering habitat for many of our song birds.
• Choose wood products that are harvested from certified FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) forests.
• Purchase paper products that are 100 percent post consumer recycled content.