Nature Canada’s
Bird Friendly City: A Certification Program
A coordinated, science-backed action with clear standards that reflects what a municipality needs to do to make it safe for birds. Certification is a badge of honor, a source of community pride, and a celebration of the contributions people have made to save bird lives in their municipalities.
It tells the world that your city or town has put concrete measures in place to help birds and reverse their declines in your own backyard.
These cities have met or exceeded a minimum standard with regard to reducing threats to birds in their municipality; protecting and restoring natural habitat and increasing climate resiliency; and actively engaging their community in these actions through education and outreach.
The certification level awarded to the cities responds to the lowest level attained in the three categories of the Bird Friendly City Criteria. For example, if a city scores “High” level in 2 of the 3 categories but “Entry” level in the third, the final level of certification that said city would attain would be “Entry.”
Click on the 
to check out the level and applications for Bird Friendly Cities.
Is your city Bird Friendly?
Bird Teams, are you ready to apply?
“It isn’t simply about protecting birds because they’re beautiful animals… they’re such an integral part of our existence. They pollinate the food we eat and they’re one of the most essential creators that support our food system.”
– Councillor Sarah Good, Bird Friendly Cornwall
Chestnut-collared Longspurs have declined by 97% in Canada since 1970.
Photo Credit: Al MacKeigan
“It isn’t simply about protecting birds because they’re beautiful animals… they’re such an integral part of our existence. They pollinate the food we eat and they’re one of the most essential creators that support our food system.”
– Councillor Sarah Good, Bird Friendly Cornwall
Chestnut-collared Longspurs have declined by 97% in Canada since 1970.
Photo Credit: Al MacKeigan
Bird Blogs / News
Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter! World Migratory Bird Day 2026
Each spring, environmental organizations and bird lovers across the country come together to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day as our feathered friends return. Then in the Fall, we say “Safe travels! See you next Spring!”
You did it Winnipeg! A Bird Friendly Strategy to Replicate
Now this is how you make a difference!
Help Support Bird Teams Across the Country with Avia Bird Friendly Coffee!
Do you drink Bird Friendly Coffee? It may not have crossed your mind before, but did you know that the coffee you drink every morning can have a huge impact on our feathered-friends? Over 2.5 million acres of forest has been cleared as many existing shade-grown coffee farms in Central and South America are switching [...]
Celebrating Swifts! World Swift Day 2025
The twittering calls and acrobatic flight of Chimney Swift bring a rush of nostalgia to many Canadians who recall the day when this beloved bird species was common and widespread in our towns and cities. Now absent from most of the areas where it used to live, the species is listed as Threatened with extinction [...]
Unleashing Our Economy or Unleashing Chaos? Nature Canada’s Stance on Ontario’s Bill 5
The Ontario government’s proposed legislation, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, is a misnomer that could lead to devastating consequences for our environment and Indigenous communities.
Bird Friendly City Teams in Action
coming soon
How to Help
Want to learn how to make your city bird friendly? Become a Bird Defender!
Whether you are interested in calling on the government to help birds and other biodiversity or want to share our messages, every little bit helps. When you sign up you will receive updates on our work with bird conservation and current projects with plenty of opportunity to get involved!
Thank you to:
