Mésange à tête noire (Poecile atricapillus)

At Nanny and Grampas farm, Nanny told me to put on Grandpa's hat and coat and go out to the maple tree out front, 50 something years ago. To my delight the chickadees were all over me. Grampa told me about the time he climbed an apple tree with a chain saw to do some limbing. "One persistent little Dee was fluttering around my face while I tryed to swat it away with the saw. Well Sir... that's how I lost my nose" Of course I pointed out to Grampa that he he still had his nose. He said it grew back.
Side note... My brother Brad never knew that "Those wretched Starlings" could also be referred to as "Starlings" until he was about 10 years old. Nanny could turn a phrase.

After thinking long and hard about this, I chose the Chickadee above many other birds which at first glance, seem flashier, prettier, bigger, and more unique. The Chickadee is the quintessential Canadian representative in part because it is none of these. It is a stalwart Canadian. Not flashy, but solid. Not pretty, but comely. Not big, but mighty in spirit and heart. Not unique, but truly representative of our country, Canada.

I am from Thunder Bay, in beautiful northwestern Ontario. I worked for Ontario's Natural Resources ministry for 20 years. I grew up camping with my family, mostly at Quetico Provincial Park. But also, in Minnesota, Thunder Bay's nearby neighbours only 30 minutes to the south. All year 'round, the Chickadee is our constant companion in our yards, and in the bush, on trails, and in campgrounds.

In the haunting beauty of Quetico Provincial Park, we would hear the haunting sound of loons, forelorn and ghostly on the water. As we paddled by, they dove and disappeared. When we heard the chickadees, we would smile and laugh and imitate them. We would call back! They would cock their heads and come closer! When we went to Minnesota, the Chickadee made us feel at home, and miss home. It is OUR bird! But we will share it because we know it makes everyone feel happy - and we are Canadian. That is in our nature.

As others have said in their essays, the Chickadee winters in Canada. It is resourceful, and lives in groups, near others. The Chickadee is never seen to squabble at a feeder. While other birds appear by season and create excitement at our feeders, the Chickadee is almost taken for granted. It is unassuming. It remains. It is constant.

Seven years ago I moved to Alberta. Even as I sit here and type this essay, I hear Chickadees through my window at my neighbour's bird feeder. I am transported home. I close my eyes and I could be with my parents again, a child, camping. The Chickadee welcomed me to Alberta and made me feel as though, no matter how far I was from the forests of home, I am still in Canada. Through some of the tears of moving, loss, and change, the Chickadee has continued to make me smile and remind me that I have a connection to the past and the present through this little Canadian songbird. I know there will always be a Chickadee for me, no matter where I go across this country.

In fact, I am very lucky to travel. I was in beautiful Fredericton New Brunswick last fall, and heard the Chickadee. In November, I was in Courtenay BC, and my little friend Chickadee was there too. I was home in Thunder Bay last summer and the Chickadee said welcome home. I know the Chickadee will be there again when I go home in June.

At first blush, I thought of the Loon, the Raven, the Osprey. But when I think of Canada, I realized with one vote, it had to be the Chickadee and I hope others agree. I can't help myself - when I hear it's song, "Chickadee - dee - dee - dee - dee - dee" I sing it right back! I am sure I will do this when I am old and gray, just as I did when I was a child. I bet you do too.

I can still hear my late mother calling my sister and I "Dee-dees" when we were toddlers. My mother, who was an immigrant from Estonia, whose family came here for refuge and who loved Canada with great passion. I am sure her choice would also have been the Chickadee, so I vote with her in mind. My father grew up in the bush (as we say in northwestern Ontario). His dad, my Pops, was a skilled bushman who even named some lakes around Thunder Bay. He taught me to camp and to love the wilderness. I vote for the Chickadee for them too.

My parents and grandparents are all gone, but the Chickadee makes me think of time spent them with a smile on my heart. I hear the Chickadee, and I am transported to the past - picking mushrooms or blueberries with Grandma Kahara my Estonian grandma; a child again. I thank the Chickadee for this gift.

The Chickadee is a songbird. A songbird! Let a songbird represent Canada. A bird that brings joy and peace, with a song of the past, present and future. This is my choice. A vote for a bird that sings of Canada.

The Black-capped chickadee.

Thank you for this great contest. I look forward to the results and encourage fellow Canadians to search their own hearts and discover what resonates with them, before voting too quickly.

Donna Brinkworth, from Thunder Bay, now in Alberta.

Our choice for the National Bird is the Black Capped Chickadee. The chickadee 's range is all of Canada, and he is at home and highly visible in City, Town and Country. Like the loyal citizen he is, he stays all year round, coping with the elements, adapting to his food source, storing up for hard times and using all Canadian products. The chickadee is cheerful, friendly, pretty, dependable, neat, tidy, clean, charming and possessed of good manners. He thanks you for filling the feeder, sings a Spring Song to cheer the dull waning days of winter, and will happily visit you at home, be it a tent or a castle.
The chickadee is the first bird your baby can see and identify and the busy, bright visitor to the feeder at the Seniors Lodge. If you are patient he will feed from your hand and he/she does not raid and destroy the eggs and nestlings of other birds.

The Canada Goose? Oh please Will. Loud mouthed, filthy and despised by golf courses and airports for obvious reasons. The Great Grey Owl is wonderful but he only comes out at night and not many Canadians outside of hunters and trappers have ever seen one? The Osprey? I'd love to see an Osprey but there are not enough places here on the prairies that support the swooping in and grabbing of a fish dinner. Our only chance to see one is during migration when the osprey leaves us and soars off to warmer climes. Chickadees don't migrate. The Raven? Well, OK he is smart and resourceful but you realize that he eats carrion and destroys the nests and young of other birds and he is, you have to admit, ugly and messy and has a horrible singing voice.

Chickadees brighten our long Canadian winter, grace Christmas Cards, delight young and old, are accessible to all Canadians are exemplary citizens and are instantly recognizable. What more could you want in a National Bird?

I think the Black Capped Chickadee should be our national bird because it lives in Canada year round. They are the cutest and most peaceful bird there is.

I am a nine year old.

I think this is a good bird because it makes a cute sound and is very friendly. Also when I go to Banff every morning I hear the cutest sounds from Black Capped Chickadees.

( 9 years old)

Growing up in Northern Ontario the chickadee was always an important sight to see. In the middle of a hard winter you could look out at the bird feeder and see chickadees braving the hard weather. It was always uplifting to know that you were not alone and these brave little birds were reliable companions.

Of all the birds on the National Bird Project list the chickadee is the most deserving of the title National Bird. It has the most qualities in common with Canadians. It is a small bird living in a big country. Much like how the small population of Canadians stretch from coast to coast to coast. Despite its small size the chickadee is not afraid of the bigger birds and can take them on with the bravado of any hockey player. It is a very low key bird. It doesn't puff its chest out like a robin taking credit for the coming spring. Instead chickadees are patient and reliable like a curler throwing a stone. It is social and always makes room at the feeder for other chickadees. Just like how Canadians help one another.

The chickadee is such a staple of Canada that it has blended into the back of our country. It is time that it got the credit it deserves. Vote chickadee for our National Bird!

What is with all the first nominations for Canada's national bird? They are all BIG and AGGRESSIVE. (It seems we have been at war too long.) Yet two of the nominations aren't tough enough to withstand Canada's winter. The indiscriminate, defecating Canada goose fouls every picnic spot beside the water and doesn't clean up before heading south. The osprey is an American bald eagle wannabe. The great gray owl is a silent assassin. The raven is a trickster and hangs out with cadavers. This sounds too much like a Canadian politician to me.

May I suggest a smaller, gentler version of Canada's National Bird, the black-capped chickadee. A truly national bird, this chickadee is found in every province and at least two of the territories and is at home both in an urban or rural environment. It is tough enough and smart enough to call Canada home for 12 months of the year! The bird caches food for the winter (much like our Canadian forefathers), fluffs out its feathers for better insulation (like our Canadian quilts), and lowers its body temperature 10-12 degrees during the night or while resting (just like our Canadian thermostats).The black-capped chickadee is the very definition of Canadian tough.

The dress code for our nominee is unisex, a modern bird with an impeccable taste in attire, dressed up for every occasion. It is social, willing to take a morsel from a child's hand - the twinkle in the bird's eye matched only by the wonder and awe reflected in the child's own.

The black-capped chickadee is a rock star, and it isn't a one-hit wonder either. Everyone knows its biggest hit, "chickadee-dee-dee," a song readily sung by any child. Unknown to many, the bird has approximately fifteen songs that have made the charts.

Above all, the chickadee is polite and gentle. A bird you would want to call your friend. When your bird feeder is teeming with raucous, ravenous, gluttonously messy English sparrows (those non-Canadian birds), you long for the visits of the black-capped chickadee. The chickadee daintily lands on the feeder, takes one sunflower seed, flies to a nearby tree, holds the seed with his feet while cracking the seed open, eats and returns for one more seed.

A black-capped chickadee is acrobatic, smart and fun to have around. What is not to like about this bird? Vote now.

Canada's favourite backyard bird!

I love the cheerful notes of a chickadee in bushes and trees especially when we went camping. They are busy fluffy little gray birds with a beautiful white face and a black crown and throat. I think they are seen and heard throughout Canada. They need our recognition and appreciation.

Hard working , lovely song and enjoys winter

I support naming the black-capped chickadee as our National bird for the following reasons:
- loyal
- friendly and social (the "polite" Canadian?..)
- the "peacekeeper" of the bird world
- they stay year round, and tough out the winters like a true Canadian!
- everyone recognizes a chickadee, by sound or sight
- they are not timid and they are curious of their surroundings (explorers and will partake in your offerings :) )

and they're not the obvious choice!! that, to me, is kinda what makes them perfect.

I love the sound they make.

I delight in watching the chickadees gathering sunflower seeds from my bird feeder. Their energetic, cheerful, friendly and industrious nature seems to me to reflect the qualities that represent Canadians.I feel they would make a wonderful national bird.

Raptors? Scavengers? Waterfowl from the Canadian Shield? Come on.

How about a songbird with a pan-Canadian distribution?

chick a dee dee dee
refrain of a Canadian childhood

Found everywhere, recognized by all, hearty and sturdy.

I really love this little bird - because they are so active. The first bird I was ever able identify with a field guide was the black capped chickadee, so I am particularly fond of it for that sentimental reason. I once was harvesting some sunflowers in the back yard of my parents big garden in the Okanagan, and the Chickadees were fluttering around. I held up one of the big seed heads and several of them fed from it. It was nice seeing them so close up.

The Chickadee is a feature of our woods, backyards, and window ledges year round in Canada and its cheerful call is welcome in the dark days of winter. It makes us smile with its antics and socialness at the birdfeeder taking its turn, the peacekeeper among the flock. The chickadee sticks around through thick and thin of a Canadian winter with rueful grin. Who else deserves to be Canada"s national bird.

I love the song of the chickadee and how they puff out to keep warm. Very cute bird.

I personally relate to this one the most, though there are so many fabulous candidates!

Although I love the loon I think the chickadee is a good choice. Tough little bird that sticks around in winter. So cheerful to see on a winter day.

The chickadee sticks around all winter. They are trusting; if you are patient you can feed them by hand.. At a feeder they will take one seed at a time and give others a chance. They are cheerful little birds.

My vote for black capped chickadee--
This happy cheery little fellow lives in Canada all year round---no migration to warmer climes for him. He is at the feeders or deep in the woods all winter. To keep warm at night he snuggles with his relatives sharing the warmth in hollow logs or other suitable sleeping accommodations--taking turns all night moving from top to bottom sharing the warmth. A helpful little neighbour he warns other birds of danger. One of the first in spring to start his new song calling for a partner--and when the babies hatch bring them back to say hello and show them where they can expect food in the long, cold winter. Always a happy, cheery little fellow--even in the cold winter--just like most Canadians. He always brings a smile to my face.

He does not steal other birds eggs like the "robber" bird--aka Blue Jay -- not a good ambassador for Canada.

Black Capped Chickadees are quintessentially Canadian. Cheerful, resourceful, friendly and hardy. What more could we want to represent us? Not a lonely loon or a solitary owl. Not a scrappy jay or a mouthy goose. Surely not a bird that doesn't face the winter with a song. And leaving for the winter should disqualify any contender. Chickadees are Canadian, through and through. They are hands down my choice.

City people as well as those of us who live in a rural area, know the chickadee. The Gray Jay (which the Americans changed from Canada Jay, in which case I would have voted for it) is known only by those who venture outside. The same applies to the Loon and even fewer people ever see the snowy owl. I see by the numbers that I am out of luck but I have had my say! Thanks

Canada's Winged Ambassador

Crisp clear air
Fresh snow glistening
Warm sun beating back the winter chill in our cedar sheltered campsite
Palm held out....expectantly
Then the moment, the delicate beauty and the electrifying connection when a Black Capped Chickadee alights on my daughter's hand. This Bruce Peninsula National Park encounter forever entwined our hearts with this cheerful and delightful winged enchanter.
That moment, in January 1997 is one of hundreds of moments cherished with our Iconic Canadian Winged Ambassador and I am thrilled with the opportunity to cast my vote for the bird that represents the best that Canadians have to offer.
Curious
Abiding
Welcoming
Cheerful
Consistent
Resilient
Joyful
Encouraging
Playful
Content
A great friend - ready to listen and always a song to share
All Embracing
Unconscious of its Beauty
The only thing unCanadian about them is that they always delight in whatever the weather and their only comment is a cheerful melody
Simply hearing the word "Chickadee" lightens my sprit. It's song lifts my soul and brings a flood of precious memories. I don't so much see a Chickadee as a Chickadee sees me. In that moment I am laid open and the gaze of the Chickadee accepts me just as I am and I am grateful.

Chickadees are in Canada all year round, which makes them perfect for Canadians because they can take the cold winters as well as the warm temperatures in the summer. Their distinct call is charming to all. Right away people recognize the chickadee dee dee song they sing and often will call it right back to them. These little birds are a small curious bird who I have been told have come to eat out of my neighbors young daughters hand. They will find feeders in your back yard and feed often. I have feeders and I do so enjoy the flitty, quick chickadee. My vote is for this cute little bird who lives all across this vast nation.

Denise Lozeau (Lloydminster, Sask.) QPGQ7

The Black-capped Chickadee is by far the obvious bird to represent Canada nationally. It can be found throughout the country (possible exception is Nunavut) and doesn't migrate to warmer climes when Canada's weather turns nasty. Like most Canadians, the BC Chickadee is friendly, patient, polite, agreeable and resourceful. Have you ever looked out your window at -40c and wondered how does he/she do it?! Despite the urgency of getting enough food to survive at those temperatures, they take their turn, never squabble and though they cannot express it, always seem to fly away saying thank-you. It is likely this behaviour that keeps them in good sted when it comes to windows. In all the years we've had a feeder, we've never had to rescue/save a black-capped Chickadee. Virtually every other song bird has benefited from our post trauma therapy. And unlike other birds that are being considered for this honour, Black-capped Chickadees don't threaten, don't harass, don't take advantage of other bird's hard work and don't prey on other birds half their size. And when you walk through the Canadian wilderness, this little guy is your constant companion (and he won't steal your hot dog). Clearly the obvious choice for our national bird.

The Black-capped Chickadee is by far the obvious bird to represent Canada nationally. It can be found throughout the country (possible exception is Nunavut) and doesn't migrate to warmer climes when Canada's weather turns nasty. Like most Canadians, the BC Chickadee is friendly, patient, polite, agreeable and resourceful. Have you ever looked out your window at -40c and wondered how does he/she do it?! Despite the urgency of getting enough food to survive at those temperatures, they take their turn, never squabble and though they cannot express it, always seem to fly away saying thank-you. It is likely this behaviour that keeps them in good sted when it comes to windows. In all the years we've had a feeder, we've never had to rescue/save a black-capped Chickadee. Virtually every other song bird has benefited from our post trauma therapy. And unlike other birds that are being considered for this honour, Black-capped Chickadees don't threaten, don't harass, don't take advantage of other bird's hard work and don't prey on other birds half their size. And when you walk through the Canadian wilderness, this little guy is your constant companion (and he won't steal your hot dog). Clearly the obvious choice for our national bird.

The Black-capped chickadee is resident in our area year round and does not do the 'snow-bird' thing of heading south over the winter months. Too, it is resident in all provinces across Canada from coast to coast. The chickadee is also a trusting creature and I have chickadees land on my shoulder or head at times while standing or sitting in my back yard. Too, I have had chickadees land on my hand both at home in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and while enjoying a park in Toronto and while holding out sunflower seeds in the palm of my hand as feed for them. I think the chickadee is a truly Canadian bird both in terms of where it resides and in terms of its friendly, accepting personality.

PS. I have recently subscribed to the Canadian Geographic and enjoy the publication.

No matter what the season the black capped chickadee can be heard chirping out its chi-adee-dee-dee. A very friendly little bird who brightens up the winter feeder in most parts of Canada. It will even take food from your hand and has been know to alight on people's head, shoulders and hands. Just a day brightener every time I see it.

A beautiful song that is cheerful!

The black capped chickadee embodies the Canadian spirit of cheerfulness, energy, and acceptance. Flitting from tree to tree in pursuit of bugs, seeds, and berries. Chickadees share their passion and their song; "chickadee, chickadee, chickadee"!!! Found all across Canada, this playful, tiny bird won't fail to put a smile on your face.

Ubiquitous & lovely songs all year long.

Beautiful bird, friendly, 4 seasons, seen many places in Canada.

I love its song! You can't miss it.

These cheery birds are in the Yukon all year round. When the temperature dips below - 30c they puff a bit to keep warm, but are still active and are a joy to see. Their distinct two tone call always indicates a beautiful Canadian day!

A cheery little fellow, tough enough to winter in the Yukon Territory and common across the country. Hands down my vote!

I love these song birds. We have a feeder and they are there almost all year round. Hope they win.

Always cheerful to see them in my backyard.

Chickadees are strong, resilient, brave and friendly, and they stay that way all year.

I think that the black capped chickadee would represent Canada well. I love its song and it has always been a part of my life. We see them in our yard during summer and winter and feed them regularly.

They stay all winter -- tough little things. Just like most Canadians, they just keep on working, living no matter the weather. Heads up ... git 'er done.

I'm voting for the Black-capped chickadee because it's found across the country, it's not a provincial bird, and there's a chance I'll get to see one at my new bird-feeder that I got this summer.

I choose the Black-capped chickadee, because it just seems like such a happy bird. There is nothing nicer on a cold winters day to go out and to hear there happy little song.
They get my vote.

Small but mighty. It's distinctive song is recognized by everyone. The chickadee can be found in Canada all year long.

Tenacious Tough Endearing bird Black-capped chickadee

The chickadee is a friendly visitor both at our house and cottage. It stays with us year round and always brings a smile to our faces. It should be recognized as the national bird of Canada.

This lovely bird is year round in Canada, with a call that sounds, "Canada ..Canada" so deserves our respect.

The chickadee is a friendly visitor both at our house and cottage. It stays with us year round and always brings a smile to our faces. It should be recognized as the national bird of Canada.

The chickadee hangs around all year, shares the feeders with the finches and sparrows and juncos, and is the most polite bird that comes to my feeders - how Canadian is that!

This is a bird that I saw a lot at our family cottage near Algonquin Park. Lovely birds, they would even fly on your hand!

I love these little birds. I watch them in my feeders all winter long. They are polite eaters, don't hog the feeder, sing for their supper and are tough enough to stay all winter through in the north.

This would be a great choice: friendly, resident year-round, cheery, not aggressive and quite wide-spread.

I would like to choose this bird because to me it represents courage and the will to survive the elements of the Canada climate. It knows how to save food when food is scarce.

This hardy, brave creature personifies Canadians' perseverance through all that our climate throws at us. Like many Canadian humans, it does not migrate but uses its ingenuity to survive the winter.

Black-capped chickadees are social, brave, industrious, and omnivorous. They also stay around in the winter. They're never too far away, and many Canadian children have known the wonder of having them eat from your hand. I doubt many people get closer to a bird in the wild than that. I think they are a good representation of Canadian spirit and mythos.

Love this lively, friendly bird. Love its haunting plaintive call. Not the "chicka dee dee dee" one (well, I like that too); but, the other call.
That one reminds me of my father, drives across Canada, and peaceful, magical times in the Canadian Eastern woods.

Moose and Chickadee-dee-dee
by Marshall Drummond
Winter is particularly harsh this season. Drifts of snow are piling high with every passing hour. Everywhere in the forest, an endless sea of white, so deep, no animals can tread. Especially upset… is Moose. With every attempt to move forward, he buries himself deeper, in danger of disappearing under the surface of the snow.
“I’ll starve if I remain here.” Moose thought. “How will I ever get to my shelter under the old spruce tree near the swamp.... “It’s so far away” he sighed.
Again and again, Moose dares to venture forth, but never meets with success.
(YELLING) “I’m the biggest - strongest animal,” Moose yells out in frustration. “How will I ever survive? Who can possibly help me?” he screams out to the silence of the forest.
Just then….. a flutter of wings alerts him to look up… into the tree above….a small bird arrives, and she is wearing a black cap.
“Hello Moose!” comes a chirpy voice; I was flying by and heard you talking to yourself. You look like you’re in trouble, maybe I can help you?” asks the little bird.
“No, I’m not in any trouble, no trouble at all” says Moose. “Did you not know?… I am the strongest animal in the forest” he declares “And besides, look at how small you are…how weak you must be compared to me , how can you possibly help me?”
“I’m a Chicka-dee-dee-dee, and I fly from tree to tree to tree.” responds the little bird. “Deep snow doesn’t bother me!” she says confidently.
“Well I’m just fine,” blurts Moose “I’ll simply wait until it stops snowing, and when everything melts I will be on my way.” He says with pride.
“Hee-hee-hee” laughs the little chickadee-dee-dee “I can clearly see-see see the snow is going to fall for a long —long time. I know I can help you if you let me?” persists the little bird.
“How embarrassing this is for me,” thinks Moose to himself. “I am one of the mightiest and most powerful beasts …how can I be stranded, and this tiny bird wants to help me; what am I to do?”
Snow continues to fall and fall onto the forest floor. Moose worries that he will soon be buried, never to be seen again.
“I have no other choice.” he surmises… “That little bird is the only creature available to me now, but how can she help me.?”
Moose looks around carefully to see if any other animals are witness to his conversation with Chickadee-dee-dee…. Thankfully,…none are in sight.
Reluctantly, Moose turns to the little bird. “Well, alright then,” he says “but how can you possibly assist?” questions Moose.? I am so much bigger than you, and you are so weak compared to Me.”
Immediately,… she begins to sing the most beautiful of bird songs “Chickadee-dee-dee…. Chickadee-dee-dee” The little bird’s trill envelopes the silence of the forest with her melody…
for a brief moment, Moose forgets his problem.
Suddenly… a bird appears, then another and another. Soon every tree branch fills with all known species from the surrounding woods.… hundreds and hundreds of birds…. all singing at the same time….. The snow-bound forest fills with song…. a choir of birds! … Moose had never seen, or heard anything like it in all his life. …”I can’t believe my ears.”… Moose exclaims with delight.
…Abruptly as they appeared…all the birds fell silent…..
…on Chickadee’s signal- Moose watches in amazement as the little birds fly down from the trees. Completely covering his massive body… they clutch his wet fur with their little feet and hold on tight.
“Are you ready Moose?” asks Chickadee-dee-dee
“Don’t..be- be- be …afraid… just relax”.. she says assuredly.
The birds flap and flutter their wings. Hundreds of them begin to fly at once, gracefully lifting Moose up and out of the deep snow.
Moose is astonished “I don’t believe it!… I’m free!…I’m free!”. “I’m flying through the forest.” he screams with joy. “Look at me, a flying Moose! …
“How exhilarating to fly like a bird.” “I can’t believe this is happening to me.”…
You saved my life Chickadee-dee-dee,” Moose says gratefully.
Astounded, Moose looks from a birds eye view upon the treetops of the snow filled forest …”how beautiful it is.” He thinks to himself
“Hold on, were going down ” signals the little bird.
“Easy now,” she direct the others “watch out for those sharp branches…. Be careful of those prickly spruce needles… OK…Gently now…gently now…
Moose is delivered to the shelter of the old Spruce tree. …All the birds, including Chickadee-dee-dee … quickly fly off in every direction…. disappearing into the forest.
The silence returns.
and Moose is safe.

I am entering this vote for a neighbour (her name is above) and fellow birder in her late 80's. Her interest in birds began when she was young and progressed to being involved in the Christmas Bird Count and several Breeding Bird Surveys over the years. She kept her own records for years but does not have a computer by which to vote. She called me to ask if there was some way that I could help her since she wanted her vote included.

Thelma asked me to vote "Black-capped Chickadee" for the following reasons: 1. BC Chickadees live in Canada year-round and survive our winters; 2. They get along with other birds and come to feeders where many people are able to watch their antics; 3. The first thing in the spring, BC Chickadees sing their "Hey, Sweetie" song.

I hope it's possible to include Thelma's vote despite the fact that she couldn't enter it herself.

Lively, little bird with a very recognizable song who stays through our cold winters and brightens our days.

There is a place called Little Cataraquai Creek just north of Kingston. My partner and I had just returned from a trip around the world, where we saw magnificent birds and animals and greenery. When we came back to Canada, it was a flock of chickadees in Little Cataraquai Creek's Chickadee Lane that reminded us of how wonderful it was to be back home in Canada.

This bird is very social.It is with us summer and winter. Has a very distinctive song. It also is not a predatory species. Also this bird is all over Canada,town and country Our black capped chickadee is non migratory and we appreciate his presence year round.He gets my vote 100 percentage!

In the winter and early spring, this little bird fills the bush with cheerfulness and goodwill. To go into the bush on a white winter day, with the snow crispy and sharp and then to hear this call is to hear the beauty of the scene turned into music.

There's something personal about it too. I always feel that this bird is singing just to me.

Small but tough enough to brave our winters and serenade our days.

Big toss-up between Chickadee & Loon. Both so beautiful in their own way. But I see the chickadee every day at our backyard feeder, so I guess I'm partial to it.

Chickadee is found across Canada. It is not threatening to other birds and can often be seen with other bird species. It is a social bird and stays here all winter. A true Canadian.

These little birds are truly Canadian - they do not leave our country for warmer places in the winter. They stay here and sing all through the freezing temperatures. I think they deserve to be our national bird. Everyone has seen a black-capped chickadee. They are friendly and courageous - their endurance shows the Canadian spirit and the love of this great country.

The Black chickadee is the cutest And friendliest Bird! They also stay with us all winter!

Love the sound can see them Winter and summer feed these little birds all year round.

The Black-capped chickadee has a very recognizable call announcing its presence. It seems to enjoy winter and doesn't mind humans - it's downright friendly - even perching on ones had to accept offerings of food.

Very friendly. Survives the bitterest winters. Resourceful. Takes advantage of that which is currently available. In short, a veritable Canadian.

Our favorite bird is here year round. They talk to you when you are koutside, and they are adorable.

The
I love black-capped chickadees. Our cold Manitoba winters don't keep them away from my yard & I'm always so happy to hear their cheery chatter year round.

Count this as 5,000 votes!

Love them!

Love them!

Canadians are friendly, black capped chickadees are friendly, ergo they should be the national bird!

These tiny little birds manage to survive our very long, very cold winters with temperatures that sometimes go far below zero. And we hear their calls of Chick- a- dee- dee-dee, and it just wouldn't be winter without hearing those little bird calls. They are hardy adorable little marvels.

the cutest and most likable little bird

the cutest and most likable little bird

I love its cheeriness in winter.

Ever cheerful seed eater. Doesn't fly south when the weather turns. Capable of establishing a relationship with humans. A lovely spring song "Hey Sweety". Bathes with friends and often. A real delight.

While there are some great candidates for the national bird of Canada, I have woken up to the comforting call of the black-capped chickadee for much of my adult life, and for that reason, this bird is very emblematic of my life as a Canadian.

If I had a secondary vote, it would be the common loon, for its love of the water.

It Is Sooo Canadian

There can be no better national bird for Canada than the adorable Black-capped chickadee. This sweet, charming, friendly little avian ambassador of good will and cheer brightens one`s day with its happy chatter and overall optimism toward life in general. Bonus? Once they get to know you, they trust you completely and will even take seed from your hands. Now that is awesome.

they are cute, polite, friendly, hardy, lovely voice and don't leave the country.....love them

Black Capped Chickadee's are as friendly as Chipmunks...I've had them land on my hand to take seeds, not unlike Chipmunks taking peanuts. Black Capped Chickadees are serious, loyal, can withstand snow storms...mostly they are adorable, courageous beautiful and strong birds...they are perfect!!!

This one is a welcome visitor at my feeder at any time of year. Bless his/her little heart, they tough out our Canadian winters, and hang around pretty much all year. A very friendly bird who will land on you if you have been errant in filling your feeder. This one gets my vote, for sure. A sweet little piece of life and would make a perfect ambassador for Canada.

This one is a welcome visitor at my feeder at any time of year. Bless his/her little heart, they tough out our Canadian winters, and hang around pretty much all year. A very friendly bird who will land on you if you have been errant in filling your feeder. This one gets my vote, for sure. A sweet little piece of life and would make a perfect ambassador for Canada.

This one is a welcome visitor at my feeder at any time of year. Bless his/her little heart, they tough out our Canadian winters, and hang around pretty much all year. A very friendly bird who will land on you if you have been errant in filling your feeder. This one gets my vote, for sure. A sweet little piece of life and would make a perfect ambassador for Canada.

I think it's the most cheerful bird we have.

Chickadee, I have fed them many times out of my hand. They are awesome! And they never fly South for the winter.

Chickadee, I have fed them many times out of my hand. They are awesome! And they never fly South for the winter.

I chose the Black-capped Chickadee because I see it all year round. It is a very lively bird, and very hardy, despite its small size.

The Chickadee is a cheerful, optimistic little bird - even in winter - much like most Canadian - that can be found pretty much across the country. What could be more Canadian!

I love our chickadees. They are petite, fly in groups, always seem like they are bustling about and are always chirping and their song is just beautiful especially in the spring. Even in the darkest of winter, on a dreary and rainy day, if you have a bird feeder they will come. They just lift one's spirit.

Chickadees are scientifically proven to be the cutest bird in the universe. They take seeds from your hand, have an adorable call, and they have face markings like venom from spiderman. #teamchickadee

I love the black capped chickadee they are here all year they nest in my bird houses they eat out of my hand.when my feeders are emtey they sing or knock on my window to let me know.every morning I love to here them sing and I love how they like to Teese my cats.

We choose the black capped chickadee because he is around all winter and although so tiny is quite able to survive the bitter cold of a Canadian winter. He is enterprising and we often are able to get him to land on our hands and eat seeds we are offering. One sat in my cedar tree beside me this morning while I hung out the clothes, a tedious job: he called over and over again "vote for meeeeee"!

This bird is some sociable and friendly. They will interact with you and land on your hand to eat. They are around all year round in a wide area of the country. They bring much joy to all.

An enchanting quick and agile bird. A beautiful shape and very well known around this area.

Black Capped Chickadees, have one of the most cheerful songs in the Canadian bird world. They are found from sea to sea, are intelligent, tolerant and tough- after all they stick around in all seasons. I see them at my backyard bird feeder whether it is 30 degrees above or below zero, and they put a smile on my face always.

The Black Capped Chickadee is such a tiny bird which everyone take for granted as being always around. I bit like Canada in the world. It is a polite little thing which is never seen to start a squabble. and seems to get on with all other birds. it tolerates humans who are busy making a mess of the planet and accepts seeds and crumbs when given them. Sort of "crumbs from the rich man's table " It does not complain and for some reason enjoys our company in the back yard. For all its small size it is a tough little bird who loves the winter and never migrates like " snowbirds " who are much bigger than themselves. These little creatures can stand their ground when necessary.

The Black Capped Chickadees deserve our love and respect for the wonderful moments they share with us
having so many of the best characteristics of Canadians. They have taught us well and we should follow their example more carefully.
Maureen Mennie

Black-capped chickadees are such cheerful,friendly little birds who delight me all year round.

sociable , avertit le danger ,protecteur ,tôt le matin à tard le soir on les entends chanter ils se tiennent en groupe et avec d'autre oiseaux ....autre choix serait le boreal chickadee ....thanks ...

Black capped chickadees are my favourite Canadian bird. They make me smile with their happy chatter and cheerful plumage. During the long Canadian winters, the chickadees come to my feeder and never let the snow and cold get them down. How can I complain about the weather when these little birds bravely face the north wind all season long? In the spring, they welcome me back outside with a "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" greeting and if I'm lucky, they'll mate,build a nest and raise a family in one of the trees in my backyard. They have what I call "true Canadian spirit" and deserve to be Canada's National Bird.

Frankly I just love these little birds. They seem to embody the spirit of the northern forest yet you can also find them in the south, even in the city. Their call always put a smile on my face.

I love this little most friendly bird and the fact that it remains in Canada through the winter months has my vote. Who hasn't found joy when one has fed from your hand.

This bird is well known throughout Canada. It would best symbolize Canada as it habitats all of the country. Anyone visiting our fine country would easily be able to see these birds during their visit.

beautiful little bird that is a delight to watch

Rain or shine, cold or hot. These birds are always visitors in my yard.

Black-capped chickadees are the perfect national bird. They are attractive; friendly- will eat seeds out of your hand; have very distinctive songs and voicings; are very energetic and generally have a lot of 'character'.

It's cute, can be friendly, always around, never flies south, not a threat to other birds.

After reading on this site all the tributes to the gray jay, I was much tempted to vote for that friendly woodland bird. I liked the idea that it is a particularly Canadian bird, wide spread here and not much elsewhere. However, as I have never seen it that I know of and as I am not a frequenter of our forests, I was certain my best choice must be a bird that I know and love.

The black-capped chickadee is very familiar to me; I have known it for always; I have learned its several calls and it does seem ubiquitous in the many Canadian places I have lived in or visited.

I love to watch them in flight and frolicking about. They seem almost to have a sense of fun. Because they are my delight in all seasons, without hesitation I give them my vote.

Always around its simple song is so uplifting and a nice reminder that winter will soon be over

I chose the black-capped chickadee because:
They're everywhere in Canada (I think!)
They're comfortable around many other bird species
They are polite at the feeder - they wait their turn and don't (usually) peck other birds
They share the bird feeder with other chickadees and other species
They're talented - they can hang upside down
They're somewhat approachable - for people
They are urban and rural dwellers and
They survive the Canadian winter.
For these reasons I think they should be Canada's National Bird.

Chickadee is here in Ontario and across Canada/ so far is not an official bird of any provinces. Small but hardy bird that survives all of Canadian seasons.

No Cardinal so.....

This little fellow always makes me smile.Growing up,he was without doubt my favourite bird.And,he lives pretty much everywhere in Canada!

One of my favorites, they were around where I grew up and they are around where I live.

I like their songs and they stay all winter.

They are lots of them in Ontario, and Canada, and I think they should represent Canada because I like them

The Black Capped Chickadee exemplifies everything Canadian-friendly, always ready to eat a treat, always present in Canada and always cheerfully singing its presence. They require little attention to survive even in our cold winters.

I have many, many Black-capped Chickadees coming to my heated birdbath all year round. I sometimes hand feed them. They entertain me and countless other Canadians right in one's own backyard at any time of the year. The Black-capped Chickadee would be Canada's genuine national bird.

They're cute and friendly and hang around all winter, what could be more Canadian.

The Black Capped Chikadee is truly everywhere in Canada. Sometimes it seems there are no other birds at all. They are always around! I love their sweet songs too....

Please note: the bird that is pictured as a Blue Bird is not a Blue Bird, but is in fact a Stellars Jay. The actual Blue Bird is very pretty too.

Corrine P Williams

I enjoy watching the chickadees every day on my birdfeeder. they always make me smile.

I have always had a passion for these little guys. Our family has about 4 to 6 that hang around our home most of the year. During migration they ( spring and fall ) they take off while the other species gather around the feeders. Once they are gone, they come back. LoL.. They sure let me know when the feeders are empty too. We put out shelled and whole roasted ( non salted ) peanuts ( a downy wood pecker has taken up residence near by and stops in quite often ) black sunflower seeds, suet and a 2" X 2" X 6" with 3/4 holes drilled in it with natural peanut butter ( in winter) for them. Love it when they are all out there singing away with full stomachs and full feeders in the winter.

They are the most common bird st my feeder and they stay here year round

The chickadee is in every province and territory and is friendly

Distributed across most of the country; resident all year; friendly and cheerful even in the depths of winter, therefore typically Canadian

there is nothing smarter or cuter in this country. A true ambassador for birds and people.

Live here all , tough little bird , and friendly,

The black-capped chickadee is a reserved little songbird who happily endures the coldest of weather (like most Canadians). He is not flashy or aggressive (like the blue jay) and seems to get along with other birds without fighting or quarreling. He, therefore, seems to be a fitting national bird as he exemplifies what a Canadian is most like.

One of the friendliest birds in the woods, it is found across Canada. Children love to have a chickadee feed from their hand.

To me It represents Whois we are.

The most recognizable sound, chickadee dee dee dee, calls to me so I answer. Slowly they come to me, feed out of my hand, and give a chickadee dee dee dee thank-you. A truly Canadian feeling.

Growing up in NB Canada this is one of the birds I knew most. Friendly and brave, I'm sure most people have fed or have seen someone feed a chickadee from their hand. Their song is easily recognizable and very cute! They are beautiful birds and are found from coast to coast. Those are a few of the reasons the Black-Capped Chickadee should be our national bird!

This bird is so recognizable by its sound and is found in more diverse habitat than the loon which one only sees by the water. Everyone is fond of this little bird and never complain about it driving out other birds at feeders. It gets along well with other species of birds which is a good trait to uphold as a Canadian bird. It is loved by young and old and allows people to get close.

The Black-caped Cickade lives a gentle life and doesn't migrate It is friendly, kind, has a cheery sound and disposition. It has traits we would be fortunate to be known by.

Very thankful when you pour fresh water or feed them.

Very thankful when you pour fresh water or feed them.

The dear little Black-capped chickadee - what's not to love. It has everything to offer:
-a cheerful disposition accompanied by a cheerful song that makes one smile and sing back with a "Chick a dee dee dee" everytime,

-gracious manners; you never see them quarrel at the feeder rather they just politely wait their turn,

-a very pleasing appearance that is neither showy or dull, just very lovely to look at and catches your eye as they arrive,

-well known all across this great country as they can be found any where you go,

-hardiest little bird as they stick it out through all the seasons without having to migrate to warmer climates.

There's not much more you could ask for in a candidate for the National Bird of Canada. They meet all the requirements and then some. They are quintessentially Canadian, polite, unique, not flashy but very pleasant. And once chosen as the National Bird all that fame won't go to their heads, they'll just continue on their merry way making us all smile and sing "Chick a dee dee dee".

My vote is for the chickadee as they are a very polite bird. They always say "Thank you" when you fill the feeder in winter or the birdbath in summer. They are friendly and get along with all the birds at the feeder.

Chickadees. No question, no contest. They stay here, and deal with it. Yeah; Robins and Nuthatches are cool, and you can say what you like about Blue Jays and Cardinals. Chickadees hunker down and stick out the Canadian winter, god love 'em.

If I were in charge of the Canadian mint, there'd be a Chickadee on every coin and banknote.

k

These are gentle yet fearless birds that are always friendly and live in all parts of Canada in all seasons.

It was a toss-up for me between the Common Loon (a sign or wilderness which is disappearing quickly due to unsustainable "managed" forestry), the Grey Jay (which should really be it's original name--Canada Jay), and the BC Chickadee. I think the Common Loon will win so I am trying to bring up the ratings for the humble Chickadee.

This tiny bird lives year-round in Canada and manages to survive -40 C by actually reducing the amount of calories it burns during the coldest hours. It is a feisty competitor at feeders and it's friendly call can be heard in almost any forest type. I've read that they eat their weight in mosquitoes daily during nesting season and that practice alone should win the contest for them. All in all, the Black-capped Chickadee possesses the strength, tenacity and spirit that has made Canada the country that it is today.

The black-capped chickadee is always here, rain or shine, hot or freezing cold. He will come and eat out of your hand and sing for you.

This little bird is a pleasant natured bird with a very pleasant song.
It will stay at the feeder when I come close to talk to him/her and wouldn't fly away. This little bird has come to trust us. And very important - it does not chase other birds away from the feeder - it will wait its turn to eat.

I believe these birds are across Canada but not the Whiskey Jay

The Black capped Chickadee is prolific. Year round presence. Not terribly shy. During winter it will gladly feed from your hand. Very entertaining to watch and are often never alone but have several of their friends around them. They sometimes come when you call.

I see the Grey Jay is a popular choice however, here in New Brunswick, I have never seen one.

luv the song and feisty little character.

This is a delightful, wee bird found widely in Canada which I think important. It has at least two sweet calls which are very pleasant. Chickadees are very friendly, and in urban areas like Burlington they become accustomed to being fed from the hand, to the delight of adults and kids alike! Frequenting feeders, they provide many with hours of entertainment. They're always classily attired in tux and cap!

The Chickadee has a very distinctive voice, and has adapted to Urban & Suburban;Rural & Remote landscapes, throughout Our Magnificent Land.

On an extremely frigid winter morning while on a walk, I picked up what I thought was a frozen little bird. Turns out, all the little Black-capped chickadee wanted was a break from the cold warming up between my mittens. The love story began!!

From sea to sea, they are both free and connected to people. They are sure and reliable companions. Peering from a kitchen window, they are there. Alone in the bush, they appear. They will even warn you when a big cat is close. Unpretensious, modest, dignified, sociable, independent, polite, a pleasure to look at and listen to, they are as Canadian as our most sensible aspirations.

The Chickadee is seen all over Canada. You can see it year round. In the winter if one is feeding birds it knows when it is feeding time. I have had Chickadees land on me and swarm around me especially when if it is time to eat. The top contenders are well know and loved by us all, however they are not see through out our country.
Respectfully submitted
John Coupland

These lovely little birds are all-Canadian. They brave the cold winters (they do not migrate) and can always be heard singing their "chick-a-dee-dee-dee". In the spring their song is even more melodious. They are found in the far north and also in the most southern parts of Canada. I think they are representative of Canadians; hard working, friendly (I have had chickadees eating out of my hand, as has my five-year-old granddaughter). The chickadee would be an excellent choice as our national bird.

A cheery soul who has the courage to stay all year unlike so many of the pretenders to the throne. Down with the weak willed annual migrants to the south!

this bird is well named. they are not afraid of pople. I have seen them land on children,s out stretched hands to feed. we see them summer and winter.

The chickadee should be considered the National bird as it stays all winter long (not a "snow bird") and always has a cheery song

These cute little 'fellas' are adorable & have the sweetest chirp-y song - even on a freezing cold winter day!! ....a tough, stay true Canadian species !!

My second favourite Canadian bird, after the loon. I love how they will come to your hand for seed. And their song is distinctive.
I would have picked the loon, but I heard on a CBC interview that they dint want yo use a provincial bird. There is nothing like end of day by a lake and hearing a loon.

The Blackcap Chickadee is the most resilient bird I know - here year around -always cheerful, waits patiently in line at the feeder while larger birds take over, never fighting or screaming, can be -30 or + 30 and they are out and about - what is more Canadian - and always seem to say thank you as I fill their feeders.

We enjoy seeing and watching this bird all year round.

The Chickadee is not a snow bird and doesn't fly south for the winter. It is with us all year and endures the worst winter weather and still keeps singing.

I believe it should be the chickadee as they are kind and friendly to other birds of all kind and humans, just like "most" Canadians. Also, they do not migrate in the winter months making them small but strong and mighty.

Hardy and resourceful with beautiful plumage and a sweet song, the easily recognizable, little Black-capped Chickadee should be Canada's national bird. Unlike many others on this list (including the front-runners), it is a year-round resident. Residency should have been the primary criteria and perhaps only criteria in this contest! The list would have been much shorter and much more appropriate, provincial birds not-with-standing. My $0.02.

Iwatch the Chickadees in our backyard and noticed that they are a super beautiful bird to view and listen to. They are very careful at our feeders.

I love this little bird. It cheers me me on in the winter months with it's chick-a-dee-dee-dee. When I go to fill the feeder it greets me, scolding me, letting me know that I am late for breakfast. It will land on my hand to retrieve that small sunflower seed it loves so much. It is small but bold. It is resourceful. No matter where I travel across Canada, I can find this little imp with it's cheery song.

These happy little birds are heard and seen coast to coast.

Chickadees are bright and cheerful on a cold winter's morning

this bird is so small yet so resilient as it stays here all winter
and is so friendly.

it has several little types of songs and love to hear it outside
on a quiet winter day

The Chickadee is a loyal Canadian Bird, it does not escape south to escape the very cold winters, it hangs around and waits for spring. I just love this tough little bird.

This is one tough little bird. It is friendly bird which can be seen on the coldest day in winter or the hottest day in summer and all the singing it's familiar chick-a-dee-dee dee.

The chickadee resides in Canada year round, i.e. doesn't run away from our winters.

I think that the Black-capped chickadee should be Canada's National Bird because it embodies the ideals of the Canadian spirit. This dauntless little soul lives in Canada year round - no fleeing to Arizona at the first snowfall for this hardy Canadian icon! The chickadee is industrious, peaceful, and remarkably friendly with people. There is nothing more cheering than the call of the chickadee greeting us on a cold, sunny Canadian winter day.

This bird is with us all winter long, I may be mistaken but I call it the telephone bird because it sounds like a telephone ringing when it calls. Our winter weather in this postal code can go from plus 14 to minus 30 overnight and it stays with us all year long. It doesn't go to Phoenix!

This tiny little bird struggles through our long Canadian winter. What a tough Canadian!!! I always enjoy hearing and seeing them as I cross country ski in the woods. Their song seems to welcome me to their home as I pass through. I really enjoyed the babies this year. They are tiny puff balls that follow their parents endlessly to learn the ropes.

These beautiful cheery bird are found through out Canada, they stick it out all winter, adding joy everywhere they are. I have done breeding bird surveys and had the pleasure of watching birds for decades and these remain my favourite birds hands down.

The chickadee has a cheerful little song even AT MINUS 30

I get great joy watching the chickadees at my feeder.They are a very friendly bird like most Canadians.Should be our national bird as they are all across Canada.

Forget about the Loon,nice bird, but leaves the Country when it gets cold, the little chickadee stays here trough the long 40 below winter nights a tough little guy.

I love watching these little birds, I hope they are all across Canada. they are quick, sharp, and sound lovely - good Canadian traits.

This bird is strong and resourceful withstanding our winters and has an unmistakable cheerful call reminiscent of our indomitable Canadian spirit.

Best friendly bird.will come to my hand for seeds.XVD

Voilà un oiseau qui est des nôtres à l'année !
Il chante et propage la bonne humeur et la joie de vivre !

C'est un bonheur de les voir dans nos arbres l'été et de les retrouver à nos mangeoires pendant la saison froide😀

While many of the birds are well loved and remembered from summer vacation at the cottage, or visits to a woodland , the chickadee is common in so many parts of the country...

The black-capped chickadee is my favorite little song-bird, and it's not afraid to winter in our beautiful country!

We love this endearing little bird...these birds are very curious, smart and friendly... they happily eat out of hand .....they are seen all through Canada, rural and urban areas.

The Black-capped Chickadee is a non-migratory bird that lives in deciduous and mixed trees and can be found all over Canada, from coast to coast, during all four seasons. It isn't currently a provincial emblem bird so would be a good choice for a national bird. They're active, hardy, cheery and a songbird. It hits all the right notes to be a national bird and is quintessentially Canadian. This bird is seen and enjoyed everywhere -- you don't need to go out of your way to appreciate one. Good luck Black-capped Chickadee!

The black cap chickadee is a happy, curious, yet friendly little bird which stays in Canada all year round. Makes you smile when its head bobs back and forth when you are talking to him just like it understands what you are saying. They have different sounds for spring, summer and fall/winter. Small but mighty just like Canada! Very family oriented. They are not a sorry looking bird they are very active and protective of their space.

Happy..tough..determined..like us Canadians..never give up attitude

They are wonderful friendly birds. On a clear crisp winter morning, you can hear them singing. Love watching them at the birdfeeders.

Our national bird should be one which everyone has an opportunity to see and hear-----not just those of us who are privileged to spend time on northern lakes. Everywhere I go, I hear the happy song of the chickadee.

My vote is for the beautiful black-capped chickadee. There is nothing more magical than that "chickadee feeling" as referred to by our Canadian author Frank Glew. Kids and adults alike are always amazed!!

There is no sound sweeter than the twitter and chirps of the Chickadees on the coldest of winter days. They seem so tiny and delicate, but our little Chickadees are tough, resilient, and beautiful. They always make me smile! :)

The Black-capped chickadees are in Canada year round (our four season)

A very tough yet sweet Canadian bird, does not migrate, very pretty.

We see this tough little bird 365 days a year, rain or shine, whether it is plus 30 C or minus 30 C. It is agile, adaptable, and seems to be tolerated at the feeder while other species are chased away by the other birds. It is not shy and easily approachable. It makes us smile to see it perform it's acrobatics and its song is always a pleasure to hear.

Sweet little bird who stays with us year round.
We love to feed this bird out of our hands at our cottage.

I love this little bird because it's hearty - stays throughout the winter (loyal), it's represented in all provinces (I think), it's unassuming, shares with all other birds at the bird feeder, it's kind and not argumentative (like sparrows), and has a helpful little warning call when they feel danger is approaching. They're also comical, cute and cheery. These are attributes I would wish for all us Canadians.

This little bird arrives at my bird feeders from late summer to after the following spring time.

So tiny & delicate it is that I always have to stop and observe it.

Precious little things and I wonder how on earth does it survive during the winter.

The Black-Capped Chickadee exhibits many typical Canadian attributes: cheerful personality, friendly but not overly gregarious and industrious.

Having to vote for a bird common to Canada is not easy. You want a bird
that the whole country will recognize, and while the Loon was my first
choice, the fact that it is already my provincial choice I think precludes
it.

My choice I think should be common to all, and if not, it should be.

Beautiful bird with an amazing song! Well represents our Canadian weather and beautiful forests ! The loon is already recognized on our Canadian loonie, the bluejay as our Canadian baseball team and the Canada goose already has our country name.

The Black-capped chickadee.
Such a brave and beautiful bird.
Small in stature and large of heart, it brings joy to my heart when I hear it's voice.
This past year I was able to hand feed several and never have I been so tickled with delight as they lit onto my hand.
Many years ago, when I had fallen quite ill, I lay in bed in the mornings feeling quite alone. Every morning as the sun crested, a small but lovely voice outside my window in the hedges would tell me they were there and that I was not alone. The voice kept me going and gave me the strength to get well.
I shall always be great full for this little bird

just a few words on this small wonderful songbird 1 am amazed how they stay so cheerful and sing all winter long they are small survivors of our harsh Canadian winters as you have probably guessed i am a backyard feeder ...i have a pair that always nest nearby they lost their favorite linden tree last year but still came to my feeder love to hear and see them i know the loon will probably win and i love them too but the small songbird gives me a lift all winter long

this hearty little fellow stays at my feeder all through the long cold snowy winters..I appreciate his tenacity..if he can stick a canadian winter, so can I..once I saw his cousin the boreal chickadee at my feeder..what a beautiful fellow.
the chickadee is a gentle, non-showy, cheerful fellow (who can not resist that spring call!).

Just saw a clip about this on the news. The chickadee has been my favourite bird for a long time. I spend quite a bit of time outside and whenever I walk in the forest I can always count on a chickadee to keep my company. They are very friendly and curious little creatures and I often get them to eat from my hand! It' gives me a comforting feeling to hear the song chicka - d -de -dee song as I know I will soon have a friend on my outdoor adventure!

They have always been my favourite bird. Cute loving and beautiful.

This adorable little bird is found throughout Canada year round and is very friendly.

Friendly and brave. Be nice to them and they will eat out of your hand. Even when the bigger birds are at the feeder the BCC will slip in, take a seed or two and nip out despite the danger, laughing all the time.

The chickadee is tiny and not as majestic as some of our larger birds.

However, it never leaves our side the entire year.

You can almost hear it say...I'm sorry ...so polite ...and so Canadian.
He even is patient enough to allow a small grandchild to feed it a tiny seed from their tiny little hand...how great is that!!!

The black cap is here all year long. Is a very cute and friendly song bird that is especially not annoying like the jay species.

Beautiful bird

CHEEEZ burger!! What a fabulous little bird!

I picked the black capped chickadee because it is a spirited hardy little bird that lives here year round.

Small bird that we see everwhere, summer & winter....

Found all across Canada. Here for 12 months of the year. Industrious, Indigenous and ubiquitous. Strong. identifiable call and cute as a button!

Found all across Canada. Here for 12 months of the year. Industrious, Indigenous and ubiquitous. Strong. identifiable call and cute as a button!

Enjoy their antics and their call.

This little bird brings a smile every time I see it or hear its song, summer or winter, spring or fall.

Everyday we see the chickadees around the house my wife loves to paint them and we enjoy watching them all year around

Everyday we see the chickadees around the house my wife loves to paint them and we enjoy watching them all year around

The Black Capped Chickadee is not a snow bird. It stays everywhere in Canada through thick and thin. When it's winter they work hard for their food. When it's spring they sing love songs to their mates. The best bird to represent Canada and loyalty to Canada.

The Black Capped Chickadee is not a snow bird. It stays everywhere in Canada through thick and thin. When it's winter they work hard for their food. When it's spring they sing love songs to their mates. The best bird to represent Canada and loyalty to Canada.

The black capped Chickadee is easily recognizable, his song usually sounds like his name. These little birds are everywhere I go. They are friendly and curious. They easily come to feeders so that anyone can get a good look at them. I feel that this agile little bird would make a good representative for Canada.

Ubiquitous in Canada. Don't leave town when weather becomes cold and snowy. Keep singing through good and bad.

It's range covers every province and many of the different habitats of our country.
From cities to prairie grasslands, from wetlands to top of mountain treelines.
Most places where people live, so does the chickadee.
It's happy cheerful little song can cheer you up in the cold windy winters to the hot, humid summers and every kind of day in between.

stays for the winter.

Chickadee is a tough Canadian staying here for the winter

I voted for the Black-capped chickadee because this bird is here all year long. Such a cheerful bird and it's call never ceases to cheer me. I know when spring is close as it changes it's song, even before other signs of spring are evident. A companion with me, every day. I never tire of listening to the song of the Black-capped chickadee, may it be with us always.

Though small, the Chickadee is hard working, determined and brave. Very friendly and a constant welcome part of my garden.

We are so fortunate to live in one of Canada's beautiful forests. The Black-capped chickadee is one of the species of birds that live in nature with us. They are friendly, curious, with a lovely little song. They bring us joy year round. I feel they should be Canada's national bird, and show the world that we don't feel threatened by size.

These diminuative birds are with us all year surviving -40C at times. They have to be our national symbol.

they are here all winter

These wonderful little birds have 2 or 3 songs, live with us all year around, are a joy to behold in the coldest of winter days. They get along well in their little communities and are dedicated parents.

The chickadee is here year round and is so polite when taking seeds from the feeder, not unlike Canadians themselves. They take one seed and fly away, leaving room for the next bird. Plus they are fun to watch!

What is the the first thing people say about Canadians? They are friendly. The chickadee exemplifies this trait. They make you smile when they anounce themselves, they are approachable and often approach you without fear. They are often found happily coexisting with other species. You can't find a bad trait about this bird. No other bird on the list fits the bill . . .

Cute little guys, who help make the cold of winter bearable every day at my bird feeder

This small bird is a cheerful presence in all seasons everywhere I go throughout Canada.

We observe this beautiful little bird at our cottage in Margaree Harbour every summer

I feed the birds everyday and this is the most common bird that I see

Why not pick a bird that's here all year round.

Probably one of the brightest birds in the forest. Research has shown that chickadees are one of the few birds that cache food for hard times and has a stellar memory. We have enough sports teams named after top predators, let's choose a creature with brains over brawn.

A friendly and fearless Canadian

Je donne chaque semaine des grains aux oiseaux chez moi et des restants de table. Même au travail, je prends la peine de ramener tout restant pouvant être utile aux oiseaux car ils sont merveilleux.

Je dis à beaucoup de monde que la vie est merveilleuse grâce aux animaux parce qu'ils sont innocents, adorables à regarder et très reposants.

Parmi plusieurs espèces qui viennent chez moi, les mésanges à tête noire sont très spéciaux. Lorsque j'arrive près des mangeoires, ils me suivent d'arbre en arbre en me sifflotant dans les oreilles comme s'ils me parlaient, comme s'ils me disaient merci et bonjour.

Je vous félicite pour votre grand intérêt pour les animaux et les oiseaux.

Donald Cyr

The Chickadee to me represents the Canadian population. A quiet, peaceful bird, quiet and non-combative bird who gets through the winter with enthusiasm and great tolerance. The Chickadee is also an entertainer , a loyal visitor to those who appreciate how beautiful they are.

Like Canadians, this little bird is friendly. Gets along with all types of others. Loves his home and stays all year long. Sturdy, doing will even in winter weather. Unlike the other top birds, this little one is every where and probably seen by the most people. I think it represented Canada, for all the country .☺

Imagine your 5 years old again and spending the summer visiting your grandmother in the countryside.
You hear the whistle of the black crested chickadee. It's song the sound of happy and you start whistling back to it.

Flash forward 25 years later and you still whistle back because it's the sound of Canada.

Friendly, recognizable, sweet abundant birds.

I wake up every morning hearing the chickadee call. They remind me of camping during my childhood.

The chickadee reminds me of my childhood- looking out the window as a child as they landed on the bird feeder, listening to their distinctive call. We love them so much it is the nickname for our baby.

Our family feels that the black-capped chickadee best represents Canada as a whole because:
1. They are prevalent in rural & urban areas
2. They are beautiful and graceful
3. They, like Canadians, are welcoming and friendly to all.

Tenacious, strong and adaptable. Found almost all across the country.

My vote goes to the Black-capped chickadee...found throughout most of Canada, cheerful and distinctive song, a tiny bird surviving weather that can be fierce at times, friendly enough to feed from one's hand, easily viewed by Canadians from all walks of life...one doesn't need to travel to far-flung destinations to see the beloved chickadee.
I've never heard of anyone being annoyed at a chickadee. They seem to be well-loved, friendly, polite birds...perhaps not the biggest, nor the flashiest, but definitely a good representative of who we are as Canadians...
Cheers!

I think this little bird should be Canada's national bird because I've lived and visited from east to west of this country and I've seen the black capped chickadee everywhere. They are cheerful and industrious, happy and healthy as are Canadians (so the common perception is). When it rains, I have multitudes of them hang out under the shelter of a bush against the house, and when my window is open the sound of them chattering excitedly about the weather seems very Canadian indeed.

The chickadee is a constant and permanent resident of this great land: throughout the brutal Canadian winters, the often dismal springs, this little bird hangs tough, singing it's familiar chipper little song...Chick a dee dee dee. W. Earl Godfrey writes in The Birds of Canada: "whoever saw a dejected Chickadee? Even on the greyest day of midwinter, when the thermometer remains below zero and the snow lies deep over the land, the Chickadee is the personification of cheerfulness and good nature." One can't get more Canadian than that.

Docile, friendly, has a Non-Annoying sound and tame... They will eat feed right out of your hand and they don't crap all over the place for you to step in every 2 or 3 steps like the Canada goose!

Tout simplement parce qu'elle est toujours présente, beau temps, mauvais temps, été comme hiver.

Toute frêle, elle réussit à survivre aux conditions difficiles de l'hiver.

Elle mérite toute notre admiration!

these lively, chirpee small birds are a delight to watch and listen too. southern BC has lots of Black-capped Chickadees and thru out our winters they entertain us through sun, rain and snow.

The distinct song of the chickadee makes it one of my favourite birds. The chickadee is a part of a wonderful childhood memory from Nova Scotia. As a five year-old I would spend hours playing in the backyard. One beautiful day a chickadee came to the yard to share its song. I whistled back with all my might, convinced we were communicating with one another. It is a story that my Mother loved to re-tell; even today, the song of the chickadee evokes feelings of innocence and happiness and love for my Mom.

I chose the chickadee because they represent Canada from coast to coast all year long. I would think that just about every Canadian is familiar with this unassuming friendly little bird who graces all our feeders.

Black capped chickadees should be the national bird of Canada. They are true survivors! Who else would remain so "chipper" when it's 40 below?
They are smart, beautiful and sociable. What's more, unlike some other bird species, chickadees are prevalent all across Canada, and they are welcome everywhere.
No bird brains here - it's well known that chickadees hide several stashes of food to help them through when times are tough. Other types of birds follow them around, because chickadees know where it's at. Mother Nature has given them more than their fair share of survival techniques to make it through our frigid winters. There's nothing nicer than walking in the winter woods and seeing them flitting along beside you, giving their distinctive "dee dee dee" call.
Who better than a chickadee to represent us hardy Canadians?

It is a cute bird and I see them often on nature outings all year round.

I believe the Chickadee is familiar with people coast to coast, I have lived in many parts of Ontario and they have always been there.
I have been feeding Birds at my feeders many years of retirement and you can always depend on the Chickadee to be the first of many species to show up, I feed the birds year round and in late spring you can depend on the Chickadee family to show up with there young and show them the ropes at your feeder, just precious to watch year round. They show no fear of humans and will be right there around you chattering while you refill the feeders . I belong to Bird Studies Canada, and in the yearly bird count that we get in there magazine I notice that the friendly little birds show up in every province, and I am happy to vote for it.

The chickadee is prevalent everywhere, in all seasons. Winter or summer, they appear in many locations around Canada. Though cautious and non-aggressive, it is also curious and assertive - not afraid to approach people to get what it wants, or even out of curiosity.

While doing other activities such as reading or writing, I have had them approach within one hand-width, and remain if I continued the activity and watched them only from the corner of my eye.

With their quiet "cheep" and handsome appearance, their widespread year-round presence, these hearty and noble creatures would make a worthy representative of Canada's values.

My favorite bird, such a sweet sound and oh so pretty!

The chickadee is the only bird that keeps us entertained year round.

The greatest thing about the chickadee is that they are always here . They are always out and about in the most random places.

The Black-capped Chickadee is always a joy to see and listen to - a fun little bird to watch and so friendly - I have had occasions when it will come onto my hand to get a seed. It is around yearly which I believe makes it the most Canadian Bird - it does not go south in the winter as so many birds do. I do hope that this bird will be Canada's National Bird.

The Black-capped chickadee is the best because of the joy they bring.

Canada requires a bird that remains in our country all year round, from the east to the west

So abundant, so friendly, so cute, so brave, the chickadee makes my heart happy with its call.

Fearless and trusting, this little bird will dive off a branch to take seeds out if your hand. A little gymnast, hanging upside down on a leaf to reach a bug. Such a brave little bird as it is not afraid to warn others that an owl or hawk is around, by risking it's own life dive-bombing and swarming around the intruder. This little bird puts a smile on your face.
I love seeing the expression on children and adults faces when they feed their 1st chickadee from their hand!

The black-capped chickadee is found throughout Canada, year round. It was my favourite little bird when I was a child on a farm in Saskatchewan and remains a favourite at our home in Muskoka. Like my dear departed brother, I am cheered in the winter with the plucky little birds and their "chiickaddee, dee" call.

The black capped chickadee does not migrate, can be found all over Canada and is known to almost everyone.

BEAUTIFUL LITTLE BIRD...LOVE THEIR SONG!

PARCE QUE C'EST UN OISEAU QUE L'ON VOIT DANS PRESQUE TOUTE LES VILLES ET CAMPAGNES ET QU'ILS SONT FACILES À NOURRIR ET À APPRIVOISER. EN PLUS IL A UN BEAU PETIT CRI

It's so cute and chubby!

This beautiful little bird deserves to be our national bird, as it sticks around in our harsh winters and thrives! Truly Canadian!!!

Here's a cheery little bird that actually sticks around for a Canadian winter, bringing life and cheer to feeders across the country, weather notwithstanding !

Lovely, cheery companions in my back garden. I plant sunflowers for them every year and enjoy watching them feed even upside down as they self harvest the seeds they want.

He is a true gift bird, always available in every season,and how about his ability to survive our winters by dropping his body temperature? He stays in Canada and does not desert us for warmer winter climates!

Un oiseau de tous les lieux et de tous les saisons. Peu farouche, il accompagne nos randonnées de son cri sympatique et vivifiant.

Chickadees are a feisty little bird that is here year round.

Un oiseau qui reste avec nous meme l'hiver. Si petite, mais si forte, courageuse et se laisse facilement approcher.

They seem to be almost anywhere I go in Canada and they are a welcome companion; they cheer me up!

Tia is a happy little bird that can put a smile on the face of most people.

Un très joyeux petit pit.

A chickadee is a cheerful little bird who sings and hops from branch to branch no matter what weather Mother Nature sends us. I can't imagine a snowy day without a chickadee calling out chick-a-dee-dee-dee.

They are funny to watch, happy little guys and they make my husband and I smile every time we see one in our yard!

CHICKADEES ARE FRIENDLY AND YET THEY CAN BE SERIOUS. THEY ARE SUCH HARD WORKERS. THEY ARE TRUSTING WITH A WILLINGNESS TO BE CURIOUS. I WOULD BE VERY PROUD AND PLEASED TO SEE THIS BIRD WIN. THANK YOU.

Friendly, stays all winter, wide range

No essay: I voted for the chickadee because of long association of hearing the sweet sounds of this tiny human-friendly bird, winter and summer. This is the only wild bird to come & sit in my hand on one of those frigid January days when almost all other suburban creatures have fled the area.

Mon oiseau préféré, beau chant, présente 12 mois par année chez moi.

The black capped chickadee is the bird that I count on to brighten my spring hikes, summer gardening, autumn bike rides, and winter skiing. When the temperatures drop, and it feels like nothing can survive, the cheerful calls of the black capped chickadee remind Canadians that winter won't last forever.
The chickadee is found virtually everywhere, at bird feeders, in the city, and in the remote wilderness. Chickadees are adaptable and gregarious. They are usually the first ones to discover freshly filled feeders, giving the shyer birds confidence to relax and have a snack.
The chickadee will always be my favourite bird (though it's hard to pick a favourite, I love them all).

I have lived near Quebec City, in Ottawa, in Thunder Bay, in NorthWestern Ontario, and Eastern Manitoba .. The Black-capped chickadee has been a friend in all these locations. They raise their young in the spring and add joy to winter feeders. I also love the Grey Jay , who was part of life 400 miles north of the nearest road when I was a child in a mining community, and in all Boreal areas I have lived in or visited, and have had them share my wilderness lunch .. Wonderful friendly birds .. However, the chickadee family has joined me with good cheer in All the various places I have called home. I am an 8th generation Canadian and am certain these friendly, hardy, little birds have lightened the days of my Canadian ancestors.

Chickadee Song
by Wm Watt, Ottawa, 2010

There's a feisty little rascal flitting through the pines.
It's twenty below and he's doing just fine.

Chorus: Chick-a-dee-dee-dee Chick-a-dee-dee-dee
Chick-a-dee-dee-dee Chick-a-DEE-DEE-DEE

When the leaves turn brown and the weather severe
Other birds go but he's still here,

He and his family hanging to-gether
Ruffling up their feathers for the winter weather.

Early in the morning there's snow on the ground
He's sitting in a sumac looking around.

He's first at the suet and first to the seed.
He knows you've got to be quick if you want to succeed.

He'll perch on your finger or land on your hair.
So long as you're feeding him he don't care.

So small and bold that he looks absurd,
And that's what makes him my favourite bird.

- END -

They are the most cheerful,tough little winter bird, and exemplify all of the national characteristics that we prize in Canadians. While the other birds at our feeder are always squabbling with each other, the chickadees just swoop in, get their food and politely leave to eat somewhere else to give space. On freezing cold days, their upbeat song warms the heart and reminds us that we are not alone.

very cute and will come to ur hand

I fondly remember the distinctive song of the chickadee from my childhood in northern Alberta.

A chickadee is a beautiful, sweet, gentle bird with a great disposition. They can live in the harshest of climates, surviving by will and determination. They are always the constant at my bird feeders year round and they represent what I think Canada represents: Peace.
Patricia Pelley

I think personally that the chickadee is a super awesome and very canadian bird. I wake up to it every morning and you can definitely tell that you're in Canada when you hear one. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!!!!! make it win plz :)

This curious little fellow follows us around the yard to see what we're doing. Their sing-song call to one another has become a familiar part of the soundscape where we live. Among all of the wonderful birds we enjoy in our area, the Chickadee is one of the few who do not abandon us for warmer climes in the winter (many of our friends also desert us in the winter!) - a faithful Canadian.

I used to feed chickadees from my hand at the lake where my grandparents lived. Good memories.

The beautiful song of the chickadee brings back memories of spending summers on the patio with my family and waking up to their joyful morning song. My grandfather used to say the song was just for me, and that the chickadees were singing "hello sweetie!" I remember him whenever I hear their beautiful song. I believe this is just one reason to choose this lovely little bird.

They just make me happy. So sweet and friendly. CHICKA-DEE-DEE-DEE-DEE!!!

Waking up and walking outside for your morning coffee to hear the chickadees is the life.

Only best choice. Every where

They always remind me that its the simplest things in life that bring the most pleasure.

the most beautiful song of all!

Black-capped chickadee is present everywhere! And it's so brave and cute how is not afraid to take seeds from your palm!

We have bird feeders in our backyard. There are a variety birds that visit but the chickadee is our most common visitor year round. They are very entertaining with quick moves in and out of the cedar trees to snatch a few seeds.

The chickadee is a friendly and busy bird. It will make friends with people who it can trust in it's daily life; just like most Canadians. It's cheerful song is very recognizable and gives one a sense of friendliness and Canadian recognition. It's found coast to coast and makes one feel that they are at home when it is around. It's been studied and found to be a very smart bird and again this speaks well of it as a national bird. Not a showoff, just a smart friendly bird with a happy disposition typical of a true Canadian.

Chickadees are year round visitors to our backyard. Although they can be a little scrappy at the feeders they are friendly little birds. It does not take long for them to be hand fed or land on your shoulder. The cheery "chickadee dee dee" or the mimic call of the phoebe always brings a smile!

There is nothing more welcoming and uplifting as the sweet song of a Black-capped chickadee heard thru all of our Canadian seasons. Without a doubt , this strong and friendly little bird truly represents the Canadian spirit more than any other!!

The chickadee is usually the first one to greet you in the morning and visit all day long. They will let you visit up close and some will even eat from your hand. When the summer ends and most other visitors leave, the chickadee sticks out the freezing temperatures and stays all winter to greet you again first thing in the spring at the cottage and visit all winter in the city.

My vote is for the Black Capped Chickadee. It is a dear unassuming little song bird that brings joy year round. It stashes its food in hundreds of places and is willing to share with other chickadees in times of need.

The Black-capped chickadee has lots to recommend it as Canada's national bird.
They are common, therefore familiar to the most people.
They are accessible; you don't have to travel far into the woods to see one.
They are friendly...just like Canadians.
They are cheery. Who can not smile watching them bob and weave in flight.
Their song actually says their name.
They love hanging out around people and their feeders and will actually take seed from your hand.
They don't intimidate other birds or cause fights; they get along well, just like Canadians.
They enjoy Canada for all the four seasons and even survive the harshest winters.
They are found in all the provinces.
Their colours...gray, white and black are striking.

Amazing flight ability, nice song, sweet disposition, cute size

I would only vote for a bird that spends the full year within Canada at least in the ten provinces, and this narrowed the field. This chickadee is known to all residents of Canada except in the furthest north. It is a cheery sight on a perch or birdfeeder, friendly and energetic, and its mating calls are the best spring sound there is. So I vote for this brave little bird who can stick it out in all weathers.

The black capped chickadee is found across Canada and is a year round resident in some areas of our country. It is a tough little bird and to me it emulates what being a Canadian is about.

Love chickadees!!! ❤️

These guys flood the garden! they're like my friends at this point!

I think the black capped chickadee should be our national bird because they are friendly enough that Canadians all over Canada can get close to them and feed them. Canadians can also be friends with them and become family.

Black-capped chickadees stay in Ontario all year. They are small but very attractive, quick and agile. They are always the first to discover a new food source such as a new bird feeder or suet.
They have a pleasing call which easily identifies them.
However my favorite bird in our area is the Cardinal......which also spends winters in Ontario. However, Cardinals are not seen in every province, so they can't be a national bird.

The Black-capped chikadee is both in the cities ant the country. It a sweet bird with a wonderful song. I feel it would represent Canada perfectly.

Year around friends - always cheerful

I am voting for the black capped chicadee as a tribute to my late husband, Peter Whelan, the Birds columnist for the Globe and Mail (1977-1999)

An avd birder and bird writer, Peter delighted in feeding and watching the birds in our backyard. Rarities were noted, but the black capped chickadees impressed him most. I can still hear him say "A chicadee a day keeps the shrink away!" He found joy in watching a 'happy' and very 'civilized' chickadee, who would take one seed, fly to a branch and eat it, before returning to the feeder for another seed.

Polite but not intimidated, cheerful while 'braving' cold winter weather, the chicadee embodies the best traits of Canadians.

If Peter were here, he would vote for the back capped chicadee to be our national bird. He cannot, so I am voting for him.

Ever since I was a child I loved the black-capped chickadee. When we saw them we would always respond to them by our, chickadee-dee-dee, as though they could answer. We never tired of hearing their song nor responding to them.
When we moved to our current home I was disappointed that our backyard feeder did not entice the chickadee. We observed that several of the song birds did not come but we continued to fill the feeder, and the seeds disappeared. Before long though, while removing snow from the deck, I heard their cheerful songs. That was like music to my ears!
Our family loves walking into areas of our city that has large trees and shrubs and without fail before long, we hear the familiar song of the chickadee. They are a joy to watch with their search for seeds and their quick movements from tree to tree.
My mother-in-law was a "birder" and her birding checklist included chickadees from Jasper National Park, Alberta to Point Pelee, National Park in Ontario. Like us, she never tired of hearing or seeing them with her binoculars.

I am voting for the chickadee not only because of their overwhelmingly adorable stature and lovely song, but because I found out very young that they were my grandmothers favourite bird. Since I was so young, they immediately became my favourite as well. I then grew up and my grandmother passed away, but I still loved those little birds. After becoming a musician and getting into that "alternative" lifestyle, I began to get tattoos. A lot of them, and really big ones. My first tattoo was a full sleeve tattoo on my left arm, and what were flying all about through that tattoo? Chickadees. Plus, geese are so goddamn annoying... For real...

The Black capped Chickadee is a hard working little bird who is also friendly and has a delightful greeting.
Sounds a lot like most Canadians I know!
We have a trio of them on our property ( we live in the country)that follow us around winter and summer.As a result we have named our home Chickadee Ranch.
Seems fitting they should be elevated to our National bird.
Thank you

Small but feisty. Hearty and a sign of spring and beauty.

There is no bird that brings more joy to our home than this little bandit. They fly from the tree and take a morsel of food then quickly escape back to their roost and table. They easily display their annoyance when their space is occupied even if you are delivering more food.

Love their call and seeing them flit around while I am hiking trails!

An obvious choice-the prototypical Canadian bird. Understated, polite yet bold, stoic and strong. The First People's bird!

Because they are tenacious seed hunters, unafraid of new things, cheery, physically dexterous, incredible acrobatic fliers, play well with others, they gamely brave our winters and never run away to the south but best of all... they wear their balaclavas all year long. They are the original hipsters.

The Black-capped chickadee lives in all Canadian areas. We have them in our back yard as well as in the mountains. Some of the other birds are rare to see in some parts of Canada.

I have always admired the black capped chickadee, for its friendly nature, colouring and distinctive call.

I feel that Canad'a national bird should be a bird that is easily identifiable and found in most (if not all) of the provinces and territories.

They have such courage and spirit for a small bird. They are also one of very few birds that sings in the winter.

Sweetest little bird we have...

Year round delight!

The chickadee is always around , Winter spring summer and fall . And no matter what the weather the Chickadee is their with its cheery Chick A Dee Dee song .

The Black-capped chickadee is friendly, lives here year round and is not a bully to other birds visiting the feeding stations. He comes and goes without a big fuss. I love watching them at the feeding stations.

The black capped chickadee always appears to be happy whether it's hot, cold, raining or snowing. It will come right up to your feeder regardless of most other birds and even when there's people around. They just make most of us smile when we see them.

So pretty, you can get them to eat right out of your hand, I love their song.

This has been going on for a long time. When will it end? I like the BCCH because it is gregarious, cute, and funny.

J'ai voté pour la petite mésange à tête noire, parce que j'en vois beaucoup chez moi. C'est un petit oiseau sympatique, facile à approcher.

I think they are beautiful, resilient, and much like most Canadians Modest...

The Black Capped Chickadee is a Small and Mighty bird with a strong voice. It weathers the winter does not hide like the Great Canadian pooping goose.

I believe that it is a humble,thrifty and wise bird like Canadians.

For myself this explains my choice.

Cheers
Farren

This cheerful little bird is a delight to watch as it visits our feeder year round.

I love watching the little black capped chickadie eating in the feeders and in the yard.Beautiful creature of God that he gave us to enjoy. I think it would be a wonderful Canada's national bird

We have spruce trees in our backyard and I just love to see the black-capped chickadees flitting through the trees, stopping momentarily while searching for food, then singing their merry song as they carry on to the next tree. They are always so cheery and bright and it brings a smile just to hear their "chittering".

Cette oiseau familier habite le Canada toute l'année

I think the Black Capped Chickadee should have this honor!
It is a year'round Canadian bird. Friendly,gets along with other birds.Happy little fellow!

En réalité , la mésange est mon 2e choix , et mon premier choix , est le geai gris (Geai du Canada ) mais comme je refuse de prononcer son nom de marde qui na pas aucun rapport avec le Mésange ! , donc je passe au choix # 2

It is the greatest bird

Strongly agree with Aaron Kylie's article in the December, 2015 Canadian Geographic supporting the choice of the black-backed chickadee as Canada's National Bird. As he notes, the chickadee is handsome, widely distributed, social, curious and a leader. All admirable qualities for our National Bird.

I particularly value the chickadee on my farm. It is the friendly constant at my feeders. Yet when I work alone in the bush, the chickadee invariably makes a visit there as well, even in the worst weather. The forest in winter can seem quiet and largely empty. The chickadee changes that with it's friendly company.

this chickadee is often the first bird a child will identify besides the Robin. It stays all winter and is very friendly. The loon is a lake bird and rarely seen else where in Canada.

Chickadees are beautiful, cheerful, constant visitors.
They sing their way through all of our Canadian seasons.
They are comfottable with human company.
They seem to say 'Pardon me' when other birds hop in front of them.
They give us our morning smile.🤓

The black capped chickadee is a year round visitor to our bird feeders. He is seen right across the country. He would make a wonderful National bird

The Chickadee is seen at every bird feeder across Canada and is recognized by most Canadians. When you walk through the forest they are flitting around in the trees and calling to each other. They have a perky song which sounds like chickadeedee thus their name. They will answer you when you mimic them and fly close to play with you. They are the perfect bird to represent Canada.

Toujours là pour égayer et enjouer. En ville comme en forêt. Une petite boule de joie!

C'est un oiseau facile d'approche qui permet à nos très jeunes et moins jeunes amateurs d'ornithologie de développer un intérêt rapidement. Cet oiseau est aussi très fréquent près de habitations. Voilà les raisons de mon vote!! Merci!

One of the most frequently seen birds in the garden. Lovely song and always interesting to observe. I enjoy watching them every time I'm outdoors.

Pour moi, un oiseau emblème est un oiseau que je peux voir facilement dans mon environnement. La mésange à tête noire est présente partout autour de moi et elle est en prime une présence agréable. En effet, pas une randonnée de raquette ou de marche en forêt sans que l'une ou quelques-unes des mésanges ne viennent tourner autour. Sympathique oiseau je trouve. Comme le Canada et les canadiens qui le composent (de sympathiques oiseaux). Hihi!

The chickadee is such a friendly little fellow, choosing to live not only in Canada's woodlands, but also in the backyards of highly populated urban regions, including Toronto. I daresay there are probably very few Canadians who have not had the pleasure of seeing one. This is truly a tiny, most welcome, most worthy representative of Canada.

On le trouve partout au canada, et surtout, c'est un des quelques oiseaux qui passent l'hiver entier au canada sans migrer

Présente en toutes saisons, la mésange à tête noire est fidèle et combative. Le froid et la neige ne l'effraient pas et elle est souvent la seule à fréquenter les mangeoires en périodes de transition. Elle s'adapte à différents milieux, en forêt comme en ville. Vive et curieuse, elle met de la vie et égaie notre environnement.

Il est courageux, sympathique, amical et très résistant en plus d'être très mignon.

I think the black-capped chickadee should be our national bird as most children and adults will see it regularly, this bird has a lovely repertoire of calls and is a frequenter of bird feeders which may stir a child or adult to pursue an interest in bird watching.

Il agrémente mes randonnée en raquettes tout l'hiver, il est magnifique et j'adore son gazouillis.

Curieux, pacifique mais aussi actif et charmant cet oiseau est une perle et mérite de nous représenter.

The year round black-capped chickadee gets my vote for Canada's national bird. Friendly, smart and sociable with humans and other birds, the chickadee is worthy of recognition. Their song is melodic, their flight entertaining, their range is broad, and their distinctiveness is unmistakable

The Chick a Dee, and it song, are easily recognized by young and old.
It seems cheerful even in cold weather.

We have a bunch of these little guys around here all year. We do hang seed bells out for them and they usually show up every day even when it's minus 30 C.
Love to see them.

The chickadees are so sweet and friendly. They will eat out of your hand and are constant companions at the feeders all winter and summer. They are common Canada wide and not an endangered species. If looks like they are here to stay unlike some others. They do no damage and hurt no one.

La mésange à tête noire est l'oiseau que je vois tous les jours et qui me surprend chaque fois que je l'observe. Agile, gracieux, son imprévisible trajectoire m'oblige à être attentive pour suivre ses moindres mouvements. Bien que normalement farouche, il vit dans les bois, mais également à proximité des maisons. Il sait affronter la froidure de l'hiver en se métamorphosant en une belle petite boule duveteuse.

We have chickadees in our yard all year long. In the spring we always have a pair build their nest in our birdhouse. We enjoy their musical song. They co-exist with the other small birds in our yard and at the bird feeders. Since they are found coast to coast and stay during the winter, they are the perfect candidate for our National bird.

Lovely little birds every where around the trails in Edmonton. if you stretch out with your palm sometimes they will stand on it and try to find food.
Love it

A year round resident in our local forests and urban trees cape. Distinctive call heard all year round.

The black-capped Chickadee is found coast to coast and is such a sweet bird it would make an excellent National Bird. It is the only bird amongst the main contenders that will feed out of your hand. The song of the chickadee is so distinct Canadians all know (and love) the bird.

I really only seriously started backyard birding this past summer. While I welcome all birds to my multiple feeders, I most thoroughly enjoy the Chickadees. I love to watch them go to the water feeder for a quick drink, then to one of the feeders and then into the branches of my mulberry tree. They repeat this pattern over and over and are so polite. It is now December and they are still coming. I feel a huge responsibility to ensure they and all the over-winter birds are well fed and watered during the winter.

I also love the Cardinals and have two sets that come both morning and night to feed. They were particularly fun to watch during their 'courting' ritual. Cardinals would be my second choice.

Not only is the Chickadee distributed across Canada, they provide so much enjoyment to so many people with their social nature towards humans. On numerous occasions I have visited a location where the Chickadees come to my hand in numbers. Their activity then attracts so many other birds, including Nuthatches and Downy Woodpeckers that will then also come to my hand. So much fun. Furthermore, they are just so incredibly cute. They are always the first birds to greet me in that location as well. I love all birds and Chickadees make perfect ambassadors for the natural world with which we are all blessed. They simply make people happy. Cheers! :^)

This cute little bird is found in most jurisdictions in Canada unlike the Gray Jay that I never see in Essex County. It not only lives in Canada, but stays here all year round. It gets along with most species including humans and is often depicted feeding from the hands of children or adults alike. What better bird to represent this great country of ours.

The Chickadee Was a favourite bird all my life. I did a major project in Natural Science 101 at University on the Chickadee. The happy little bird lives all around here and I see it everywhere I have gone in Canada. It has the personality and range to be called a Bird of Canada.

I have a bird feeder on my deck railing and the chickadee is the most frequent visitor. Seldom fearful, they will sit at the feeder while I barbecue not 8 feet from their roost. They wait for the grackles and red-wing blackbirds to leave when I chase those larger birds away, then come back to resume their feeding. Year round visitors, I enjoy watching them come and go.

La mésange à tête noire ,c'est un oiseau que je côtoie toute l'année . Elle est partout. Très agréable à regardé. Facile d'approche.Elle embelli mes jounées. C'est pour toutes ces raisons que je vote pour elle.Elle fait partie de mon quotidien J'espère qu'elle sera mon emblème........Merci Carole Plouffe

They are like little fluffs of velvet

They are the bird I see and enjoy the most on my daily walks in the bush or on Main Street here in North Bay ontario.

The lovely chickadee's call is easy to recognize, and is a pleasure to hear
all year round. Their quick flits from the bird feeder to snatch a seed
and then to the safety of the trees is amusing to watch especially when three of them are going in rotation. They are also very courteous in their turn at the bird feeder.

The chickadee is here year round, they are tiny, cute and brave.

The black capped chickadee is a bird that represents Canada's Character. It is a happy bird with a cheerful song. It is not large or showy but works tirelessly. It is a friendly, peaceful bird who does not hunt. It makes it home in Canada year round rather than being a part time resident.

The black-capped chickadee is simply adorable and friendly and i know for a fact that little bird has put a smile on many faces to young children and older people also.

The Black-capped chickadee is a beautiful bird. They are all around Canada and I believe that they should be our national bird.

I love the chickadee's cheery sounds. They are fun to watch in my backyard year round. Their range is most of Canada. I think they would make a great national bird!

Ever since I heard about this project, I have wanted the chickadee to become Canada's national bird. All year round, I can find them outside of my house, in the woods, and even flitting through town streets. Years ago I learned from their calls when to expect certain vehicles, animals, and various other disturbances in their day to day life. I have even learned to mimic a few of their mesmerizing tunes, to which will begin a lengthy conversation between me and these incredible creatures. Call me crazy, but these little guys really have the spirit and personality to become the feathered friend that represents our country. They can be found throughout most of Canada, as well. Sure, the Canadian Loon is a likely candidate, but not only is it already the national bird of Ontario, but it is too predictable to choose. Please vote to this tiny little gift of nature the credit it deserves. :D

As black-capped chickadees are year-round residents, and bold and fearless to boot, they are far more suited as a national bird than transients who can't remain through our signature winter.

Chickadees are badass

The Black-capped chickadee is truly representative of the spirit of Canada. All winter they sit in the cedar tree in my back yard and sing. It can be -30 and they still sing. They are tough determined little birds. They don't fly away to somewhere warm when winter comes. They stick around, make the best of it, and brighten our lives with their song. Ten thumbs up for chickadees.

I work at a woodworking museum and the chickadee name has quickly become our call and response to get the attention of children visitors. After chanting it so long there is no bird specimen they are more excited to encounter than the chickadee. For me the Chickadee is a rallying point. Plus while I think of Red Wing blackbirds and blue jays as Canadian they have a scary predatory nature that I'm not sure I want to associate with Canada if I don't have to

My favourite bird is the black capped chickadee because it's range is all of Canada's woodlands from B.C. To Newfoundland. It is pretty, very social, it is not a predator. It's songs are easily recognised and it will readily feed from your hand. My birds will land on my head or shoulder to ask for food.

This little bird is totally unassuming, eats from your hand, greets you in the mornings and is always a happy messenger.

The black-capped chickadee's range is from British Columbia to Newfoundland, and it stays in Canada all winter, rather than migrating elsewhere. It also allows humans to interact with you quite readily when you develop a trust relationship with it with repeated feeding. For example, the chickadee will land on your hand to feed, or even rest on your arm or head. Also, everyone in Canada has the opportunity to see them because they are always nearby if you enter a forested area.

The black-capped chickadee is a survivor. Such a tiny ball of fluff to withstand Canada's subzero cold! It's brave, too - it will take food from the hand when larger birds cower.

The cutest and most fascinating bird ...always around and most friendly!

Curious, quick, furtive, expedient, pert, absolutely delightful!

It lives in almost very province and territory and has been seen by a majority of Canadians; but most importantly stays in Canada year round!
I also hope a panel of judges puts forward only a few select birds for voting in the last vote.

we have tones of these in our back yard and I love to hear them singing. The also remind me a bite like my budgie. T LOVE ANIMALS AND BIRDS TO IM GLAD TO DO THIS ,thanks Ameli

I simply love this Chick-a-dee; I love everything about it.

These cute little guys are all over the place. They are sweet. They are polite. They work in groups. They pay their taxes. They are exemplary Canadian birds who I think represent the best of Canada.

Chick-a-dee-dee-dee!

This is one reliable sweet bird that stays here all year long. It is entitled to be our National bird.

The black capped chickadee is the most common bird on that visits my bird feeder. There are others but these little fellows are the first to announce (chirp) their arrival each day. They are less fearful of us and sit and wait until we leave our deck to continue foraging, where the other birds will fly away. I can hear them chattering away when I'm in my kitchen and love to hear them while I continue my daily activities.

I love all the songbirds but these are more common where ever we travel in Canada. It's comforting.

best national bird for Canada

I see and hear them everywhere! They're so cute!! I love their songs.

thay stay in canada all year long

In french
Elle représente bien les qualités des citoyens canadien. ESPRIT DE FAMILLE parfois deux nichées qui n'hésitent pas à s'unir pour former une même et grande famille.
COOPÉRATION ET SOUTIEN. Elles restent unies pour trouver nourritures et abris.
COURAGE. Elles sont les sentinelles de la forêt première à lancer l'alerte.
ENDURANCE Il faut la voir besogner par grand froid.
JOIE DE VIVRE. Personne ne reste insensible à l'émerveillement ni l'espoir que procure son chant.
AUTHENTICITÉ. Pas besoin d'artifice avec autant de qualité.
In english
THEY REPRESENT THE QUALITIES OF CANADIAN CITIZENS.
FAMILY SPIRIT. Sometimes two broods who do not hesitate to join to form one big family.
COOPERATION AND SUPPORT. They remain united to find food and shelters.
COURAGE.They are the sentinel and the first to launch forest alert.
ENDURANCE. In the hard cold winter it's a major worker.
CHEERFULNESS. No rest insensitive at the wonder or hope that gives it song.
AUTHENTICITY. No needs many fireworks with much qualities.

There's some of them in the park behind my house. When I extend my hand they land on it. They're awesome.

The black-capped chickadee epitomizes Canadian spirit and personality. They live here all year and brighten winter's snowy days with the cheerful song. They celebrate spring when their song changes to "Sweetheart" - their call to signal territory. They are beautiful to look at and extremely friendly.

oiseau sympatique et familier qui vient manger dans notre main quand on est patient ...

This cheery and friendly little bird has to be a Canadian!

The Black-capped chickadee has earned my vote as a true representative of Canada. It spends all year in our wonderful country, is a gentle and calm little bird, and unlike some other birds on the list, I'll bet almost every Canadian has seen a chickadee!

The Black-capped Chickadee is the very best candidate for Canada's National Bird. It stays in Canada all year, unlike some candidate species who migrate south for the winter. Most people, even in urban areas, have seen, or at least heard it. The chickadee is cute, loveable, wary and sociable.
Best of all, it appears on the logo of the Ryde Community Co-op!
www.rydecommunityco-op.com.

Vote for the Chickadee!

I love the chickadee, it is spunky and friendly. You can always count on them to make your day.

Love this bird, always so happy and on a crisp winter morning they are still singing their song for the world to hear!

I picked Black-capped Chickadee because, to me, it depicts the “true” Canadian characteristic of resilience; they don’t migrate to Mexico or other warmer countries to bask in the temperate sun; rather they stay behind even when it is -25 Celsius and chirp along no matter what. And they are found all over Canada!

The chickadee is like Canadians in that it is friendly and approachable. It's song is recognizable and pleasant to hear and it is one of the cutest, hard working birds we have.

They're cute.

I had a nesting box placed on a pole approximately 3 feet high in April, a few feet away from a black-oil seed feeder in my backyard.
To my surprise it now has a pair chickadees nesting. I am able to watch their comings and goings form my chair in the house. I am a senior 82 years old.

Cute, friendly, stays all year, abundant, survivor

A small industrious bird found across most of Canada. It is a hardy bird that can survive Canadian weather year-round -- including winters! It has chirp that can only make you happy.

A polite bird that is small and very efficient for its size; that doesn't attack people or pets and doesn't leave piles of poop all over.

An easily identifiable bird that has such great qualities -- just like us Canadians.

I vote for thses little sweeties since they tough it out through the hardest of winters, are with us all year round and keep singing!

Stays in Canada year round
Friendly bird
Doesn't eat other birds or steal baby birds to eat
Children can enjoy this friendly little bird on nature walks.

Friendly /but may also want something in return !

the chick-a-dee is a resident of the city as are we, they make city life a lot more tolerable, there song brightens every ones day, that I am sure of...they are cute, fun, and non destructive. If I was country girl I think I would chose the loon.

It is a happy bird with a joyful song. It is a year round resident of Canada and is found across the country.

C'est un oiseau brillant, plein de mémoire, opportuniste et prêt à mener bataille pour défendre les siens. Elle affronte avec nous les rigueurs de l'hiver. Elle est citadine et à la fois sauvage. Elle est partout, tout le monde la connaît!

The black-capped chickadee
The black-capped chickadee is a wonderful bird for Canada because we see the black-capped chickadee almost every day. In the winter the black capped chickadees eat about half seeds,berries,and other plant matter and this is why you should vote for the black-capped chickadee.
By Logan, age 9

Il est mignon. Sa présence est réconfortante à l'année longue.

I absolutely love the idea of the Black Capped Chickadee being Canada's
national bird . They get their name from their black cap
at the top of their head. These adorable little birds says their own name chickadee-
dee-dee. These little birds are very friendly and active. They live mostly in Canada and a bit in the USA. The chickadees wingspan is 16-21cm long. They weigh is 9-14g and in their length is 12-15cm.
They breed in summer and stay all year round
1,fall 2,winter 3,spring 4,summer..and that is why I think the Black Capped Chickadee should be Canada's national By Miranda age 10

Black Capped Chickadee

I chose the Black Capped Chickadee to vote for because it has a great song, it’s very calm and caring and is a very social bird. Black Capped Chickadees are a
representative bird for Canada, they even spend most of their time in Canada.This bird has a warm song to listen to, it’s nice to listen to when you wake up in the morning and hear the Black Capped Chickadee. The chickadee is found in provincial parks and open trees.The bird has a wingspan of 8 inches, also the chickadee is 5 inches long, that’s surprising! The Black Capped Chickadee also has a very good memory for when they hide their food.This bird is cute, small and is not harmful.That is why I choose the Black Capped Chickadee to be the national bird of Canada!
Chickadee sitting on
a frosty tree.
Baby Black Capped Chickadee .

I think the Black-capped chickadee should be Canada's national bird because they make everyone happy and it feels warm and fuzzy when they land on your hand. The chickadee is very neat, cheerful and says his name. They are soooo cute and adorable! Lots of people love them. The chickadee breeds in summer and the chicks are so cute! The wingspan is 9-21cm.! Their weight 9-14g and their length is 12-15, so small! The chickadee is friendly because they will eat out of your hand and I am sure no other bird will do that. As I said before they are very nice. They stay all year round not just winter. And that's lots of reasons why I think they should be our national bird!
by Gwyneth

The reason the black capped chickadee should be the national bird of Canada is because they have amazing memory for when they hide their food.They are also very friendly. Their eggs can be the size of 0.6 to 1.5 inches and the black capped chickadees wingspan is 8 inches. The black capped chickadee is the size of 5 inches so they’re small and won’t bother you .Other reasons that they should be the national bird of Canada is because they stay in Canada all year around and black capped chickadees are very social with other birds like finches and sparrows. The black capped chickadees habitat is in open forests,parks and suburban areas so they’re very social with people too . These are the reasons why I think the black capped chickadee should be the national bird of
Canada.

After thinking long and hard I finally decided the Black-capped chickadee is an amazing bird to be Canada’s national Bird because every morning I wake and hear lots of birds but i hear the Black-capped chickadee above them all. And it is the cutest little thing you have ever seen. It hops about the branches finding little seeds and even stays here in long harsh winters.The Black-capped chickadee has a very interesting scientific name it is Poecile atricapilla.They can fly to 35 miles per hour which is fast for a bird.The Black-capped chickadee loves to eat seeds, so put out a bird feeder and in one or two weeks you will probably see some black-capped chickadees at your feeder.The Black-capped chickadee is the national bird of New Brunswick.Yes some of you out there like the Canada goose cause it has Canada in it’s name but the Canada goose is very loud and never comes to your feeder, but the Black-capped chickadee has a quiet call and comes to your feeder a lot. So that is all for today so I hope you pick the Black-capped chickadee as the National Bird!

The Black-Capped Chickadee
The Black-Capped Chickadee is a wonderful creature.I think that the chickadee has a beautiful call. It says its name in its call. It stays around all year and is the bird that I see the most in the winter.The call goes like this chickadee-dee-dee-dee-dee-dee. When I think of Canada I think of the Black Capped Chickadee because it is a sign of happiness. It is black,white and gold. And that's why I think the Black Capped Chickadee should be Canada’s national bird.

When I was a little girl growing up in Ontario in the bush, I would be awoken from sleep in the mornings (and quite likely from naps) to the "hey sweetie" call of the chickadee. But my 4-year-old ears heard, "Hi, Katie, Hi Katie." My name is Katie. Now that I'm an adult and living in the city, I don't very often get to hear my name being called like that, but recently, a chickadee has begun living near my work and has started calling to me. It takes me back to peaceful, summer mornings.

La mésange habite parmi nous durant toute l'année c'est pourquoi on devrait la considérer comme notre oiseau national puisqu'elle est notre fidèle compagne de tous les jours, été comme hiver. C'est aussi un modèle d'endurance et d'ingéniosité.

The chickadee is found in many parts of Canada. Robust enough to withstand our winters, it stays throughout the year, not claiming dual citizenship as many birds do. It is brave and friendly, and seems as if it would have a sense of humour. Its language ability is versatile, as it has several calls as well as its signature "Chick-a-dee-dee-dee". It would be a worthy representative of our country.

Tough yet unassuming. Equal parts adorable and elegant. Stylish in a winter landscape.
Quintessentially Canadian.

Go Chickadees!

I like the black-capped chickadee because it is beautiful, because it lives all over Canada and it is very small.

I voted for it because it is a very small cute little bird. And it makes nice sounds.

Always around and with the same high energy, from the bitter cold of mid-winter to the heat of summer. Plus, they amuse my granddaughter for hours by coming to her hand for sunflower seeds at Pinery PP.

I vote Chickadee. Theyre an adorable sweet species. I have houses for them and watch them daily. They are tiny but fiercly protect their eggs and young. The song they sing is beautiful and watching them brings joy to all. Theyre a remarkable bird - they can even remember a thousand locations where they have hidden food!!

After much deliberation I decided that the Black-capped Chickadee was the bird that best fit the criteria set out by the various organizations involved in this project. The Chickadee can be found in almost, if not all, of the locations listed by habitat.

Another reason I choose this bird is that almost everyone is familiar with it even small children which I think is important if the bird is to represent all of Canada and there by all Canadians.

What better species than one that small children can feed from their hands, to a child there is nothing more exciting than that experience and it is also one they willing share with all their friends.

Sure we could all vote for our own personal favorites but would they truly represent Canada as a whole and would it be a species that is familiar to all Canadians or just a few.

Pat Jarvis

I voted for the Black-capped chickadee because they range across the country and stick around all year. They live in diverse habitats and are easily recognizable to most Canadians. They are tough little birds built for our climate.

I chouse the black capped chikadee because I like the sound it makes.

It's fuzzy. It's cute.

I like the sound of the blackcapedchickadee.I hear it evry mornig

I think the Black-capped Chickadee should be Canada's National Bird because it is friendly and (most) of the residents of Canada are friendly as well. These birds are also happy and no one wants a sad bird representing them, right? They are not afraid to approach Canadians and are not endangered in any way, so they could be our national bird for a long time. Black-capped Chickadees are non-migratory birds as well, (probably because they love our country) so we can enjoy them and their happy calls all year round! Please vote for the Black-capped Chickadee! P.S. My class did a project on birds where we had to choose a bird and so on, so on, and 4 people did this bird! Probably because it's so cute.

I think the Black-capped chickadee should be the National Bird because it is a friendly bird and it is a cute bird. Canada is also a very friendly country and we should have a friendly bird to represent us. This is why the
Black-capped chickadee should be the National Bird!

I think the Black-capped Chickadee should be the Canadian national bird because it is really cute, also because you could stick out your hand and make a chickadee noise and it will come on your hand.

I think this should be the national bird because:
1. its fluffy and looks cuddely.

2.its really friendly and nice and we are friendly and nice.

3.it lives in most parts of Canada and we need a bird that lives in most parts of Canada.
I really hope you guys vote for this bird PLEASE!!!

I chose the Black-capped Chickadee because it is friendly, nice and I think it can represent Canada. Plus Chickadees are unique because I think they are the only bird that can mimic other birds and Chickadees are also acrobatic. So please vote for the Black-capped Chickadee National Canadian Bird!

I think the Black-Capped Chickadee should be the Canadian National Bird. This bird is cute, curios and hoppy. The chickadee is friendly around people like if you put your hand out with seeds it will come in your hand.

I think the Black-capped chickadee should be Canadas National bird because it has a beautiful song and also is very fluffy and as soon as you see the bird you will think that the bird is the bird you ever seen and want to go see it.

I think the black-capped Chickadee as Canada's national bird because it is the cutest bird IN
THE WORLD and also I LOVE IT

I think you should vote for the Black-capped chickadee as Canada national bird because it is so cute and it has the most beautiful song to wake you up in the morning.

I would like to vote for the Black-capped Chickadee. This bird is my personal favourite because it is ADORABLE! and tiny with an over sized head. Also, you can find almost anywhere or anytime which means A TON of cuteness in your life. Please vote for this bird because if you vote for this bird you will be making me and some of Canada (but mostly me) happy.

I think the chickadee should be Canada's national bird because it is so cute and adorable. You can find the chickadee everywhere you look.

I think the Black-Capped Chickadee should be voted because ITS SO CUTE and it can survive for a pretty long time.They are also very energetic and they love humans.

Such a beautiful bird, and found throughout Canada, their call must be familiar to most Canadians. They start their mating calls in the late winter when so many of us are despairing of the long, cold winter nights, and when I hear them, I'm hopeful again. They are so small, but their confident little calls fly in the face of the winter silence and seem to break its spirit.

On le retrouve partout, il est commun donc ressemble à chacun des canadiens de ce pays. Petit, il survole nos cours et son petit cri est facilement reconnaissable. Il est avec nous pendant toutes les saisons.

My day is always off to a great start when I look out my kitchen window to see my wee friends in the spruce tree, happily accepting my seed offerings ~ all year long! I don't have to travel a long distance in hopes of seeing an elusive bird, or go for years not sighting one, or never seeing one at all! This wee one is with us through all weather , city, country... Everyone knows and loves this bit of fluff with tiny feet perching on your finger to accept a sunflower seed then wishing away with a Dee Dee of thanks!

Such a bright cheerful little bird that flits through our hedgerows looking for their food always chirping their hearts away.

Always cheerful, tells us that spring has arrived, tiny and cheeky, lives here all long, industrious and a permanent resident.

Chickadees stay with us all winter. You never see a dejected chickadee - no matter how cold and miserable the weather is they are feisty and cheerful. Just seeing them makes me smile on the worst of days.

A friendly bird and common in most parts of Canada. A tough bird that handles our climate all year round and even in the worst weather. It is an ambassador for getting children and adults interested in birds when it may land on your hand for food.

The black-capped Chickadee survives a Canadian winter and was always there for us to make the long winter bearable. It is a sweet, friendly bird and beautiful in flight.

Room 7 voted for the black-capped chickadee. We chose this bird because of their sound. This bird can also eat seeds. The black-capped chickadee is our favourite because it can be seen in the back yard. It should be the bird of Canada.

Black-capped Chickadees would be a perfect bird for Canada. It would show a sign of the peacefulness in Canada.

the chickadee is always so cheerful. It is around year round be it near the feeders in town during the winter or in the forests in the summer. Its distinct song makes it easy to find.

The cickadee is cuter then your butt so vote for it

Je choisis la mésange car on peut la voir à l'année dans tout le Canada et dans une grande variété d'habitats. Elle est facilement identifiable et peu farouche.

The black capped chickadee is small but mighty. It is a gentle bird. It endures the long cold winters of Canada. It is able to get along with other birds and tiny animals. I admire them, they represent a Canadian to me.

I love this bird… and for sentimental and symbolically sound reasons I vote for this friendly, Canadian songbird.

This little bird "packs a punch". It is very visible and friendly and I love its' musical song. If you are patient it will feed from your hand. I feel this little bird sets a good example of good nature to everyone and am always cheered up when I hear or see it.
I think this little bird would make the best National Bird for Canada.

The chickadee is a very nice little bird that stays here all winter, a hardy little fellow.

Every student in the Waterloo Region knows a book entitled 'That Chickadee Feeling' by Frank Glew, which describes a young person connecting with nature when a chickadee eats sunflower seeds from his hand. I wish the book were more well-known, but the chickadee's call is one we've heard coast to coast, and they're friendly, non-flashy, non-pushy birds (yes, I'm looking at you, Canada Geese!), much the way we Canadians aspire to be.

The chickadee's song seemed to follow us everywhere as we camped when I was young.

These birds are here all year long and making for great watching even through the winter months.

After thinking about birds such as the snowy owl and Canadian goose I thought that I should stick with the chickadee[my first choice]. The Canadian goose migrates and the snowy owl only comes out at night. The chickadee on the other hand doesn't migrate and comes out at day and as a bonus, it sings! I some times like to imitate the sound it makes[chickadee-dee-dee-dee-dee]. It makes me happy and reminds me of home[Turkey]. I think that the black-capped chickadee represents Canada the best.

The Chickadee wins my heart. I love the Loon, but the Chickadee is accessible to people in so many different locations - both urban and rural as well as those that don't get to visit lakes so often.

I vote for the Chickadee as our National Bird.

This tiny bird does not desert us when the weather gets cold and snow storms cover its food.

No matter how bitterly cold or miserable the day is. The little chickadee greets me every morning with its cheery clear chick-a-dee- dee as if to say "Where have you been you sleepy head?"

This little bird is known to everyone from coast to coast to coast. Whether they live in the big city or in the country.

What better bird to represent Canada than the Chickadee?

Chickadees are sooooo Canadian - polite - cheerful - optimistic --always in a great mood - and willing to be your friend at the first meeting!

The Black-capped Chickadee is our most constant bird in any season across Canada. It is also one of the most photographed birds!

Because it's found in most parts of Canada all year around😊

Because it's the cutest bird of them all😄

ce sont mes amis depuis très longtemps

Cet oiseau est présent dans notre quotidien et il s' approche des humains.

You know all is well with the world when you hear that familiar "chick-a-dee-dee-dee." This little bird gives us all hope.

They are here year round which means they just love to be here and never want to leave and I love their classic, "Chickadee-dee-dee."

The chickadee is cheerful and friendly.It is present and sings throughout the year and even has a separate song to let you know it is excited.

Chickadees are known for their friendly nature, as are Canadians!

This bird lives her year round and is very distinctive in its appearance. Why would any one pick a bird that leaves the country in the winter for warmer weather. We should have a bird that can be resourceful and handle the cold Canadian winters.
If a bird is picked it should be one that stays here year round and is found throughout most
of Canada

They are around in large numbers and most people know them. They are friendly and smart.

Chickadee
I choose the black capped chickadee because I can hear the chickadees singing in the spring, summer, fall and winter. I like the way it sounds happy when it is singing. I like to see them come to my bird feeder.

Those are so funny , they light my life . Every days I give them somme peanuts , and they come near my door .

There are many black-capped chickadees where I live. I can remember them being around for as long as I can remember. When I was younger I also fed chickadees from my hands in forests near my house.

I want it to be loved. And it is very beautiful

The black-capped chickadee is a lovely little bird. It's gentle with happy energies. It's unafraid of me as I cross country ski, bike or walk in the wilderness. I allows me to be a part of it's life(even without feeding it). This is unusual of any other bird I'm aware of.

Stays in Canada 12 months of the year

Simply a cheerful and friendly bird which has a large year-round range across the country with a simple but easily recognizable call.

Peeeeeteeee

The only choice - this bird's range, unlike other selections, is widespread within Canada, cheerfully perseveres here year round, even thru polar vortex winters and scorching summers, politely visits more feeders and trustingly sits upon more hands than all other birds we have to choose from. And they're beautiful. A truly Canadian species and perfect representative as our National Bird.

La petite mésange nous accompagne tout au long de l'année. Elle est l'amie de tous les autres oiseaux présents à nos mangeoires: sittelles, cardinaux, juncos,chardonnerets, pics, sizerins.
Elle est toujours présente vraiment du matin au soir. C'est la plus fidèle entre tous.Elle nous charme aussi par son chant impressionnant pour sa petite taille.

A défaut d'un plumage spectaculaire, elle nous touche simplement par sa manière de bouger et sautille d'une branche à l'autre, infatigable.

Elle mérite très bien de devenir notre oiseau national.

This songbird is cheerful and smart and unlike most of the other suggested birds, the chickadee STAYS WITH US THROUGHOUT OUR LONG ARDUOUS WINTERS, including this past freezin' cold, record-breakin' cold February. That takes daily courage and resourcefulness.
There is nothing that cheers our hearts more than a chickadee, or often a flock of chickadees coming by to visit with their cheery calls and songs.
In summary , the chickadee is cheerful, smart, brave, resourceful, and SO DARN CUTE!

These songbirds are cute and amazing

I would like to pick the black-capped chickadee as Canada's national bird because this little bird is so tough. It survives the miserably cold winters of up to forty below F and that is without the wind chill factor! I love seeing them at my feeders. When I lived in the United States, most birds migrated to warmer climates for the winter, but the little chickadee remained behind. They are representative of Canadians who suffer through the cold winters without even a two-week reprieve to warmer places such as Florida for Easterners and Mexico for Westerners. This little bird has been my winter friend for a long time. I admire them. They encourage me to persevere the harsh winters that we have in Canada. Thank you, my little chickadee. I hope that you make it to becoming our national bird. Even if you don't, I will love you the same.

The migration of the black-capped chickadee is one of the shortest of any bird. Many do not migrate from their birthplace at all, and if the do,they travel only a short distance. I see them around my home all year round. They bring me joy. To quote the Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts Character Sketches book "Joyfulness is providing brightness in the lives of others regardless of outward conditions".

Our Chickadees are trusting and friendly and are a wonderful addition to any Canadian Community.

Petit oiseau assez résilient, fort sympathique, peu sauvage et qu'on croise d'un océan à l'autre!

Le fameux cri du chikadi-di-di est reconnu partout qu'on soit en ville ou en forêt. Un petit oiseau qui partage sa nourriture. C'est aussi un survivant qui s'est très bien adapté dans toutes les écozones du Canada.

The Chickadee is a tough, feisty little survivor that doesn't head for warmer climes when it gets cold. It is also found right across the country. The perfect bird to represent Canada.

How come budgies aren't on the list? I know they aren't native to Canada, but I'd like to have a national bird that knows how to climb a ladder and ring a bell with its beak. If I can't have a budgie, I'll take a chickadee. They look like old guys who use spray-on hair.

Both in rural and in urban environments, these cheeky li'l birds stick around all year. Loons don't like snow, and they sound like Daffy Duck. Most Canadian's have never seen a snowy owl.

I think the black-capped chickadee is the sweetest bird in the world. I always smile and feel happy when I see one. Everyone knows this little bird and sometimes the cutest smartest itsybitsy bird is just the most special. I once was lucky enough to have a chickadee take a sunflower seed from my hand while he was perched on my finger. He looked right at me and smiled. They survive the worst Canadian winter without complaining one bit. No matter what, you can count on them to be at your feeder first think every morning. They have different songs and are always in a good mood and very thankful for the smallest seed offered. So I think we should choose this little darling bird. It's just so Canadian eh!!!!

This tiny musical bird is a true Canadian, tolerating all weather conditions without a complaint 12 months of the year. It is a hearty, friendly creature that readily adapts to life in city or country. Mannerly and patient with other birds, it even reflects the Canadian disposition.

What a perfect representative for Canada!

The greatest little bird, so friendly and tough stay through our cold Canadian winters. They can be found in most province's and there song always makes your heart happy. Jay Winters

The black capped chikadee is most definitively one of my favourite bird. Their chick-a-dee-dee-dee always brings a smile to my face.

Chickadees are the bomb.com

Je trouve cet oiseau fort sympathique surtout lorsqu'il vient manger dans nos mains. La mésange est présente toute l'année au Canada. Sont chant est joyeux et elle est facile à attirer aux mangeoires.

This tiny little bird is mighty. They are bold and friendly and tough it out in the coldest of winters. They can remember where they store food for up to 29 days.When ever I hear them sing it brings me just pleasure and makes me chuckle at the same time and I am reminded of Canada.

I have been feeding these birds for years. They are the friendliest of birds and a pleasure to hear their song.

The Chickadee is a happy and welcome sight all year round all across Canada. Canada's national bird should be one that winters here, as Canada is, after all, a country with a lot of winter! The Chickadee goes about its business in an unassuming way, like Canadians do. But if danger is near, the Chickadee is quick to give the danger signal.

i think the chickadee would be a good choice because they are everywhere, they are also a welcomed bird, clean and not a nusience they are recognizable, beautiful colouring. And a good choice

My reason for choosing the Black-capped Chickadee is they are here all year round and coast to coast. They always make such cheerful sounds and are very recognizable. They are not timid to the point of almost being tame.

I believe it should be the Black-capped Chickadee because they are from coast to coast and here year round. He is a smaller bird and therefore should be given a chance to be put on high as our bird. He is a cheerful bird to hear year round no matter the weather you find him out and about braving all sort of snow and cold. Like us Canadians.

Black-capped chickadees are amazing little birds that are seen all year round flying happily about ! Their distinct song and very tame nature make them one of my favourites !! :)

Resides in Canada and my backyard all year

We feed the birds every season and the chickadee are always present. We love them and think they'd be the best, friendliest and most popular choice! You don't have to be on the water to see them.

My reasoning for my vote on the black cape chickadee are the following , pleasing to the eye with lovely markings, friendly and peaceful, will answer back when called, travels in a group, very pleasant bird call, very tolerant to our winters and any other conditions that mother nature dishes out. Although it is a small bird, it does make its presences known . Thank you

The black capped chickadee does not migrate! It is the most widely known bird. Its' chick-a-dee-dee-dee is heard almost everywhere in Canada. Chickadees are our true bird friends and they will come to our hands or heads to be fed and to look at us more closely! These birds are distinct in their markings. They are small but mighty on the international level just like Canadians!! Chickadees are observant and trusting. Many are able to survive extreme weather conditions. These deserved our recognition and how pretty these birds would look on Canadian wares.

Chickadees still sing even during the most frigid days. A testimony to their fortitude and positivity.

We love the chickadee as it is such a friendly bird. It's beautiful voice can be heard all year long. Feeding them daily is one of out treats. They are such good neighbours.

The lady of Wye Marsh, stated that the National Bird should reflect the Canadian personalities and I think the tiny Black Capped Chickadee fits the bill to a T!

They are a bird that stays in canada 12 months of the year. They are commonly found throughout Canada. And they are cute.

This bird represents the polite friendly easy going nature that canadians have been know for world wide for years.

The black-capped chickadees come to visit year round and sing a very comforting song. They are found in all parts of Canada.

The chickadee is the best choice for Canada's national bird because it stays in the cold during the winter, and it adjusts it's communal habits based on the season, just like we do!

Oiseaux que l'on peut voir en été comme en hiver.

Oiseaux avec un très beau chant.

Oiseaux pas farouches.

Because as a child, the highlight of the month was when my new issue of the CHICKADEE came in the mail.

That magazine made me love the Canadian outdoors and enjoy our domestic wildlife as much as I loved rhinos and flamingoes.

I love their sassy little calls and how they fearlessly swoop down to eat off your hand.

Personnellement, je considère ce petit oiseau, qui reste avec nous tout l'hiver, bien représentatif de notre peuple. En plus d'être beau, il est courageux, tenace, sociable, tolérant et respectueux envers les autres oiseaux qui viennent à ses mangeoires. De plus, il est très astucieux pour se protéger du froid en s'abritant dans les conifères (cèdres, etc.) alors qu'il s'y insère et s'y construit des iglous dans la neige qui s'accroche aux branches.

Par ses qualités et son ingéniosité, il est vraiment représentatif de toutes les nations qui forment le Canada!!

I think the Black-Capped Chickadee in a way symbolizes Canadians: they are here all year round, they are generally friendly, and are very adaptable to different surroundings and temperatures. Wouldn't you say that describes a Canadian?

I think the chickadees deserve an award they are so friendly. never fight at the feeders of which we have three, they also take turns
Wouldn't it be nice if humans were as friendly and non-combative

I believe the BCCH is the most fitting bird national. It's Small, seemingly fragile, but is a cheerful and social bird that can endure extreme hardships and challenges. Everyone likes chickadees, but not everyone likes or appreciates the aggressive predatory birds or other more reclusive species.

I should note that I grew up in Canada and still consider myself very Canadian.

I feel the black-capped chickadee is the quintesenntial Canadain bird. It was the bird of my childhood, growing up on my father's homestead in eastern Saskatchewan and a source of joy year round at our home in Muskoka. My beloved older brother Walter admired that the chickadees stayed in Canada year round, even in our severe winters. I marvel at how they take their turns at the feeder and even drop to the ground to pick a fallen seed. I am told that little clans of four huddle together at night to keep warm. Their cheerful song is the first bird song I learned, as long as most
Canadians. I do hope we choose this small but strong, cheerful, sharing bird as Canada's national bird.

I feel the black-capped chickadee is the quintesenntial Canadain bird. It was the bird of my childhood, growing up on my father's homestead in eastern Saskatchewan and a source of joy year round at our home in Muskoka. My beloved older brother Walter admired that the chickadees stayed in Canada year round, even in our severe winters. I marvel at how they take their turns at the feeder and even drop to the ground to pick a fallen seed. I am told that little clans of four huddle together at night to keep warm. Their cheerful song is the first bird song I learned, as long as most
Canadians. I do hope we choose this small but strong, cheerful, sharing bird as Canada's national bird.

What's not to love about the black-capped chickadee? It is a friendly, curious and resourceful little bird found in virtually every part of the country. Never a nuisance, it stays all year entertaining us with its delightful songs.

La mésange fréquente nos jardin. Elle est familière avec l'homme et se laisse facilement approcher. On peut la nourrir dans nos mains. Elle est mignonne et demeure au pays toute l'année.

I don't know a lot about birds I just know I can't wait in the spring time to hear the chickadees out side I know it's a sure sign of spring and there's nothing better to wake up to then sound of a chickadee. I think all the other birds are awesome as well but there's nothing more soothing then sound of a chickadee that's makes me feel at home in the north. It's a sound worth waiting for after the cold winter months.

Nothing says spring is on the way than hearing a chickadee's song "spring's here". My grandma told me this while I was away living in New Zealand. Since I moved back every time I hear the birds sing "spring's here" I think of here and the joy and hope these birds bring of the promise of spring and warm weather. They are also so very cute and stay around all year long like some many of us true and hearty Canadians.

La mésange à tête noire égaie nos promenades été comme hiver grâce à son chant mélodieux et à ses cris facilement reconnaissables. Elle semble heureuse et bien adaptée à la majorité des régions du Canada. Elle est facile à observer et la plupart des gens savent la reconnaître. Parmi les oiseaux qui passent toute l'année au Canada, c'est une des plus belles espèces.

The black-capped chicadee is, IMHO, the most reliable of Canadian birds. Present in all provinces and rterritories, it is also there for us in all seasons. Even if it's a super cold winter day in the -30C range and nothing seems to be moving, you will still find a chicadee, unlike those wimpy loons and geese who hightail it south every winter!

I think the black capped chickadee should be the national bird of Ontario because I see them in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and all of Ontario

While our beloved Loon brings forth deep emotions and memories of times spent at lakes, not all Canadians have access to them. When I think of the Black capped chickadee I know that I have enjoyed them in many different environments both urban and rural. All Canadians can enjoy them and can imitate at least one version of their call. Chickadee-dee-dee-dee.

I believe that is what makes a bird a worthy candidate to become our national bird.

Je les vois tous les jours et elles s'approcheni très près de nous lorsque nous allons en foret.

The chickadee is such a happy and friendly bird all year long. They are very trusting of humans if you are friendly to them.

The Black-capped Chickadee's are seen all year long In the winter when there aren't many birds to see, the chickadee can always be counted on to be nearby. They are so friendly and unafraid.

The black-capped chickadee can be seen in my courtyard every day even when the temperature is below -20 Celsius and it eats bad insects in my trees in summer. You can go into the forest, in every season and very North in Canada, and always ear his song and see it. It is definitely my first choice!

I think the Chickadee should be our bird, not only are they friendly,& get along with all others, they are the only bird, (with the exception of the owl) that remain here YEAR AROUND. In that respect, they are truly Canadian!!!

Such a friendly little bird that is able to withstand Canada's cold winters.

This is the only bird of all the contestants that regularly appears in my yard. Beautiful, lovely little song, not afraid of humans.......brightens my day.

Oiseau qui reste toute l'année avec nous .Facile à voir. Voilà pourquoi j'ai choisi ce bel oiseau.

The black-capped chickadee shows a hardiness and resilience that reflects the outlook and personalities of so many Canadians. These small birds are our cheerful, alert companions through the cold, long winters. These friendly birds have a distinctive call and are easily seen and recognized.

If you pay any attention to these friendly little creatures, you will notice them singing almost all the time....no matter the weather. And you see them all the time and they don't flee your presence. I haven't seen a grey jay around my parts of the world. Vote for a bird you can easily enjoy!

Just like my first entry, I feel this bird should be the national symbol because it is an endangered bird only native to Canada.

Elle vit à l'année avec nous, grand froid ou pas.

Petit oiseau toujours présent en toute saison, même lors des grands froids. Très resistant., très sociall.

Été comme hiver, en milieu forestier comme en milieu urbanisé, la mésange à tête noire avive le coeur avec son chant joyeux, sa convivialité, sa sociabilité et ses agréables acrobaties sur les branches des arbres. Je pense que pour toute la joie qu'elle nous procure, elle mérite grandement le statut d'oiseau national.

The Black-capped chickadee is a popular bird at my feeders. I like the way it flits back and forth from the feeder to the nearby bushes where it processes the food. It is also very brave and sometimes takes food right from your hand! Its not flashy in colour but the basic black and white with a touch of tan on this bird is a very pleasing combination to the eye. Its also a very common bird that can be found in every province and parts of the northern territories. Further you do not need to take expeditions, fun though they may be, to see the bird as it is well adapted to human environments as well as more wild ones.

With up to 630 species of birds in Canada, how can we choose a single national avian symbol that honours all of Canada while reflecting our unique character and culture? A few candidate species do leap to mind…

The Canada Goose? Too obvious… In fact, it’s downright uninventive. Have you ever seen the ‘leavings’ these foul fowl deposit in our parks, on our golf courses and along our waterfronts? No thank you! They look best in the oven at Thanksgiving.

What about a bird of prey? They are fierce and powerful, but this choice is simply too trite. It’s a lazy choice and doesn’t capture the subtle and special qualities of Canadians. We are a complex people and deserve a complex bird.

For our national bird to represent all Canadians, our bird should inhabit all the provinces and territories of our vast nation - and our bird should not migrate. I want our bird to enjoy and suffer through all of our seasons like we do. No trips to Mexico for respite!

The perfect choice for Canada’s national bird is the Black-capped Chickadee. It resides in every province and territory in Canada and it never takes a holiday! It is our stalwart and steadfast companion through all seasons. It is resourceful. It is resilient. It is industrious. It is friendly and joyful in the harshest of conditions. It may not look like a falcon, but it has the heart of one! Pick the Black-capped Chickadee.

Grant Parks
Calgary, AB
[email protected]

An amazing song bird !! Should be voted as Canada's national bird!!
I wake up every morning listening to this : chick a dee dee dee!!

C'est un petit oiseau fort joli que l'on peut voir à l'année longue partout au Canada. De plus, il peut devenir notre ami si on sait l'apprivoiser en lui donnant de la nourriture (graines de tournesol) - J'aime beaucoup entendre son cri.
Il mérite ce titre parce que, tel que mentionné plus haut, il est courant de le voir partout au Canada à l'année longue donc, il serait un excellent représentant.

Love these birds.When i wake up in the morning and have my coffee i love to watch them fly from branch to branch, they lighten up my day and give me a feeling of joy.

Black capped chickadee are friendly,intelligent,helpful and outdoorsy. They love outside and so do we because we love camping and going to cottages. They are peaceful like us! They are beautiful birds and they are not endangered You can see them anytime you want.

The black capped chickadee is friendly, Intelligent, Helpful to other birds and Peaceful just like us Canadians!! And best of all, it stays around in the winter time so we can have it all year long. This bird also is not endangered, So we have a slim chance of becoming bird-less once again!! Go Black Capped Chickadee!!

Présent partout au Canada été comme hiver, peut farouche facile a observer.

non migratory, endures the winter,present in all provinces and territories. Cheeky, chirpy, brooks no nonsense from each other or other birds.

Jolie chant, amical, toujours présents toute l'année

Every year thousands of people take time out of their day to feed Chickadees. We put seeds in our hand and stand still in the cold, hoping one will land for a treat. We go on school trips, just to learn about these extraordinary creatures.We take walks in forests listening for a Chickadee to call out for all to hear. Without these birds we wouldn't be the same. Children wouldn't look forward to a Chickadee landing on their hand to eat. They wouldn't see how fragile and important nature is and that it needs to be protected. Something of this importance deserves to represent our country, now and forever.

La mésange à tête noire est un oiseau vif, curieux et débrouillard. Présent dans nos forêts et nos mangeoires toute l'année, il ravive l'hiver avec son chant et son vol assuré. Pour ses caractéristiques et sa présence dans l'ensemble du pays, je considère la mésange à tête noire comme étant notre oiseau national.

Toujours présents , enjoués par temps froid ou chaud . Adorables

The black-capped chickadee is a bird closely represented canadas values, attributes and personality. It is tame,calm, friendly and is also energetic. They live in forests and woodlands. The majority of them stay North for the winter and don't migrate. They travel in groups and everyone is part of a team. They live in most of Canada and only in northern States. They are now the provincial bird of New Brunswick, and I believe they should soon become the National bird of Canada.

The black capped chickadee has many characteristics a Canadian has. They are friendly, they travel in groups and they are calm yet can be energetic at the same time.
That is why the black-capped chickadee should be Canada's National Bird.

The Black Capped Chickadee is a small, peaceful bird that all Canadians know about. It is a peaceful bird, that will care for their young, until they are ready to leave the nest, which describes Canadians, we are peaceful and caring. The Black Capped Chickadee is already New Brunswick's provincial bird, so it's already a part of Canada. The bird is not endangered, so if it did become our national bird, we wouldn't have the risk of it becoming extinct. The Black Capped Chickadee also does not migrate during our long, cold Canadian winters, so we would be able to see it all year round. That also kind of describes us Canadians, the way that we are tough, and withstand our winters. Over all, this bird is beautiful and reflects on our Canadian-ship, and that is why I think the Black Capped Chickadee should become our national bird.

The black-capped chickadee is Canada's friendliest bird. It has a superior range for a national bird - look at the maps - and it's there winter and summer. Q. and A.: 'What's your favourite bird?' 'Chickadee, of course.'

The Chickadee is found almost everywhere in Canada and is present year round. The familiar call of the Chickadee is part of who and what we are.

Cette espèce est présente toute l'année au Canada. Active en hiver comme en été.

This hardy little bird makes its home all across Canada in both urban and rural areas. Its cheerful call "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" is easily recognizable and it lives here all year 'round.

Love these little birds they are so curious when we are walking in the woods which is there space, they will all around us to see who we are and they will come sit on your mitt just about every time. My son was awestruck the first time that happen to him. They are such a chatty bird with all their different vocabulary. And they are found throughout Canada year around, they too live through our awful winters! Love their strength as a family unit, they are strong and true!

Ce petit oiseau passe son hiver à travailler fort pour se nourrir à mes mangeoires.
L'été il me divertit par son chant et en volant tout près de moi. Il s'apprivoise facilement et est curieux. C'est un petit oiseau très accessible qui nous rend visite toute l'année.

Je pense que la mésange à tête noire se retrouve à lÈannée sur nos territoires. Son territoire est assez étendue au Québec

I choose black capped chicadees because everyone has access to them in canada and they are friendly and everyone loves them.

cet oiseau est toujours là, j'aime son chant, il est souvent tout près de nous en ville ou en forêt.

The black-capped chickadee should be Canada's national bird due to the fact that it lives in numerous provinces and territories. They include, but are not limited to Saskatchewan, Yukon, British Columbia, Nunavut, Manitoba and so on. They have a habit of investigating everything in its home and territory. One could compare this to how Canadians always investigate, research, and discover things and people. We're always looking for new things so we can better our and other people's life. Also, this is remarkably similar to how the French would investigate the English and vice-versa during the Seven Year War.

The bird isn't beautiful per say, it doesn't have any remarkable features and yet it's such an amazing bird. Just like Canada this bird is amazing in it's own way.

Because there are many places the chickadee is found in Canada

The black-capped chickadees always brings back delightful memories of family outings on the NCC cross-country ski trails. Taking much needed water breaks and snacks we would sit in the sunshine outside the chalets, extend our open palms filled with black sunflower seeds and watch the perky chickadees gently dine on one seed at a time. To see them fly tirelessly in a swooping motion back and forth still gives me a feeling of calmness. Here's to the black-capped chickadee!!

J'aime la mésange à tête noire parce que elle réside toute l'année. Son chant égayé mes journées. Elle est fidèle.

Found everywhere across Canada, unmistakable and its song represents the outdoors.

I feel that our national bird should reflect qualities Canadians admire in themselves. The Chicadee is ubiquitous, friendly, adaptable, independent, hardy, tolerant of other birds, not aggressive but clearly assertive, amusing, sociable.

One important trait is that it overwinters in Canada unlike most other birds, which have a second "winter" identity elsewhere.

Every time I see and hear a Black Capped Chickadee they make me happy. I just want to say "Hello little Chickadee-dee-dee". They are just such a cheerful little bird.

J'admire leur bravoure de demeurer ici et d'affronter les froids hivernaux, elles sont braves et courageuses et jolies et chantent bien fort!

Widespread range - representative of many regions.
Adaptable - in both rural and urban environments.
Smart. Curious.
Tough for its size - a lot of spunk in less than an ounce.
Interesting vocalizations - has lots to say, from "Sweee-tie!" to gargle-swears.
Sociable but also independent.

just like Canadians - friendly, often travelling in family groups, and can be seen enjoying the out doors all across Canada in any weather.

Chickadees.........wonderful,friendly and very entertaining small,Bird.....

This bird does not fly south in the winter and is generally the first bird that children learn about and recognize in Canada. It is naturally native to Canada, is a pretty little bird, and therefore is the best choice.

I feel this little bird epitomizes so much of what it is to be a Canadian. The black capped chickadee is found everywhere in our beautiful country. Like Canadians , he is undaunted by adversity and makes his life in an adaptive fashion. He lives alongside so many other species in harmony. Sometimes he is taken for granted but his distinctive call and reliable appearance keep us grounded in what it is to be a Canadian.
I have them in my garden at the feeder year round. I noticed the first entry into our Chickadee house already. I personally love this little bird.

The ability of the black capped chickadee to survive our severe winters, and our hot summers exemplifies the spirit of the hardy Canadian. The black capped chickadee also lives in every region and climate in Canada. finally he looks like he is wearing a toque, eh!

The Black Capped Chicakdee is a bird for all of Canada. Its migration takes to all areas and its cheerful song is recognized by all.

Once you are a bird lover/watcher/feeder and you have a chick-a-dee dine on seeds right out of your hand ... you will understand !!!

A mes mangeoires, il y a un très grand nombre de mésanges à tête noire. C'est un oiseau très facile à approcher, possédant un beau chant.

I love chickadees because they are cute and I like cute things.

yeah as you can see I'm from Winnipeg Manitoba

when this little birds sings, no matter how horrible my day is makes me feel so much better

c est bien celui qui demeure avec nous 12 mois a l année..........
BRAVO ......et quelle loyauté et fidélité dans notre pays nordique.

They are always at my bird feeds, and are very friendly, cheerful birds! Much like Canadians.

Chickadee this is the only bird to consider. all the others are stupid. chickadees are loveable [even other birds love them], cute, tough as nails they don't jam out and fly south for the winter. you see them every day and they like to come to you if you have a treat for them. Querks and Quarks featured their feet. they have the smallest feet but don't freeze them because they have unique controle of blood flow to their feet. The other birds up for consideration are trash. Canada Geese ah give it a rest. How many kids have been terroized by their attacks down at the local park. How much goose do do have you scraped off your shoes. How many acres of park lawn have they burned out with their crap. When was the last time you heard of a chickadee bringing down a jet. So they can fly in a "V" big deal. They jam out and head south for the winter. The only thing positive about canada geese is their name and the hunting season that doesn't extend long enough. Canada's bird should be known and seen by everyone. How many Loones and Snowy Owls have you seen in your life time. Don't look now but there's a Chickadee in your back yard waiting for you to come out and play. When a chickadee sings it just brightens up your day. In the hardest winter they still show up and give you the encouragement to keep on truckin. If that little bundle of feathers can make it through -40 or -50 below I can too.

vote for the black capped chickee as it stays year round and it not mistaken for any other bird.

My favorite bird. They are found everywhere. They make me happy when they visit.

The sound of the Chickadee is the sound of the forest.. And most of all the sound of being at the cottage during the summer months..

Chickadees are resourceful, and very entertaining. They appear to enjoy being around people and appreciate the food left for them in feeders. They are busy, happy little birds.

The chickadee is truly Canadian - lives here year around, no migration. Lively and friendly a wonderful backyard visitor.

Although it is a small bird for a big country, these birds can be seen around most habitats, especially in cities, where most Canadians live. They can also be found and heard year round.

Oiseau charmant qui sait nous accompagner tous les jours, même par -30°. L'oiseau qui fait aimer tous les oiseaux.

I love this year round visitor to my feeders. They are cheerful, polite and gregarious - like most Canadians. They are also brave - the first to return to the feeders after other, larger birds are scared away. Go Chickadees for National Bird!

Very tough and hardy little bird. Has a beautiful sound.

We have a feeder near our kitchen window and every day I see these happy little birds frit about back and forth back and forth happily going about their business of eating. They make me smile when I see them and it brightens my day.

C'est un oiseau riche en couleur, qui est sociable et qui s'adapte à tout les climats. En plus, on le retrouve dans toutes les provinces.

J'ai choisi la mésange à tête noire parce que c'est un oiseau qui n'a pas peur des humains, qui a un beau profil, qui a un beau chant, qui est très mignon et qui est très gentil.

Par sa présence toute l'année dans notre territoire. Elle mange dans notre main et nous accompagne dans nos randonnées

La mésange à tête noire est un oiseau très vif et très amical qui habite, en toutes saisons, toutes les régions du Canada. C'est pour moi un oiseau très emblématique de l'âme canadienne.

I love to see them when they come to my bird feeders. They are so tame...brings joy when they are here.

First of all, the national bird of Canada should be a year-round resident and not migratory. The black-capped chickadee is a common bird throughout many parts of the country. Not only is it highly visible, as it is usually not a shy bird, but its song and calls are also recognizable to many people. This means that more people will be (or become) familiar with our national bird than would otherwise be possible.

Parceque la Mésange à tête noire est partout en abondance aunCanada!

I love the chickadee's reassuring song and it's compact yet beautiful size.

The black-capped chickadee is a resilient little bird. It stays around most of the year. It has a pleasant call. It is not too aggressive or shy.

I love the chickadee it is so cool.

Cet oiseau nous ressemble car il est très social et aime notre compagnie dans les bois.

Je votre pour la mésange parce que c'est un oiseau qui demeure avec nous à l'année.

Even at -40s there they are ; visiting and sitting ,fluffed up between flights to the sunflower seed feeders - Looked for : happy little visitors in the coldest , darkest time of the year .

Je l'ai connu dès l'enfance. C'est le premier qui est venu manger dans ma main. C'est l'oiseau qui m'accompagne lors de mes randonnées en forêt, de mes sorties en camping, de mon déjeuner sur le perron l'été. Il est constamment présent, que ce soit en été ou en hiver. Un clin d'oeil par la fenêtre, et je le vois sautiller d'arbres en arbres. Fort et joyeux de saison en saison.

they just look so cute plz pick this one and there color

I am voting for the black capped chickadee because it inhabits many of the various locales within our country - boreal forest, prairies, parkland and urban areas. It has a cheery song, is present all year round and isn't shy, so that it is easy to see.

I've always had a love affair with the Chickadee. This was the first bird that I was able to identify and visit close up. At our cottage I often would have them feed from my hands and call to them in the woods by screaming "Hey cheeseburger!". Definitely one of my canadaian favourites.

This beautiful-to-look, cheerful, industrious bird is a favourite of many. It can be found in all seasons and places in Canada. A winner as a NATIONAL BIRD.

Our family picks the chickadee for Canada's National Bird because it overwinters in Canada, it is present across Canada and it has a lovely recognizable song. The kids say it is also very friendly and makes a cute sound.

One of the friendliest birds that will eat from the palm of your hand. They are a joy to watch and their song brings a smile. This is a bird that is well known across Canada and US.

The Black-capped chickadee is here year round, with a friendly little greeting every time.

This has always been my favourite bird. I have seen it in every province across Canada. They are a real joy to have around the yard or in the wild. With their calls they are easily identified. They are a true Northerner and a survivor in the freezing cold of our winters. They are found on backyard bird feeder as they have adapted to humans taking over North America.

I am concerned my thoughts on why I voted for the Chick-a-Dee did not get to you so I am going to try and duplicate it here. The Chick-a-Dee is doubtless the 1st bird children learn to identify. It is everywhere in Canada, all seasons, rural and urban. The Loon is only sighted by those visiting more northerly lakes in warmer seasons. I love them. The Grey Jay is so friendly and endearing. However I have never witnessed it in the city, only on hiking and fishing trips. Thank you.

Jai choisi cet oiseau, en raison de son assiduité dans nos mangeoires, sa présence dans les sentiers et sa facilité d'approche.

Comment ne pas admirer le courage de ce petit oiseau qui vit avec nous toute l'année. Beau temps, mauvais temps, grande froidure ou grande chaleur, il est là,il demeure et semble toujours content. Bien sûr c'est un bien petit volatil pour un si VASTE pays mais, ses qualités sont admirables. INSPIRANTES. Voilà!

The Black-capped Chickadee should be Canada's national bird because it can be found almost everywhere in the country. Canadians live primarily in urban areas and this is a bird commonly found at back yard bird feeders and city parks. Yet it can also be found in wild places, from coast to coast to coast, and through the prairies and Canadian Shield country. It also braves our Canadian winter -unlike the Common Loon, which migrates when the going gets tough. Touching out a cold winter is a quintessentially Canadian characteristic that this bird admirably represents. It is gregarious, curious, cheerful and adaptable, which I would argue are Canadian characteristics. The Black-capped Chickadee also has a lovely call which is easy for people to learn - chickadee-dee-dee-dee, and it's song a clear sweetie... Sweetie.... (Or fee-bee, if you prefer, but it's not quite as charming in my opinion!). These are sounds that warm your heart, and which every Canadian school child has the capacity to learn. So there you have it - our national bird should be one that all Canadians can see and recognise no matter we live, throughout the year, with a call and song that makes us glad. And by the way - it's a real looker too!

La mésange à tête noire : un petit oiseaux fort sympathique. Un oiseau qui se montre beaucoup et qui ne vit pas dans des endroits où nous n'allons jamais ou qui est toujours caché. Un petit chant agréable contrairement à beaucoup d'autres oiseaux. Surtout un oiseau qui ne se sauve pas en hiver mais qui le passe parmi nous.

Cet oiseau est sympathique, accueillant, il est très présent dans tout le Canada été comme hiver. De plus il est familier avec les humains qui le nourrissent.
Il représente la Joie de vivre et la force de vivre (dans les grands froids).
Mignon, menu, joyeux, vif, curieux...il est mon favori.

elle accompagne tous les canadiens, été comme hiver, on entend son chant, on sait ou elle est et quand elle s'en vient nous voir, en raquette , en jardinant ou tout simplement en lisant sous un arbre . Il est tout petit et il nous aime.

I have these birds at my feeder and enjoy their flighty ways.

Il est brave de rester l'hiver.

Very Canadian. Nice song.

Bien qu'elle soit l'emblème avaire d'une autre province canadienne,je constate qu'elle passe l'hyver dans ma région et que pour qu'un oiseau devienne l'emblème c'est une chose importante.

COMMUNICATION EN FRANCAIS S'IL VOUS PLAIT.

Accessible, chant

Oiseau magnifique, présent partout au pays à longueur d'année. Chant agréable.

C'est mon préféré. Il est mon petit voisin de fenêtre
toute l'année.Un compagnon joyeux et fidèle. Je l'adore.

Tellement mignonne, et on la voit toute l'année.

Bonjour. J'habite dans les Laurentides depuis plusieurs années et je côtoie les mésanges à têtes noires à tous les jours. Je les aimes beaucoup car elles me font sourire à chaque fois que j'entends leur chants, chikadee, dee, dee... Beau temps, mauvais temps, elles sont là, je les trouvent très résilientes. Ce sont vraiment des petits oiseaux très sympathiques. Bonnes chance à vous petites mésanges. :)

Brave petit oiseau qui passe l'hiver ici. On trouve la mésange autant à la ville qu'à la campagne.

Elle est à la grandeur du Canada toute l'année,

C'est un petit oiseau qui habite nos forêts toute l'année. Il vole de branche en branche à la recherche de nourriture même par des froids de -30 celcius. Il est le compagnon de randonneurs en forêt et de nos jardiniers canadiens. Son champs est très distinctif, amusant et discret.

Elle est pleine d'énergie, elle est joyeuse et amicale. On la retrouve partout au Canada.

c'est un oiseau qui est vif , qu'on voit régulièrement dans nos mangeoires.
J'aime bien cet oiseau

Oiseau présent sur tout le territoire canadien.
Oiseau amical, facile à approcher, vient se déposer sur notre main.
Oiseau avec un cri/chant agréable à l'écoute.
Oiseau agréable à regarder.
Oiseau à l'instinct grégaire, apparaît souvent en groupe.
Oiseau non destructeur
Oiseau non agressif à l'endroit de d'autres espèces animales

La mésange à tête noire est retrouvée presque partout au Canada.

Elle passe l'hiver ici malgré les grands froids, son chant est magnifique, un oiseau courageux.

Nous les nourrissons l'hiver derrière la maison.
Lorsque les enfants viennent à la maison, les mésanges viennent manger dans leur main et pour un enfant, c'est une merveilleuse expérience.

Ces oiseaux surmontent leur crainte de l'humain pour nos donner du bonheur.

Pour sa beauté, sa délicatesse, son chant et sa personnalité.

Je me souviens d'avoir entendu son chant depuis ma petit enfance dans le Bas-du-Fleuve St-Laurent. De plus, il est magnifique.

sûrement l'oiseau le plus résistant du Canada.

You can see chickadees almost every time you go to the forest.Also they are white and a part of the Canadian flag is white

This little guy is friendly, hardy, and kind of says a lot about what we are as Canadians. Its always a reminder of home.
It is also found in every Province and Territory.
Gets my vote everytime for Canadian Bird

je vote pour la mésange puisqu'elle est en grand nombre dans ma région. Je trouve que c'est un petit oiseau joyeux et qui n'a pas peur de nous. Je les nourris en hiver avec beaucoup d'autres sortes mais mon choix s'arrête sur la mésange.

an all season bird - friendly, attractive and agile.

la mésange est un oiseau qui nous est familier. De plus il est tres vif et de belle apparence.

Polite, good spirited, resolute, and cheery. It weathers through winter like we do. No fleeing south for half the year like some other "leading candidates". So cheerful, other birds seek them out to hang out with, especially during tough winters. Real heroes in my book.

Reste au Canada à l'année, facilement observable aux mangeoires.

Un bel oiseau qu'on retrouve toute l'année au pays.

Mon petit oiseau préféré car il est à l'année dans notre mangeoire et j'aime beaucoup son chant. 😐

Cet oiseau demeure parmi nous même en hiver. Il a un beau chant. Il aime la compagnie des humains et est facile d'approche. Avec un peu de patience, il vient manger dans votre main. Je crois que ce serait le meilleur oiseau représenter le Canada!

j'aime ses cris. Il vient souvent manger dans notre main. Il nous accompagne en forêt.

Je pense que cet oiseau est très représentatif.

La mésange à tête noire est un oiseaux très sympathique (peu farouche) présent toute l'année sur l'ensemble du territoire du Canada. Il manifeste sa présence même dans les plus grands froids et accompagne nos balades en forêt.

j'adore cet oiseau, il me rend heureuse, il est enjoué et son chant me fascine lorsqu'il averti lors d'un danger. Il fréquente mes mangeoires à l'année et vient manger dans la main. Je pense qu'il peut transmettre aux canadiens par sa présence le bonheur en ces temps moroses!

Elle est amicale,énergique,joyeuse et courageuse. Son chant égaie mon environnement depuis longtemps, je l'adore. Je l'ai photographiée et fait deux expos photos laminées avec elle comme seul sujet. Le profit des ventes est allé au service de loisirs d' un CHSLD. Bref elle fait beaucoup de bien autour d'elle.

I love all Birds,
Its hard to choose . Black -capped chickadee is the one that is most numerous at my Feeder in the Winter, the next would be Blue-Jay . Red-winged black Birds are more favorites. But there are much fewer [ Habitat Loss ]. In General over the last 40 years I have noticed an alarming decline of many Bird-Species.....some like the yellow Grosbeak have not been here for several Years. I think the GMO Pesticide Herbicide Farming Plus the early cutting and baling of hay is very destructive to ground nesting Birds.....I could go on. But it makes me so depressed what has happened to Wild Life in the last 40 years . Mother Nature is crying , and so am I . I am deeply grieving the man- made destruction of our Planet ! Our Home ! The Home to all LIFE ! I sign in tears, with little Hope : a Senior Nature- Lover and lifelong , active Environmentalist ,Johanna Ryffel

Il est présent un peu partout.

Petit oiseau bien acclimaté à tous nos climats et qui se trouve partout au pays.
Il cohabite avec plusieurs espèces et il a de l'élégance et de la simplicité dans sa robe colorée.

Elles nous accompagnent principalement l'hiver mais aussi tout au long de l'année. Chaque matin, nous les nourrissons avec des graines de tournesol et elles enjolivent nos journées.

J'aime le chant de la Mésange à tête noire. Elle me rappelle des moments heureux de ma vie. Elle a un chant doux et agréable à entendre. De plus, c'est un oiseau sociable qui incarne la joie de vivre.

Petite mésange, facile à reconnaître et à approcher. Chant agréable et en plus partout au Canada et cela à l'année . Voilà ce qui fait qu'elle devrait être le meilleur choix pour nous représenter.

Le chant de ce petit oiseau est le son le plus caractéristique de nos hivers.

elles m'accompagnent partout dans le parc du Mont St -Bruno et leur simple vue me réjouit le cœur

le messange a tete noire resite a nos 4 saisons au Quebec. Son chant est doux et relaxant. Il est mignon, pacifiaque et il peu nous fiare confiance et venir atterir dans nos mains pour y cueillir des graines de tournesol..

Pour sa résilience a l'hiver, entendre son chant quand on se promène dans les parcs réchauffe le cœur!

depuis le tout jeune âge j'aime son chant ça me r'appelle le temps des sucre à la cabane on les entendaient a cour de jours et le remarque encore aujourd'hui ,les adultes et les enfants aime les approcher avec des grains ,c'est une activité que j'ai pratiquer avec mes enfants cultivant et relaxant
En plus ils sont jolis

Il est commun et se laisse observer facilement...
On le retrouve partout au Canada...
Son cri est doux à l'oreille....

il s'agit de l'oiseau que l'on rencontre le plus facilement dans nos mangeoires, dans les parcs.

Nous voyons régulièrement ces charmants petits oiseaux à la mangeoire. Ils sont peu farouches et peuvent venir manger dans notre main parfois. Ils passent tout l'hiver avec nous. J'ai hésité avec les Dur Becs des Pins, que nous apprécions beaucoup aussi.

I feel that we are losing too many birds because of wind turnines and solar farms . The chickadee is a beautiful bird and I do not want to see him become extinct

Je trouve que ce petit oiseau résilient représente bien le peuple canadien par sa simplicité. Il est présent partout au Canada, et demeure avec nous l'hiver.

J adore ce petit oiseau si social

The chicadee is small but vital swift and sweet

I love watching these chickadees. I don't know how they survive our cold winters because they are so small, but I love them. So cute

Everyone loves the chickadee. Their song sounds like O Canada. They are polite and would say sorry if they could!...very Canadian of them eh!

This is a slam dunk for me. The Black Capped Chickadee is found in every province and territory in Canada, and is one of the most recognizable birds we have. When I'm out on my property, I always have a following, hopeful that I have a few seeds in my pocket. In the Winter, they will feed out of my hand. When you describe the Black Capped Chickadee, you are describing qualities that we value as Canadians: quiet and unassuming, yet able to make a living in the harshest conditions, friendly, polite, and willing to put up with our Winters. What's not to like?

This little fellow is so cheerful and friendly. I believe he brightens up the landscape, Canada-wide, all year long, with his presence and song. He gets my vote .

Blackcapped Chickadees are heard & seen year-round

I love them for their beautiful song. Very often there will be one in the column cedar outside my office window at home and I will stop and watch it until he/she finds somewhere else to be.

The Black Capped Chickadee is a friendly bird. It is widespread throughout Canada so has a better representation. Although friendly, he is a hard worker and does not rely solely on feeders for food. A hardy bird for his size, he balances his friendliness with privacy in raising the little family so as to maintain his own culture. he does not get lost with the greed of an easy life at the feeder. He is simple. beautiful, entertaining and friendly, adaptable while remaining independent. I believe Canadians could learn a lot from observing and imitating his behaviour.

The ubiquitous chickadee deserves to be recognized as our national bird. It is actove year-round, even in the coldest winters. It is friendly but feisty - happy to quickly accept a treat from an outstretched palm, but on its own terms. Unlike other birds it keeps its wits about it when turned upside down - like other good Camadians it overcomes advcersity. It is social - look at a gang in a cedar hedge, but still maintains a sense of independence.

Whether here in Alberta, or in Eastern Canada, thie hardy little bird always brings joy. Love there song and there flitting about in the undergrowth and at the bird feeder. Truly a worthy, yet humble choice.

The black-capped chickadee is my favorite bird all-around. It simply is cute and such a happy sounding bird. Every time I see one, it makes me smile. They often come to our birdfeeder and provide happiness all year long. It also is New-Brunswick's official bird. Is therefore is my favorite bird.

La mésange à tête noire est l'oiseau que je préfère parce que facile d'approche, elle mange dans nos mains et son chant me réconcilie avec l'hiver!

They are beautiful, plentiful and friendly.

Having lived in every Province in between - from Ontario to Vancouver and Yellowknife, NWT, I have seen, fed and enjoyed their cheery call in every season of the year. In the winter months they are little feather balls, not afraid to come close to the hand that feeds them. They range all across Canada with the exception of the high-Arctic, thus should be considered the "Canadian Symbol". Some of the other species nominated are rarely, if ever, seen in the Prairies or North of 60.

Their call cheers me on cold winter mornings.

À la fois délicate et forte. On la vois partout près des maisons, en forêt et ceci à longueur d'année à toute les température (-30 +30). Bref un super oiseau, semble fragile mais qui est une force de la nature.

This is my favorite little bird . They are so people friendly and a delight to watch at the feeder. I would like the black-capped chickadee to be Canada's national bird .

What other little Canadian bird can you feed out of your hand all year long but the black capped chickadee!

My favourites are the chickadee and the loon. Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to see and enjoy hearing loons calling on the lake. Therefore, as a bird that you can see and hear, whether you are in the city or the country, is the friendly little chickadee.

It's a coast-to-coast bird that sticks around all winter long... how much more Canadian do you need to get than that?

Pour être reconnue comme emblème national, l'oiseau choisi devrait être un résident permanent de notre terictoire et non pas un simple occupant saisonnier.

J'ai hésité entre le plongeon Huard, car je vis tout près d'un lac... et je peux l'entendre... j'opte pour la mésange à tête noire, elles me suivent tout au long de l'année et elles sont très enjouées...! pour le grand plaisir de tous.

I manage a local nature reserve, where chickadees are our ambassadors. Visitors, especially children, love having them eat sunflower seed out of their hands. European visitors find this a totally new and charming experience. No day for me is complete without feeling little bird feet on my hand . What other species can remember where they've hidden things (food) in a thousand different places? Black-capped chickadee is definitely my choice for National bird!

By far the most common sign of winter is the chickadee that shows up consistently shows up in the late fall right through winter.
What other bird is so unafraid of people and is a pleasure to watch!

i feed the birds all year the black cap is one of my favorit bird they eat out of my hand but i like all birds

Nothing is cuter than a chickadee! I hand feed them in the park all the time. Their beautiful songs can be hear year-round here in the prairies.

Chickadees
Friendly and truly Canadian

Chickadees speak to us as our national bird because, as you know, we Canadians are a friendly bunch and so is the delightful little chickadee. It doesn’t leave its home to travel north or south but chooses to remain in Canada and warm our hearts even on the coldest of winter days. Its perky little song is easily identified by most people as is its beautiful color with black head, bib and white cheeks. It will even sit in your hand if it thinks it will receive a tasty treat.

Chickadees are known throughout Canada. Even though their colouring may differ somewhat, they are still very recognizable. Go for a walk and soon you’ll have the company of these little songsters to make even a dull day brighter. They can be found in any wooded area from forests, woodlots, parks and city neighbourhoods and can easily be enticed to your yard with a bird feeder or suet hung in a tree.

They survive our harsh Canadian winters by their ability to lower their body temperature during the cold winter nights. Chickadees stockpile food for winter and have good spatial memory and can remember where they cache their food. In warmer months the Chickadee’s diet is made up of various insects as well as berries and seeds.

Chickadees usually have one brood per season with the female laying 6-8 brown-specked white eggs. They nest in the hollowed out areas of rotted trees or natural cavities. Both male and female create the nest and fill it with grass, hair, moss and feathers. The male does most of the feeding while the female is brooding but once the eggs hatch, they begin to share the feeding responsibility. Juvenile chickadees will fledge within 16 days but continue to be fed by parents for 2 to 4 weeks. These lovely little birds mate for life.

Though tiny, these birds are truly Canadian and should be considered the National Bird of Canada.

These little sweet birds are all over Canada, urban and rural, and they stay all
winter.
Their presence gives solace in the coldest of winter and they may trustingly come to the hand to feed.

J'admire ce petit oiseau si beau, vigoureux et secure parmi les humains.

A true Canadian found in all parts of the country and stays for winter. Even a child can recognize their call.

So determined brave and cheerful in the face of any and all adversity
And throughout the country

They are a true Canadian. They stay for the winter. They are peace loving, melodic singers and, great mating call to announce spring. Hard working and industrious. Humble and polite, sociable and kind. A true Canadian.

Of course, the Chickadee! It is always present everywhere with a friendly disposition. What else could we ask for?

Je choisis la mésange car elle nous ressemble. Il faut l'observer lorsqu'elle casse le tournesol pour récupérer la graine. La mésange est travaillante et ingénieuse, comme nous le sommes gens de l'Amérique du nord.

Ce petit oiseau est fort et solide malgré sa petite taille et il reste fidèle tout au long de l'année. Il chante bien et sait partager son territoire.

Merci!

La mésange à tête noire est pour moi un petit rayon de soleil qui malgré les froidures d'hiver sait réchauffer mon coeur. Elle est sociable et son chant me fait penser à une personne qui sifflote le bonheur.

Habite le Canada à l'année et présente dans toutes les provinces. Petite mais avec un caractère fort. Intelligente. Grégaire avec un ordre social bien établi. Surtout forestière mais aussi dans les zones urbaines. Facilement reconnaissable. Le choix le plus représentatif!

la mésange est le petit oiseau le plus résilient : toujours a vous suivre lorsque vous faites une randonnee dans le bois, effrontée, vive, elle a un chant reconnaissable entre tous. on la retrouve partout, et elle est connue de tous.

The reason I voted for the BBCH is that no other bird is as cheery in action and voice and as wide spread across Canada. BCCH are friendly, respond to a whistle or call and will with some patience come to your hand for food.

it's a sweet, hardy, magnificent little bird that adds so much to our winters! I'd vote for the loon, except that the loon is not as readily available to most Canadians.

oiseau facile à observer. le premier qui trouve la mangeoire. chant agréable.
le cardinal rouge aussi un bon choix.

The black capped chickadee is a happy feisty bits that you see all around Canada which makes it a great national bird

They are cute and I see them pecking at our bird feeder.
Elle 11years old.

The Blackcap Chickadee is one of the most common and recognized birds in Canada. In the backyard bird surveys it is near or at the top in every area.

I'd like to vote the chickadee for Canada's national bird. These little guys express the true canadian spirit. They're hardy, cheerful, hard-working, all year rounders. They're friendly, curious and smart. They put up with the worst weather, yet never seem to lose their vim.

This bird is by far the most reflective of our country and its people. Vote!

The Black-capped Chickadee is so friendly and sweet
If you're not sure what type of bird he is
He'll tell you when he chirps Chickadee dee dee dee!

He's a hearty Canadian
Through and through
They never let you down
As they are always around!

This little guy is worthy of being the Canadian National Bird!
So mark you vote and let your voice be heard
The Black-capped Chickadee is Canada's National Bird by choice!
Cheers!
Carol Lee

this little bird is everywhere, both in the rural parts of our land and in the urban areas. It,s delightful chirp states its own name and brightens any winter day. It is small, but very social and never takes more than one seed at a time from the feeder. The chickadees wait in turn, one after the other, in an organized relay, each one taking a seed and then leaving to enjoy the treat. They are friendly and with patience will feed from an outstretched hand. It is a thrill to have them perch on your hand or finger, take the seed and flit away. They are actually very intelligent and much more aware of their surroundings than a casual observer would believe. Non-agressive, polite, and at times comical.
Delightful, friendly, smart, handsome and social---like us.
All season long they entertain and delight.
Winter does not impair their play, and crowded cities still ring with their song. A blackcapped chickadee sitting in a green spruce or balsam pine, this is my choice.

I love this cheerful, attractive little bird. Its everywhere and it stays all year round. Sure its common but there is a certain humility to that. The crowning characteristic and it never ceases to lift my spirit is the beautiful call "chick a dee dee dee ;-)"

These friendly little birds are here year round. We get so much pleasure watching them at the feeder during the winter. They are considerate of each other, moving over to make room, rather than trying another bird away. Just a joy to have around.

The Black capped chickadee has always been fun for us to watch at feeders, for our children to feed from their hand, and in the wild they respond to pishing and come to say hello.
They are found throughout Canada. They are around all winter which is a feat in itself.
How can you not love this friendly, feisty little bird?
Thanks
Mary Stoker

I am ten years old, and I think chickadees are great because they will eat from your hand. They sound so nice too.

Cheerful and energetic, a trooper of a Canadian bird.

To see the black-capped chickadee throughout the winter is a delight. Through thick falling snow and brilliant sunny days they are ever present; steadfast. Always waiting their turn at the feeder, they are polite with perseverance. When food is available, they put out a call to the area with a sweet cheep-cheep-cheep, joyously rousing the neighbourhood. These are traits that I would like to see represented in the choice of a national bird for Canada.

Who doesn't love the black-capped chickadee? Cheering up the wintry gardens and flitting through the wildest places of the north? Inspiring us with it's bravery in -30 C? A tiny, daily cheery portal to the divine goodness of life. That oft-calls to us, sometimes even sounds like it's telling us "i love you". This little bird makes every Canadian happy, no matter what the weather.

Je veux voter pour le mésange à tête noire perce que c'est le hiver et les oiseau devrait manger.
Aussi parce que c'est très mignon!

Je pense que le mésange à tête noire peux être le oieseaux national du Canada car il est mignon. Il sont très calme et tu peux lui donné les graines et I'l va pensé que tu est un arbre alors il mange de ta main.

Je veut voter pour le mésange à tête noire car ils reste tout l'année au canada et ils sont si mignons! Quand on a des graines dans nos mains ils penchent sur nos doights et prennent un graine pour manger. Ils sont très sages et protégeraient leurs térritoires quand nécessaire commes nous les canadiens quand un énemie envahit notre pays,voiçi pourquoi je veut voter pour le mésange à tête noire.

A no nonsense, year round Canadian resident that is perfectly designed for the Canadian climate-and so pretty too! The Chickadee gets my vote.

These cheerful little birds add action and enjoyment to many backyard feeders on cold and snowy winter days. They are easily identifiable by both their calls and their colouring. A great bird to introduce to even the youngest Canadian!

I think the black capped chickadee should be our national bird because that bird once crashed into my window at
my cabin and I taught it how to fly again. From that day forth I have remember her forever.They are graceful song birds with a beautiful voice. That is why I think the Black capped chickadee should be the national bird.

I think the Black-Capped Chickadee should be our national bird because it lives all over Canada all year round. It is easily recognizable everywhere around Canada & just the sight of the Black-Capped Chickadee is all you need to make your day.

The Black-Capped Chickadee is so small, with many beautiful features & colors, showing grace everywhere it goes, yet it can stand up to very harsh weather, whichI feel represents our strength & citizenship.

The black capped chickadee should be our national bird because he lives in almost all parts of Canada almost all year round. I think they should be protected by Canadians. He is a lovely bird and doesn't really migrate. The black capped chickadee sings very nice songs as well. For those reasons I think the black capped chickadee should be our provincial bird.

I'm voting for the BCCH for a number of reasons. One, they are hardy little birds who do well in our Canadian winters. Two, they are polite, like Canadians, at the feeder. They fly in, take a seed, fly out to eat it then return. They do not hog the food. Three, they are friendly and sociable and will eat from your hand if you are patient. This is a wondrous delight to children and adults alike. Four, they stay in Canada all year and live in every province and territory. Five, their # 1 song is lovely, easily recognizable and does not intrude. Six, they live everywhere - in rural and urban settings as well as in backyards, and forests, much like Canadians in general. Seven, they are small but mighty, much like our country's population. Eight, they mind their own business, do not attack other birds, are never aggressive. Nine, they are proud little birds, visible yet maintain a respectful distance, kind of like our national identity. Ten, they are beautiful and charming - (I'm sure they apologize often too) just like us!

Le mesange a tete noire est present a nos mangeoires tout l'hiver. Il peut resister au froid et c'est pourquoi il est un bon symbole canadien.

I walk to work daily, summer and winter and hear the chichadees in the coldest day of the winter in the mornings. It's so refreshing to have them in every seasons. I hope this bird will be picked.

The black-capped chickadee is the quintessential Canadian. Found across the country, it is a friendly, polite, unassuming and very loveable creature capable of having fun regardless of the weather. It is not as loud, flashy or aggressive as some others but anyone who has had the good fortune to make friends with a chickadee over a handful of sunflower seeds will walk away with a lighter step and a smile on their face.

For years the cheerful and bright Black-capped chickadee has won our admiration! Constantly charming us with its friendliness, curiosity and investigative nature, it fears little of humans. Like Canadians and not to be underestimated, the chickadee"s fierce tenacity has ensured adaption to survive all habitats, from forest to urban neighbourhood, coast to coast, as the most widespread of all bird species.
In the frigid cold, this little songbird toughs it out like no other, lowering it's body temperature by as much as 12 degrees to conserve energy, and so, we are reminded of what it is to be Canadian!
No shirker in the good looks department, the chickadee is a snappy dresser, always in vogue and looking sharp in black cap and bib - nothing too provocative or gaudy for this little looker. Talk about Canadian sensibility! And when it comes to beautiful and complex song vocalizations, Michael Buble' step aside for real songs that can tell a tale or two!
In the fall, this fine little acrobat joins other birds in mixed flocks, signalling food sources and predators - a strikingly Canadian way of community sharing and caring. As an incredibly intelligent food gatherer, the chickadee is known to stash it's cache and have the keen memory to locate it up to 28 days later, reflecting a certain Canadian panache for smarts! Having a voracious appetite for bugs and larvae in forests and orchards, the chickadee is one of the best natural pest exterminators going...environmentalism at its Canadian best!!
The Black-capped chickadee-dee-dee-indeed for Canada's National Bird!

The chickadee is a beautiful little bird that brightens the winter scene, hardy, quick, pretty, a very Canadian bird

The black-capped chickadee should be selected as Canada's national bird for several reasons. They are found in both urban and rural locations. Their distinctive song is recognizable by all, and is a frequent visitor to people's birdfeeders. The chickadee does not fly south for the winter, but stays in Canada!

This bird is very recognizable and is found in every province in Canada. Therefore it should be Canada's national bird.

Enjouée, curieuse ,présente toute l'année, amicale. C'est le seule oiseau qui a accepté de venir manger dans ma main.

j'ai initialment appris l'ornithologie avec cet petit oiseau. il n'ya pas une année que je ne l'ai pas vue plusieurs fois, observateur d'oiseaux depuis 1960, que des qualités pour la mésange a tête noir

There are a number of reasons for my voting the Black-capped Chickadee as a national bird of Canada, but the most logical one is the fact that the Chickadee is such a friendly little bird, much like most of our fellow Canadians. We Canadians are known world wide for our 'friendly' nature, so why not have our National Bird follow in this theme too!
I have been feeding wild birds for a long time, year around, and the Chickadee is always the first one to greet you! They talk to you - "chick-a-dee-dee-dee", when you talk to them! I live in the snow belt of Grey County and those little birds are always present! Hats off for the Black-capped Chickadee! Pearl Bumstead

Chickadees are plucky little birds!

Highly visible year-round, the chickadee is one of few birds in the trees during the long winter season. They're so cute on really cold days when they puff up their feathers to keep warm - turning into little balls of white fluff with tiny black eyes poking out the top. It's amazing to see their tenacity in the face of such brutal weather conditions! And don't forget their cheery call that will brighten anybody's day...

What can you say. Hearty, industrious, cheerful.

These cute little hardy birds hang out in my back yard. I like to just stand outside and watch them.

I am voting for the BCCH because I believe this bird is a delight for non birders and birders alike. It is typically one of the first birds learned by new birders and I believe this species is a true "gateway bird". Even those who are not overly interested in nature still comment and know the tiny and mighty Black-capped chickadee. They are always around even on the bleakest of days and I am thankful for that. I have personally banded many BCCH and adore the fight these little birds put up during extraction - they have incredible spirit. Much like Canadians, the BCCH is hardy, brave and free. This is why I am voting for the Black-capped Chickadee.

The Chickadee is a social little bird and I love it's refrain as it flits from tree to feeder. It dwells in Canada year round will be so trusting as to land on your hand. My choice for Canada's national bird.

Chickadees are found across Canada and everyone seems to know them. Canadians get lots of opportunity to see and observe them. They are friendly cheerful birds. Their call is very recogniseable. They are very polite birds at feeders - like Canadians lol. They are pretty and make people feel good!

Chicadeedeedee, to me is a sweet hello from a lovely little bird that's in my yard 12 months of the year.They even announce the start of every season. They look so delicate yet they sit at the feeder at -28 degrees Celcius happy to munch on Niger seeds all day long. Truly a tough little Canadian!

It's everywhere you look but no one ever notices. It's Canada in bird form.

Cette petite bête me fait toujours sourire. Elle est constamment occupée. Elle est là à toutes les saisons. Elle est facile d'approche.

The Black-capped Chickadee is a delight to hear and see ,and spends all year in Canada. Many other birds leave us for the winter months . This friendly bird will eat from your hand, is such a kind little bird (like most Canadians). They are a peaceful bird that never cause harm to other birds or property. Once you have heard their calls, especially in mid winter , you know they will always be a part of what Canada means to you.

The chickadee is a very polite bird. They take turns at my window feeder unlike the nuthatch who just sits there while other wait.

It is a hardy bird - not afraid of the cold and wind. And when I look at one up close as I have of the privilege of doing -they are absolutely gorgeous.

The chickadee is a bird that we can overlook because they are plentiful but we need eyes to see and ears to hear.

I love this bird.

The black cap chickadee works hardest of all Canadian birds. It's small size requires it to stay as active as possible to maintain a high heart rate in order to stay warm and alive. It mirrors the hard work the people of Canada put out, even in the harshest of winter environments.
Even the sweet song of "Oh Cana-da" is declaration of pride in the country this little bird resides in.

From the Yukon to Lake Athabasca to Newfoundland, with it's jaunty black cap and cheery "chick-a-dee-dee-dee", the black-capped chickadee is quickly recognized, easily attracted to a feeder all year long, and even on the coldest snowy day brings a smile to ones face.

This year round resident is highly beneficial in reducing insect pests on both crops, orchards, and in household gardens. It is quietly doing its part in keeping our country's environment healthy and our people productive.

I feel the Black-capped Chickadee should be our national bird due to the fact that it is found in every province, and even to the Territories. What better and more recognizable bird could one wish for as Canada's National Bird.

The sound of a Chickadee is one of my favourite sound.

They are with us summer and winter unlike most birds who escape winter. Our Nat bird must be a bird that stays with us during good weather and bad not a bird that takes off for Florida at the first sign of cold weather. How unCanadian.

They s/b our national bird, they are friendly prominent in most areas, sing all the time and just beautiful

The Chickadee is already the Provincial bird of New Brunswick and they can be seen across Canada. They are a song bird, and we have a lot of great talent in this Country. They are curious as are Canadians. They may be "tiny" but they are "MIGHTY!" Plus, they have the capacity to lower their body temperature during cold winters.

They are such sweet little birds, especially the babies. When two of the babies stood next to my husband while he was working outside. I was in total amazement that they weren't scared and flew away, since they were only a foot away from him. Must be my husband's calm nature. Wish I had a camera handy at the time, it was so darn cute!

Happiest of little creatures, flitting about. Always a welcome hello. A little song to lift the heart winter, summer, spring and fall.

A one-paragraph essay on my vote
By David Jordan

Whenever I have traveled to other places in the world I have not heard black capped chickadees and their distinctive call. I have been up north, the wet coast, the prairies and the Canadian shield and I have heard 'xck-k-diii-diii-diii' on many mornings in these places, whether I was using a rock as a pillow or woke up to the smell of bacon under fleece blankets. There are a lot of birds in Canada but this one is mine. Thank you for your time.

The chickadee has a song that is easily recognized by many Canadians across the country. The sound of the song invokes memories of the beauty in nature in Canada.

I voted for the chickadee, because they are found all across Canada. They stay here year round and if you take a walk in the woods, you can hear their familiar, chickadee-dee-dee. They are a welcome addition to any feeder.

The chickadee represents Canada because he is friendly and peaceful in character like our people.He is tough and lives in Alberta all year enduring all weather from 40 below to 20 above.This bird is like the pioneers of our country because they don't give up and migrate to warmer climates. His song is cheerful to the morning ears. As well, the chickadee is a striking looking bird.

I chose the Black-capped chickadee because they are ubiquitous and plentiful. They remain in Canada during the winter months because they are tough enough to withstand the harsh climate like true Canadians. They are known to most people and thus can represent the whole country and not just parts of it. They are cheerful and their song livens up the environment wherever they are.

If you couldn't smile by watching a chickadee that is kinda sad. When I look at them I smile, they bring joy to my life. They are a happy little bird that bring a smile to my face :))

The chicadee is a little unassuming bird, known to all, with a distintive, interesting call. It winters here and is a familiar visitor at backyard feeding stations.I think it is an appropriate national bird for
Canada

I love them so much! They are the happiest birds in my yard, and they make me happy every day.

I vote for the black capped chickadee..He is a very social bird with anyone.He is very lively .He is creative in the way he decides to feed at any feeder.He is not pushy and takes turns with other birds at feeders.He is intelligent in that he gets to know the habits of other birds and humans in our peculiar mannerisms and treats each the same in such accordance.He is fun to watch in the way it flies and darts here and there.He is very respectful to other species of birds and does not take over the feeders like the doves or grosbeaks do. He has a cheery sounding voice that indicates he is happy with life as he finds it.He does not hunt and kill other birds or small animals.He always has the same daily happy disposition.He welcomes anyone and recognizes that we are friends .He is relatively tame without any sign of threat to young children and pets.A number one bird for Canada

Chickadees are such happy birds! Even when it is minus 30 they sit in my cedar tree and sing all day. They can be found almost all over Canada and so they are truly our national bird.

The chickadee is a beautiful bird that is common in many parts of Canada and whose song has delighted many, whether to their knowledge or not. The little chickadee has what it takes to survive our harsh winters (that is, when provided a healthy amount of suet!) and knows what it means to be a member of The Great White North.

The black capped chickadee (chickadee) should be the national bird because of its perseverance, friendliness and intelligence. No matter how cold the temperature drops, the chickadee stays and thrives. Like Canadians, a chickadee is a quiet, but friendly leader, showing other birds where the food can be found.

The chickadee is a very intelligent bird, like Canadians who have the highest proportion of its population (more than any other country in the world) that have attained a college diploma or university degree.

My favorite bird, they're easy to find, and oh so cute!

Charming and happy little birds, nice to see them flitting around our trees.

I am an avid outdoors' enthusiast. Winter happens to be my favorite season! Almost every time after I come back from snowshoeing, I will build an outside fire have a lunch and hot tea... within 5 minutes or so a pair of chickadees come and perch on nearby pine trees, waiting for my meal offering of sunflower seeds, their favorite treat! They will stay as long as I do until it's time for me to pack up and return to my home. Their candid little presence and sing-song melodies are indeed a pleasant treat for me as well. Many times I have tried to snap photos of them in various approaches, but their speed and agility are beyond me! But I did manage to get a few nice ones in all my efforts. I very much enjoy watching these fine feathered friends and I know they will always be there waiting for my return for tea and treats! That's why I think the chickadees should be our National Bird! Thank you. :)

I would like to vote for a bird that is representatives of most Canadians, that is the one that sticks around in the winter and makes the best of it!

The Black Capped Chickadee is a beautiful bird that supplies hours of enjoyment through song and the absolute pleasure of seeing this lovely creature in the boreal forests and bird feeders throughout this great country of ours. This truly is a bird that does not represent any form of animosity or danger to any other living thing. If any bird deserves to be national bird of Canada it is the magnificent Black Capped Chickadee..

They are adorable, their song is known throughout Canada. People like to mimic. Sorry not good at this, but I wanted to vote.

Hands down, the chickadee that is here all year long. He is particularly beautiful in contrast with snow. I love seeing them at the feeder. There is something peaceful about them.

The Black Capped chickadee is commonly found throughout Canada and the United States. Chickadees are smart, they are known to commonly store food for later on when they get hungry. Black Capped Chickadees will even eat seeds out of a persons hand! a Chickadee is the bird everyone knows. that is why i think the chickadee should be Canada's national bird, because the national bird will not be a bird nobody knows, it will be a bird you can see in your own backyard. people know what a chickadee is, it is not a complicated choice for a National Bird. it even says it's own name!

The Black Capped Chickadee is here all year. It is well able to cope with the cold Canadian winter. It is a very friendly bird. It has a well organised flock. It has an easily recognisable call, and is most perky.

He's a cheerful little fellow, resilient and good-spirited. Good traits to weather our Canadian winters. He doesn't desert us for warmer climes and stays to keep us company with a promise of warmer days to come.
He's environmental conscience too as he likes to recycle my golden retriever's hair to make a warm nest and has me well-trained to put "dryer-lint" in the trees beside the house so he can quick work of nest-building in the spring.
Steadfast, energetic, chirpy with an instantly recognizable "chicka,dee,dee,dee hello" when the Chinooks arrive. Well-deserving of being our national bird! He may be SMALL, but he makes a BIG difference!

The Black-capped chickadee is around all year long, it does not run away in the winter, it lives in the city, the country, up north and down south. It does not kill other birds and is extremely friendly. A great representative for Canada.

The song of a chickadee is cheerful, ( loon isn't- it isounds lonely. When you live in a country that had a lot of darkness and winter we need to embarrass all things pleasant..

And the chickadees can be found almost anywhere...eating unwanted bugs while singing " chick-a-dee-dee.

Quietly persevering, year round, coast-to-coast, and adorable!

Along with many others, I contribute bird photos to the Weather Network. It seems that on the Weather Network everybody's favourite is the Black-capped Chickadee. For me, it is friendly, bold, cute and able to withstand our coldest weather. It also has a unique and lovely song, which it sings all the time. The Chickadees are friendly with other Chickadees and other birds such as the Cardinals, Fiches, Sparrows, Woodpeckers and Nuthatches.

The Chickadee should be our national bird because they are the bird that is known by most Canadians. We see Chickadees as we walk in the woods and we see Chickadees at our bird feeders.

they are small but daring.I have had them land on my feeder as I am hanging it up

It's my favourite song bird!

He is induring through all weather,so are all Canadians, he is so friendly, just like Canadians, and he is found in every province in Canada, just like Canadians, lol. It really doesn't matter what bird wins, just make sure we protect them all from our mistakes we have made. Inform our children more every day on how to be environmentally friendly with all that we do, our country can lead the way, working together for a better future. Chicken-a-Dee-Dee-Dee, needs to be heard forever 💟

What a cHenry little fellow, he warms my heart especially during the winter when he visits the feeder.

Black-capped Chickadees are resident year-round in Canada, and present in most provinces and territories. They are easily recognised by most Canadians due to their presence on both urban and rural areas. Chickadees often are regarded as cute and spirited, a close encounter will reveal they are bold and full of gumption. This I believe perfectly reflects the quiet strength Canadians are proud of. Chickadees seem small and harmless, especially compared to many larger birds, but as a ornithologist and bird hander I have found they put up more of a fight than any other species. Likewise, while Canada's small population could easily make us an insignificant country the passion of our nation makes us a world power.

The Black-Capped Chickadee

Who doesn’t love the black-capped chickadee with its’ ever-cheerful chick-a-dee-dee-dee greeting? Its’ year-round presence throughout our land, whether it be rural areas, urban backyards, parks or special areas, gives us a continuing sense of hope, patience, endurance and tenacity.
Throughout our vast land with its’ diverse ecosystems, the black-capped chickadee weathers the storms and thrives in our climate, whatever it may bring, all the while whistling its’ cheerful tune. It has no need to wing its’ way south to warmer climes for the winter. Instead, it stays here in Canada to feed on insects, insect eggs and larvae (as well as seeds), foraging to survive. Thanks to this industrious little survivor, we have fewer pesky insects to contend with in the summer. Those who stock backyard feeders know this handsome little creature and may entice it to feed out of hand, though foraging for food is its’ main means of survival.
Besides the chickadee’s cheery song and its’ usefulness to mankind, it is indeed a little beauty. Perching on branches and flitting from tree to tree, it offers any bird-lover a chance to behold its’ strength, agility and charm.
As a group, the black-capped chickadee will befriend other species in the fall (such as warblers and vireos), seemingly knowing that it must share a common environment. As winter takes hold, the black-capped chickadee stays here to remind us that spring will come again in a while. When spring is in the air, we are blessed with a lilting welcome of “Spring’s here,” a delightful rendition of one long high note, followed by a second lower note.
The scientific name for the black-capped chickadee is Poecille atricapillus, atricapillus being Latin for ‘black crown.’ What better choice for Canada’s national bird than one who proudly wears a crown, and always, rain or shine, snow, sleet or hail, delights us with a song of cheer?
Diminutive, yes. Common, yes. A hardy Canadian, yes!

References:

Birds of Alberta by Chris Fisher and John Acorn, Lone Pine Publishing, Edmonton, 1998

Birds of Canada by P.A. Taverner, The Musson Book Company, Toronto, 1943

il chante bone come moi.

My favorite memories of these long memoried birds include seeing my son attracting them to eat from his hand, still entranced at 17 as he was at 5. Chickadees remember me and in late fall come up to remind me to set out the feeders.
My mother carried sunflower seeds in her winter coat pockets for the Chickadees. I remember heading out to the sugar bush a half mile back from the farm house and as I reached the edge of the woods, down they came scolding me for not having anything for them. She had passed away, but after that I never forget to bring them something.

The ubiquitous Black Capped Chickadee is represented in every province and lives in Canada year round. It is is easily recognizable and has a very friendly disposition that typifies, and to some extent exemplifies, the international perception of Canadians. They bring joy to countless Canadians who see them foraging in all rural and urban environs. At winter feeding stations and bird feeders they can be seen eating seeds from the out stretched hands of many a wonder- eyed child, and their unmistakable "chick-a-dee-dee-dee " calls are a welcome sound to help break the monotony of our long northern winters.

Black capped chickadees are found all over Canada, therefore familiar to everyone.

What a joy to watch in winter as they zip from the cover of the evergreens to the feeders. Or when I go out to fill the feeders and they fly into the tree above and joyfully thank me for the refill.

In the summer, they are always willing to come and say hello and fill the air with their chatter.

The best to have all year long and for that I feed them all year long with loving care.

The chickadee has got to be the smartest bird going. Living is Manitoba can be challenging to say the least in winter, but the chickadee is here year round faithfully. I feed the birds all year and the chickadee is the first to show up at the feeders. I call to them mimicking the best I can their chirp and they always chirp back to me. I love them.

they are my favourite bird -- cheerful, winter-loving, busy and friendly, like Canadians!

Every day we watch the birds at our feeder just outside our kitchen window where we can see it from the table. The chickadees are so hardy; no matter what the weather they come for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They share well with the nut hatches and other birds.
I love that they can be tamed and will eat right out of your hand.
We enjoy them very much and will continue to ensure the meals are on time :)

The Black-capped Chickadee has always been one of my favorite birds. They have nice markings and the yellow is bright & cheery.

They also have an interesting range of sounds which change with the seasons.

They put a smile on my face whenever I see them and they keep me company when I'm working in the garden.

It's also nice to see life in the yard in the wintertime so we provide them with seeds.

It's majesty is so clearly understated. It is quite small and humble in stature but so strong and mighty with it's spirited song and character

The black capped chickadee is around most of Canada year round, and it is a friendly bird that will sit on your hand. Also the flying style makes one feel upbeat and happy. Generally, if you do a bird walk where I live, you will always find a chickadee so you don't go home "birdless" for the day.

I am voting for the black-capped chickadee because I really like this species of bird. I love the way that it sings, especially when it's really quiet and all you can hear is the bird singing. This bird is a very beautiful bird as well. I really do think that this bird deserves to be the national bird of Canada. It is a really amazing bird.

This bird is found all across Canada I believe so is a good candidate. Most people know what a chickadee is.

I'm voting for the black-capped chickadee because i've always loved this bird and loved how it sang, i've done research on it and found it such an amazing and delicate species that deserves to be the national bird, out of all the birds i find this one the most beautiful bird and i love when its quiet in the summer and all you can here is it singing, i really like this bird also because its a very calm and amazing bird. personally, i feel this should be the national bird by far.

I choose the Black-capped chickadee because it is beautiful little bird found across Canada. It has many variations of beautiful songs. And is easy to spot and easy to point out to small children and amateur bird watchers. It is also around all year round. So I think the Black-capped chickadee is a great all round candidate for Canada's National Bird.

We think the chickadee best represents Canada because it is here in all seasons and can be found in almost all areas of the country. It is a pretty little bird with a lovely song that Canadians can enjoy all year long.

APPEARS meek & mild BUT not afraid to stand up to others. Can be counted on to be around. Not a bully .... all 'typical' Canadian traits :)

One of my favourite birds!! Fun, adventurous, hardy and resourceful.

This much-loved bird is friendly and charming, is present in most of Canada, and stays here all year around! What other pleasant bird has all these features going for it?

A hardy and impudent neighbour to most Canadians, the black-capped Chickadee has the moxie to tough it out in Canada all year long. Migrating birds often follow chickadees to find resources since they are the most familiar with the local lay of the land. The Chickadee is small, but it's loud, and it's tough. It's song and calls are one of the iconic sounds of Canada. I think our national bird has not be a non-migrant. What is the point of having a national bird that abandons our country for more than half it's life? Our chickadees truly belong to this country. What is more, the Black-capped chickadee lives almost everywhere in populated Canada and its range stretches all across our nation! These mouthy little cuties are our birds!

I know this might sound crazy, but before my Mother passed away she told me she would come back as a Robin, and I believe she did and still does many times. Four years ago my husband lost his Mother. One day we where in our pool and he said to me I wished she would show me a sign she is okay. Not long after a Robin appeared on top of the swing set, and a couple of minutes later a Chickadee appeared and sat right beside the Robin so close they were touching. t
They stayed for a few moments and both flew away. I said to my husband there is your sign.The next spring we had put a bird house on our deck and Chickadees made it their home and had four babies there. And again the following spring.So believe it or not but this is a true story, and that is why I voted for the Chickadee

Beautiful birds that make me think of home. Perfect

These birds are all over our country. Their beautiful song is music to my ears. They are small, but courageous and intelligent. They do no harm to others and can brighten up anyone's day.

gotta like a smart bird that says it's own name. and chickadee's are outgoing and friendly just like canadians. and they dont mind winter

Polite and unassuming, the chickadee is a favourite at my birdfeeder.

The little Black Capped Chickadee is one of the friendliest birds that I have encountered to date. They will come close to you and even, in some instances, come and sit on your hand.
I believe, since we are known as a friendly country, that this little bird would be a wonderful representative of Canada.

The are friendly, kind and stay year round in this tough country. No one deserves it more than our beloved chickadee!!

Black-capped Chickadees can be seen all across Canada, and they stay year 'round, too! Plus their antics are totally adorable.

They're common song birds so they should be our national bird.

Ryker Moczulski

I love this little guy, he is adorable, saw him for the first time over the weekend, and fell in love with him, would love to see him win, very very cute.

The chickadee is a bird that inhabits all provinces and territories of Canada. It is seen in both rural and urban centers. The chickadee does not migrate and therefore is a year round resident of Canada.

Found everywhere in Canada. From wild places to urban centres. Does not migrate. Why vote for Loon, Osprey or any other migratory specie when not here many months of the year.

because they have such good manners at our backyard bird feeder.

Cheerful, smart, found all over Canada and does not run away when the snow comes. This little bird makes children and adults smile and is never a nuisance.
It is easily identified with its markings and is very friendly.
Canada Goose - nuisance and a migrator
Snowy Owl - reclusive
Loon - ( I love them and their calls but.. ) stays close to lakes and waterways

the little chickadee is a no brainer for Canada's Nation Bird!

Nice song bird that is around all winter

The fearless and friendly chickadee is found across Canada year-round in both cities and country.

I think the Chickadee is truly a Canadian symbol. It is hardy,and gentle and a sweet little fellow. It shares it's food at feeders and has a delightful song.

i am awesome.:)

A very cheerful bird that is a real pleasure to have around all year.

The Black-capped Chickadee is the best choice. It is hardy, friendly, cheerful even under the most adverse conditions. It is willing to come to the defense of the other small birds as it mobs predatory birds. It can often be found in mix flocks during the fall and winter months demonstrating that it does not have a prejudicial feather on its body and is an excellent practitioner of multi-culturalism. It is equally at home in urban and rural areas. Even in the depth of winter it still can be heard singing its romantic song of spring. It thus brings hope to even the dreariest of days.

I learned to love this bird as a kid, sticking my seed-filled hand out my snow-covered bedroom window and waiting patiently for it to take its winter lunch directly from my hand. And those fleeting seconds when little black chickadee toes clutch your finger - magical!

I love the Black-capped Chickadee. It enjoys almost every part of this beautiful country. Like us human Canadians, it is very sociable and curious , quite tolerant of members of its own and other species.
Also like us it is very adaptable. It can withstand amazingly cold temperatures because of special adaptations it has regarding thermal regulation and it also thrives in the hottest summers that even Toronto and Ottawa can provide. You see it everywhere. It is gentle, polite and gracious and it never gets too much in your way.

You can find the black capped chickadee throughout Canada, even in the far north. Beautiful bird - a most welcome visitor at the feeders but survives quite well in the forests.

It is the most frequent year long visitor to my feeder.

I think the Chickadee is a beautiful and wonderful bird found across Canada and is found in most backyards hence is identified by all that see it. It is so friendly that it will sit nearby while you are filling the feeder and will sometimes land on your hand to feed. The songs it has are relaxing and soothing and their energy is boundless. I guess you can tell this little fellow is my favourite little bird! He is my National bird no matter what others think, they touch my heart and lift my spirit!

j'esperais que ce choix etait disponible!
great to listen to, quick in flight and very pretty

I have always had this little bird come to my feeders. They are so cheerful and their little chirp is so pleasant. I have them eat out of my hand and eat seeds off my hat.

The chickadee is everywhere in Canada and all year round-a little bird with lots of personality.

Nothing makes my heart sing quite like the feeling of having a Black-Capped Chickadee land in my hand. They are beautiful and graceful creatures that are in fact a lot like Canadians. They are loyal, friendly, strong and brave. They are multi-coloured, much like our beautifully diverse population. They sing, despite the cold or the heat, and they never fail to put a smile on our faces.

the black capped chickadee seems to be such a happy wee bird with its joyful sounds...always makes me smile
such energetic little birds

I have been thinking of it. I know the loon is 'romantic' with its haunting call, its beautiful setting and its sleekness. But my choice is the
Black Capped Chickadee.
It is everywhere in Canada.
It is a clean looking, beautiful bird.
It calls its own name.
It is friendly without being pesty or a nuisance.
It will come and sit on your head or take food from an outstretched hand.
I associate it with 'being' Canadian.

I choose the black-capped chickadee because it is found across Canada and is the most commonly recorded bird at bird feeders. It therefore can be appreciated by everyone. It is a bird which like Canadian people adapts to adverse circumstances; staying with us winter and summer, and living in urban areas as well as the Canadian wilderness. The chickadee is generally perceived as a bird that minds its own business and does not bully or attack others. Like many Canadians, it contributes a note of cheer where ever it goes with its musical song and unmistakable call.Unlike many birds that travel alone or in large flocks, the chickadee works best in small family groups foraging cooperatively within their group while joining up with other small birds for protection and mutual benefit in finding food.
Although there are many other iconic Canadian birds I think the chickadee most epitomizes us as Canadians.

My Dad, Terry Hammell, was an avid birdwatcher and we used to live in Waterton Lakes National Park. He passed away in 2004, and I am sad that he never got the chance to vote on this, but I think he would have chosen the Chickadee.

I feel that the Black-capped chickadee represents Canadians in character and demeanour. It is a happy, friendly creature, like Canadians.

Its small but hardy, stay in Canada all year-round, it has a very recognizable song; they're not really tameable but will come eat in your hand, they're incredible fliers something most people dont know, a bit like our hidden Canadian qualities. We're tough but hardy, approachable but have our own identity.

Small but strong. Smart and the leaders of the nuthatches and other small birds in the winter. They are not bullies.

Black capped chickadees are around all year long no matter what kind of weather,we had a blizzard here yesterday and many chickadees waited patiently for their turn at my bird feeders. They are sweet little birds, not pushy, not greedy. They have a sweet song and are delightful to watch, swooping back and forth from the tress to the feeders.
They are reliable, dependable sources of pleasure.

When I look out my window on the coldest days of winter, I can always spot a sweet sign of life: the chickadee! As I quickly run to my pre-heated car on a frigid day, I hear a chickadee chirping! Where is the goose? Down south! Let's reward the chickadee-it is the real canadian national bird!

La mesange à tete noire nous represente bien comme canadian. Elle est au canada toute l'année. Elle est sociale. Elle a un joli chant. Elle est presente dans tout le pays.

everybody loves the cheeseburger chickadee cheeeeeese burgers

Not an essay just my opinion and love for them. Chickadees are beautiful and everywhere in Canada and one of the few birds that actually stay in Canada all year round not just summer. They are very hardy just like us Canadians. They are small, fast and fun to watch. They are also friendly once they get used to you. I have fed them from my hand. I just love them.

My favourite little bird! They survive our cold Canadian winter's,- even when the temperatures reach down to 50--60 below farenheit. They do not go south for the winter!

Chick-a-dee dee dee.

I LOVE THEM CHICKADEES!!!

Cet oiseau a toutes les caractéristiques recherchées, il est robuste et fort et se retrouve sur tout le territoire.
Hiver comme été, nous pouvons l'apercevoir partout. De son aspect fragile, il réussi à braver nos hivers rigoureux.
En plus d'être mignon comme tout, il a un chant particulier mais si familier que nous aimons tant.

Voilà pourquoi je vote pour cet oiseau, cette belle petite mésange à tête noire.

Given its confiding habits and wide distribution across the country this seems like the obvious choice.

I love Chickadees. They are around my feeders all the time and have so much energy. They give me so much pleasure.

a feisty little bird , known throughout our country. Love listening to them whether in the backyard or walking in the woods. Hand feeding them is always a thrill. A true representation of what I love about Canada

I'd simply like to comment that I chose the Black-capped chickadee because it's colouring makes it an elegant choice for a tattoo. I think many people might want to get a tattoo of our country's national bird, once it's chosen, and dark birds like ravens or very grey birds aren't as nice on someone's skin.
Symbolism is always very important but I think aesthetics are equally so in this instance. Other animals like caribou, beavers, polar bears, ground hogs, etc, wouldn't be my first choice to incorporate some Canadian symbols into my wardrobe, home decor or onto my body - I love all of those animals but they just don't look good as jewelry or printed on bedsheets.
Birds are always pretty, but we might as well choose a colourful one! I look forward to proudly pinning our bird, whichever one we elect, on my collar when I travel.

I chose the Black-capped chickadee because it stays in Canada year around which means it is hardy and resourceful. It is also attractive without being too flashy. These are nice Canadian attributes. I look forward to seeing this distinctive bird every winter at my bird feeder.

They are such cheery, tiny birds, and have an indomitable spirit through the darkest and coldest days of winter. How they survive and thrive in such harsh conditions has always been a mystery and miracle to me. I love to hear their sounds and see them flitting around the cedars and shrubs, even on the coldest days. The sight of them warms my cold winter heart. Their unflagging spirit is quintessentially Canadian!

Black capped chickadee are just like Canadians: They are found coast to coast, they are friendly and unassuming. They are inquisitive and not scary at all.
And most importantly, their little personalties can't help but bring a smile to those who meet them.

Happy little bird that I see all year and all across Canada. Tough "snow bird" that does not leave in winter but cheers me up as it spends time at our feeders. A considerate visitor at the feeder that makes room for a diversity of other bird species and shares the wealth. Delightful song and swooping, darting and enjoyable flight is a joy to hear and see. A true Canadian that appreciates our Country all year around.

J'aime les mésanges parce que il est très beau.Et il est très collaboratif.

The black capped chickadee is with us all year. Cheery greetings in summer and winter.
Shares the feeder well with others, doesn't make a mess, is careful with it's food.
Friendly and patient while waiting for the feeder to be filled.

Just watching them fly to the feeder makes me happy:-)

In Canada year-round. Always cheerful to hear in the winter and summer.

The following description from allaboutbirds.org is why I vote for the black-capped chickadee:

A bird almost universally considered “cute” thanks to its oversized round head, tiny body, and curiosity about everything, including humans.

When I lived in Alberta, I fell in love with these birds who will come and take seeds from one's hand. Just their "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" sound is enough to bring a smile to one's face.

Cheerful, friendly and adaptable, what's not to love?

Even on cold and snowy mornings the chickadee greats you with its cheery song. They stay in Canada all year long, no Wintering in war locales! They inhabit a large portion of Canada. They are symbolic of optimism and tenacity in good weather and bad.

My favourite bird. I love them in my fields as they sing to me as I fill my bird feeders. Most other birds fly away when I appear but not my little plump chickadees. They extend the warmest of welcomes and brighten my days.

I have lived in Ontario, BC and Alberta and the chickadee is the one bird I can find year round everywhere I have travelled in Canada. They don't mind the winter and they have a happy little song... Chickadee - dee - dee.

Besides being found throughout Canada it has a beautiful and distinct song.

Chickadees are the ultimate Canadian bird. When all the other birds are wimping out and heading to Florida, Chickadees say "see ya, suckers" and have a great winter. They are tiny, they shouldn't be so good at winter, and yet, they quietly put all other birds to shame. #teamchickadee

Same Vote agein

Ryker

The Black-capped chickadee is, to me, an obvious choice for our national bird. It is a year-round inhabitant and can withstand our most coldest winters. It is spunky, but also seemingly polite, as is evidenced by its behavior at the bird-feeder: each chickadee waits for the other to finish feeding before it alights on the feeder.

This little bird is cheerful and energetic regardless of the weather! Stay's iin Canada year round and doesn't retreat when the going gets tough:)

It lives from sea to sea, winter and summer. It is Canadian enough to please everyone that calls Canada home.

They chirp at me every morning when I leave the house as I have a feeder at my front walkway in the winter with a birdbath.
In the summer they come to me when I fill their feeder in my back garden.
I can call them to come for food with "here chickadee, chickadee" and within 5 minutes they are around.
They nest.in my cedars and are around all the time

I voted for the Black capped Chickadee because it is a year round resident across much of Canada. It makes me think of the kind of people we in Canada are overall. A small country in that don't have a big population but traditionally have contributed generously to the well being of the the world and when we travel to off beat places we always meet proportionally more Canadians. I have often seen or heard Chickadees when hiking in the mountains in the summer and love to watch them flitting in and around the alpine forests. Recently when I was skiing in the Selkirk mountains and it had been snowing and the world was very quiet I suddenly heard the unmistakeable call "Chickadee dee dee" and looked up to see a lone chickadee flitting from tree top to tree top. It was like seeing an old friend.
As home we have feeders on our deck and I love to watch this resourceful little bird, quick to see new food sources and adaptable. It will eat off the ground, hang on the swaying suet covered pinecone or the column feeder with black sunflower seeds.
And so although it is a small bird I think the Black Capped Chickadee would be an excellent choice as our National Bird.

they are so cute

Chickadees are such brave and winsome birds.

First to the feeder, they will take sunflower seeds out of your hand or they'll land right on your head. Never pushed off the bird feeder for long by the threat of squirrels or hawks, the chickadee is not intimidated easily, despite its diminuative stature. Chickadee is the first to explore and the first to return after trouble.

Their handsome, but understated plumage isn't sexually dimorphic (unless you can see in the ultraviolet spectrum), and it's uniformity could nicely represent our egalitarian and inclusive culture.

Best of all, based on their range, the chickadee is a national bird that all Canadians can see at the feeder or hear on a walk in the woods. An experience with nature we can share.

CHIKA! DEE! DEE! DEE!

A bird that is sighted in every province. You go Chickadee!

I love this gentle and brave little bird for sharing the long, cold winters with me outside my kitchen window. Its understated beauty offers a beautiful reflection of simplicity, vulnerability and endurance in nature.

It never leaves Canada, are (nearly) the only bird seen in -30 deg C weather, and (nearly) the only song heard in the cold winter.

There is nothing that reminds me more of my childhood than the sound of a chickadee. What a lovely sound.

A tough little bird who fits right into our climate. A Chickadee is a welcome sight and sound, especially in the middle of the winter. They seem to be everywhere, not only in the wilderness, like the loon. And they aren't a pest, like the Canada Goose, especially in places like Wascana Park in Regina.

I think an understated bird such as the Chickadee would be the perfect reflection of what Canada is all about.

I believe this cheerful species is very widespread in Canada. They stay all winter in this area and are a good example of toughing it out as so many Canadian do.

Although more common in the forest they appear in parks, along rivers and creeks within our urban centres too.

Stays year round and friendly.

Friendly little fellow, and common through out the country.

When Canada is in the throes of winter (which is the case for most of the country every year), the chirping of Chickadees is a reminder that there still is life out there. Watching them flit about and listening to their chirping is most heartening when the cold and wind makes it difficult to muster the energy to welcome the out-of-doors. They may be little but they have a powerful message of hope.

The Black-capped Chickadee is my favourite bird, it reminds me of my Grandmother, so I am voting for it.

I see that the Loon is in # one position, and I do have to agree that it is a fantastic bird to lead this vote! It looks regal, it sounds regal...I think the Loon is a good choice, but I do have to stick with my all time favourite bird.

Thanks!!

This little bird sticks around and stays cheery all winter - what a great example for all Canadians!

this little guy is everywhere , the most common visitor at my feeder and many others. he epitomizes the hardiness , cheerfullness and pluck of Canadians

this is the one I see the most and I find it beautifull and love is song.

No essay here, I just love this tough little Canadian bird with it's cheery call - they always make me smile.

For over 30 years we lived in the country on an acreage. It was wonderful to wake up hearing the chickadees' near my garden. There are areas that you can see a good number of these small but lovely birds.

Far and away your best feathered friend in Canada year round.

This extremely hardy little bird can thrive in the coldest of Canadian winters.

The mighty chickadees rule!

I love the chickadee because it is here year round. In winter, it is a joy to see it swooping in to the feeders, and flitting around the bushes and shrubs. In the summer, it shares its space with the more colourful songbirds, but it is always there!

This is the cutest bird ever and It isn't dangerous and no one is scared of it!!!!

The Chickadee is seen on every window sill in Canada. It bringing an pleasant smile on cold days and I think every child can identify it by sight or sound.

friendly, curious, fearless, industrious

It' s the most easy familiar, happy, social and a presence all over 12 monts a year near everywhere in CAnada, and none can exprim any contrarian words about this. So we haven' t any other bird to choose, just enjoy its presence and more.

This is the bird that is found year-round nearly all across Canada. It is more Canadian than migratory birds like the loon and far more friendly and engaging with humans.

Friendly that is so ! Very few birds come so close to say hello ! Little, flighty friend come again as I am often here below !

An interesting and personable little bird - seems to travel in family groups chattering noisily all the time. Fascinating.

A hardy, year-round Canadian resident, enduring all types of weather conditions; most deserving of the designation of national bird.

Chickadees have great personality, curious and busy and they stick around all winter.

I have loved them at our cottage in Muskoka for years. I sometimes see them here in Ajax and hear them even more.

The black-capped chickadee is the ideal emblem for Canada. Their gentle calls warm the heart of winter, herald the coming of spring, and embody the melancholic and wistful heart of autumn. When I fill my bird feeder in the morning, I can hear them calling out notice to their compatriots. They know the dangers of a harsh climate, and are aware that going it alone is not a viable option. These diminutive and mannerly denizens of boreal forest and aspen parkland have a proven ability to adapt to and work within local ecosystems. They support each other; they share; they take turns. Sometimes I fancy that, at the feeder, they are having that most typical of Canadian conversations: “Oh, sorry…”, “Sorry, you first…”
We should adopt the black-capped chickadee not only as our national bird, but as our role model.

They are here throughout the year. They can be seen almost everywhere in Canada and in either countryside or city. Everyone recognizes them. They are cheerful and make us smile!

The black-capped chickadee should be our national bird because they are awesome and here are some reasons why:
* they can be found throughout a large portion of Canada
* an urban dweller and a forest favourite
* active, acrobatic, social birds
* curious about everything, even humans
* a delightful visitor to a feeder
* a smart bird... it hides seeds and other food items to eat later... each item is placed in a different spot and the chickadee can remember thousands of hiding places!
* a beautiful song yet its calls are complex and language-like
* beneficial as they disperse seeds and eat insects
* and IT PERSEVERES THROUGH OUR WINTERS ALONG SIDE US!

There is nothing quite so up=lifting as the sweet , gentle song as the little chickadee, whether in the deep freeze of winter or the glorious sunny days of summer.

The black-capped chickadee is a year round resident of almost all of Canada. It's distinctive call is well-known by almost all Canadians. It is also one of the most adventurous birds, always trying out the feeders (and sometimes even hands) before other birds, which I believe is in line with Canadian spirit. The chickadee is well adapted to the cold temperatures of Canada. something that defines us as a country. The chickadee is small but enduring, creating a sense of humility that we need to guide us as Canadians.

The chickadee can be found in nearly all Canadian places, it's a friendly little bird, unassuming and seldom fights. It will sit and feed from your hand giving you a most delightful feeling.

The Chickadee is very trusting and is not afraid to come and land on your hand for food and it's song is easily recognized. It only takes what it needs to survive. According to a study done by the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario there is a 30% survival rate over the winter months where food stations have seeds placed in them verses stations where no food is left. So you can say we have a symbiotic relationship with this bird.

The Black-capped Chickadee stays north all winter.. they are not aggressive and are friendly..will come eat right out of your hand..
They represent our northern nation..even their coulours look like they have on a tuque..
Love their song that is simple but tells us who they are. Chickaddee dee dee dee.

The black capped chickadee.... So many other birds leave during winter. Those chickadees stick it out like the rest of us. :)

We love our Chickadees.
They are such a busy bird and so pretty.
Small but mighty.
They can be trained to eat from your hand.

I have always loved the gentle nature of the chickadee and I love their songs.

The little chickadee is one tough bird. He sticks around all winter braving the cold and snow. He's always chirpy and cheery and just makes me happy to see him.

The National Bird should reflect many of the qualities of the country.

For that reason I think the humble chickadee would make a great national bird. It pops it's cheery little head up nearly everywhere: every Canadian backyard has probably been visited by the chickadee (unlike many of the other so-called national birds).

Chickadees thrive and seem to have fun in our winters.

Everyone knows their call - chickadee-dee-dee.

And they even look like they are wearing a toque.

Just look at the comments for the chickadee. Where other birds might evoke sentimental attachment the industrious chickadee is a practical, hardy and intelligent bird that performs well above it's weight. Contact your sensible friends and encourage them to vote for this worthy contender whose character and behaviour are synonymous with Canadian values. He is small but mighty. He is peaceful, entertaining and generous of spirit. Go Chickadee! Haven't we heard enough bad puns about the loon? I'll admit the Gray Jay is attractive but he's a bit of a thief and let's not even talk about the Arctic Owl - beautiful but pretty stupid and primarily carnivorous. Don't be misled by his size, the Chickadee is a perfect representative of our values.

you can find chickadees across our vast country -its not just found regionally making a great choice for our National Bird

C- cheerful
H- hearty
I- inspirational
C- Canadian
K- keen eye
A- acrobatic
D- dear little things
E- earthy
E- excitable

We should have a bird that does not MIGRATE and spends it's whole life in Canada

I love these tough little birds. They can become habituated to eat right from your hand, landing with their little feet and gently taking seeds. Their sweet call is heard everywhere all year round. They are terrific flyers and very enjoyable to watch. I love their business at my feeders all year long.

The black-capped chickadee is Canada's sweetest, friendliest little bird. Despite its small size, it is a courageous and bold little bird that knows how to get the nourishment it needs. Just like Canada's early pioneers.

The black-capped chickadee frequents our bird feeder daily. On our regular walks at Jack Pine Trail, these birds feed from our hands, and sometimes our hats!

I feel the chickadee is the best vote in that it lives in ALL parts of Canada, ALL YEAR LONG. I think you would be hard pressed to find a Canadian who is not familiar with the chickadee and that doesn't see them on a regular basis. Many of the other birds while being beautiful, mighty and praise worthy do not fill these important criteria. What good is a national bird that most of your population have never even seen. The chickadee thrives in spite of it's small size. It is non threatening and one might even say friendly. Like all good Canadians he is polite and allows other birds to share it's territory. I can not think of a more suitable bird to represent our culture.

Our big dog used to invite the chickadees to share his dinner. I enjoyed their presence, and so did he.

Petit oiseau courageux,qui s'entend avec tous,partage avec tous,s'apprivoise,est vaillant et toujours présent.Je l'aime d'amour..xxx

I vote for the black-capped chickadee because it is not afraid of our harsh winters and keeps chirping all year. Like us Canadians, it is humble though very resilient.

The Black-capped Chickadee is one of the few birds found almost everywhere in Canada, is stylish in its attire, is fearless in a very friendly way, has a delightful call that's easy to imitate ("chick-a-dee-dee-dee"; ever try to imitate a loon!?), is a year-round resident and even grumpy folks have to smile when they see one. It definitely should be Canada's bird . . . no contest!

This tiny bird stays with us through the long hard winter. Even on the bleakest days it will break that dreadful stillness of winter as it moves quickly through the pines and spruce, sheltering from the cold. When a mild day eases it's hardships it sings to remind us that the world is not nearly as dead as it may seem in midwinter. Then the warming days of spring find this brave little bird filling our gardens and woodlands with it's bright song. It seems to personify endurance and bravery.

These brave little creatures are my favourite. They are friendly, gregarious and have no fear of other birds and beasts that come to the feeders. How Canadian!

Only bird that eats out of my hand at Jack Pine trail in Ottawa

A hardy, cheerful and friendly bird. Doesn't flee the country when the weather becomes less than ideal... it gets to brutal at times. A hardy Canadian and sets a good example.

I was just wondering how those tiny birds make it through this very cold weather - they are tough!

The black capped chickadee is an assuming little bird but one that is easily recognizable by pretty much everyone in Canada. Its song is distinct and gives away who it is singing, even to the most inexperienced birder. These tiny balls of fluff are a staple at almost every bird feeder, yet are just as easily seen out in the rural areas. They are a hardy bird that despite its tiny size manages to stick it out through the coldest Canadian winters. A pint sized passerine that deserves to be crowned Canada's national bird.

In the east or in the West, a little seed in your hand in popular walking trails will entice these little lovelies to land on your hand and eat from it. Curious and friendly, true Canadian values.

The black capped chickadee is no fairweather friend, like so many other birds that disappear when conditions grow harsher. The chickadees remain faithful and constant across much of Canada both summer AND winter, braving the cold with good humour and intelligence. Nor are they bullies at the bird feeder. You don't see them muscling the other birds away. Instead they wait their turn and quickly take their share, but not taking more than they will need (hiding morsels here and there for bad times to come). They are never offensive but are brave enough to eat from a hand, and delight the child in all of us no matter our age. Intelligent, brave, appealing, and faithful - what more could one want in a national bird.

This trusting, friendly little bird, with its cheerful song, is found right across Canada and it stays all year long! As Canadians we should embrace and emulate the wee Chickadee.

Chickadee is natural to most parts of the country and is a beautiful example of mother natures work.

Resourceful, tough but un-aggressive, cheerful, sociable, unisex and attractively sophisticated in dress, a year-round resident of Canadian cities, villages, and countryside, and musically talented, not only with its distinctive chick-a-dee-dee-dee song but also its celebratory spring song, this friendly bird displays some of the best traits and talents of Canadian humans.

Je crois que c'est l'oiseau le plus connu de tous et chacun....son apparence, son chant, son côté social et son allure sympathique.

I suggest the Black-capped Chickadee because it personifies the Canadian spirit. It is hard working, hardy and charming. I love seeing them around through the winter and summer.

I believe that the chickadee would make an excellent choice for a number of reasons. Its wide range covers most of the places where Canadians live, and indeed it interacts with more Canadians than most other birds. Loons and owls will only rarely be seen by most Canadians and certainly not in the course of their everyday lives. Further, the personality of chickadees is very typically Canadian. They are friendly, trusting, social, and industrious. And, like the infamous "eh" for which Canadians are globally renowned, the chickadee has a distinctive and instantly recognizable song.

The black capped chickadee is a symbol of strength and endurance in a small body.

the chickadee is tough (to stay through the winter) and gentle. survives Canadian winters, and enjoys Canadian summers. sweet song. very easy to identify by song and sight. easy to approach and feed, city and country bird. prepares for the future by storing food. coast to coast.

Chickadees maybe small ,but they are tenacious. This humble little bird may get taken for granted , but they are tuff as nails. They take on Canadian winters and still seem cheerful. I think they are much like Canadians.

The Chickadee's swooping flight and lilting call light are a joy to see and hear. It's a plucky little bird that doesn't desert us in the winter, isn't flashy and aggressive.

To me it epitomizes the spirit of Canada.

The black capped chickadee is the very symbol of a Canadian - industrious, faithful, cheerful and willing to help its neighbours by calling out warnings when an intruder is near. They are a delight to listen to and watch. But perhaps not a true symbol of all of Canada as I have not seen any in the east

Pour moi, c'est l'oiseau qui sait le mieux communiquer avec l'humain.

We like people to think about how friendly Canadians are, so we should choose the friendliest little bird there is!

A CALL TO ACTION!! Did you know Canadian Geographic is compiling votes for Canada's national bird (that's right, currently we don't have a national bird! No, no, chickens don't count.) Currently the loon is in 1st place. Now I have nothing against the loon. I'm sure they're nice birds, but to be honest, none of my friends are loons...and actually I don't know any loons at all! In fact, after living in Ontario & BC all my life, I've never actually met or heard one in person...have you??! My guess is not. Unless you are lucky enough to spend lots of time in Algonquin Park. And while I'm so pleased for the loon that it is prominently featured on the $2 coin...don't you agree that to be honoured on our coinage and as a national emblem is too much for 1 bird? Not very Canadian to be so proud I think. I mean, the Queen is on our money, and even she didn't throw her hat into the ring for this vote! So I daresay the loon is already taken care of.
Instead, for your consideration, the black-capped chickadee. Currently in 5th place, this unassuming little song-bird deserves to be our national bird! Why? Well, it's habitat stretches from Newfoundland to BC to the Yukon and Northwest Territories. It's diet of insects makes it one of the most important pest exterminators of the forest or orchard. The fact that it is nonmigratory means it's just the like all of you, it sucks it up and sticks it out for the Canadian winter in your backyard (even when you take off to Cuba, Florida, Hawaii or California for a week!!!). I was recently at Mom & Dad's in the Ottawa Valley in the frigid December wind, and there was the black-capped Chickadee, as strong as any wind! And it's song!! It's song is so right. Did you know there 13 different types of call? I'd say that's pretty impressive, don't you? It's namesake "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call is delightful. But it's famed 2-note song of the male is my favourite. Everybody has their own interpretation, but Dominic and I think it's saying a welcoming and friendly "Heeeeyyyyy yooouuuu". What could more Canadian than a friendly 'hey you' from your own back yard? I mean, it's like it's talking to you!!! Has a loon every said hello to you? No, I didn't think so.
Finally, the black-capped chickadee has the experience to represent us on the international stage. It already is a provincial bird (New Brunswick) and most recently was voted to be bird of year (2015) by the city of Vancouver. This lovely song-bird has our Canadian national interest in mind!
So please, go the Canadian Geographic website to vote for the black-capped Chickadee! And share this link to all who love our country!
(This message was approved by a black-capped Chickadee in our garden this afternoon, Bowen Island, BC).

Love Loons but they are like snow birds, where do they spend winters?Florida, therefore not true tuff it out Canadians. Chickadees on the other hand spend winters right here, in Canada. Wearing their "Raising the Roof" toques and freezing their feathers off. The little guys have my vote!!!!!

I first truly experienced the Black Capped Chickadee in the forests of Birds Hill Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba. While on a walk with my boyfriend these tiny little birds seem to follow and sing in tune with our conversation. I decided to put my hand up for one to land, really expecting nothing to happen. One did land, chimed a chicka-dee-dee-dee, and then flew off. What a sweet little face, and such a soft touch. I was hooked. I regularly go on hikes with plenty of bird seed and they land, one after the other, after the other. They never forget to say thank you before ing their seed and flying off to crack it open.
I now have plenty of feeders in my yard and they are regular visitors. Such a beautiful sound to wake up to. They bring me hours of pleasure during the day. I can watch them from the window, and they keep me company while I'm outside reading or gardening. They chime so happily all day long. Fall, winter, spring, and summer the Chickadee is a constant song throughout the day. They can be found in the Forest, in the city, in the country and at the lake.
I live in Manitoba, where we sport the licence plate of "Friendly Manitoba". These little birds seem to be the epitome of this phrase.
I believe these little birds are our introduction to birding. They seem to open the door to the amazing world of birds. Tiny and strong and a friend to all what an amazing way to start experiencing the birding world.

I will not write a 5000 word essay. However, this little bird is present near my home on a daily basis.Its sweet song "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" brings me happiness. I also love how they answer you back with their melody, when you chant the very same words to them.

The black capped chickadee is friendly, industrious, sociable, ubiquitous, clever, adaptable and has a heart warming call. This is a bird that many Canadians will have seen and heard. Its qualities are everything that you would want in a national bird.

J'ai vérifié les oiseaux en liste et vu au passage le nombre de votes déjà accordés à certains d'entre-eux mais sans me laisser influencer, mon vote va pour la mésange à tête noire... Ceci n'enlève rien à ce majestueux oiseau qu'est le harfang des neiges ni au huard que j'ai vu le plus souvent sur les pièces de monnaie que dans la vraie vie et qui est souvent malmené par des > surtout durant ce mois de janvier 2015 mais bon revenons à mon petit préféré la mésange à tête noire... :o)
Cette petite bête à plume habite toutes les provinces et territoires canadiens et en toutes saisons de l'année. Sa robe est très jolie et elle n'a pas d'agressivité. Elle a une vivacité remarquable et chante même les jours de pluie ou de neige et elle s'apprivoise facilement pour devenir un véritable ami avec le temps. Elle ne demande rien mais si vous la nourrissez, elle sera encore plus près de vous pour egayer votre patio ou votre journée au jardin, elle deviendra en fait un ami que tous les canadiens voudraient avoir... En plus, elle ne fait pas de différence de langue ni de province, quoi de mieux pour représenter un Canada qui va fêter le 150ieme de la confédération... :o)

Depuis que je suis toute petite, la mésange à tête noire a toujours été mon oiseau préférée.

No matter what kind of day you are having, you can't help but be in a good mood having seen a Chickadee!

Everybody loves the chickadee, just like everybody loves Canadians. It is a harmless, friendly, curious little songbird, and are good at acrobatics. And the Canadians won gold in acrobatics.

These little guys are smart busy little survivors. They are very inquisitive too, and love to try something new. They seem to get along with each other, and they take turns very politely at my feeder. They keep their environment cleanpicking eggs and larvae out of the small trees and bushes that shelter them. They don't fly south when winter comes they become a part of it, staying busy and fluffing themselves up to trap as much insulating air as they can in their feathers. These birds are not flashy, but they show a lot style in their choice of blacks, whites and greys. Those little black caps I suppose warm their little heads when the sun shines on them and gives them the look of bohemian artists out to paint from nature. Canadians,like chickadees don't need to rule the world. We have our work to do we know what fun is when we see it we have a few good songs and were apt to sing them at the merest break in the weather. We are with the chickadees in this.

Smart, friendly, but a tough survivor, the black-capped chickadee is an excellent personification of Canadian values. Having studied the chickadee for both my Honours and Masters theses at Queen's University, I've had the pleasure to have a lot of "hands on" experience with this little songbird. They were able to continually surprise me with their ingenuity and curiosity, and each seemed to have their own distinctive personality.
One of the few songbirds to reside year-round in Canada, chickadees embody our ability to not just survive the snow and cold, but to actually thrive in it. Chickadees are able to do this largely by banding together in close-knit flocks before winter starts, paralleling the innumerable small-town communities across our country that embrace winter with a sense of "togetherness" (who hasn't had help from a neighbour to shovel a buried driveway, or pull a car out of snowbank?).
Family values are also important in the lives of chickadees. Both the male and female of a mated pair painstakingly excavate several cavities in dead trees across their territory before ing one as their nesting site. Once the eggs hatch, both parents tirelessly feed their growing chicks - which can number up to 10! - up until it's time for them to leave home and find their own flocks to join. Like many Canadians, I don't think I would be where I am today without the continued love and encouragement I received from my parents throughout my life.
All in all, I think the black-capped chickadee is a bird that, more so than any other on the list, represents the country of Canada and the people living within it.

On en voit partout, en ville comme à la campagne.
Elle n'est pas menaçante et elle mange des graines.

Parce que tout simplement mon préféré. Visiteur régulier des mangeoires et ce à l'année longue.

Black-capped chickadees are friendly and enjoy the winter. What more is there to say?

It's so cute!

Far and away your best feathered friend in Canada year round.

I have the great good fortune to live in highlands of the Ontario mountains. Everyday I put sunflower seeds on the deck and wait, sometimes no longer than 5 seconds, before the chickadees descend. They are polite and industrious and never take more than one seed at a time. They are not just my favourite birds but because they are here all year round I've studied,listened and grown to love them very much. It wouldn't be a good day without seeing at least one.

Chickadees are truly Canadian! They stay through thick and thin. It can be -40, and you can see them all puffed up and at the feeders. They sound cheerful and are never sitting around for long. If you see one, you will soon see 2 or more. They must share good news!

There were chickadee's nesting in the bush right outside my Gram and Grandad's window. She would hang suet squished between two plastic fruit baskets for them in the winter. There distinctive call to this day brings back memories of warmth against the cold, great food, love and hardiness.

Part of me think it should win because it's not a big, showy bird. It's modest and hardy, like Canadians.

THe black capped chickadee stays around year round, doesn't run off when the weather gets cold. It celebrates winter with its cheery notes. It appears to cooperate with the gathering at the bird feeders - just like its fellow Canadians.

Small but mighty bird that sticks it out all winter long.

The Black Capped Chickadee has a very happy song, with several versions, their whistle is very joyful.
They are friendly and will, when shown kindness eat right out of your hand. They are with us all year, accepting our winters just as we do.
They dress in a formal very attractive way.
When eating from our feeders, they are very neat and take the food to a secluded area instead of making a mess around the feeder like all other birds.
They are found all across Canada, and way up north.

The Black Capped Chickadee can be found all over Canada,from coast to coast to coast.It is probably the most beloved bird by all Canadians.

The black-capped chickadee brings automatic smiles and we love the delightful feeling of it landing on our hands when we hold out seeds, particularly in the trails of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington.

Cheerful, modestly colourful, not afraid of the bigger birds, enjoys the Canadian winter. Always a thrill to feed one from your hand!

Hi,

I know the loon and perhaps the Canada goose appear in the mind's eye when this question arises, but when you think about which bird is most widespread and most familiar in Canada, it must be the black-capped chickadee. This titmouse has attractive plumage, a pleasing song, and sees out the winter like Canadians do. Don't be fooled by it's size, this bird is the tough. It is well worthy of the title of Canada's national bird.

Nicholas

Because this charming bird is in the country from Atlantic to Pacific and so friendly with people. If we give him the seeds that he want...

Mon choix s'arrête sur la mésange à tête noire parce que je trouve que ce petit oiseau peut paraître fragile dans sa petitesse, mais qu'il est très résistant à nos hivers, qu'il est très beau, très intelligent et facile d'approche.

Résistant au froid comme nous,son pays c'est l'hiver.

Actif tout l'hiver.

My earliest memories on the farm in Manitoba include the chickadee flitting about the yard, happily singing her song on even the coldest days. I have enjoyed their company at our cottage in Ontario in the spring, listening to their mating song and in BC on the darkest days of winter, they visit the bird feeder and will happily take a sunflower seed from your fingers. Like Canadians the chickadee is a cheery, brave survivor in every province under a variety of conditions and enjoys company. The chickadee likes people and will respond to kindness. I can't imagine any bird more deserving of my vote.

The chickadee is one of the few birds that stays all winter. Tough like most Canadians

Ever since childhood, the sturdy little chickadee has been one of my favourite birds. They also have a very recognizable song. They are jaunty, bright and hardy, and as their range is widespread, they are a perfect bird for Canada.

I voted for it because it is all over Canada. Also because my ancestors' last name was mésange which is the French translation, so it also ties into roots in the old world.

A darling little bird with the sweetest of songs. I love to hear them chirping, most especially in the early morning., and delight at watching them at my feeder. Sweet little chickadee...

I cannot think of a bird that gives more sheer delight than the black-capped chickadee. The chickadee is a truly patriotic bird, not like the ones that go South the moment the weather turns cold. No! They stick around like true Canadians and learn to enjoy snow and ice. On cold winter days, when the woods seem empty, if you listen closely you will hear dee-dee-dee or the very subtle chip-chip. When it flies, the staccato flurries of flutter turn its flight into a dance. The black-capped chickadee is also easily the most democratic bird. When you go out into the woods and raise a hand with a few sunflower seeds, the bushes that are a moment ago seemed bare will suddenly conjure up chickadees who after a few moments of inspection will light on your hand to sample the seeds. Even if your hand is empty, they will check it out, just in case. There is no question in my mind: the black-capped chickadee deserves to be chosen as Canada's national bird.

I love their cheery flight their happy calls.

Love the way they are so perky and friendly. We have one who visits our feeders that is off colour. Just white and varying shades of ginger. We call it Blondy!

Chickadees are with us year round. Always cheerful and friendly and loved in every province of Canada

They're nice and play good songs and are commonish in winter.

Ryker, age 9

It doesn't matter where or what time of year the chickadee is always around welcoming you with its voice.

My choice without a doubt is the tiny but hardy little chickadee. It is truly a Canadian bird as it chooses to stay home in Canada for the winter rather then migrating . Not only does this little bird manage to stay warm and fed during the winter but it can be heard singing in all kinds of weather, now that's the Canadian spirit! If it could I'm sure that it would play hockey too! I love this beautifully dressed little bird and it's beautiful song, I always marvelled at this wonderful act of nature presented to us by the most pretty and tiniest of gift's , this endurable and hardy little Canadian,the precious little chickadee!

love chickadees, smart, entertaining, resilient little charmers"

Je vote pour la mésange à tête noire, tout simplement parce que il a toujours été mon oiseau préféré, qu'il est facilement accessible pour tout le monde, il vit dans tout le pays.

It's a non-migratory songbird. When all the others songbirds have gone south, these little guys stick it out and stay through the winter. No contest.

I think the chickadee should be the national bird because there are chickadees all across Canada, even in cities. Their little voices make your morning and they are the kind of bird that comes and eats from your hand. This is why you should pick the chickadee.

This is a happy, playful little bird. Working in the garden, they used to land on me and hang around. They're always about when you're outdoors.

I love feeding friendly chickadees. And we hear them in all seasons. :)

I decided on the Chickadee. I didn’t want a bird of prey — the world and our country are already overburdened with too much aggression. I was tempted to vote for the Loon, but rejected it because it deserts most of the country during the winter, and it has become the bird that symbolizes our money — the world and our country are already overburdened with too much emphasis on money.

The Chickadee frequents the entire country, summer and winter changes his tune (as do we) from winter to summer always seems to be looking on the bright side and, at the feeders we put out to feed not just bird bodies but also our own souls, he is the most faithful. I like his spirit - a great symbol to inspire ours.

Chickadees are industrious, friendly birds. I think our national bird should be as friendly, good-natured as Canadians are! II love the common loon as much as black-capped chickadee, but not all Canadians can call loons as our neighbours, as we can chickadee.

A true little Canadian! Spends the four seasons in this vast country, never abandoning us for greener pastures.

Remembering my many walks through the woods during the winter months with my two golden retrievers enjoying the chickadees songs.Last summer I hung a decorative bird house on a shepherds hook beside our front porch..a chickadee nested there,we enjoyed their coming and going as we had our morning coffee day after day.They were totally oblivious to the fact that we were within feet of them.Then came the fledglings and the day that it was time for them to go off on their own.Amazingly as we sat they left the nest,clinging to my husband's socks and our wicker chairs..seven in all..Definitely my favorite bird.

These charming wee birds are everywhere across the country and frequent feeders all year long if available.. They are friendly and can be tamed to be hand fed.

A great candidate to be Canada's official bird.

You gotta love a smart bird that knows it's own name. they are friendly and out going just like Canadians, and they don't mind winter.

A small resilient friendly bird that is with us all year long.

This insectivore is a ubiquitous and tame bird, always found in small flocks that work their way across the neighbourhood in the summer, and deferential to just about any other bird at winter feeders.

Chickadees are tough little birds! They stick around all year (not like some of your contenders that head south during winter). They are cute, intelligent and they seem to posess a sense of humour. Typically Canadian.

Stays all year toughening it up in Winter: A true hard worker and friendly too.Very Canadian.
Love to hear then in my Winter walks when "nothing " is there.They find something? to eat then.

Kind but tough.....a true Canadian

Of all birds Canada this bird is always where you are. Beautiful, extremely cheery and entertaining, both in populated and remote areas. I have seen it in isolated areas where it seems to welcomes you into it's habitat and visits at close range. It remains here all year long, raises and feeds it's family here and is so friendly and sociable. To me it represents the very essence of being Canadian.

The chickadee is everywhere in Camana, going north in summer and south in winter. It's a friendly unassuming and hardy little bird. Kids love them. Everyone knows them from their backyard feeders and hiking in the countryside.

It has the best song ever, particularly in the spring!

The best choice.....chickadee, dee, dee!

Tough, tenacious, sassy and adorable! I can't imagine how such tiny little fluff balls can survive the awful winters in northern Saskatchewan. And waiting impatiently for us when we arrive back in March. Wonderful little creatures.

The chickadee provides a pleasant sight and sound of wildlife even in winter when all the other songbirds are gone.

I have had the good fortune to see most of the birds listed. I've loved listening to the loon while living on various lakes. I enjoyed feeding the Canada Jay while living deep in the bush in Northern Ontario. I have had the privilege of watching a wide variety of birds visit my feeders in my thirty-six years of putting out food for my feathered friends. It is a hard decision to just choose one.

Limited to one, my heart has to choose the beautiful, happy, polite, brave little chickadee. It has been a constant companion in every area I've lived over the last thirty-six years. It just seems to be found everywhere: deep in the woods or in the centre of densely-populated urban areas. It appears to be at home everywhere in Canada. It is the perfect choice for Canada's national bird.

When it's - 30 or + 30 c you can count on the mighty chickadee to be there! Just like a Canadian ! YEAH EH !

I've been a birdwatcher for 20 years and in my own backyard for over 10 years. The black-capped chickadees are my favourite. I call them my buddies. They are not skiddish, so you can get close to them. They are not messy at the feeders and and I am fascinated by their quick agility and flying patterns. I keep all my feeders going year round to attract all my favourite birds, like cardinals, woodpeckers, finches, etc. Have even gotten to enjoy rose-breasted grossbeaks for about 2 days every May. And this month (January) had Carolina Wrens visit for the first time..such a delight. But, even though I can keep the Cardinals all year round, along with a few other regulars, the black-capped chickadees still bring me the most pleasure to observe.

I love the chickadees, so friendly, cheerful and tame. They stay close by all year long, not deserting us during the cold winter months. And their calls are very recognizable so I know when they are around. It's wonderful to go to the feeding stations and have them eat from my hand and feel their little claws holding tight to my fingers! My favourite Canadian birds.

Chickadees are friendly and beautiful... one of our favourite birds!

No matter how lost and alone you are in the bush, the little chickadee always shows up asking "who did it?". It will always be my favourite bird.

Chickadee are entertaining and common. They are pretty. We don't need a bird that already represents another province or currency.

I like their friendliness and their songs are a comfort. They are everywhere and year round.

There are many wonderful birds in Canada, some that come and go, and some, like the chickadee that stay with us through sun and snow. When I lived abroad, it was the chickadee that I missed seeing and hearing most.

Beautiful bird, they are all over Canada, not just one or two provinces

the chickadee is a year round Canadian bird. No matter what the temperature, they are out singing. The chickadee can be found all over.

What a perfect bird to have as our national symbol! Easily recognizable, friendly, beautiful and winters over in Canada. The Black-capped chickadee has such a recognizable song and is ever present.

The Black-capped chickadee is seen and heard in urban and rural landscapes across Canada all year long so is familiar to most Canadians. It has a wonderful call and song, its chick-a-dee-dee-dee call is recognizable by everyone. It is a true winter survivor, I am inspired when I hear one on a cold winter day along the Elbow River. It typifies the great Canadian qualities of survival and adaptability.

Cheerful, unassuming, ubiquitous. Urban and rural, summer and winter. What more could you want, eh?

This was, by far, our most favourite visitor to our Maritime bird feeders over so many years - I am now 78 years old. They stayed with us all winter and brought nothing but joy to our surroundings. Like our beloved Blue Berets , they symbolize peace and acceptance to all others wishing to live together wherever they are ( squirrels included). My Canada is a Black-capped Chickadee.

These little guys are common visitors to our maple trees throughout the spring-summer and even winte in Atlantic Canada. I love songbirds and besides the colours the chickadee sports, they are just so cute to watch!. It amazes how such a small animal can survive the winters here yet continue to appear so spirited and hardy.

Canada's bird should be one that endures the winter with us. This little fellow is tenacious, enduring, but incredibly friendly. They seem good natured and the song is so very recognizable. At 5:30 a.m. as i sit on my porch Spring, Summer and Fall drinking my coffee I listen them signing my grandson's name K-A-H-Leeel. When I am refilling the feeders they are on my hand, on the feeder, sitting on the rail of the veranda, urging me on. A bit pushy but always grateful. I love these little guys. Yes, the Osprey is magnificent. I watch one in front of my home as she dives, claws first, grabbing bass and walleye and carp. I love to watch her. But when the weather gets bad she leave me. Same for the Blue Heron, the geese (well they should leave). But the Chickadee stays and weathers it. All year round they make me smile. Of course they do not do so alone - so why is the Cardinal RED our colour not on the list?

The little bird that stays through thick and thin with regards to our weather! Also, very friendly, just like all Canadians. This little bird in my opinion really represents well what Canada is all about.

Look..... I jumped the gun.... and I apologize. I missed the Chickadee because my judgement was clouded by my aching hunger for the delicious partridge of Canada. People smarter than me, including Martin Tielli, Dave Bidini, and Lynne Stevenson have made impassioned pleas for the Chickadee's inclusion as a national animal. I quote the immortal Lynne Stevenson now in supplication for first miscast vote. "The noble black-capped chickadee is everything a Canadian should be - tough enough for winter, cheerful, seen all over Canada, all year round, and both generous and tolerant. Chickadees are often the first bird to find a new food supply, and by their chipper and inviting behaviour, soon lead birds of all species to the feeder. And unlike many other species, the chickadee does not try to fight off other birds, but gets all the food he needs by hard work, friendly confidence and agility! O Canada!"

Spring, winter, summer, fall, the chickadee always entertains with his/her antics and songs.

A friendly and easily recognisable bird. They are social, outgoing, and are here year round.

These lovely birds can be heard year round singing their sweet song, and appearing at bird feeders and gardens everywhere in Canada. I have even been privileged to have one land on my finger, up close and personal.

I just started "birding" here in Manitoba and all winter long have enjoyed the throngs of Chickadees that arrive numerous times daily for feed and visiting my heated bird bath :)

They stay in Canada all winter and are very friendly.

The chickadee is common to all of Canada and it's cheerful call at sunrise and sunset is so happy. This hardy little bird stays around during the winter and on many walking trails I have hand fed them. Strong and sturdy, a wonderful little bird to represent Canada.

Dear Canadian Geographic

The Black Capped Chickadee is the choice for our national bird. It's common in 10 provinces and present in at least 2 of our territories.

The Chickadee is a tough year round resident. It does not abandon us in the Winter.

A true Canadian

D.J. McDonald

Stays in Canada year round, has complex vocalizations used to communicate information and always joyful companion winter or summer.

They stick with you through thick and thin (i.e. Winter!)

I think the chickadee should be the national bird because they are sweet and cute, but they are also very feisty, and they are kind of like the way Canadians are
depicted loud and rowdy! They are independent but also look out for each other, they are around all year in some provinces, (at least they are in BC). They are very tough, and also very, very unique. But they are small, and not like some of the other birds, so they deserve a bit more attention, which even their cousins, the chestnut-backed chickadees, are taking from them. They really are the best bird for this title.

The Chickadee is the under-dog here, but more than any other bird it is the one that reminds me of winter in Canada. It can be found in rural and urban settings and there is something distinctly Canadian about the Chickadee's song.

Friendly.
Hearty.
Beautiful.
Plays well with others.

Sounds Canadian to me :)

This bird cheers us up all year, but is especially inspirational in the winter. Like us is stores food for less abundant times and seems to have all year round.

Aside from the very furthest north regions of our country, the chickadee is everywhere every time of the year! Most of the other favourites are very regionalized or to be seen only in their preferred habitat in season. Chickadees grace inner city, urban, suburban, rural, forest, mountains and most other situations year round. Their cheerful, friendly attitude is something all Canadians should emulate!

I think the blacked chickadee would be great choice as our national bird. They're amongst the most gregarious of birds, and aren't put off by our presence. They thrive in winter. They're widespread in Canada. The sound of "chic a dee dee" in the dead of winter never fails to put a smile on my face. Their 2 toned "where are you" call, is as haunting as a loon's. At the risk of anthropomorphizing their behaviour, they always seem to be a good mood. And finally, what a great counter point to the brazen, look how tough I am image of America's national bird.
Sincerely
Dale Cole
Calgary

I love these little friendly fellows, They are ever present in the bush and can be found all across canada. Making any walk or nature hike all the more enjoyable with their delightful song. They may be small and unassuming but the stick it out throughout the harsh winters and are clever little birds. 

The chickadee is an active, cheerful, adaptable, sociable and friendly permanent resident of Canada. It takes winter and summer, wilderness and civilization, completely within its stride. It has a cheery call and a pretty song. It makes me smile whenever I encounter it. I would be proud to have the black-capped chickadee represent me to the world.

These birds stays here all year. They are friendly and will land on your hand to take seed. It gives me great pleasure in our conservation area to introduce a child to the fun of hand feeding these wild birds. Their chick a dee dee dee song is unmistakeable and makes me smile. Canada is a happy country, friendly and outgoing. Let's have a little bird who shows these characteristics. The bird even wears a little black toque.

Chickadees are the perfect bird to represent Canada because they are just as friendly and outgoing as we are!

All-season urban and rural dweller all across Canada

Okay, way to many birds to choose from and they are all so wonderful! This being said, the black capped chickadee is a constant companion in the garden.

I think the chickadee is very frequent in most areas of Canada and they have a song that makes people smile.

It's lovely listening to this bird sing "CHICK a aa DEE DEE DEE" in the early morning hush. A very peaceful song that I could listen to for hours. Not possible due to this little birds constant fidgeting moving from tree to tree.

small but mighty
not so obvious
fairly wide distribution

Canada's national bird should be found from coast to coast to coast and a year round occupant. It should be familiar to young and old and the song pleasurable. It is for these reasons I choose the Black-capped Chickadee. It is very abundant throughout our great country and sings a very familiar song that almost anyone can identify with.

The Black-capped chickadee is well known throughout Canada... and common in everyone's backyard, park... within each province. Even though there are hybrids across the border, the distinct Chick a dee dee dee... is a sign of life even in Canada's cold of winter to a warm summer morning. It welcomes other species of birds, like warblers, nuthatches, woodpeckers, to share in its territory. It adapts to its environment, foraging and storing foods, alerting others of predators, and adopting younguns from other flocks to maintain the health of the species. Much like Canadians...

Who isn't captivated by this little bird? Who isn't impressed by this little bird's perseverance, hanging around Canada through the worst of winters instead of heading south? Who isn't cheered by this little bird's sweet song?
My choice for Canada's national bird is quite easy, the chickadee is cheerful, friendly and non aggressive and even polite. How does the little chickadee NOT say I. AM. CANADIAN.?

These birds are local and always in my backyard singing and brightening my day!

They are beautiful birds

In our backyard all year long....

Le mésange à tête noire (black-capped chickadee) me semble l'idéal oiseau national.
C'est un canadien au fond:
Il se trouve partout au Canada, robuste durant l'hiver, gentil, grégaire et toujours de bonne humeur. Généreux aussi, car il est d'habitude le premier à trouver la mangeoire, et il laisse savoir tous les oiseaux du cartier pour en partager.
Un bon petit bonhomme.

***

The black-capped chickadee (mésange à tête noire) seems to me the perfect Canadian bird.
He is Canadian through and through:
He is found all over Canada, robust in winter, nice, gregarious and always cheerful. Generous too, since he is usually the first to find a birdfeeder, and he lets all the birds in the neighbourhood know about it so they can share.
A fine little fellow.

What other bird is so small and can change its metabolic rate to survive in our canadian climate?

Smart, resourceful, attractive, kind, trusting, friendly, cheerful, survivors - all the things that Canadians can be.

Nothing says Canada to me more than the Black-capped Chickadee. Its playful chirps, its friendly demeanor and its delightful song bring a smile to my face. Whether you are walking the deep trails of a boreal forest or sitting in a park, the black-capped chickadee is everywhere, warming us with its presence on the coldest of winter days. They are a delight at our feeders and their namesake call is known and enjoyed more than any other bird in Canada.

Each bird has its unique attributes, but in my opinion none embody so completely the overall best qualities of Canada and Canadians as the endearing black-capped chickadee. The merry avian is to our bird scene what the pansy is to our Canadian gardens - hardy, cheery, friendly, unassuming but bold, enduring, peaceful and quietly beautiful. My small grandchildren love to watch them enjoying the feeders on our decks, and call them as I've taught them with..."Cheeeeseburger, Cheeeeeseburger, cheeeeseburger" along with the more common trilling dee-dee song so many have already mentioned. No matter which of our wonderful birds are chosen, in my mind, the chickadee will always be the most enduring symbol of the country I call home.

It is a smart bird with a tremendous memory and leader of the pack during the winter.

Chickadees are friendly, approachable, polite and courteous. They're never pushy or aggressive. They're happy in the solitude of the forest, or in the company of people. A humble, friendly bird is just what we need as our symbol.

The Black-capped chickadee is very friendly (like many Canadians).

It's Canada so would have to be a bird that doesn't migrate.

A brave, strong survivor giving a lot of pleasure over the winter months.

Although we have an abundance of birds in the Yukon, my favourite is the black-capped chickadee. This tough little bird can be seen year round in feeders and trees. I think it is a happy, hard-working little bird and having them around and being able to hear their song makes me happy as well.

Un très beau petit oiseau qui reste fidèle toute l'année.

I think that I shall never see
a bird better than the chickadee

La mésange est présente à l'année Elle n'est pas farouche, on peut la nourrir à la main Son chant est doux, ses cris aussi Elle est menue et toute jolie On la trouve partout. J'adore cet oiseau!

The black-capped chickadee can be found in most of Canada, stays through the winter, will land on your hand if you have seeds, and is so easily identified by sound and sight. It is such a lovely bird and one that could easily spark a young child's livelong interest in birds.

la mésange est curieuse , résistante, et magnifique! Véritable acrobate en vol , son chant marque chacune des saisons du Québec .

The National Bird Project was introduced to me as a vote for Canada's national songbird. We have the 'loonie' coin nation-wide that led some of us to believe the Loon (Gavia immer) was already chosen to be our nation's bird.

As our national songbird, the black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) wins my vote. It is truly Canadian, its habitat is nation wide and it does not migrate to the United States in the winter. The black-capped chickadee is one of the first birds we hear and learn about as children. Their cheerful song and chattering can lift a gloomy spirit. They are curious and friendly. Although, their nature is to be non-agressive, they will protect their own and warn other birds of an alarming presence.

Thank you for this challenging National Bird Project.

Oh how do I love these little guys!! With their cute little intelligent black eyes, their cute little black heads and beautiful feather colours!! I have feeders during summer, one with various seeds and one with only sunflower seeds. They don't eat the other seeds, only sunflower seeds. All day long, from dusk to dawn, they come one by one! But they always come as a crowd. The other bigger birds (song sparrows and others) are always chasing them away, so I go very close to my feeders and the other birds who are way more scared of humans fly away. The chickadees are not really scared of me and they come as close to less a foot from me. That way, they have a chance to eat too and as I am crossing the backward to go to my feeders, I hear them in trees telling each others that I am coming so they can come and eat. During winter, I have a suet cage and a big plate with sunflowers seeds. They eat the suet but not as much as the sunflower seeds. The suet is mostly eaten by hairy wood peckers and nuthatches but also sometimes chickadees eat them. It doesn't matter if it's -30C with windchill -40C, snowing, ice storm, windy, sunny, the chickadees are the bravest of them all!! They are also quite friendly. They are not eating in my hands in my backward but I do snowshoe and there's a place I go where they come and eat in my hands!! It's a lot of fun!! :) They also make a lot of different noises and songs and in my book, that makes them smart!! I don't think the Canadian bird should be a bird that doesn't stay with us all year long. I think it should be a permanent resident! So, because they are so friendly like Canadians, resilient like Canadians, smart, courageous and so damn cute, they should be our national bird!! :D

Ce n'est pas tout le monde qui a eu la chance d'observer un harfang des neiges ou un plongeon huard mais tout le monde a déjà vu et entendu une mésange à tête noire!!

Depuis plusieurs années des petites mésanges ont décidé braver avec nous les rigueurs de l'hiver joyeux et tout pleins de vie et d'insouciance devant cette rude hiver.
On devient vite l'amie d'une si gentille famille.

It is nice, kind of just like Canada.

The Black-capped chickadee is the perfect choice for the national bird of Canada as it represents our people well: friendly, social, happy, persevering through our cold winters across the whole country. Often found in mixed flocks with other species in winter.

Our representative absolutely has to be that year-round cheerer-upper, the black-capped Chickadee! This gregarious, lively little charmer always makes me smile. Not only are Chickadees good-natured and friendly, but they're also well-mannered, taking turns at the feeder in an orchestrated, orderly fashion. Altogether a perfectly delightful bird.

I think the chickadee should be Canada's National Bird, because they remain in Canada year-round, are easily identifiable by look and by call. They are also very common at feeders, as well as in the wilderness.

The black-capped chickadee is a bright, cheerful and enduring bird and is found in most, if not all areas of Canada, just like most Canadians. This is a hardy little bird that winters over instead of heading south for the winter, just like most Canadians. These are hardy little go-getters who just keep going no matter what the climate, or adversity. I would like to think that this cheerful, friendly little bird embodies the Canadian spirit.

The chickadee very much epitomizes Canadians. They thrive in all weather and are stalwart winter visitors. They are curious, respectful and friendly yet tenacious.

The chickadee represents Canadians well because it is a peaceful bird, not violent and aggressive like the Bald Eagle. Nothing calms your nerves more than walking in the woods and hearing its beautiful song.

The chickadee adapts well to both populated areas and the wildness, making it flexible like many Canadian people.

It is not a flashy, colourful bird, but its cap reminds me of the winter hats we have to wear so many months of the year. Nor is it bold, loud or crass, it is quite polite.

Most of all, even though it is not an imposing bird, it is very tough, surviving freezing winter temperatures as well as hot summers.

My second choice would be the Loon and my third the Snowy Owl.

I just remember loving their song as a child and still makes me smile when I'm lucky enough to hear it now. By the way, they're just plain cute too.

I have lived in several provinces and visited the rest in my lifetime.

The one bird song I heard in every province is the Chick-a-dee-dee-dee. I can think of no other bird indigenous to this country that would be more deserving of this honour than the Black-capped Chickadee.

And besides... how adorable right?

Thank you
Victoria Clark

This is a sweet bird. It will eat out of your hand, sings a sweet song. It sticks around all year long. It is not a fair weather bird.

This little bird is a wonderful, feisty little survivor who has kept us company here in the Laurentian mountains for over forty years. They fearlessly perch on the finger to take seeds from our hands. My name for them is "ANGELS OF THE WOODS," and I love them dearly.

This tiny bird would be a great choice as it can be seen here in Canada year round. They are abundant and quite tame as well. Our family has been camping and found that these little creatures will easily come and peck at the ground right at your feet.

The chickdee stays in canada year around and are in every province.

The American Robin is my favourite bird, with its musical song promising the end of winter. Last year, for the first time ever in southern Ontario, after the long cold winter of 2013/2014, I saw a beautiful snowy owl. I love the haunting call of a loon, birds that mate for life. The fabulous honking V-formation of Canada geese in the sky reminds me of other places to visit. With so many beautiful birds it's difficult to choose just one. However, using the characteristics that make Canada the country it is, one bird stands out, the black-capped chickadee.

I have black-capped chickadees in my yard all year long, their calls a delight to hear, especially during the long cold winters when summer birds have flown south. They leave no mess when eating bird seeds and sip fresh water from a flower pot saucer on the deck as well as from the bird bath. They are friendly, a Canadian trait. Their year-round range extends over most of Canada, in urban yards as well as forests.

Should be a bird that sticks around all year and has never eaten a chipmunk.

The chickadee is a bird that hangs in with us, bringing cheerfulness and the kind of tough resourcefulness it takes to survive the winter. With a song!

Year long citizen and very comforting to hear.

I think we should have a bird that is very common and why not a small bird for a change!

I think if we are to have a National bird it should be a bird that stays in Canada ALL year. A migratory bird is not Canadian. Chickadees can be found here all year around and they cheer up our long cold winters with their happy song of "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" and their antics at our garden bird feeders. Many Canadians take pride in being able to hand feed "their" chickadees who visit them daily. Hands down, this is the most recognizable bird we have from coast to coast. Both children and adults alike know this bird and delight in watching it.

What better bird to represent our country than the all-Canadian chickadee? Wherever we go in Canada you can always rely on seeing and hearing this hardy and delightful feathered friend. And when we come home the chickadee is a constant visitor to our feeders all year round. Chickadee-dee-dee-eh!

Always happy and cheery, no matter what the weather! Seen in all areas of the country and recognized by 99 per cent of Canadians

The Black-Capped Chickadee exhibits characteristics that any person should try to emulate. It is friendly, pleasant and fun to be around. Many times they have joined me in the bush on the coldest of winter days. They will brighten your day with their pleasant song and warm disposition. Always curious as to what you are doing and never too shy to pose with a child or adult friend for a photograph. The Black-Capped Chickadee never judges and for that reason makes the best friend anyone could ever ask for. They are also very loyal. To we Canadians who don't winter to the south we can count on these feathered friends to be with us through the worst of weather, providing warmth from their cheery attitude. Please count me as a huge fan of this tiny beautiful bird.

Sincerely, Donnie Mc.

The black-capped chickadee is a delightful small bird that embraces spring with vigour. Hanging upside-down like a mini aerobic stunt bird. Cheerfully peeping in our pine and cedar trees in mini swarms. They are so endearing, because of their tiny size and comical postures.

The snowy owl? Too hit and miss. Lots of folks will never see one. Too linked to one province already. The loon? probably the best choice, except again linked to a province. and it leaves in winter. Which is pretty Canadian, but still, not really something to advertise. Plus, think of the jokes.

So, the chickadee. Everyone knows them. Everyone sees them. Everyone knows their song. they are friendly. They stick it out all winter. Kids can have them land on their hands. And it sorts of scans with "Canada" so you can sing, "Oh, chickadee, our home and native bird." Well, maybe that's not the best argument.

Although Canada has a huge variety of fabulous birds, I chose the unassuming chickadee. It's cute, chirpy, small - but TENACIOUS - it hangs around all year, even in the freezing cold. I think of them as live winter tree decorations of the Ottawa River, and especially of my local conservation area: Mud Lake.

How can anyone not appreciate the chickadee?

Smaller than most birds in my area. Very friendly, they will eat out of my hand. They seem to wait in line for a sunflower seed, take one and move on for the next bird.

A dear old friend and constant charmer ... All across this land through all my travels.

We have the pleasure to enjoy both in winter and summer these lovely little birds that are so friendly in our backyard. We feed them in feeders and they have no hesitation to fly right up and take a seed when we stand there. I feel strongly that my little friend should be chosen as Canada's offical bird,

Thank you,

Marolyn Dawson

I vote for the Black-Capped Chickadee. I love the Chickadee because it is a sociable bird. Whenever I go for walks in nature, it is always the bird that comes to check me out. Plus it chirps at me and makes my walks more pleasurable.

I remember as a little girl my grandmother- Nanny calling out for the black-capped chickadee. " Chicka dee dee dee ", she would sing out. My mother followed suit - calling for them daily. I would come home from school and my mom would recall all the birds she saw that day. The one that stood out the most especially, in the winter months was the Chickadee. My mom would say, "what a cheeky little bird". It was the first bird I remembered as a little girl and the one that stands out the most in my mind today.

Not only its familiar markings stood out but, it's songs echoed on those long cold winter days.
What an amazing bird. When I think of my Canada I think of all the beautiful seasons. And when people outside of Canada think of Canada they think of our friendly Nation and our season's but, sometimes we are remembered for our cold winters.

When I saw this presented on the Weather Network website I had to vote. The Chickadee - fluttering and rolling its body and wings through the snow to clean its feathers swinging on the bird feeder on the harshest of days battling for its food with a hardy Blue Jay. Its tiny but, one of the mightiest of birds. Its withstands the harshest of weather - staying home all year round. It outsmarts the other species of birds - hiding its food amongst cracks in trees, bushes and everywhere, remembering every individual spot for later use. Yet, this tiny bird is fearless - humans represent a curiosity for them and they live in harmony with us.

The Black-Capped Chickadee maybe tiny but, it's beauty, strength, adaptability and perseverance are the same qualities that I see in our Nation.

When you see a Chickadee stop and observe this amazing bird and remember what it represents - Canada!

I absolutely love this little bird. He is the perfect bird to represent our country, as he is so widespread. They are friendly, amusing, brave, cheerful, independent and beautiful and cute to look at, and it's nice to listen to their chick-a-dee-dee song. The chickadee captivates your attention, as they are a curious bird and always checking out their surroundings. This little guy deserves to be Canada's national bird.

I think that the black-capped chickadee is the definitive Canadian bird. It isn't large, noisy, or showy, but it is hard-working, resilient and persistent. It shares its food with other chickadees, is friendly with other birds and even with other species, like humans! I think this is a pretty good description of Canadians. It is a survivor with style!

This bird is a tough little guy that is right at home dealing with any weather - a true Canadian.

The chickadee can be found in a widespread part of Canada, it is a friendly little bird, eats out of your hand and is seldom quarrelsome. Of all the beautiful birds I've seen in our country, I vote for this unassuming little bird.

I think Canada's national bird should be one that is in Canada all year long, and the chickadee is. It also has a very nice song.

I love these little birds. They are the most common bird in Canada, so they would make a great choice for the national bird. When I see them in other countries, they always make me think of home.

I am so used to its song in my back yard and it's here almost all year long.

The black-capped chickadee has got to be the smartest bird out there. When I put out fresh bird seed or suet this bird is the first one to come to the feeder, and I also have had them perched on my hand eating. I make the chirp sound for them to come and they always chirp back. They are a beautiful bird.

I am not about to write a full essay, but I think that the chickadee should definitely be a contender for the title of "Bird of Canada." It is a beautiful bird, and has a soft but steady musical voice.

It has to be the cute little chickadee!

I think that Canada's national bird should be one that can handle our cold winters - not something that goes south when winter hits. I chose the chickadee, because they keep singing all through the year, they are cheery, and welcoming to watch and listen to in the dead of winter.

I think the chickadee would be a great choice as it shows what a true Canadian is like. They are cheerful and just make people happy with their chirps. They stick around year-round and don't complain about the cold. They love to be around people, and if you bring them a treat they will sit in your hand. A bird that stays around in the cold winters has to be a good choice. :)

The chickadee can be found year-round across Canada. Its cheerful song can always be heard in the trails we walk on in the Ottawa green belt. If you hold out you hand with sunflowers on it you will soon have a visitor - I can remember my children being thrilled to have this beautiful little bird land on their hand.

One of the few birds that live in most parts of Canada year-round. It is modest, friendly and approachable (will even eat out of your hand).

Whether I am in the east or west, I see and hear the chickadees

The Chickadee is known as the welcome committee in the Far North.

Doesn't matter how cold, or harsh a day it is, if you are out in it, there is sure to be a cheerful sounding chickadee hopping over to chat with you.

Plus they are not a migrating bird, they are truly one of our own!

The chickadee is found in many regions of Canada. This bird represents the friendly, trusting nature of Canadians. They are industrious and their song/call is so very distinctive. The species is well known and can be spotted very easily. The national bird should be a symbol that is not elusive or wary but open and welcoming.

Canadian Chickadee Jan 11, 2015

The chickadee is a true Canadian icon. No matter where you go in Canada, winter or summer, if there are trees or bushes, you could be greeted by the ever friendly Chickadee. That perky, high spirited little bird is never backward or hesitant in greeting a newcomer, whether friend or foe, with its chickadee-dee-dee song. This friendly spirit is a characteristic attributed to most Canadian Citizens. This little acrobatic flyer flits and swoops among the trees and bushes, lunching on bugs from crevices in tree bark and building cracks. This activity reduces the population of harmful beetles and caterpillars which is good for our environment. The chickadee also loves to eat the seeds from flowers and trees, particularly the seeds from the cones of coniferous trees. This little bird can be seen hanging upside down, clinging to the cusps of a large pine cone and using its beak to dig out the little winged seed under each cusp. Seeds are flicked here and there as they eat. Some of the seeds are not fully digested and these are distributed on the ground in adjacent areas and grow into more young trees. Again an aid to our Canadian Heritage tree planting programs.

I love the chickadees. I spend my “hobby” time managing trees in a 90-acre wood lot. As a result I am often in the woods cutting down dead elms and blow downs for fire wood. After only a few minutes in the woods and I start my chain saw, a group of chickadees will appear and excitedly flit around waiting for me to cut down a dead tree and expose the bugs under the bark. These birds have a specifically Canadian characteristic of gladly creating a feeling of companionship with nature.

Robert Rehder

The black-capped chickadee is found practically everywhere in Canada, in all habitat types and throughout the whole year. They are charismatic, tough, social and captivating birds that bring joy to all Canadians. If it is the middle of winter, you can at least find a chickadee. They are birds of our backyards and forests and recognized by birders and non birders alike!

I have lived all over this country - New Brunswick, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon. I have voted for the black-capped chickadee, a bird that has travelled throughout this great nation with me. No matter where I have lived I have found this friendly (Canadian trait), welcoming (Canadian trait) and polite (Canadian trait)! Often on the blog I have referred to this as "Canada's bird," so now I guess I have to put my money where my mouth is. :)

I hope that you too will vote. Pick your own candidate, but the black-capped chickadee will always be mine.

Turbo

Because they are ubiquitous! If you want to get to know this guy, it's pretty easy to become friends. Everyone can relate to them!

C'est le premier oiseau qu'on découvre dès qu'on commence à s'intéresser à l'ornithologie. Tout le monde l'a déjà vue dans sa cour ou lors d'une marche dans les bois. C'est le premier chant qu'on reconnaît parmi tant d'autres. Elle demeure dans nos régions nordiques tout au long de l'année et nous réjouit quand elle vient s'alimenter à nos mangeoires. Elle n'est pas sauvage. Si vous êtes patients, elle viendra volontiers manger dans le creux de votre main.
Elle ne vient jamais seule et s'accompagne quelques fois d'autres espèces plus rares que l'on est bien contents de découvrir.

Elle est vive et joyeuse, débrouillarde et courageuse et elle est la plus facile à identifier, que ce soit par sa belle calotte noire ou son chant caractéristique.

Cheery, sweet and lovers of snowy winters. It has to be the chickadee!

This is such a feisty little bird. I watch them at my feeders in extreme Northern Alberta all year round. They are not scared of the bullies (blue jays) and they come to the feeder even when it's -40 C. They are friendly, very pretty, but certainly don't get pushed around!

Having lived half my life in Ontario and half in Alberta, I am well aware of the variance of bird populations in our huge country. But so far, the black-capped chickadee is one that seems to be everywhere. Not only that, but they are friendly, hardy, and curious birds that fit well with the nature of Canadians as a whole.

The black-capped chickadee is representative of our country, not just a region. The cheerful song and playful antics of the chickadee are endearing and heart warming. What better reason do we need for this little bird to represent our amazing country?

That's the only bird that would come to my hand ... and he sang ... wow!

C'est un gentil oiseau qui est tout autour de nous.

Many species of birds have come and gone over the years here in the Bay. The black-capped chickadee, however, is around all year long. We can always count on them to brighten a cold winter day.

In my opinion, the black-capped chickadee exhibits traits similar to those of the Canadian people.

At first glance, this bird appears beautiful and delicate. It is even gregarious and inquisitive in nature. He welcomes the presence of other species of birds and does not mind sharing.

But don't be fooled! With a strong-held conviction, the black-capped chickadee never misses a beat to claim and defend his share of the bounty.

Anyone with a feeder gets infinite enjoyment watching this bird.

I love their different songs. They are so beautiful, and I've seen them both in Calgary (where I live) and Montreal (where I'm from).

I voted for the black-capped chickadee because it lives all over Canada and stays all year long.

The first bird I ever remembered as a little girl, when I became interested in birds, was the black-capped chickadee. It was also the first bird that I was absolutely able to identify and recognize as a kid. They are such a small, sweet and confident little bird that is all around us, and is so very comfortable living beside us Canadians. There are only a few birds on my list that I feel absolutely fit the bill for national bird, but the chickadee is definitely on that list!

Chickadees are the toughest birds out there, and power through the Canadian winter.

Chickadee's have a lovely song, they are everywhere and are easily tamed. Not sure about the loon, when we already have the "loonie," and I really don't want to get started about the Canada geese :). Go chickadees!

I remember the black-capped chickadee from the trails in an Edmonton park. They have a pleasant call that sounds much like the way their name is pronounced. Most importantly, despite the fact that the black-capped chickadee's range isn't completely exclusive to Canada, this bird is a true Canadian and sticks it out with us all winter long, unlike most other birds native to Canada. Ultimately, the black-capped chickadee has my vote for the true Canadian bird of the North, and I stand proud as I whistle back at them, "chick-a-dee-dee-dee-dee".

I love the beautiful song of the chickadee.

Loons don't eat out of your hand.

Hard working, shy, and cute. Us to a T.

Chickadees are the quintessential Canadian. They stay all winter (unlike many other birds), they are found in all provinces and territories (except maybe Nunavut), and they sing (well, call actually) on the nicest days of the year, all year. They are small, an underdog of the bird world, but tenacious - just like Canadians on the international scene. They will do well in flocks and on their own - just like the rest of us living in the cities and the more remote areas of our country. I can hardly imagine a more Canadian animal, let alone bird, that captures the spirit of our people better than the chickadee.

Love seeing these guys play at my bird feeder.

This little and very busy bird is everywhere in Canada, in the forests and in the cities. It is the beaver bird of Canada!

They are in our backyard in all seasons, and are very polite as all Canadians are. When a chickadee is at the window feeder another will wait patiently in the bush until the feeder is vacated. And everyone knows the chickadee song.
East Coast to West Coast, north to south, the chickadee should be our national bird!

The black-capped chickadee is one of the most friendly, happy little birds there are. One my favourite things to do is to get a handful of sunflower seeds and have them feed right from my hand. They're so curious, and just brighten up a long, cold day in winter! The fact that they're found across Canada, and year 'round, makes me feel they're our bird. They're non-obtrusive, cute, happy, curious, friendly, not annoying and, I think, just an overall wonderful representative of our country!

A chickadee a day keeps the doctor away ...

Chickadees are in most of Canada year round, so it makes sense to me to have them as our national bird.

This little bird is everywhere all year long. He is friendly, like we are as Canadians.
He often picks at food in my hands and I love the feeling of it. He's a part of my nature ... strong and beautiful!

I love these sweet little birds and their song, and the fact that I can always count on them to bring joy to my yard during the long cold winter months.

Everywhere you go in the more populated parts of Canada you'll hear the cheerful chirp of the chickadee. Queen's Park, Toronto: chick-a-dee-dee-dee. Spray Lakes, Alberta: chick-a-dee-dee-dee. Gros Morne: chick-a-dee-dee-dee. Tofino: chick-a-dee-dee-dee. And if you're lucky, patient and prepared with black sunflower seeds you'll probably get one paying a flying visit to your hand. Chickadees are smart, friendly and cheerful — everything I love about Canadians. This beautiful bird truly stands for the best of who and what we are.