Edmonton is a haven for nature lovers, brimming with vibrant wildflowers and diverse wildlife. From the forests to the fields, our city’s urban landscape is alive and humming! In fact, our location makes us a significant contributor to regional, national and even continental biodiversity!
Let’s explore some of the species that surround us, both native and those that have become part of our ecosystem over time.
Look up, and you’ll find that Edmonton’s skies are a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosting over 150 bird species. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or a casual observer, you’ll be treated to a dynamic display of avian life. Edmonton’s skies function as crucial breeding grounds and stopover sites for migrating songbirds and waterfowl, making our city a key player in the life cycle of these remarkable creatures. Whether it’s the cheerful chirping of songbirds or the graceful flight of waterfowl, there’s always something captivating in the skies above Edmonton.
The magpie stands out with its striking black and white feathers and long tail. These birds are a typical sight year-round across the city, leading many locals to unofficially name them our city bird. Their distinctive appearance and lively behaviour make them a favourite for birdwatchers. Fun fact: magpies are highly intelligent and can recognize themselves in a mirror, a sign of self-awareness.
Walk through the river valley or any Edmonton park, and you’ll hear the distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call. The chickadee is a charming little bird, easy to spot throughout the year as they flit about the trees with their curious nature. Chickadees are loved for their friendly demeanour and striking black cap. But did you know that these little birds have a diverse repertoire of calls? From their signature “chick-a-dee” to various other notes, chickadees communicate in many ways, each call serving a unique purpose. And here’s a fun fact: chickadees have a remarkable memory. They can remember the locations where they’ve hidden seeds!
As you shift your gaze from the big blue skies to the ground beneath your feet, you’ll discover a world overflowing with life. Edmonton’s river valley, a natural corridor running through the heart of the city, is home to a diverse array of creatures. Here, you’ll find five types of amphibians, two species of reptiles, about 30 kinds of fish and around 50 types of mammals. This biodiversity makes our city a living, breathing ecosystem where every creature plays a role in maintaining the balance of nature.
The coyote is a clever and adaptable resident often spotted in our city’s parks and open spaces. Known for their bushy tail and keen senses, coyotes are skilled hunters and scavengers with a particular talent for catching voles—even through the snow in winter! Voles create snow tunnels to stay warm, but coyotes use their sharp hearing to detect them and then pounce to catch their prey. These agile hunters play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations, helping to balance our urban ecosystems.
To dog owners: It is very important to keep your dogs leashed in on-leash areas. Though generally shy and keen to avoid humans, excited dogs can pursue coyotes, which can lead to conflict. Coyotes can smell humans and dogs from afar and prefer to keep their distance, so let’s do our part to respect their space and keep our pets safe.
Salamanders don’t generally come to mind when you think about Edmonton species. But, the tiger salamander is the only salamander found in the city. The striking amphibian, known for its yellow and black markings, can live underwater as larvae for years before adulthood. You may not see them as they spend most of their time hiding in the mud or under logs. Fun fact: they can regenerate their lost limbs!
Jackrabbits are a familiar sight in Edmonton, known for their impressive speed of up to 70 km/h, which they use to escape predators. These adaptable animals likely expanded their range to Edmonton in the 1920s. They have since become well-established city residents, preferring open spaces like light industrial areas and city parks. Fun fact: despite the name, jackrabbits are actually hares! Hares change the colour of their fur with the seasons—it’s white in the winter to help them camouflage in the snow!
Nestled in the aspen parkland ecoregion, where the prairies of the south transition into the boreal forest of the north, Edmonton is a botanical playground. The area is home to around 490 species of wild plants, creating a beautiful blend of tranquil forests and lively prairies. One of the highlights of this natural environment is the aspen poplar trees, which reproduce by cloning themselves underground, forming extensive interconnected tree colonies—some of which are as old as 1,000 years! These resilient plants represent the diverse and ever-changing landscape that defines Edmonton.
With its aromatic silver-green leaves and small yellow blooms, prairie sage is beautiful and full of history. Known to the Cree as mostosowehkuskwa and to the Blackfoot as kaksameea, prairie sage plays an important role in Indigenous culture, including ceremonies like sweat lodges and the Sun Dance and medicinally for treating infections or aiding digestion.
Goji berries, introduced to Edmonton by Chinese workers in the late 19th century, have a meaningful history in our city.
These vibrant red fruits, known for their sweet and tangy flavour, are celebrated for their health benefits and cultural significance.
Edmonton’s official flower, the marigold, symbolizes sunny Alberta and the city’s historical role in the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. Like the diverse varieties of marigolds, Edmonton is a vibrant medley of cultures and backgrounds, reflecting the richness of our community.
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