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Birds

Last updated on March 2, 2022
Birds are important for keeping ecosystems healthy. This page will explore the role of birds in the economy and how to protect bird health in B.C. 

On this page:

Migration and the economy 

Birds are important to the economy. Recreational hunters seek out wild birds like ducks, geese, pheasants and grouse. These and other birds provide food for many British Columbians. Bird-watching is a popular recreational activity and people enjoy areas where birds congregate.
 
Many of B.C.’s bird species are migratory—they spend part of the year in other places in North America and beyond. The various species of birds in B.C.:
  • Live in all kinds of habitats
  • Provide food for many other species; and
  • Eat many kinds of plants and animals
As they migrate, they can carry diseases across great distances. Those diseases can infect birds here in B.C., and sometimes they can also infect people. We call diseases that infect birds “avian” diseases.

Taking care of birds 

Birds help us to take care of our ecosystems and support our economy. To help protect the health of bird populations, we must:
  • Monitor bird population trends, or changes in how many there are in B.C. from year to year
  • Track the general health of all bird species
  • Work with other groups to screen for specific diseases in certain bird groups 
 

Contact information

For wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line: 

For wildlife health inquiries or reports:

Wildlife Health Office
250 751-7246
Wildlife Health Email
Caeley.Thacker@gov.bc.ca