Number of species: 383
Number of globally threatened species: 12
Number of extinct species: 2
Number of introduced species: 5
Source: Avibase – The World Bird Database
Signature species
In Côte-Nord, the Gulf of St. Lawrence offers favourable environmental conditions for nesting Atlantic puffins. These birds’ brightly coloured beaks have earned them the nickname “sea parrot.” Every year, the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve welcomes a population of Atlantic puffins that steal the spotlight from the many other seabirds found in the archipelago.
Côte-Nord is home to hundreds of bird species. The following are a few of the region’s most popular bird-watching sites.
Tadoussac dunes
In Tadoussac, head along Rue des Pionniers towards the Maison des Dunes. Sixty metres (200 feet) above the St. Lawrence Estuary, the Tadoussac dunes are a unique observation and interpretation site. They are one of the rare sites located along the migration route of the boreal owl, a little-known bird of prey. You can also participate in nocturnal capturing and banding activities involving northern saw-whet owls and boreal owls.
Longue-Rive salt marshes
The second largest salt marshes in Québec are located on Route 138 in Longue-Rive. Take advantage of the raised decks to observe various migratory bird species including Canada geese, brants, snow geese and several species of ducks. Several threatened species can also be seen in this protected area, including sharp-tailed sparrows, peregrine falcons and short-eared owls.
Pointe-aux-Outardes
From Route 138 near Chute-aux-Outardes, turn on Chemin Principal to head towards Pointe-aux-Outardes. This sector along the St. Lawrence is known worldwide as an observation site for over 200 seabird species, including several that are threatened. Some of the rare species sighted here include golden eagles, pomarine jaegers, eastern phoebes, clay-coloured sparrows, Baltimore orioles and sandhill cranes.
Pointe-des-Monts
Several kilometres east of Godbout, on Route 138, turn onto Chemin du Vieux-Phare and head towards the St. Lawrence. At the very end of the road, in Pointe-des-Monts, you can admire the spectacular dives of osprey and northern gannets. Other species sighted here include mourning doves and common eiders.
Corossol Island (Sept Îles Archipelago)
From the port located in Parc du Vieux-Quai in Sept-Îles, participate in a boat or sea kayaking excursion that circumnavigates Corossol Island. This is one of the best bird sanctuaries in Côte-Nord in terms of the number and diversity of species. Several seabird species can be observed here, including razorbills, black guillemots and murres.
SIDE TRIP
Anticosti Island
Anticosti Island is accessible by plane from Montréal, Québec City, Mont-Joli, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles or Havre-Saint-Pierre. You can also travel there by boat aboard the Bella Desgagnés, which departs from Rimouski and Havre-Saint-Pierre. The island is home to some 200 bird species, including the largest concentration of bald eagles in Québec, with 40% of active nests.
Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
From Havre-Saint-Pierre, Mingan or Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, participate in an excursion to the Mingan Archipelago. These islands are home to some 45,000 seabird couples, including the famous Atlantic puffins, common eiders, scoters and long-tailed ducks. Atlantic puffins nest on Maison, Calculot des Betchouanes and Perroquets islands. Besides seabirds, there are a number of forest birds on the Mingan Islands, including warblers, buntings and some birds of prey.
Baie-Johan-Beetz marsh
On Route 138, at the mouth of Lake Salé, the Baie-Johan-Beetz marsh is home to American bitterns, green-winged teals, common goldeneyes, osprey and merlins. You can also observe several species of ducks and nearly 40 species of passerines.
