Caledon announces official bird following public vote

CALEDON, ON (June 19, 2026) – The Town of Caledon is proud to announce the Downy Woodpecker as Caledon’s Official Town Bird following a public vote with more than 900 ballots cast!

The announcement builds on Caledon’s recent recognition as a certified Bird Friendly City by Nature Canada, acknowledging the Town’s efforts to protect bird habitats, reduce threats to bird populations and engage the community in conservation initiatives.

“Birds are an important indicator of healthy ecosystems and thriving natural spaces,” said Mayor Annette Groves. “The selection of an official town bird is a meaningful way to celebrate the biodiversity that makes our community unique while encouraging residents to continue supporting bird-friendly actions at home, at work and throughout the community.”

About the Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker is North America’s smallest woodpecker and can be found year-round throughout Caledon’s forests, parks and backyards. The species plays an important role in local ecosystems by helping control insect populations and creating nesting cavities that are later used by other wildlife. The Downy Woodpecker is a familiar sight across Caledon’s urban and rural landscapes, making it a fitting symbol of the community’s connection to nature and commitment to biodiversity. Learn more.

The shortlist of candidate species was developed using data from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which identified more than 100 bird species commonly found in Caledon. Town staff and the Bird- Friendly Caledon team then applied additional criteria – including habitat representation and conservation considerations – to create a balanced shortlist that reflects the diversity of birds found across Caledon’s landscapes. The selection process also considered birds already designated by other municipalities across Ontario and Canada, with the goal of identifying a species that is both representative of Caledon and distinctive among other official municipal birds.

Residents can learn more about Bird-Friendly Caledon, discover ways to support local bird conservation efforts and sign up for the Bird-Friendly Caledon e-newsletter at caledon.ca/birdfriendly.

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Media contact:
Communications
905.584.2272 | communications@caledon.ca
www.caledon.ca | @TownofCaledon

About Caledon
Caledon is home to close to 80,000 residents and 4,000 businesses and is well-known for its natural attractions, rural charm and vital role in the economic engine of the Greater Toronto Area. It will soon be one of Ontario’s fastest growing communities as it prepares to become a city of 300,000 residents and 125,000 jobs by 2051. Under its current strategic plan, Caledon’s priorities remain environmental leadership, community vitality and livability, enhanced transportation and mobility, and service excellence and accountability. For more information, visit Caledon.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter).