" alt="Private City & Waterfall Tour" width="21" height="22">
" alt="Private City & Harbour Tour" width="21" height="22">
" alt="City & Waterfall Tour" width="21" height="22">
" alt="City & Nature Tour" width="21" height="22">
" alt="City & Harbour Tour" width="21" height="22">
July 10, 2026
When people think about wildlife in Vancouver, whales and seals usually steal the spotlight. But the Salish Sea is also home to an incredible variety of seabirds that are just as fascinating to watch. Whether they’re diving beneath the waves, soaring overhead, or resting on rocky islets, these birds play an important role in the coastal ecosystem and are a highlight of every Sea Vancouver adventure!
Surf Scoters
One of the most commonly seen birds on our tours is the Surf Scoter. These striking sea ducks are easy to recognize thanks to the males’ glossy black plumage and brightly coloured bills, while females are brown with distinctive white patches on their faces.
Surf Scoters spend much of their time floating offshore, diving beneath the surface to feed on mussels, clams, crabs, and other shellfish. They’re perfectly adapted for life on the water and can remain submerged for over a minute while searching for food.
Gulls
Several species of gulls call Vancouver home throughout the year, including Glaucous-winged Gulls, California Gulls, and occasionally Heermann’s Gulls during the summer.
Although gulls are often overlooked, they’re highly intelligent birds with complex social behaviours and excellent problem-solving skills. They play an important role as scavengers, helping recycle nutrients throughout the marine ecosystem.
Murres
Depending on the season, you may also encounter Common Murres, sleek black-and-white seabirds that resemble small penguins while swimming.
Murres are among the deepest-diving birds in the Salish Sea, capable of reaching impressive depths as they pursue schools of fish beneath the surface. Their streamlined bodies make them exceptional underwater hunters.
Bald Eagles
No visit to Vancouver’s coastline would be complete without seeing a Bald Eagle. Thanks to decades of conservation efforts, these iconic birds are now a common sight around Burrard Inlet and Howe Sound.
With wingspans reaching over two metres (seven feet), bald eagles can often be seen perched high in Douglas firs overlooking the shoreline or soaring overhead in search of fish. While they are skilled hunters, they are also opportunistic feeders and won’t hesitate to scavenge when the opportunity arises.
Pelagic Cormorants
Often mistaken for ducks from a distance, Pelagic Cormorants are expert diving birds that spend much of their time searching underwater for fish.
Unlike ducks, cormorants don’t have fully waterproof feathers. This actually helps them dive more efficiently, although it means you’ll often see them perched on rocks with their wings spread wide to dry after a successful hunt.
Rhinoceros Auklets
One of the Salish Sea’s most remarkable seabirds is the Rhinoceros Auklet. During the breeding season, adults develop a small horn-like projection on the top of their bill, giving them their unusual name.
These excellent divers use their wings to “fly” underwater as they chase small fish. They often return to their nesting burrows carrying several fish crosswise in their bills to feed their chicks.
Black Oystercatchers
Along Vancouver’s rocky shoreline, you’ll often spot Black Oystercatchers. Their jet-black feathers contrast beautifully with their bright orange-red bills and pink legs, making them one of the most recognizable shorebirds on the coast.
Despite their name, they rarely eat oysters. Instead, they use their powerful bills to pry limpets, mussels, barnacles, and other marine invertebrates from rocks exposed by the tides.
While Sea Vancouver is best known for its incredible marine mammals and breathtaking scenery, the region’s birdlife adds another layer to every adventure. Every outing is different, and it’s not uncommon to encounter several of these species in a single trip. Experience the beauty of Vancouver with us today!
