A lot of people are under the impression that endangered species live in obscure parts of the world where deforestation, pollution, or hunting is affecting their habitat. They think of the tiger or the Tasmanian devil or the elephant. They don't think of birds that live right here in Canada. But the fact remains that plowing over trees to build London real estate and polluting our lakes and rivers has had an adverse affect on Canada's wildlife. There are two dozen bird species that are endangered and a further dozen that are threatened. Here are some of the ones you may have heard of.

Barn Owl

Though the barn owl is known worldwide as one of the most widespread of all bird, the population of barn owls in Eastern Canada is falling rapidly enough to earn the species an endangered rating in that area. Barn owls are easily recognizable by their white, heart shaped faces and if you ever see one while operating your debander in Eastern Canada, make sure it's safe and call the department of wildlife. The primary causes of decline in the barn owl population are DDT (insecticide) and rodent poison.

Whooping Crane

The whooping crane is the tallest bird on the continent and gets its name from its exaggerated whooping call. These majestic birds are white with black legs and beaks and red patches on their heads. There are estimated to be only about 400 left in the wild, primarily due to habitat loss. Efforts are being made to reintroduce the species in new locations by training them to migrate using ultralight aircraft. Whooping cranes nest in Alberta but in winter they may be seen outside your real estate in Plano TX.

White-Headed Woodpecker

This subspecies of woodpecker, known by its black body, white head, and red crown, is found only in the pine forests of the North American west coast because of its small habitat range and logging, the population has dropped enough to be endangered. This is the type of endangered bird you are most likely to see if you go to an English school in BC, as most of the Canadian white-headed woodpeckers live in that province. If you see one, stay back, as they will not tolerate humans around their nest.

Piping Plover

This small, grey and white migratory sand bird is a popular emblem of coastal areas, so you may see some carvings and paintings of them if you go to a beach town for you conference on the drive pulley. You can recognize them by their black neck rings and eyebrow ridges. Once used for hat feathers and still driven out of their habitats by humans, piping plovers are listed as either threatened or endangered all over the world.