Further enhancing avian data availability and accessibility.
CanAvian—the Canadian Network for Open Avian Data—is a network of organizations committed to making data on birds in Canada more available and accessible. We believe that easily accessible bird data will foster collaboration and innovation, support avian conservation, and provide the public with reliable scientific information.
Launched in 2020, CanAvian is a collaboration among its founding organizations—WildTrax, the Boreal Avian Modelling (BAM) Project, the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Birds Canada, and the Bioacoustic Unit—to achieve a data sharing vision. A Steering Committee made up of representatives from these organizations provides guidance and oversight as we work toward achieving our mission.
We support multiple formats of avian data including avian point count data, occurrence and breeding data, population trend information, autonomous recording unit data, remote camera data and more; our network is designed to adapt with data collection practices, technologies, and user needs as they change and evolve.
While we advocate for open data, we recognize that there are many complexities around sharing scientific data. Some data cannot be shared openly (e.g., sensitive information or locations). Some data uses complex formats that are hard to standardize and harmonize with other formats. Data sharing levels are determined by a range of factors and we provide individual controls and security options for each dataset to meet the needs of data collaborators/contributors. Learn more about our data sharing options.
Our mission
To improve accessibility and increase use of avian data and information in Canada by enhancing data sharing, networking, and collaboration.
Our Vision
Reliable and comprehensive avian data and information are openly available in ways that effectively support biodiversity conservation and decision-making in Canada.
OUR VALUES
We strive to be inclusive, collaborative, adaptive, and accessible.
Open and Accessible
Open Data is the philosophy and practice of making data freely available, easy to access, and easy to use by anyone. Open Data is increasingly recognized worldwide as a valuable way to increase efficiency, transparency, and participation in data-driven initiatives. Specific to the world of wildlife monitoring, Open Data can help address scientific questions about species change by connecting people, facilitating cooperation and collaboration, and bringing together complementary datasets. Ultimately, openly available, standardized data facilitates the broader use of data and information for conservation and management decisions.
Inclusive and Adaptive
CanAvian supports multiple data formats. We host data collected using most standard biological survey protocols, including human observers and environmental sensor data from multiple sources. Our network is designed to adapt with data collection practices, technologies, and user needs as they change and evolve with published scientific literature.
Our Collaborators
Alberta Biodiversity
Monitoring Institute
We track changes in Alberta’s wildlife and habitats from border to border, and provide ongoing, relevant, credible information on Alberta’s living resources.
Birds Canada
We are Canada’s voice for birds. Our mission is to drive action to increase the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of birds in Canada.
Canadian Wildlife Service
We support the conservation of migratory birds, the recovery of species at risk, and the protection of nationally important habitat for wildlife.
Explore Data
Explore avian data through our collaborators’ portals
We support multiple formats of avian data including avian point count data, autonomous recording unit data, occurrence data, and remote camera data.
Explore Data