The Tufted Titmouse is the official bird of the City of Windsor.
The city announced it Wednesday morning when Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island launched its new birding guide.
Windsor needed an official bird when it became the 16th city named bird-friendly by Nature Canada. It received the designation earlier this year for its bird-friendly policies.
The Tufted Titmouse was one of five species residents could vote for in TWEPI's annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards process. It received more votes than the Peregrine Falcon, Common Nighthawk, Black-capped Chickadee, and Northern Cardinal.
"As Windsor continues on the path working with upper levels of government and stakeholders to create the Ojibway National Urban Park, it is more important than ever to highlight some of the animal and plant species that make this area incredibly unique," said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. "Proclaiming Windsor as a bird-friendly city is a great boost for us, with economic and ecotourism potential, while positioning us alongside cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Hamilton, Guelph, and London."
The Tufted Titmouse has a unique song and strong ties to oak woodland and oak savannah, like those found in Optimist Memorial Park and the Ojibway Prairie Complex. Only found in Southern Ontario, Windsor is one of the few places in Canada it calls home. It makes its nests in natural holes left by woodpeckers.
TWEPI's new Birding Guide is a premier source for amateur and experienced birders in Windsor-Essex.
"Windsor-Essex is renowned as a hotspot for birding enthusiasts, and in turn, we are delighted to provide nature lovers with great content and imagery through our birding guide," said TWEPI CEO Gordon Orr. "The Tufted Titmouse is prominently featured on the cover of this year's guide."