The keyword oiseau rare is back in focus after a caracara huppé was seen in the Quebec region over the weekend, drawing attention from birdwatchers in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures. The sighting added to an already unusual 24 hours for local ornithology, with another uncommon bird also appearing in the same area. Jean-Sébastien Guénette, director general of QuébecOiseaux, said the caracara huppé marks what would be the fifth mention for Quebec, with the first in 2012 and the most recent in 2024.
Rare Sightings Center on Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures
Observers spotted the bird of prey in the Quebec City region during the weekend, and the location quickly became a focal point for amateur and experienced birders. The caracara huppé is normally found in Central and South America, and its appearance in Quebec remains highly unusual.
The bird is described as colorful, with a black cap, an orange or red face, a light gray beak, long yellow legs, a white neck and chest, and a mostly black body. Its typical range extends much farther south, with its northern limit generally well below Quebec.
The interest around this oiseau rare reflects how uncommon the species remains in North America. While the caracara huppé has been recorded in Quebec before, officials and birding experts still treat each appearance as notable because of how far it is from its normal habitat.
How the Oiseau Rare May Have Arrived
Guénette said the most likely explanation is a phenomenon known as vagrancy, in which an individual strays far from its normal breeding, migration, or wintering range. He said climate factors or navigation errors can push birds beyond their usual territory.
He added that strong southern winds during the current migration period could also have carried the bird farther north than intended. In his words, birds use southern winds to help them migrate, and recent wind conditions may have helped bring true migrants into Quebec.
Guénette also said the bird does not appear to be in danger, given the milder climate at this time of year and the availability of food such as small mammals, birds, and carrion. He added that the species does not pose a danger to people or pets because it is fairly timid.
Another Rare Bird Adds to the Weekend
The caracara huppé was not the only unusual sighting in the region. Alain Cossette, an amateur ornithologist and resident of Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, said he first spotted an oie des moissons while photographing ducks, then returned the next day and found the caracara huppé instead.
Thierry Grandmont, an ornithologist and doctoral student in biology at Université Laval, said the oie des moissons is only the second one observed in Quebec, while the caracara huppé is the fifth official observation in the province. He said it is exceptional to see both birds in the same place, especially because they arrived for different reasons and do not normally belong in the region.
Grandmont explained that the oie des moissons normally breeds in northern Europe and Asia, while the caracara huppé lives mainly in South America. He said both birds appear to have ended up in Quebec after straying from where they should normally be.
What Comes Next for Birdwatchers
For those hoping to spot the oiseau rare, Guénette said observers can check real-time sighting information by location through eBird. For now, the weekend has left Quebec birders with an unusually active scene and a rare set of records that may keep drawing attention in the days ahead. If the oiseau rare remains in the area, it is likely to stay at the center of local birdwatching interest for a little longer.
