Spirit bird

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

"Tiny, spirited, and full of character."

You seem to prefer birds with soul over stature, passing on the giant owls but loving the gentle, soft-focused Mourning Dove. Your selfie radiates a playful, expressive energy that perfectly matches this chickadee's active and spirited nature among the deep forest curls. Like the Sharp-shinned Hawk you admired, you have a sharp, focused presence, but this little western gem adds the warmth and approachability your look suggests.

A note on your bird: it wasn't picked from the 10 you swiped through — those were just the warm-up. It was chosen from our full flock of 100 iconic Canadian birds, matching the pattern of what moved you. That's why it may be one you never met on your journey.