The animals found in the Carolinian forest are some of the most unusual in Ontario. In these relatively dark, closed in spaces, animals must adapt in ways that allow them to thrive. One of the most interesting and rare is the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans).

Southern Flying Squirrel, found in Red Hill Valley.

Like its more common relative, the Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), it is able to glide through the forest from tree to tree through the use of its glide membranes: extra skin formed into flaps between the fore and hind legs that tuck alongside the body when not in use. Like the many other squirrels in the Carolinian forest, it takes advantage of the abundance of nuts provided by local trees.

Other mammals found here include the Opossum which used to be quite rare in Southern Ontario but now is more common in these forests and in urban habitats, much like the Raccoon.

Opossum. Photo by Barry Cherriere.

Opossums are the only North American marsupials: they carry their young in a pouch like a kangaroo, and have prehensile tails that allow them to have a very secure grip on tree branches.

Great Horned Owl. Photo by John MacRea

One of the most impressive forest predators is the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus). It can be seen year-round in these forests if you know where to look: high up in the branches of the tallest trees, often near the main trunk. Sometimes you will be able to spot one in flight after it has been disturbed by crows who seem to enjoy disturbing them off of their perches.

A much smaller owl, the Eastern Screech Owl (Otus asio), is harder to find, but check out holes in tree trunks and you may see one.

Many other birds can be found in the Carolinian forest. Common sights include the friendly Black-Capped Chickadee (Poecile atricipilla) and the White-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), which are not exclusively Carolinian. Tufted Titmice (Baeolophus bicolor) are not hard to find if you look closely, but are largely limited to a population in the Carolinian region — so watch out for them!

Cedar Waxwings. Photo from HNC Collection.

Red-headed Woodpecker. Photo by Barry Cherriere.

Loss of forest habitat has led to the decline of many bird species, particularly songbirds who rely on wooded areas and do not adapt well to the disturbed forest pattern caused by human settlement. It is a sad fact that this habitat is one of the most impacted by human activity because it occurs in one of the most densely populated areas of Canada. It is in direct conflict with agriculture, urban areas and major roads.

White-tailed Deer Buck in Red Hill Valley forest. Photo by John Brezden.

Carolinian Forest Animals:
Mammals, Birds & Amphibians

Red-backed Salamander. Photo by Alan Ernst.