Calgary's critters: A hinterland who's who on wildlife in the city

Each week in May we'll be taking a look at some of the wildlife of all shapes and sizes that share our city.

This week we take a look at mostly gallinaceous birds orheavy-bodied ground-feeding birds and their water-loving counterparts.

• Bobcats and coyotes and moose, oh my! A look at Calgary's wildlife
• Rodents come in all sizes: A look at Calgary's wildlife
• Have a photo of a water or land fowlin Calgary that you can't see below. Send your pictures tocalgaryphotos@cbc.ca.

Sharp-tailed grouse

The sharp-tailed grouse, named for its narrow feathers pointed with white edges, are scattered throughout Alberta.

Ring-necked pheasant

The ring-necked pheasant is a native of Japan and southern China, according to the province, and was first successfully introduced into southwestern Alberta in 1908.

Partridge

Also known as the Hungarian partridge, the province says the gray partridge is a small bird introduced to Alberta in 1908. It is a native of the bush plains of Europe and western Asia, but this partridge couple has found a home inParksdale.

Killdeer

National Geographic says the killdeer can be common around human developments, often forms flocks after breeding in late summer and is common across North America.

Swan

The province says the trumpeter swan bred throughout Alberta but was near extinction by the early 1900s. It has been gradually recovering since 1944.

Canada goose

A Canada goose wanders around the University of Calgary campus during a short rainstorm. Geese and their goslings become a common sight in many urban areas of Calgary in the spring.

Loon

Loons are known for their signature call but can also be agile divers that feed on small fish after fast underwater chases. This one was pictured near melting ice on the Glenmore Reservoir.

Mallard duck

This mallard duck, which was nesting in the yard of CBC wildlife columnist Brian Keating, nests throughout most of North Americaand winters from southern Canada to Panama.

Wood duck

This wood duck, a species of perching duck found in North America, floats in the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary.

Common merganser

Female and male common mergansers look quite distinct, but they both eat fish and nest in tree holes.

There are many other birds in Calgary, including harlequin duckandptarmigans.Have pictures of other birds found more on the ground or water? Send them to calgaryphotos@cbc.ca.

Stay tuned as we bring you more wildlife pictures throughout Mayas spring continues torampup. Have a picture you're particularly proud of from Fish Creek Park, then you can enter it into theFriends of Fish Creek Photography contest starting in July.