Predation patterns on artificial waterfowl and passerine nests were studied in upland habitats adjacent to freshwater marshes located in urban, agricultural and natural habitats, near Ottawa, Ontario in 1989 and 1990. Nest predation on waterfowl nests did not change during the breeding season in urban and in agricultural habitats but it increased significantly in natural habitats. There were no significant differences over time of year in predation on passerine nests in any of the three types of habitats. Nest camouflage was not a factor in preventing nest destruction. Nest predation was higher on passerine nests than on waterfowl nests in urban and natural habitats but was similar in agricultural habitats. Losses of waterfowl nests were similar among habitats in both years. Passerine nests were more frequently destroyed in natural habitats than in urban and agricultural habitats. Small predators such as the blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) and red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), more commonly observed in urban and natural habitats compared to agricultural habitats, would most likely explain differences in nest predation among habitats as well as differences between nest types.