Top 15 Birds in Ohio

Ohio is home to a rich diversity of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Here’s a guide to 15 of the most notable birds you can encounter across the state.

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

• Description: The Northern Cardinal is a medium-sized songbird known for its vibrant red plumage in males and warm brown tones with red accents in females. It has a distinctive crest and a black mask around the beak.
• Habitat: Commonly found in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and residential areas.
• Ecosystem Services: Helps control insect populations and disperses seeds through its diet of fruits and seeds.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

• Description: A familiar bird with a reddish-orange breast, gray back, and cheery song, often seen foraging on lawns.
• Habitat: Found in forests, gardens, parks, and urban areas.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls insect populations and aids in seed dispersal.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

• Description: A striking blue and white bird with black markings and a loud, varied vocalization.
• Habitat: Prefers forests, woodlots, and suburban areas with large trees.
• Ecosystem Services: Acts as a seed disperser, especially for oak trees, and predator deterrent through alarm calls.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

• Description: A large raptor with broad wings and a distinctive reddish-brown tail, often seen soaring or perched on poles.
• Habitat: Open fields, woodlands, deserts, and urban edges.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls rodent populations.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

• Description: A small, bright yellow finch in summer with black wings and cap, olive-brown in winter.
• Habitat: Fields, meadows, and gardens.
• Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser, especially for native wildflowers.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

• Description: A slender, gray-brown dove with a long tail and soft, mournful cooing call.
• Habitat: Open areas, farmland, and suburban settings.
• Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser, prey species for raptors.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

• Description: A massive raptor with a white head and tail, dark brown body, and powerful yellow beak.
• Habitat: Near large bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
• Ecosystem Services: Scavenger and predator, helping control fish and small mammal populations.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (recovered from previous endangered status).

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)

• Description: A small thrush with bright blue upperparts and a reddish chest.
• Habitat: Open woodlands, fields, and orchards with scattered trees.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls insect populations and disperses seeds.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

• Description: A large woodpecker with striking black and white coloring and a flaming red crest.
• Habitat: Mature forests and woodlands.
• Ecosystem Services: Creates nesting cavities used by other wildlife, controls wood-boring insects.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

• Description: A streaky brown sparrow with a melodious and varied song.
• Habitat: Marshes, shrublands, and gardens.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control and seed dispersal.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis)

• Description: A small bird with a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and grayish body.
• Habitat: Deciduous forests, woodlands, and suburban areas.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control and seed dispersal.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

• Description: A medium woodpecker with a striking red cap and nape, pale belly with slight red wash, and black-and-white barred back.
• Habitat: Woodlands, groves, and suburbs.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls insect populations and provides nesting cavities.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)

• Description: A slender, long-legged plover with distinctive double black breast bands and loud call.
• Habitat: Open ground, fields, shores, and gravel areas.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls insect populations.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)

• Description: A small brown bird with a perky tail, energetic movements, and bubbly song.
• Habitat: Open woods, gardens, and residential areas.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls insect pests.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

• Description: A tall, stately wader with bluish-gray plumage, long neck, and dagger-like bill.
• Habitat: Wetlands, riverbanks, and shores of lakes.
• Ecosystem Services: Predator that helps control fish and amphibian populations.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.