Ohio Bird Identification Guide for Beginners

If you're new to birdwatching in Ohio, it's essential to know the basics of bird identification. Ohio is home to over 400 species of birds, and understanding their characteristics can help you spot and identify them.

Start by looking for distinctive features such as beak shape, size, and color, as well as plumage patterns and colors. These characteristics can help narrow down the possibilities and make identification easier.

The shape and size of a bird's beak can give you clues about its diet and habitat, for example, birds with large, strong beaks are often seed-eaters.

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Bird Identification is a vast and exciting field, with 445 bird species to identify in Ohio alone! You don't have to learn to ID birds alone, as there are great bird identification apps like the free Birda app that can help you along the way.

The Birda app offers friendly bird identification suggestions with tips and tricks from other birdwatchers, both in Ohio and globally. This can be a huge help when trying to identify a mystery bird.

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Ohio is a fantastic place to begin learning or improving your bird identification skills. With the right tools and knowledge, you can quickly cover everything you need to know to get started on your journey to identify birds in Ohio.

Using AI photo ID on the Birda app can even help you identify birds from your photos, even if they're blurry!

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Ohio has a diverse range of year-round resident birds that can be spotted in various locations throughout the state. You're likely to see these birds around your neighborhood, at feeders, or in local parks and preserves.

The American Goldfinch is a common sight, known for its bright yellow plumage and distinctive song. Its diet consists mainly of seeds and insects.

The American Robin is another year-round resident, recognized by its brown back and red breast. You might spot one rummaging through your yard for worms or insects.

Here are some common birds you can expect to see in Ohio:

The American Goldfinch is a small, sparrow-sized bird with a short, notched tail. It's a social bird that loves to travel in flocks, flying in a rolling up-and-down pattern.

In Spring and Summer, the male American Goldfinch has a bright yellow body, black wings with wing bars, and a heavy, finch-like bill. The female, on the other hand, is less boldly colored.

Both males and females become dull green-gray in winter, resembling female House Finches. They're a common sight in Ohio, with their numbers increasing during the breeding season.

To spot American Goldfinches, look for them in your backyard or local parks. They love Nyjer and sunflower seeds year-round, but will also eat a finch seed blend.

Here's a quick guide to help you identify American Goldfinches:

If you're new to birdwatching, you'll want to start by familiarizing yourself with the most common birds in the area. Ohio has a vibrant variety of year-round resident birds, and you're likely to see these birds around your neighborhood, at feeders, or in local parks and preserves.

Here are some of the most common birds you'll see in Ohio:

These birds are just a few of the many species that can be found throughout the state. If you're interested in learning more about the cardinals and their allies, you might be surprised to learn that there are actually 11 species of cardinals recorded in Ohio.

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Swallows are a fascinating group of birds, and if you're lucky, you might just spot one soaring overhead. They're known for their slender, streamlined bodies and long, pointed wings, perfect for catching insects in mid-air.

Some species of swallows, like the Barn Swallow, can be found in Ohio, particularly in wide open areas like agricultural land. They're easily spotted because they create large flocks over the summer.

These birds are incredibly agile flyers, with some species performing impressive maneuvers to catch insects. For example, the Tree Swallow is a high-flying acrobat, diving, swerving, and spinning to chase its prey.

If you're interested in attracting swallows to your area, consider building a nest box, as some species, like the Tree Swallow, will happily make their homes in them. Just be sure to place it in a spot with plenty of sunlight.

Here are some common species of swallows found in Ohio:

Swallows are primarily insectivores, and they can be found eating while flying, soaring high in the air and capturing insects mid-flight. Cities and towns are often the best places to spot them hunting, but they may also look for insects over water.

Ohio is home to a diverse range of year-round resident birds, and you can spot them in your neighborhood, at feeders, or in local parks and preserves.

The American Goldfinch is a common sight, its bright yellow feathers a welcome splash of color in any setting.

The American Robin is another bird you're likely to see, with its distinctive red breast and cheerful song.

Barred Owls are known for their haunting calls, which echo through the woods and forests of Ohio.

Carolina Wrens are small but mighty, with their bold personalities and distinctive songs.

Cooper's Hawks are a rare treat, but if you're lucky you might spot one soaring overhead.

Downy Woodpeckers are a common visitor to backyard feeders, where they'll happily munch on seeds and nuts.

Eastern Bluebirds are a delight to watch, with their bright blue and orange feathers and acrobatic flight.

Northern Cardinals are a year-round favorite, with their stunning red plumage and sweet songs.

Here are some common year-round birds you might see in Ohio:

Spring and fall are exciting times in Ohio for bird enthusiasts. Many species of birds migrate through the state during these seasons.

Ohio is a major migratory pathway for birds in the western hemisphere. Some birds will pass through Ohio, while others will make their summer home here to raise their young.

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If you're lucky, you might spot an American Redstart, Blackburnian Warbler, or Cerulean Warbler as they make their way through Ohio during the spring and fall migrations.

The Indigo Bunting is another bird you might see during this time. Its iridescent feathers are a treat for the eyes.

In the spring, Ohio is a popular stop for birds like the Magnolia Warbler and the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. They'll often be seen flitting between trees in search of food.

The Tree Swallow is another bird that can be seen during the spring migration. Its sleek, gray body and forked tail make it a beautiful sight.

Some birds, like the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, will stay in Ohio for the summer to raise their young. Others will continue on their journey to their wintering grounds.

Here are some of the birds you might see during the spring and fall migrations in Ohio:

Winter is a great time to spot some amazing birds in Ohio, and I'm excited to share some of my favorite sightings with you.

The American Tree Sparrow is a common winter visitor to Ohio, often seen flitting between branches in search of seeds and berries.

In late winter, birds like the Great Horned Owl begin breeding, making them more easily spotted than in the summer months.

If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a Bald Eagle soaring overhead, a rare but thrilling sight.

Here are some of the most common winter birds you can spot in Ohio:

The Dark-eyed Junco is a small, ground-dwelling bird that's often seen hopping around the edges of fields and woods.

The Brown Creeper is a tiny, energetic bird that's a joy to watch as it flits up and down tree trunks in search of insects.

Ohio is home to a diverse range of wetland birds, with many species calling the state's waterways and wetlands home. The Great Blue Heron, a large wading bird, can be found in Ohio's wetlands, where it hunts for fish and other aquatic prey.

The Green-winged Teal, a small duck, is another common sight in Ohio's wetlands, particularly during its migratory periods. Its distinctive green stripe on its wing makes it easy to identify.

Some of the most common wetland birds in Ohio include the Hooded Merganser, Pied-bill Grebe, and Sandhill Crane. These birds can be found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and lakes.

Here are some of the most common wetland birds found in Ohio:

Wetland birds are incredibly diverse, and Ohio is a great place to spot them. The state's wetlands are home to a wide variety of species, from the Great Blue Heron to the Virginia Rail.

Many of these birds are migratory, but some are year-round residents, which means you can spot them in Ohio's wetlands throughout the year. The Virginia Rail, for example, can be found in the northernmost part of Ohio, along the freshwater marshes around Lake Erie.

Wetlands provide the perfect habitat for birds that thrive in aquatic environments. These birds have adapted to life in the water, with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that shed water easily. In Ohio, you can spot 43 species of ducks, geese, and waterfowl, including the Black-bellied Whistling-duck and the Snow Goose.

Here are some of the most common wetland birds you might spot in Ohio:

These birds are incredibly adept at navigating the soft mud and dense vegetation found in wetlands. The Virginia Rail, for example, is able to walk through the marsh edges with ease, hunting for insects, snails, and small fish.

Stilts and avocets are a fascinating group of large wading birds. They belong to the family Recurvirostridae.

These birds are known for their unique characteristics. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills.

In Ohio, two species of stilts and avocets have been recorded. The Black-necked stilt and the American avocet are the two species found in the state.

Here are the two species found in Ohio:

The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills, making them easily recognizable.

Plovers and lapwings are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short thick necks, and long, usually pointed, wings.

They can be found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water.

Eight species of plovers and lapwings have been recorded in Ohio.

Here are some examples of plovers and lapwings found in Ohio:

Sandpipers and allies are a fascinating group of wetland birds that can be found in Ohio. They're part of the Scolopacidae family, which is made up of 37 species.

These birds are small to medium-sized shorebirds, and they're incredibly diverse, with different species eating small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Some species have longer legs and bills than others, which allows them to feed in the same habitat without competing for food.

The upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda, is one of the species found in Ohio. It's a migratory bird that travels from its breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra to its wintering grounds in South America.

Some sandpipers have distinctive markings or colors that set them apart from one another. For example, the Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica, has a distinctive black head and neck.

Here's a list of some of the sandpiper species found in Ohio:

Seabirds are a fascinating group of birds that can be found in Ohio's wetlands. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings.

Some common seabirds in Ohio include gulls, terns, and skimmers. These birds have stout, longish bills and webbed feet.

Gulls are a large group of seabirds, with 33 species recorded in Ohio. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, but are often gray or white with black markings.

Some specific species of gulls found in Ohio include the Herring gull, the Ring-billed gull, and the California gull.

Terns are another type of seabird that can be found in Ohio. They are known for their slender bills and forked tails.

Some common tern species in Ohio include the Caspian tern, the Black tern, and the Common tern.

Skimmers are a type of seabird that can be found in Ohio's wetlands. They have a unique way of catching fish, using their bills to skim the surface of the water.

Here are some seabird species found in Ohio:

Pelicans are very large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. They have four webbed toes, just like other birds in the order Pelecaniformes.

Two species of pelicans have been recorded in Ohio, which is a great place to spot them if you're a bird enthusiast like me!

The American white pelican and the Brown pelican are the two species found in Ohio.

Ibises and spoonbills are quite fascinating birds that can be found in Ohio's wetlands. They belong to the family Threskiornithidae.

Their long, broad wings allow them to soar and glide with ease. These birds have elongated bodies, with their necks being particularly long.

The bill shape varies between ibises and spoonbills. Ibises have a decurved bill, while spoonbills have a straight and distinctly flattened bill.

Four species of ibises and spoonbills have been recorded in Ohio. Here are the species you might spot:

The Green-Winged Teal is a small bird, about the size of a crow. They're the smallest dabbling ducks in North America, and you can spot them in Ohio during spring and fall migrations.

Males have bright chestnut heads with a green mask around their eyes, and their bodies are a mottled grey with a lighter speckled belly. Females, on the other hand, are a mottled brown all over with a buff stripe near their tail.

Both males and females have green patches on their wings, which is where they get their name.

Raptors are a fascinating group of birds, and Ohio is home to a diverse range of species. All raptors have three things in common: keen eyesight, a hooked beak, and eight sharp talons.

You can spot raptors like the American Kestrel, which is the smallest falcon in North America, and the Red-shouldered Hawk, which is a medium-sized hawk with dark brown-and-white patterned wings. These birds are year-round residents in Ohio and can be found in open areas with few trees, where they hunt insects and small rodents or birds.

Some common raptor species in Ohio include the American Kestrel, the Red-shouldered Hawk, the Cooper's Hawk, and the Red-tailed Hawk. Here are some key characteristics to help you identify them:

Birds of Prey are incredibly skilled hunters, relying on their sharp talons and piercing eyesight to catch their prey. In Ohio alone, there are over 20 raptor species, including hawks, eagles, and owls.

One of the most fascinating things about birds of prey is their unique physical characteristics. Raptors all have three things in common: keen eyesight, a hooked beak, and eight sharp talons. This makes them perfectly adapted to their role as hunters.

Some of the most common birds of prey in Ohio include the American Kestrel, the Red-shouldered Hawk, and the Cooper's Hawk. Each of these birds has its own unique characteristics and hunting styles.

Here are some of the most common birds of prey found in Ohio:

These birds can be found in a variety of habitats, from open fields to dense forests. Some, like the American Kestrel, prefer open areas with few trees, while others, like the Cooper's Hawk, are found in woodland areas.

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Shrikes are a type of bird known for their unique hunting habits. They catch other birds and small animals and then impale the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns.

Their beaks are hooked, similar to those of birds of prey. This adaptation helps them catch and eat their prey.

Two species of shrikes have been recorded in Ohio: the Loggerhead shrike and the Northern shrike.

Here are the two species found in Ohio:

Waterbirds are a fascinating group of birds that can be found in Ohio, and they're definitely worth learning about. They're generally shy and secretive, making them a bit tricky to spot.

One of the key characteristics of waterbirds is their strong legs and long toes, which are perfect for walking on soft, uneven surfaces. This is because they often live in dense vegetation near lakes, swamps, or rivers.

Some species of waterbirds, like the King rail and the Virginia rail, have short, rounded wings that make them weak fliers. This is a good thing, because it means they can conserve energy and focus on finding food.

There are eight species of waterbirds that have been recorded in Ohio, including the Sora, the Common gallinule, and the American coot. These birds are all part of the Rallidae family, which is a large family of small to medium-sized birds.

Here are some of the waterbirds you might see in Ohio:

The American Robin is a member of the thrush family, Turdidae, which is known for its distinctive songs and brown backs.

The thrush family is one of the most diverse bird families in Ohio, with over 20 species identified in the state.

The Oriole family, Icteridae, is another common family found in Ohio, with species such as the Baltimore Oriole and the Orchard Oriole.

The Baltimore Oriole is known for its bright orange plumage and distinctive song, which is often heard in Ohio's woodlands and backyards.

Tyrant flycatchers are Passerine birds that can be found throughout North and South America. They resemble Old World flycatchers, but have stronger bills.

Most tyrant flycatchers are rather plain in appearance. They don't have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of songbirds. As the name implies, most tyrant flycatchers are insectivorous.

Some species of tyrant flycatchers have been recorded in Ohio, including the Ash-throated flycatcher and the Great crested flycatcher. The Tropical kingbird is also a recorded species in Ohio.

Here's a list of some tyrant flycatcher species, grouped by their characteristics:

Tyrant flycatchers come in many different species, with 20 recorded in Ohio alone.

Crows, jays, and magpies are part of the Corvidae family, which includes a diverse range of species. These birds are known for their intelligence and some species can even be found in Ohio.

The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. These birds are generally larger than average in size among the Passeriformes.

Here are five species of crows, jays, and magpies that have been recorded in Ohio:

These birds are quite intelligent, and some species are known to show high levels of intelligence, particularly the larger species.

Gnatcatchers are mostly soft bluish gray in color. They resemble Old World warblers in their structure and habits, moving restlessly through the foliage seeking insects.

Their long sharp bill is a key feature, typical of insectivores. Many species have distinctive black head patterns, especially males.

One species has been recorded in Ohio.

Thrushes and allies are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, and small to medium-sized.

Many thrushes are insectivores or omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Their diet can vary, but they tend to focus on invertebrates and sometimes fruits.

Some thrushes are known for their attractive songs. The Eastern bluebird, for example, has a distinctive call that's often heard in backyards and parks.

The thrush family is quite diverse, with species found in various habitats. In Ohio, ten species have been recorded, including the American robin and the Varied thrush.

Here's a list of some of the thrushes found in Ohio:

Finches are small to moderately large birds with strong, conical beaks. They can be found in various species, with eleven recorded in Ohio.

Finches are known for their distinctive flight patterns, which involve alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings. This unique flight style is a characteristic shared among many finch species.

Some finch species have very large beaks, while others have more moderate sizes. The size of their beaks can vary significantly between different species.

Finches are also known for their singing abilities, with most species producing beautiful songs. This is a trait shared among many finch species.

Here are some examples of finch species found in Ohio:

New World sparrows are a diverse group of birds that can be found in Ohio. There are 29 species recorded in the state.

These birds are known for their distinctive head patterns, which can be a great way to identify them. The Cassin's sparrow, for example, has a unique head pattern that sets it apart from other species.

New World sparrows can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands and semi-open spaces. They are very adaptable birds and can thrive in a range of environments.

Some species of New World sparrows, such as the Chipping sparrow and the Clay-colored sparrow, are common in Ohio and can be seen in many different locations. They are often found in open areas with short vegetation.

Here is a list of some of the New World sparrow species that can be found in Ohio:

Ohio is home to a diverse range of bird species, each with its unique characteristics and habits.

Tree swallows are high-flying acrobats, known for their iridescent deep-blue feathers on their heads and backs, with white undersides and faded black on their wing and tails.

They can be found in Ohio, particularly in areas with fields and wetlands, where they migrate from Central America to the northern half of the United States and Canada for breeding in the summer.

Tree swallows are known to form flocks of hundreds of thousands of birds that roost together during the night.

Here are some of the bird species found in Ohio:

Eastern screech owls are tiny raptors, not much bigger than an American robin, and are year-round residents in Ohio.

Anhingas are cormorant-like water birds with very long necks and long, straight beaks.

Their unique feeding style involves swimming with only their neck above the water, allowing them to catch fish with ease.

One species of Anhinga has been recorded in Ohio, making them a rare but fascinating sighting in the region.

Waxwings are a group of passerine birds with soft silky plumage. These birds are known for their unique red tips to some of the wing feathers.

The Bohemian and cedar waxwings are the two species that have been recorded in Ohio. The Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus, and the cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum, are the specific species mentioned.

These birds live in northern forests and are arboreal. They have a varied diet that includes insects in the summer and berries in the winter.

Here are the two species of waxwings that have been recorded in Ohio:

Longspurs and snow buntings are a group of passerine birds that are often found in open grassy areas. They are distinct from New World sparrows and can be identified by their unique characteristics.

One of the most notable features of longspurs and snow buntings is their habitat. They can be found in Ohio, specifically in open grassy areas.

There are four species of longspurs and snow buntings that have been recorded in Ohio. Here are a few examples:

The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is a common backyard bird in Ohio, and it's known for its distinctive red-blushing chest. This bird is slightly smaller than an American Robin.

They're often climbing trees, and their powerful bill drums on trees to stake territories, drill holes for nests, and to find insects.

Males and females look similar, but males sport a fantastic red cap and neck, whereas females have a soft gray crown.

A Red-Bellied Woodpecker's tongue is about 9 ¼ inches long, which helps them reach deep into tree bark to find food.

These birds devour spiders, insects, and seeds from grasses, fruits, and nuts. They're especially fond of acorns and beech nuts.

Red-Bellied Woodpeckers are found in all Eastern US states and don't migrate, so you can see them in your backyard all year round! They tend to stay close to the ground and can often be found in birdfeeders, specifically in wooded areas.

They love suet, peanut butter, and peanuts, making them a popular visitor to backyard bird feeders.

The Northern Flicker is a bird that's often mistaken for a woodpecker, but it doesn't actually peck wood. Instead, it gleans insects from the bark of trees.

These birds are quite large, measuring 11.0-13.8 inches in length, and have a distinctive grayish-brown back with bars.

Their wingspan is around 21.3 inches, and they can live up to 9 years in the wild. The Northern Flicker's colors differ depending on the region, with bright yellow wing and tail feathers in the east and red wing and tail feathers in the west.

In the spring, you can spot Northern Flickers in Ohio as they migrate through the state, particularly in more open areas like woodlands with scattered trees. They're not as common at bird feeders, but you might catch a glimpse of them at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in April and May.

Their underside is a lighter brown color with black speckling, and they have a distinctive tan head, gray crown, and red nape. They're known for their drumming at the ground, similar to how other woodpeckers drum in trees.

The White-Breasted Nuthatch is a small bird, measuring 5.1-5.5 inches in length.

They have a distinctive black stripe on their head, with the male sporting a black cap and the female sporting a white one.

White-Breasted Nuthatches are known for their love of seed feeders, and they'll visit most types, especially mixed seed blends.

They're particularly fond of black sunflower seeds, peanut butter, peanuts, or suet.

These birds are common to see in Ohio, and they're not picky about where they live, as long as there are plenty of trees nearby.

They're most recognizable by the way they climb trees, traveling vertically down tree trunks in search of food.

White-Breasted Nuthatches can live up to 10 years, which is impressive for a bird of their size.

They're not overly particular about where they live, and can be found in woodlands, neighborhoods, and parks throughout Ohio.

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The White-throated Sparrow is a small songbird that's native to the northern parts of America. It has an observation frequency of 15% in Ohio and is seen year-round.

This bird has a distinctive appearance, with a black-and-white striped head, bright white throat, and yellow between the eye and bill. The back of it is brown, and underneath is gray.

You can often find White-throated Sparrows in large flocks on the ground or in trees near the edges of wooded areas. They like to breed in Canada and migrate to other parts of the world.

Their diet consists of insects, seeds, and berries. They'll feed from seed on the ground, and during the winter, they'll eat from your bird feeders.

Some people like to put out black oil sunflower seeds and millet for them to eat. White-throated sparrows are very social birds and can be seen in large flocks during migration.

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Tree swallows are high-flying acrobats, as they dive, swerve and spin chasing insects in mid-air over fields and wetlands. They migrate from Central America to the northern half of the United States and Canada for breeding in the summer.

Tree swallows typically nest in tree cavities near fields and forest edges but will also build homes in nest boxes. Both males and females have iridescent deep-blue feathers on their heads and backs, with white undersides and faded black on their wing and tails.

In Ohio, you can spot tree swallows, along with other swallow species, which include the Bank swallow, Tree swallow, Violet-green swallow, Northern rough-winged swallow, Purple martin, Barn swallow, Cliff swallow, and Cave swallow.

Tree swallows can form flocks of hundreds of thousands of birds that roost together during the night, making them a sight to behold.

Here are some species of swallows found in Ohio:

The Downy Woodpecker is a common and adaptable bird species found throughout Ohio. They're the smallest woodpeckers in the state, with bodies ranging from 5.7-6.9 inches long.

Their backs are black with a distinctive white stripe running down the middle, and their wings have black with white spots.

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Downy woodpeckers are found in open woodland areas, but they're not picky about their habitat, making them easy to spot in various parts of the state.

Males will aggressively defend their home against other males, while females will defend against other females, often flicking their wings, raising their crest, and fanning their tail.

These birds love visiting bird feeders, especially if you set one up with some seed, making them a delight to watch and attract to your yard.

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in Ohio, reaching a size of about 12.8 oz or 364 grams.

They can live up to 15 years, which is impressive for a bird of their size.

Their black bodies stand out, with a bright red crest that's hard to miss.

The bill is very large and shaped like a chisel, allowing them to drill large holes in trees.

The wood chips they produce are often larger than those of other woodpeckers.

Pileated woodpeckers prefer to live in large, mature forests, where one breeding pair alone needs 100 acres of woodland.

You can spot these birds in large forests like the state forests of Lake Katharine and Cuyahoga Valley.

They're strong and can climb vertical tree trunks, but they're slow flyers and don't handle slim branches well.

These birds are most adept at searching along the ground for food, which is interesting to watch.

They can be found almost anywhere with some trees for them to perch on, including local parks, neighborhoods, and even cemeteries.

The American Goldfinch is one of the most recognizable birds in Ohio, especially in the spring and summer, due to its vibrant yellow feathers and black cap.

Males have a more striking appearance than females, who are a more subdued yellow-brown.

Both males and females have black and white barring on their wings.

In the late summer, males undergo a dramatic change, losing their bright yellow feathers and growing in duller yellow-brown feathers for the duration of fall and winter.

The American Redstart is a type of warbler that's a thrill to spot in the woods. They're small, insect-eating songbirds that are a delight to watch as they dash through the trees catching insects.

These birds migrate from the tropics in the spring to nest in the north, and then return south for the winter. They prefer to settle in woodlands, often near water, where they can find plenty of food.

Male American Redstarts are a stunning sight, with their black bodies and bright orange on their sides, wings, and tail. Females, on the other hand, are a more subdued grey with a white belly and yellow along their sides, wings, and tail.

In Ohio, you can spot American Redstarts in the spring and summer as they come to breed and raise their young. They're a welcome sight after a long winter, and their bright colors are a treat for birdwatchers of all ages.

The Cerulean Warbler is a stunning bird species. They sport bright sky-blue feathers with cerulean streaks around their neck and sides, and white feathers on their throats, chests, and bellies.

Male Cerulean Warblers are truly a sight to behold, with their vibrant blue plumage. Females, on the other hand, are more subdued but still colorful, with blue-green on their heads and backs and pale yellow feathers on their throats, chests, and bellies.

These birds are long-distance migrants, flying north to Ohio from their wintering grounds in the Andes Mountains in South America. They can be found among the highest tree tops in deciduous forests during spring and summer in Ohio.

To spot these brilliant blue birds, you'll need to look up, as they spend most of their time 50 feet or more off of the ground.

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The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is a woodpecker that's a year-round resident in parts of Ohio, but interestingly, they migrate north to northern Michigan and Canada in the spring and summer to breed.

These birds are known for pecking shallow holes in neatly organized rows along trees, where they lap up the leaking sap.

Both males and females have black and white feathers, with a red cap on top of their heads and yellowish underparts.

Only males, however, have a red throat, which is a distinctive feature that sets them apart from the females.

The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker prefers young northern deciduous forests to raise their young, and they don't breed in Ohio.

The Dark-Eyed Junco is a hardy medium-sized sparrow.

Their dark-grey feathers provide a striking contrast to their bright-white belly.

One of the most common birds in North America, they're found throughout the continent, as far south as Mexico and into the upper north of Canada.

They're frequent visitors to feeders, where they forage for seeds and berries along the ground.

These birds breed in Canada and Alaska but migrate south to Ohio for the winter.

The Eastern Screech Owl is a tiny raptor that's not much bigger than an American robin. They're stocky birds with small earlike tufts and yellow eyes.

Their feathers have complex patterns and spots to help them blend in with tree bark. They can be either mostly grey or mostly rusty brown.

You might have heard an Eastern Screech Owl at night, as they have a distinctive trilling song that sounds almost like a whinny. They also make low hoots, loud barks, and loud screeches to defend their nests.

Eastern Screech Owls aren't picky eaters and will consume whatever they can catch. Their prey includes earthworms, insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.

These owls are year-round residents in Ohio and can be found just about anywhere there are trees.

The Eastern Towhee is a medium-sized bird with a body length of about 6.8-8.2 in (17.3-20.8 cm) and a wingspan of about 7.9-11 in (20-28 cm). They can live up to 12 years.

These birds have a unique appearance, with their back and wings being a dark black color and their belly and breasts a deep orangish-red.

Their females look similar, but with a dark brown back and wings instead of black. They're not too picky about their habitat and can be found in overgrown fields, woodland openings, thickets, and cedar groves.

The Eastern Towhee is a common sight in Ohio, and you can spot them by searching for these types of places.

If you're looking for a great place to spot some amazing birds in Ohio, consider Maumee Bay State Park. This park is a hotspot for Red-winged Blackbirds, and in the spring and summer, it's one of the best places to learn about warblers and migrating birds that come to breed.

The park is a great spot to keep your eyes to the skies and look out for Bald Eagles with their distinctive barn-door like wings. Their upright stance is also a dead giveaway.

In addition to Bald Eagles, Maumee Bay State Park is also a great place to spot Cooper's Hawks, which are known for their upright stance.

For your interest: What Is Iowa's State Bird?

If you're new to birdwatching, don't worry, you can still spot some amazing species even in the middle of a bustling city. Scioto Audubon Metro Park is a great place to start, where you can see Mallards, Great Blue Herons, Canada Geese, and Gulls.

A river runs through the park, making it a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of these water-loving birds. You might even spot some common species like the Cardinal and American Robin.

Ohio is a fantastic place for birding, and there are plenty of great locations to explore. If you're looking for more places to visit, keep reading to find out about our top 5 birding locations.

You can find a variety of bird species in the state, and some of the best places to see them are in the parks and nature reserves.

Maumee Bay State Park is an excellent place for spotted Red-winged Blackbirds. In the Spring and Summer, this is one of the best spaces to learn more about warblers and migrating birds that come to Ohio to breed.

Look out for Bald Eagles with their distinctive barn-door like wings and Cooper's Hawk with their upright stance. This is a great opportunity to spot these birds up close.

To make the most of your visit, keep your eyes to the skies and look out for Cooper's Hawks.

Ohio is a fantastic place to start or improve your bird identification skills, with 445 bird species to identify. You can use great bird identification apps like the free Birda app to help you along.

Birda offers friendly bird identification suggestions with tips and tricks from other birdwatchers, both in Ohio and globally. The app also uses AI photo ID to identify any bird from your photos – even blurry ones!

To get started with birding, all you really need is a sense of curiosity, maybe a field guide or app, and some patience. You can start by observing birds in your own backyard or neighborhood.

Ohio is situated in the Mississippi Flyway, a migration path for many bird species that travel along a north-south corridor from Central and South America to the Great Lakes region. Some of these migratory visitors, such as blackpoll warblers, stop over in Ohio only briefly to rest and forage before continuing their journey.

Here are some top 10 most common birds you might see in Ohio:

By observing birds, you'll find yourself more tuned in to the natural world. It's almost like magic!