Ohio offers excellent birdwatching opportunities with its diverse habitats ranging from Lake Erie wetlands to Appalachian forests. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the state. Here are 20 of the best birds to watch for during a visit to Ohio:

Scarlet Tanager

With its brilliant red body contrasted against jet-black wings, the male scarlet tanager is one of Ohio’s most spectacular spring migrants. These birds breed in mature deciduous and mixed forests across the state before migrating back to South America for the winter. Listen for the repeated “chip-burr” songs of males defending their forest territories. Peak viewing is in late April and May.

Prothonotary Warbler

One of Ohio’s most beautiful warblers, the stunning male prothonotary warbler has golden yellow head and body plumage. These warblers nest in wooded swamps and bottomland forests along streams. They forage for insects both high and low in the trees. Find them by listening for their loud, ringing “sweet-sweet-sweet-sweet” song. May is the best month.

Red-Headed Woodpecker

Named for the male’s entirely crimson red head, red-headed woodpeckers breed in open woodlands with many dead trees across Ohio. These striking birds feed on insects, seeds and fruit. Watch for them flying out from a perch to catch insects in flight. They also store food like acorns in crevices of tree bark. Peak sightings are in summer.

Snowy Owl

During winter months, snowy owls occasionally irrupt from the Arctic into Ohio when food is scarce. These large, white owls with varying brown spotting can turn up almost anywhere in the state in search of meadow voles and other small rodents. Look for them perched on fence posts or other elevated spots like the tops of barns.

Bobolink

Male bobolinks in breeding plumage are a sight to behold with their light buffy bodies, black underneath, and bold black and white stripes on the back. They breed in hayfields and tallgrass prairies where females weave nests on the ground. Listen for their bubbly, jangling “pink-pink-pink” songs. May and June are the best viewing months.

warbling vireo

The clear, bubbly warbling song of the warbling vireo rings through Ohio’s mature deciduous forests in summer. These small vireos often go unseen as they forage high in the treetops. Males have gray heads with faint white “spectacle” markings around the eyes. Catch a glimpse or listen for their cheery tunes during May and June.

Blue-Winged Warbler

Among the first spring migrants to return, blue-winged warblers arrive in Ohio in April. Males sport a striking pattern of blue-gray wings and yellow underparts and facial markings. They breed in shrubby early-successional habitats. Find them by listening for their buzzy “bee-buzz-buzz-buzz” song as they hover at the tops of shrubs and small trees.

Trumpeter Swan

Once extirpated from Ohio, trumpeter swans have made a comeback thanks to reintroduction efforts. These largest of North American waterfowl sometimes stay through winter where there is open water. Magee Marsh Wildlife Area along Lake Erie is a reliable spot to see them. Watch for these elegant white birds with their long, straight necks and black bills.

Yellow-Throated Warbler

Watch for the flashy yellow throat and breast of the male yellow-throated warbler high in Ohio’s mature sycamore, oak and hickory forests during spring. They breed in these types of forests throughout the state. Listen for their loud, ringing “chu-wee, chu-wee, chu-wee” song. Your best chance to see this species is in May.

Bald Eagle

One of Ohio’s greatest conservation success stories, bald eagles have rebounded from near extirpation. These massive raptors often nest along major rivers and lakes where they prey primarily on fish. Look for them soaring overhead or perched in large snags along the shoreline. Active nests can be observed from a distance with good viewing in February through July.

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

Yellow-bellied sapsuckers breed in Ohio’s mature deciduous and mixed forests, where they drill sap wells into the bark of trees and feed on the oozing sap as well as insects attracted to it. Males have brilliant red foreheads and throats. Listen for their metronomic “mee-yak” calls. They are most numerous in spring and fall migration but some stick around in summer.

Ruffed Grouse

Found in young, disturbed deciduous forests across Ohio, the ruffed grouse is a popular game bird. Males perform spectacular mating displays by rapidly beating their wings to produce a loud “thump” sound. Listen and watch for this during spring in brushy woodland undergrowth where this chicken-like bird makes its home year-round.

Sandhill Crane

Standing nearly 5 feet tall with a 6-7 foot wingspan, sandhill cranes are giant birds now found year-round in Ohio marshes and agricultural fields. They often give loud, rattling bugling calls that carry long distances. Look for these elegant gray birds with a reddish cap on their head foraging in wetlands or flying with necks and legs extended.

Peregrine Falcon

These swift falcons are making a comeback in urban areas across Ohio after nearing complete extirpation. Look for them nesting on tall buildings or hunting pigeons over open spaces. Peregrines achieve speeds over 200 mph when diving vertically on prey in flight, making them the fastest animals on Earth.

Red-Shouldered Hawk

This handsome hawk is found year-round in moist hardwood forests across Ohio. They make a screaming “kee-ah, kee-ah, kee-ah” call and nest high in mature trees. Red-shouldered hawks perch patiently still while hunting small rodents. Watch for their checkered black and white wing panels when in flight.

Carolina Wren

Known for their loud teakettle-like song, Carolina wrens thrive in suburban neighborhoods with brushy habitat. These warm brown birds with a white eye stripe forage actively for insects. Their upward-tilted tail bobs excitedly often. Carolina wrens don’t migrate so can be found year-round once a breeding pair establishes a territory.

Wild Turkey

Wild turkeys have made an incredible comeback and are now widespread across Ohio after near extinction. Males strut and display their colorful faces and feathers during spring courtship. Watch and listen for these entertaining birds in fields and woodlands year-round, especially at dawn and dusk when they are most active.

Great Blue Heron

Watch for these huge, long-legged herons along Ohio’s shorelines and wetlands as they stalk fish and frogs with spear-like bills. Their nesting colonies called “heronries” are situated high in trees and can be observed from a distance. Great blue herons sometimes overwinter along streams if they remain unfrozen.

Northern Cardinal

The bright red male cardinal is a backyard favorite through the seasons. Found statewide in a variety of habitats, listen for their loud, metallic “cheer-cheer” song and sharp “chick” call. Females also sing and their crest feathers often raise excitedly when on nests. Supply seed in feeders to reliably attract these beautiful birds.

Mourning Dove

Common across rural and suburban Ohio, the mournful cooing of male mourning doves carries far and wide. Watch for their silhouette on telephone lines and aggressively flared tail feathers on perched birds. Large flocks form in fall to feed on seeds in open grasslands and agricultural fields before migrating south.

American Goldfinch

The state bird of Ohio, male American goldfinches transition from olive-brown in winter to brilliant yellow and black breeding plumage in summer. These sociable birds forage in small flocks and frequently visit bird feeders. Listen for their happy, tinkling “po-ta-to-chip” song and “chu-wee” flight calls.

Turkey Vulture

With their bald, red heads and hunched posture, turkey vultures are a common sight circling overhead in Ohio. They find carrion using their keen sense of smell, the only North American bird capable of this. Look for them soaring high on thermals or gathered en masse at carcasses. Roosting flocks blacken trees at dusk after a day of scavenging.

Belted Kingfisher

Found year-round along streams, rivers and lakes, the belted kingfisher is a stocky, crest-headed bird with a slate blue back and white underparts. Females sport a rusty band across the breast. Kingfishers loudly rattle as they fly over water and plunge-dive for small fish and crayfish. Watch shoreline perches for these fascinating birds.

Great Horned Owl

This large, distinctive owl resides permanently across Ohio, found in woods, parks, and urban areas. They have prominent ear tufts, barred undersides, and yellow eyes. Deep, resonant hoots are most often heard at night from these birds. Finding a daytime roost is a special treat, but watch out for their defensive screeches!

Hummingbirds

Multiple hummingbird species migrate through Ohio during spring and fall, stopping to fuel up on nectar and insects at feeders and flowers in backyards and nature preserves. Ruby-throated are most common, but Rufous and increasingly rare Black-chinned also pass through. These tiny birds generate magic and excitement with their iridescent colors and daredevil flying skills.

American Kestrel

Ohio’s most abundant falcon, American kestrels use abandoned woodpecker holes for nesting in open country and can be enticed with nest boxes. Watch for their habit of hovering above grassy areas when hunting insects and small rodents. Males have beautiful blue-gray wings; females have rusty barred undersides. These colorful raptors perch conspicuously on wires and poles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birds in Ohio

What time of year is best for birdwatching in Ohio?

Late April through May is an excellent time for birding in Ohio because numerous neotropical migrants like warblers pass through on their way to breeding grounds, joining returning summer residents. The fall migration starting in August brings southbound migrants as well as winter arrivals to look for. Year-round and wintering birds provide good opportunities the rest of the year.

Where are some of the best birding hotspots in Ohio?

Excellent birding destinations include Magee Marsh Wildlife Area along Lake Erie, Maumee Bay State Park, Shawnee State Forest, Oxbow Lake at Killdeer Plains State Nature Preserve, Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and many Ohio State Parks like Maumee Bay and Headlands Dunes. The famous Biggest Week in American Birding festival happens at Magee Marsh each May.

What are some of Ohio’s rare specialty birds?

Some sought-after Ohio rarities include Kirtland’s warbler at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Henslow’s sparrow and yellow-headed blackbird at Killdeer Plains, northern saw-whet owl in winter forests, cliff swallow at the Conneaut Harbor mudflats, and loggerhead shrike in open country with scattered trees providing perches. Vagrant species like northern wheatear and black-throated gray warbler sometimes occur.

What are the best Ohio bird species to attract to a backyard feeder?

Great birds to attract in Ohio include northern cardinal, tufted titmouse, downy woodpecker, mourning dove, blue jay, black-capped chickadee, American goldfinch, house finch, white-breasted nuthatch, song sparrow, Carolina wren, and dark-eyed junco. Supply various seeds, nuts, and suet while providing clean water and cover. Hummingbird feeders also attract migrating hummingbirds.

Where can I find bald eagles in Ohio?

Some of the best places to spot bald eagles include the Lake Erie shoreline near Mentor Marsh, Mosquito Lake in Trumbull County, the area around the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, Leesville Lake in Carroll County, Pike Lake in Clark County, and along the Ohio River near Shawnee State Park in Scioto County. These massive raptors gather near open water where fish are plentiful.

What safety precautions should be followed when birdwatching in Ohio?

Use caution when near cliffs and shorelines, wear bright clothing during hunting seasons, apply insect repellent, watch your step for hidden obstacles, avoid poison ivy and other hazardous plants, bring water and snacks on long hikes, respect private property by not trespassing, stay on trails, and keep appropriate distance from nests and sensitive habitats during breeding season.

What conservation efforts help Ohio’s bird populations?

Important conservation measures include habitat protection and restoration of forests, wetlands and grasslands on protected lands, controlling invasive species, establishing nest boxes, banning harmful pesticides, implementing sustainable forestry practices, managing water levels in wetlands, partnering with landowners through conservation easements, and educating the public to help monitor and protect birds.

How can I get started birdwatching in Ohio?

Begin by learning common backyard birds and investing in binoculars and a field guide. Visit parks and nature preserves to refine ID skills. Joining local bird walks, Audubon events, and birding festivals can accelerate learning. Populate your yard with native plants, feeders, and water features to attract more species. Seek out hotspots during migration and share sightings on eBird to connect with the birding community.

Conclusion

With diverse habitats, plentiful birding hotspots and the presence of over 400 species, Ohio offers tremendous birding opportunities for everyone from casual backyard enthusiasts to serious life-listers. The state harbors outstanding spring migrants, year-round residents ranging from beloved cardinals to majestic eagles, and excellent wintering raptors and waterfowl. So grab your binoculars, learn the songs, and get out there to discover Ohio’s fantastic birdlife.