32 Backyard Birds to Know | Ohio

Last Updated on January 12, 2024 by Greg Gillson

I’ve put this resource together for you to answer your question: What birds are in my backyard in Ohio?

This article lists and discusses the identification of the most common birds in your backyard. The birds chosen in this article are compiled from actual data from the citizen science program eBird. Thus, it is more accurate than some other similar articles you may find on the web. I provide pictures of each bird species mentioned and I’ll tell how to attract them to your backyard.

These are the most common backyard birds in Ohio:

• Northern Cardinal
• American Robin
• Blue Jay
• Mourning Dove
• Song Sparrow
• American Goldfinch
• Downy Woodpecker
• Red-bellied Woodpecker
• Red-winged Blackbird
• European Starling
• American Crow
• White-breasted Nuthatch
• Tufted Titmouse
• House Sparrow
• Common Grackle
• House Finch
• Carolina Wren
• Carolina Chickadee
• Northern Flicker
• Dark-eyed Junco
• Gray Catbird
• Barn Swallow
• House Wren
• Indigo Bunting
• Chipping Sparrow
• Tree Swallow
• Brown-headed Cowbird
• Eastern Wood-Pewee
• Chimney Swift
• Red-eyed Vireo
• Cedar Waxwing
• Field Sparrow

Ohio Birds and Birding in Ohio State

 eBird lists over 440 types of birds as occurring in the state of Ohio.

The most common bird in Ohio: the most frequently seen bird in the state is Northern Cardinal. It is reported on 56% of bird watching lists.

If you are serious about knowing the birds native to Ohio, then check out eBird for Ohio. It has recent sightings and photos, illustrated checklists with weekly abundance bar charts for state, counties, and individual hotspots of the best birding locations.

If you want to know about other people interested in birds in your area, join a local bird group. The American Birding Association maintains a list of bird watching clubs for each state.

Ohio Bird Identification 

This section is the species accounts. These are designed to help you to recognize birds you see in your backyard. I have used eBird to select the birds that are most common. “Common” means the birds seen most often throughout the year, not necessarily the most numerous.

Each species account starts with a photograph. In the identification section I am using size and shape and bill type before considering the color or patterns on the birds. I find these more reliable when trying to identify an unknown bird. Pay attention to body and tail shape and especially bill shape of birds you see, not just plumage color.

In the section on bird feeders and foods I tell how to attract each species. Not all types of backyard birds will come to feeders. But all backyard birds can be attracted with water. So don’t forget to add a birdbath to your bird feeding station.

Do you live in Northern Ohio? Southern Ohio? Central Ohio? Northeastern, northwestern, southeastern, or southwestern Ohio?

To appear in this article, most birds are widely distributed throughout the state and are often year-round residents. However, for those birds that are more localized in place or time, I list the general region and seasonality. Please see the section following these species accounts for the lists of common species by season.

Even if a species is found in a general area, they occur only in the habitat they prefer. So, the exact habitat of your neighborhood is important for the presence of absence of certain kinds of birds.

1. Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

This is one of the most common and popular backyard birds in the eastern half of the United States.

Northern Cardinal. GeorgeB2 from Pixaby

Range in Ohio: Northern Cardinals are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: Cardinals are a bit smaller than American Robins, about the same size as Red-winged Blackbirds. 

Shape: Plump body with fairly long full tail. Wispy crest. 

Bill: Short, heavy, conical, pink. 

Color: That bright red color is matched by few other birds. Black face. The female is grayer, but with hints of red in wings and tail, and has a crest, too.

Habitat, range & behavior: Cardinals are year-round residents in shrubby woodland edges from the eastern United States to Texas and Arizona south into Mexico. 

That large conical bill is made for chewing seeds. Watch them crack open sunflower seeds, spit out the hulls, and pluck the kernel with their tongues!

Food and feeder preference: Attract with black oil sunflower seeds. Many types of seeds, berries, nuts in larger hopper or tray feeders.

You may like my in-depth article on attracting Northern Cardinals.

2. American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

This familiar backyard bird is a resident in the northern half of the United States and a common winter visitor in the southern half.

American Robin. Greg Gillson.

Range in Ohio: American Robins are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: This is a key species for comparing with an unknown bird. 

Size: 10 inches long from bill tip to tail tip. About the same size as a Blue Jay or one of the Scrub-Jays. Larger than Red-winged Blackbird. Smaller than a Mourning Dove. 

Shape: Very plump with a fairly long tail. 

Bill: Straight and fairly slender, curved at the tip. 

Color: Gray-brown upperparts, rusty orange breast.

Habitat, range & behavior: Open woodlands, farmlands, urban parks and lawns. 

Migratory, breeds north across Alaska and Canada. Resident in most of the United States (lower 48). Winters in the United States, Mexico, to central America. 

Hops on your lawn turning head this way and that looking for food. Their caroling song is one of the early signs of spring in the north.

Food and feeder preference: American Robins eat earthworms and other invertebrates in the lawn. May eat fruit from a tray feeder or the ground. Eat small berries from trees and bushes.

3. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

A common and well-known bird in the eastern half of the United States.

Blue Jay. skeeze from Pixabay

Range in Ohio: Blue Jays are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: About that of American Robin. 

Shape: Fluffy, large crested head, ample tail. Large strong legs. 

Bill: Black, long and stout. 

Color: Blue above, white below. Black neck collar. White patches in wing.

Habitat, range & behavior: Woodlands and towns in the eastern half of the United States. In summer into southern Canada.  

Bold and brash. May bully smaller birds. Jays gulp lots of seeds or other food at once, storing it in their crop. Then they fly off and bury food items in a hidden cache.

Food and feeder preference: Omnivorous. They can quickly empty your feeder! Because they are also aggressive toward other feeder birds, some people put mesh cages around smaller bird feeders. Small birds can go through, squirrels and larger “pest” birds are prevented entry. Some people feed jays peanuts, perhaps away from the seed feeders.

4. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

Mourning Doves are the most widespread and most frequent backyard bird in the Lower 48 states of the United States.

Mourning Dove. Greg Gillson.

Range in Ohio: Mourning Doves are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: This is a key species for comparing with an unknown bird. 

Size: About 12 inches long from bill tip to tail tip. About same size as Northern Flicker. Larger than American Robin. Slightly smaller than domestic city pigeon. 

Shape: Very plump with a small round head. Tail is long and pointed. Legs are short. 

Bill: Small and rather slender. 

Color: Pale brown-pink body, darker wings and tail. White edges on side of tail.

Habitat, range & behavior: Semi-open areas such as urban areas, farmlands, woods. Often seen perched on wires, fences. 

It is a resident across the lower-48 states and Mexico, with some movement out of northern areas in winter. 

Their mournful cooing is a familiar spring birdsong.

Food and feeder preference: Mourning Doves eat seeds almost exclusively. Attract with black oil sunflower seeds on a large sturdy tray feeder or on the ground.

5. Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

A common bird, but variable, and similar to many other streaked brown sparrows.

Song Sparrow. Greg Gillson.

Range in Ohio: Song Sparrows are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: A smaller bird, similar in size to House Finch and juncos. Larger than chickadees and goldfinches. Smaller than White-crowned Sparrows or Spotted/Eastern towhees. 

Shape: Plump with round head, long rounded tail. 

Bill: Short, conical. 

Color: Highly variable in darkness and color saturation across its range (dark rusty to pale gray). Generally gray-brown above with dark brown streaking on back. Complicated head pattern. Streaking on sides and breast converge into dense central breast spot.

Habitat, range & behavior: Thickets, especially near water. Backyard shrubbery. 

Resident in western United States, western Canada, coastal southern Alaska, northeastern US. In summer also moves into mid-Canada and northern half of US. In the winter found in most of the US lower-48. Also, a population in central Mexico.

Forages on ground, never far from low cover to which they fly if startled.

Food and feeder preference: Song Sparrows feed on seeds and insects near the ground. Will visit hopper and tray feeders for mixed bird seed.

6. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

A beautiful tiny finch familiar to many in its bright yellow summer plumage. Colloquially called a “wild canary.”

American Goldfinch. Greg Gillson

Range in Ohio: American Goldfinches are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: This is a key species for comparing with an unknown bird. 

Size: Very small at about 5 inches from bill tip to tail tip. Similar in size to a chickadee. Larger than hummingbirds. Smaller than juncos and House Finches. 

Shape: Tiny, somewhat plump with larger head and short tail. 

Bill: Short, conical, pink. 

Color: Males in summer are bright lemon yellow with black forehead and black wings and tail with white bars. White under tail coverts. Females are dull olive, wings and tail browner. Winter birds are pale grayish-yellow with tan and brown wings and tail.

Habitat, range & behavior: This species is found in weedy fields and similar clearings with thistles and similar plants. 

It is found coast-to-coast throughout the year across most of the middle lower-48 states. In summer moves north to the Canada border. In the winter found south to the Mexico border. 

The flight is highly undulating, rising and falling as they flap in short bursts. 

Besides a long, sweet lilting song, they call in flight a lilting 4-part: “potato chip!”

Food and feeder preference: Feeds on weed seeds, thistle seed. May eat black oil sunflower seeds from tube feeder. Attract with Niger seed in a feeder called a “thistle sock.”

You may like my in-depth article on attracting American Goldfinches.

7. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)

This tiny woodpecker is common in backyards across the United States.

Downy Woodpecker. Greg Gillson

Range in Ohio: Downy Woodpeckers are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: Bigger than a junco or House Finch. Smaller than a Red-winged Blackbird. About the same size as a White-crowned Sparrow, but with a much shorter tail. 

Shape: Stocky with large head and short stiff tail. 

Bill: Short, chisel-shaped. 

Color: Black-and-white striped head. Black wings with white spots. Solid white black. White under parts. Black tail with white outer tail feathers with black bars or spots. Male with small red spot at back of head.

Habitat, range & behavior: Found in small deciduous trees, willows, and even weed stocks such as teasel, especially near water. 

Ranges coast-to-coast across all but northernmost parts of Canada and Alaska south to the southern US. Absent in the desert southwest. 

Interestingly, I learned today that the males may more often be found in smaller plants and twigs, while females are more likely on tree trunks.

Food and feeder preference: Insects, fruits, and seeds. Gleans arthropods from the bark of trees. Attract with suet feeder. Will also eat black oil sunflower seeds.

8. Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

This is one of the most common backyard species in the eastern half of the United States.

Red-bellied Woodpecker. skeeze from Pixabay

Range in Ohio: Red-bellied Woodpeckers are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: Fairly large for a backyard bird. Between a Starling and American Robin in size. Smaller than a Northern Flicker. 

Shape: Stout with large head and short tail. Clings to tree trunk on strong short legs propped up with short stiff tail. 

Bill: Long, chisel-shaped. 

Color: Pale gray body, many thin black-and-white bars across back and wings. Red nape, extending forward on crown on male.

Habitat, range & behavior: These birds are found in many woodland types, including oak, hickory and pine. 

They are found from the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains in the lower-48 states from Texas to extreme southern Canada, and eastward from Florida northward just to the southern edge of the New England states. 

In typical woodpecker fashion, it hitches up the tree trunk and larger branches.

Food and feeder preference: This species eats insects and nuts. They may eat peanuts from a tray feeder and eat from a suet block.

9. Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

These noisy flocking birds are common in marshes. But in winter they are found in backyards.

Male Red-winged Blackbird. Greg Gillson.

 

Female Red-winged Blackbird. Greg Gillson.

Range in Ohio: Red-winged Blackbirds are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: This is a key species for comparing with an unknown bird.

Size: About 8-3/4 inches long from bill tip to tail tip. About the size of a Northern Cardinal. Smaller than an American Robin.

Shape: Pot-bellied with a longer bill and flat forehead. Tail average.

Bill: Long and sharp pointed.

Color: Males are black with red and yellow shoulder patch. Females are streaked brown and rusty (sparrow-like but pointed bill and flat forehead).

Habitat, range, and behavior: Cattail marshes and wetlands are their summer habitat. In winter they feed in grain fields.

They breed across most of the North American continent. In winter they withdraw from most of Alaska and Canada.

They are found in colonies in summer and large flocks in winter.

Food and feeder preference: They eat insects in summer. In winter they eat grain and seeds. They visit feeders, more often in large winter flocks, and eat most seeds and suet.

10. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Introduced to North America in the late 1800’s, they crossed the continent, often to the detriment of native cavity-nesting birds. The prime example of an invasive species.

European Starling. Greg Gillson.

Range in Ohio: European Starlings are year-round residents throughout Ohio

Identification: 

Size: About the size of a Red-winged Blackbird. Smaller than an American Robin. Larger than a White-crowned Sparrow or Spotted/Eastern towhee. 

Shape: Stocky with large head, short square-ended tail. Longer legs. 

Bill: As long as head. Sharp pointed. Yellow in spring, otherwise dark. 

Color: They are grayish brown much of the year, with glossy iridescence and white spotting during the spring.

Habitat, range & behavior: Lowland birds that need trees large enough for nest cavities but plenty of open area for feeding. They are most abundant in urban and suburban areas where they find food and artificial nest cavities. 

Resident from coast-to-coast from southern Canada to northern Mexico. In summer north across Canada and Alaska. Native range is Europe to Pakistan, north Africa. 

Often viewed as a pest, starlings often bully other backyard birds, taking over bird feeders, and stealing nest cavities from smaller native birds. 

In winter they can form into flocks of tens of thousands.

Food and feeder preference: European Starlings eat primarily insects when available, often feeding on the ground. Discourage them from your backyard hopper and tray feeders by never feeding birds table scraps (including bread or meat). They have weak feet and do not perch well on tube feeders. A cage mesh around smaller hopper feeders may keep them out.

11. American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

This larger all-black bird is common in cities and country. Its cawing call is familiar to most people.

American Crow. Greg Gillson

Range in Ohio: American Crows are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: This is a key species for comparing with an unknown bird. 

Size: About 17-1/2 inches long from bill tip to tail tip, though there is much size variation throughout its range. Larger than blackbirds and grackles. Smaller than ravens. 

Shape: Thick neck, large head, rather short square-ended tail. Longer legs. In flight has rounded wing tips with each primary feather separated from others forming “fingers.” 

Bill: As long as head, thick, black. 

Color: Glossy black throughout.

Habitat, range & behavior: They prefer open areas with trees, fields, farms, cities. 

They are common across most of the United States lower-48, except in the desert southwest. They move into southern Canada in summer. 

They gather in evening communal roosts in large flocks that may number into the thousands and then move out at dawn into the surrounding area.

Food and feeder preference: Omnivorous, they feed on large insects, grain, small mammals, carrion. You probably don’t want these large entirely black birds in your backyard feeders. So don’t feed table scraps to birds.

12. White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)

A favorite backyard feeder bird for many for its active antics and fearlessness. Though a small bird it is the largest nuthatch in North America.

White-breasted Nuthatch. Greg Gillson

Range in Ohio: White-breasted Nuthatches are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: About chickadee-sized in length. Smaller than a junco or House Finch. 

Shape: Appears large-headed, neckless, very short tailed. Short legs. 

Bill: Nearly as long as head, straight, thin. 

Color: Blue-gray above, white below. Black cap, wing tips, tail. Rusty feathers under tail.

Habitat, range & behavior: Common in oak and oak-pine woodlands, wooded towns. 

Found across the United States, southern Canada, mountains of central Mexico. Absent from treeless grasslands, deserts in the west. 

Crawls over tree branches and head-first down tree trunks searching for insects.

Food and feeder preference: Insects, seeds, acorns and other nuts. Love black oil sunflower seeds feeding on hopper and tray feeders. Suet blocks.

13. Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)

Related to chickadees, these common backyard birds lack the black bib, but have a crest instead.

Tufted Titmouse. anne773 from Pixabay

Range in Ohio: Tufted Titmice are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: A small bird, but a large titmouse, this species is larger than chickadees, about the size of a junco or House Finch. 

Shape: Rounded body, long full tail, big head, long legs. 

Bill: Short and stout, compressed (taller than wide), black. 

Color: Dark blue-gray above, pale below. Black feathers around eye accentuates its size.

Habitat, range & behavior: Lives in deciduous forests with heavy canopy, parks. 

Found in eastern and southeastern United States is expanding its range north and west. 

Food and feeder preference: Insects and seeds. At your hopper or tray feeder attract with black oil sunflower seeds and suet.

14. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Like the starling, this is another bird introduced from Europe in the 1800’s. This sparrow is commonly found in cities and farmlands. It is considered a pest in most areas where it has been introduced.

House Sparrow. Greg Gillson

Range in Ohio: House Sparrows are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: The size of a House Finch or Dark-eyed Junco. 

Shape: Chunkier than native North American sparrows with large head, barrel chest, short neck, medium tail, short legs. 

Bill: Short, conical. 

Color: Males are brown and gray with a black mask. Females lack the black and are tan and brown with a pale line back from the eye.

Habitat, range & behavior: Cities and farms. 

Range in North American from southern Canada through Central America. In summer northward through Canada to southern Alaska. Originated in Middle East and spread to most of Europe and Asia. Introduced in South America, Africa, Australia–nearly anywhere there are people and cities. 

They tend to be messy… and have a good appetite, and may occur in large noisy chirping flocks. They are aggressive toward other feeder birds.

Food and feeder preference: They eat grain, seed, and insects. To discourage them from your hopper and tray feeders do not feed birds human food scraps. They have a bit of difficulty eating from tube feeders.

15. Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)

Sometimes considered a pest to crops, grackles are longer and lankier than very similar blackbirds.

Common Grackle. GeorgiaLens from Pixabay

Range in Ohio: Common Grackles are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: Larger than Red-winged Blackbirds, they are near the length of Mourning Doves. 

Shape: Long, with long full keel-shaped tail, long legs, flat crown. 

Bill: Longer than head, pointed, but stouter than other blackbirds. 

Color: Glossy black with hint of bronze or green on head (depending upon population). Yellow eye.

Habitat, range & behavior: They are found in agricultural areas, woodland edges, city parks and lawns. 

Resident in the southeastern United States. In summer they migrate northward and west to the central United States and Canada. 

They monopolize feeders and are bullies toward other birds.

Food and feeder preference: Grain, corn, acorns, small aquatic fish and amphibians. To discourage them, use tube feeders, rather than hopper or tray feeders. Don’t over-feed, keep spilled seed picked up.

16. House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

These are one of the most common backyard birds in the United States. There are other red finches, but these are the ones most likely in residential areas.

House Finch. Greg Gillson.

Range in Ohio: House Finches are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: This is a key species for comparing with an unknown bird. 

Size: About 6 inches from bill tip to tail tip. Larger than goldfinches and chickadees. Smaller than a White-crowned Sparrows or Spotted/Eastern towhees. 

Shape: Medium build with a medium-long notched tail. Round head. 

Bill: Short, conical. 

Color: Brown and gray above with streaks on the sides of the pale underparts. Males with red (sometimes orange or rarely yellow) crown, chest, rump.

Habitat, range & behavior: You’ll find small flocks on wires, in short treetops and in bushes. Originally deserts and grasslands. Rural areas and towns are where they’re now most common. 

Formerly found in the western United States and Mexico. Then introduced into the northeastern United States, but now found in nearly all of the lower-48 states and extreme southern Canada. Rare in plains states (Dakotas to Texas) and southern Florida. 

House Finches are not territorial, but males sing throughout the year–a lively, wiry song ending in a couple of buzzy notes.

Food and feeder preference: House Finches love sunflower seeds and tube feeders. May eat from thistle socks.

You may like my in-depth article on attracting House Finches.

 17. Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

This is a fairly common backyard bird in the much of the eastern United States.

Carolina Wren. theSOARnet from Pixabay

Range in Ohio: Carolina Wrens are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: A smaller bird, between the size of American Goldfinch and House Finch. 

Shape: Round body, short neck, flat head, long tail flipped about actively. 

Bill: Fairly long, thin, pointed and slightly curved. 

Color: Upper parts rusty brown with black bars on the wings and tail. A white eyebrow line and buff under parts.

Habitat, range & behavior: Shrubby thickets and brushy suburban yards. 

It is found in the southeastern United States and Yucatan. Northern parts of range expand and contract depending upon harshness of winters. 

Males sing throughout the year and are very loud for their size.

Food and feeder preference: Feed mostly on insects and spiders. Attract with suet.

18. Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis)

Chickadees are common feeder birds throughout much of North America. This species is common in backyards in the southeastern United States.

Carolina Chickadee. GeorgeB2 from Pixabay

Range in Ohio: Carolina Chickadees are year-round residents in southern and central Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: This small bid is the size of an American Goldfinch. 

Shape: Round body, round head, longer tail. 

Bill: Short, straight, stout. 

Color: Gray above. Paler below. Black cap, white face, black bib.

Habitat, range & behavior: Lower elevation deciduous forests, wooded residential areas. 

This chickadee is a resident in the southeastern US. 

Chickadees cannot chew as sparrows do, so they take one large sunflower seed at a time from your feeder and fly off to a branch to pound it open with their stout bills.

Food and feeder preference: Most of their diet is insects, also seeds. Attract with black oil sunflower seeds in hopper feeders.

19. Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)

Of all the bird identification questions I get asked, this common larger backyard bird is the bird most people ask about. It doesn’t occur to those unfamiliar with it that this could be a woodpecker.

Northern Flicker. Greg Gillson.

Range in Ohio: Northern Flickers are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: About the size of a Mourning Dove. Larger than a robin. 

Shape: Stocky with short legs, short tail, big head. 

Bill: As long as head, thin, slightly curved. 

Color: Back is brown with black bars. Under parts pinkish with black spots. Undersides of black wing and tail feathers are bright salmon red (West) or yellow (East). Head gray (West) or brown (East) and males with red (West) or black (East) whisker marks and nape marks (East). Black crescent across chest. White rump seen in flight.

Habitat, range & behavior: Found in woodland edges and forests. 

Year-round resident from extreme southern Canada, across all of the lower-48 states and in the mountains of Mexico and Middle America. In summer breeds northward well into Canada and Alaska. 

Frequently noted hopping on ground pecking in the ground for insects. In late spring, males proclaim their territory by rapid pounding on a hollow tree branch, though the ringing of metal downspouts at dawn is louder and carries much farther, to the exasperation of anyone trying to sleep inside!

Food and feeder preference: Ants and beetles are their primary foods. Will eat black oil sunflower seeds and are attracted to suet.

20. Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)

Colloquially called “snowbirds,” they often arrive in backyards in winter from nearby mountain forests or more northern climes.

Dark-eyed Junco. skeeze from Pixabay

Range in Ohio: Dark-eyed Juncos are winter visitors throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: Small birds about the size of a House Finch. 

Shape: Round body, short neck, round head, fairly long square-ended tail. 

Bill: Short, pointed, conical, pink. 

Color: Eastern birds are a darker all-gray with white belly. Western birds have jet black hood over the head, brown back, and pink sides.

Habitat, range & behavior: Breed in coniferous forests. Winters widely. Avoids heavy brush, preferring widely spaced bushes. 

Breeds across most of Canada, Alaska, and the western half of the United States. Winters from southern Canada and all of the lower 48-states to extreme northern Mexico. 

Spend much of their time hopping and feeding on the ground.

Food and feeder preference: Eats mostly seeds, also insects in summer. Readily feed at backyard feeders and attracted to mixed seeds on hopper or tray feeders and ground.

You may like my in-depth article on attracting Dark-eyed Juncos.

21. Gray Catbird (Dumatella carolinensis)

This bird is rather common where it occurs, but a bit secretive.

Range in Ohio: Gray Catbirds are summer residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: About the length of a Red-winged Blackbird or Northern Cardinal. 

Shape: Long tailed, round head. 

Bill: Medium-length, pointed. 

Color: Gray with a black tail and black cap. Rusty under tail coverts.

Habitat, range & behavior: Dense woodland edges, scrub, abandoned orchards. 

Breeds in eastern and central US and adjoining southern Canada. Winters in extreme south US Gulf states, southward in eastern Mexico to Panama. 

They spend much time hopping on the ground or in low bushes. They defend a winter territory, unlike most birds.

Food and feeder preference: Insects and berries. You may attract this species with jelly and fruit feeders, suet, and water.

22. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

These common swallows are widely distributed throughout the world, primarily breeding in the northern hemisphere, and wintering in the mid-latitudes and southern hemisphere.

Barn Swallow. Greg Gillson.

 Range in Ohio: Barn Swallows are summer residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: About the size of a House Finch but with a much longer tail. 

Shape: Stocky, short necked but with long body and tail. Tail is forked, with very long outer tail feathers. Wings pointed. 

Bill: Short, wide. 

Color: Glossy dark purplish-blue above. Pinkish-orange below. 

Habitat, range & behavior: Barn Swallows live in open country, frequently near humans. Farmlands. Nest in barns, under small bridges. 

In North America breed from Mexico to northern Canada and Alaska, wintering from southern Mexico throughout most of South America. 

Frequently seen swooping low over the ground hunting flying insects. Perch on wires, fences. Voice is twitters and chirps with grating sounds. 

Food and feeder preference: Eat flying insects on the wing and are not attracted to backyard feeders.

23. House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)

These backyard birds will readily use nest boxes to raise their young.

House Wren. Greg Gillson.

Range in Ohio: House Wrens are summer residents throughout Ohio.

Identification:

Size: About the size of Black-capped Chickadee but with shorter tail.

Shape: Round body. Large head. Thin short tail.

Bill: Fairly long, thin, slightly down curved. Sharply pointed.

Color: Rather dull brownish-gray throughout. Paler throat and breast. Tail barred with black and pale bars along with the brown.

Habitat, range & behavior: Brushy areas, woodland edges, hedge rows, tree stumps in logged areas.

Breed across Canada and the northern and mid-latitudes of the United States. Winter to the southern United States and through Mexico. Found year round at southern edge of breeding range: California, North Carolina to northern Alabama, southern Arizona south through mountains of Mexico.

Stay hidden in brushy areas. Hop among tree roots, logged stumps.

Food and feeder preference: May feed at suet feeder.

24. Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)

Don’t mistake Indigo Buntings for the larger Blue Grosbeak. As the name suggests, the grosbeak has a much larger and thicker bill, along with rusty wing bars, lacking in Indigo Buntings.

Range in Ohio: Indigo Buntings are summer residents throughout Ohio.

Identification:

Size: These birds are a bit smaller than a House Sparrow.

Shape: Plump. Large round head. Medium short tail.

Bill: Large and conical.

Color: Males are deep blue. Females are pale gray-brown with diffuse streaks below.

Habitat, range & behavior: Open woodlands and clearings. Country farm roads.

They are found in the East and parts of the Southwest, north to southern Canada.

Sing from the tallest tip of tree or telephone lines, a cheerful paired bouncy song very similar to American Goldfinch. In fact, they are sometimes called “blue goldfinches” because of this!

Food and feeder preference: These birds will eat seeds from hopper feeders, perhaps more so in the late spring when they first arrive during migration.

25. Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)

Chipping Sparrows are a common and widespread species adapted to human disturbance. They are rather tame. They are frequently found in cemeteries with large trees.

Chipping Sparrow. Greg Gillson.

Range in Ohio: Chipping Sparrows are summer residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: These are small sparrows, bigger than goldfinches or chickadees, but smaller than House Finches or Song Sparrows. 

Shape: Plump and fairly long tailed. 

Bill: Short and conical. 

Color: Striped brown and dark brown above. Grayish under parts. Black line through eye. Crown streaked in winter but in summer becomes solid chestnut. Two white wing bars. 

Habitat, range & behavior: Grassy open conifer woodlands with some shrubs, parks, orchards. 

Breeds from Alaska, across Canada and south into highlands of Middle America. In winter retreats from northern areas to southern United States and northern Mexico. 

In summer solitary or in pairs. In winter they forage in flocks of up to 50 birds. 

Food and feeder preference: Weed seeds, supplemented with insects in summer. They may eat black oil sunflower seeds in your feeder, but more likely will be attracted to the mixed seeds on the ground under the feeder.

26. Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)

Look for these common summer birds high in the air or swooping low over the water chasing flying insects.

Tree Swallow. Greg Gillson.

Range in Ohio: Tree Swallows are summer residents throughout Ohio.

Identification:

Size: These birds are rather small, about the length of American Goldfinches.

Shape: Long body with short tail. Neck short. Wings long and pointed.

Bill: Very short, but wide.

Color: These birds are shiny metallic blue above and bright white below. Males have a black mask.

Habitat, range & behavior: These birds are almost always found near or over water.

They breed in summer across almost all of North America, Alaska across Canada and south throughout all but the dry southwestern deserts and southernmost states of the United States. In winter they are found along southern coastal states, southward into Mexico.

Look for Tree Swallows swooping high or low over ponds, lakes, wetlands.

Food and feeder preference: Tree Swallows chase flying insects and feed on the wing. They will not come to feeders but will use bird houses set up along side pond or shoreline.

27. Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)

Cowbirds are small blackbirds lay their eggs in the nests of other smaller birds, such as warblers. The adoptive parents raise their young!

Brown-headed Cowbird. Greg Gillson.

Range in Ohio: Brown-headed Cowbirds are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification: 

Size: Larger than White-crowned Sparrows, but smaller than Rose-breasted or Black-headed Grosbeaks. Smaller than other blackbirds, starlings, and grackles.

Shape: Perhaps a little bit pot-bellied. Medium length tail. Flat forehead as typical for blackbirds.

Bill: Rather thick and stout.

Color: Males are glossy black with rich brown head. Females are dusty gray-brown throughout. Long-held juvenile plumage similar to pale female, scaly, being fed by Yellow Warbler or Song Sparrow or a hundred other host species.

Habitat, range & behavior: They are found in woodlands and farms. Also, with other blackbirds in winter at shopping center parking lots.

In summer they breed across Canada and most of the United States and Mexico. In winter they move south out of Canada and occupy both coasts and southeastern States in the US.

These small blackbirds join other flocks of blackbirds in cattle feedlots. You may see cowbirds riding on the backs of cattle, sheep, or horses. They originally rode on the backs of American bison on the Great Plains but expanded when forests were cut.

Food and feeder preference: Cowbirds eat grains, seeds, and insects. They will readily come to hopper and platform feeders. They are larger and more aggressive, so keep other birds from feeders and have a big appetite!

28. Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens)

Eastern Wood-Pewees and Western Wood-Pewees appear very similar. Their ranges nearly split the continent in half, east and west. Their song separates them; it is a clear whistled pee-a-wee in the Eastern Wood-Pewee, and a burry pee-yeear in the Western Wood-Pewee.

Eastern Wood-Pewee. Tony Castro CC 4.0

Range in Ohio: Eastern Wood-Pewees are summer residents throughout Ohio.

Identification:

Size: Bigger than a House Finch; smaller than a bluebird.

Shape: Upright posture. Large head. Thick chest. Long tail. Long wings.

Bill: Medium length, wide at base. Black above; yellow-orange below.

Color: Grayish-olive above, slight yellow tinge below (looks white in strong light). Pale wing bars. No eye rings.

Habitat, range & behavior: Woodlands. Large shade trees in town.

Summer resident in the East, from southern Canada southward.

These flycatchers tend to perch on a dead twig high in the canopy. They sing throughout the day, attracting attention to this otherwise quite drab and nondescript bird.

Food and feeder preference: These birds feed on flying insects and do not come to feeders.

29. Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)

Swifts have such small weak feet that they cannot perch on wires or trees like swallows. Look for them high in the air chasing bugs with rapid wingbeats. 

Chimney Swift. Jim McCulloch CC 2.0

Range in Ohio: Chimney Swifts are summer residents throughout Ohio.

Identification:

Size: Small bird. Smaller than House Finches or Cliff Swallows.

Shape: Small head on short neck, very short tail. Thin pointed wings with no apparent bend at the wrist as most other birds.

Bill: Very short, wide.

Color: Gray-brown throughout.

Habitat, range & behavior: Open sky, above forests or residential areas.

They are summer residents east of the Rockies from southern Canada southward. They do not winter in the United States.

In fall migration they form large flocks of hundreds or thousands and swirl into large chimneys at dusk. Because the upper arm is so short as to barely exist, the flight of swifts is described as rapid and twinkly, not smooth and graceful as swallows.

Food and feeder preference: Insects caught on the wing. Will not visit feeders.

30. Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)

This is one of the most common songbirds in eastern woodlands.

 Range in Ohio: Red-eyed Vireos are summer residents throughout Ohio.

Size: Small, about the size of an American Goldfinch. Smaller than a House Finch.

Shape: Long and slim, but with rather short tail. Big-looking head.

Bill: Longer, stout. Pointed but small hook on the end, as all vireos.

Color: They are olive-green above, white or with a hint of yellow below. Gray crown, bordered by black line, white eyebrow, and another thin black line through red eye.

Habitat, range & behavior: Tall deciduous trees, such as cottonwoods.

Breed across Canada, the Rocky Mountains and most of the East. Absent from much of the West and Southwest.

As with many vireos, they sing persistently through the summer and through the heat of the day, not just primarily during spring and at dawn as many other songbirds.

Food and feeder preference: They eat insects and will not come to feeders.

31. Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

Waxy red tips to the wing feathers give these birds their unique name. Maybe it’s the fancy crest. Maybe it’s the bandit mask. Maybe it’s the yellow band at the tip of its tail. But these are one of my favorite backyard birds.

Cedar Waxwing. Greg Gillson.

Range in Ohio: Cedar Waxwings are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification:

Size: Smaller than European Starling. Larger than House Sparrow.

Shape: Similar to European Starling. Rather stocky. Short squared tail, but long under tail coverts. Large head. Pointed wings. Wispy crest.

Bill: Rather short, small, wide.

Color: Warm brown above with wispy crest. Black mask. Yellowish belly. White under tail coverts. Gray wings. Gray tail with yellow tip.

Habitat, range, & behavior: Deciduous woods, wooded streams and lakeshores, residential shade trees, fruit orchards.

Resident across the northern US. Summer resident in Canada. Winter visitor throughout all of US and Mexico.

Keep in tight flocks. Feed in trees and large bushes for berries. Fly catch over ponds and streams.

Food and feeder preference: Berries and flying insects. Usually don’t come to feeders unless fruit like cherries offered but will visit bird baths.

32. Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla)

These birds land on the top of ripe grasses and ride the grass down to the ground to hold the stem and feed on the seed head.

Field Sparrow in Central Park. Rhododendrite. CC BY-SA 4.0

Range in Ohio: Field Sparrows are year-round residents throughout Ohio.

Identification:

Size: These are small sparrows, even smaller than Dark-eyed Juncos.

Shape: Slim. Long notched tail. Short bill.

Bill: Conical. Short. Pink.

Color: Gray face. Red lateral crown stripes. Striped back. White eye ring. Two white wing bars. Legs and bill pink.

Habitat, range & behavior: Found in overgrown field, woodland edges.

Year-round resident in the Southeast. Summers northward to eastern United States, barely southeastern Canada.

After breeding they form into flocks in weedy road edges and overgrown fields.

Food and feeder preference: Small grass seeds in winter. Insects in summer. At your feeder will eat the small seeds such as white proso millet from platform feeders or on the ground.

Common Birds in Ohio 

To determine how common each species is I used the data from actual bird sightings from the citizen science program eBird. Birds are listed by frequency. That is, how often the species is recorded on checklists submitted to eBird (a percentage).

When choosing the birds to include in this article I leaned strongly to birds that are present throughout the year in good numbers. Thus, many of the common birds are year-round residents. This means that they live in the same location all year. They raise their young in your neighborhood. They don’t migrate. Or if the species does migrate, the ones living in your area don’t. If this is the case, some migrants may move into your area during certain times of year, adding to the same species that are in your yard full time.

Some migrant birds visit your yard during the “summer.” Often, they arrive in spring and remain until late fall. They nest and raise their young in your neighborhood. These are the summer residents.

Other migrant birds visit your backyard during the “winter.” Some of these winter visitors may arrive in July and remain into April. Others may only be found in the cold of December or January. They key here is that they nest and raise their young somewhere else. They only visit your yard in the non-breeding season.

Migration is an amazing spectacle.
There will be birds that fly through your region in spring or fall (or both). They may visit your backyard only a few days or weeks a year. They aren’t regular enough, or stay long enough, to be included in this article. But the number of briefly visiting migrant birds could double the number of species presented here. You may see them over time. Consult checklists in eBird for your county to see what is possible.

I have generally excluded common waterfowl, birds of prey, shorebirds, seabirds, and others that aren’t usually found in residential areas. But they may certainly fly over or be seen regularly if your home is on a shoreline, for instance.

Most common backyard birds in Ohio throughout the year

The following list is the backyard birds that are, on average, most common throughout the entire year. The list is ordered by most common based on the frequency of how often each species is recorded on checklists submitted to eBird.

1. Northern Cardinal (56% frequency)
2. American Robin (49%)
3. Blue Jay (47%)
4. Mourning Dove (40%)
5. Song Sparrow (39%)
6. American Goldfinch (39%)
7. Downy Woodpecker (37%)
8. Red-bellied Woodpecker (37%)
9. Red-winged Blackbird (35%)
10. European Starling (34%)
11. American Crow (32%)
12. White-breasted Nuthatch (31%)
13. Tufted Titmouse (30%)
14. House Sparrow (29%)
15. Common Grackle (23%)
16. House Finch (22%)
17. Carolina Wren (21%)
18. Carolina Chickadee (20%)
19. Northern Flicker (20%)

Most common backyard birds in Ohio in winter

1. Northern Cardinal (50% frequency)
2. Blue Jay (41%)
3. Downy Woodpecker (40%)
4. Red-bellied Woodpecker (36%)
5. White-breasted Nuthatch (34%)
6. Dark-eyed Junco (33%)
7. House Sparrow (32%)
8. Mourning Dove (31%)
9. Tufted Titmouse (31%)
10. European Starling (30%)
11. American Crow (29%)
12. American Goldfinch (28%)
13. House Finch (26%)
14. Song Sparrow (24%)
15. American Robin (24%)
16. Carolina Chickadee (23%)
17. Carolina Wren (20%)

Most common backyard birds in Ohio in summer

1. American Robin (69% frequency)
2. Northern Cardinal (61%)
3. Red-winged Blackbird (54%)
4. Song Sparrow (53%)
5. Mourning Dove (51%)
6. American Goldfinch (51%)
7. Blue Jay (44%)
8. Gray Catbird (39%)
9. Common Grackle (37%)
10. European Starling (37%)
11. House Sparrow (35%)
12. Barn Swallow (32%)
13. House Wren (31%)
14. Red-bellied Woodpecker (31%)
15. Downy Woodpecker (30%)
16. American Crow (29%)
17. Indigo Bunting (29%)
18. Chipping Sparrow (27%)
19. Tufted Titmouse (27%)
20. Tree Swallow (26%)
21. White-breasted Nuthatch (25%)
22. Brown-headed Cowbird (25%)
23. Eastern Wood-Pewee (24%)
24. House Finch (24%)
25. Chimney Swift (24%)
26. Red-eyed Vireo (22%)
27. Cedar Waxwing (22%)
28. Carolina Wren (21%)
29. Northern Flicker (20%)
30. Field Sparrow (20%)

Common Backyard Birds of Columbus, Ohio

Carolina Chickadee. GeorgeB2 from Pixabay

1. Northern Cardinal (64% frequency)
2. American Robin (56%)
3. Carolina Chickadee (51%)
4. Blue Jay (50%)
5. Downy Woodpecker (44%)
6. Mourning Dove (44%)
7. American Goldfinch (43%)
8. Song Sparrow (42%)
9. Red-bellied Woodpecker (40%)
10. House Sparrow (39%)
11. European Starling (36%)
12. House Finch (34%)
13. White-breasted Nuthatch (34%)
14. American Crow (33%)
15. Tufted Titmouse (30%)
16. Red-winged Blackbird (29%)
17. Carolina Wren (29%)
18. White-throated Sparrow (22%)  Learn about this species on eBird
19. Common Grackle (20%)

Many of the common backyard birds in Ohio are similar across the state. However, there are some differences, depending upon local habitats. Here is what I noticed:

The Carolina Chickadee is the 3rd most common backyard bird in Columbus (actually, all of Franklin County) at 51% frequency. It is only 20% frequency for Ohio as a whole.

House Finch at 34% frequency in Columbus, Ohio is more common there than in the state as a whole.

The Carolina Wren at 29% frequency is slightly more regular in Franklin County than in the state of Ohio as a whole.

Common Grackle is above 25% frequency in the state of Ohio but didn’t reach that threshold in the Columbus region.

White-throated Sparrow reaches above 20% frequency in the Columbus area.

Common Backyard Birds of Cincinnati, Ohio

1. Northern Cardinal (67% frequency)
2. American Robin (60%)
3. Carolina Chickadee (55%)
4. Mourning Dove (47%)
5. Song Sparrow (47%)
6. Blue Jay (44%)
7. European Starling (43%)
8. Carolina Wren (43%)
9. Downy Woodpecker (42%)
10. Red-bellied Woodpecker (42%)
11. American Goldfinch (42%)
12. Tufted Titmouse (40%)
13. House Finch (30%)
14. White-breasted Nuthatch (28%)
15. Red-winged Blackbird (27%)
16. American Crow (26%)
17. House Sparrow (24%)
18. Northern Mockingbird (23%)  Learn about this species on eBird
19. Common Grackle (23%)
20. Northern Flicker (21%)
21. White-throated Sparrow (20%)  Learn about this species on eBird
22. Brown-headed Cowbird (20%)

Northern Mockingbirds are a bit more common in Cincinnati than in the state as a whole.

White-throated Sparrows are a bit more common in Cincinnati than the state average.

Carolina Chickadees are much more common in Cincinnati than in the state as a whole.

Common Backyard Birds of Cleveland, Ohio

1. American Robin (49% frequency)
2. Northern Cardinal (49%)
3. Blue Jay (47%)
4. American Goldfinch (38%)
5. House Sparrow (36%)
6. Downy Woodpecker (35%)
7. Song Sparrow (34%)
8. Mourning Dove (34%)
9. Black-capped Chickadee (33%)  Learn about this species on eBird
10. Red-winged Blackbird (33%)
11. Red-bellied Woodpecker (32%)
12. European Starling (30%)
13. White-breasted Nuthatch (26%)
14. House Finch (24%)
15. Tufted Titmouse (23%)
16. Common Grackle (21%)

One of the first things I notice in this northern Ohio town is that Carolina Chickadees are much less common in Cleveland compared to the other towns listed. Instead, Black-capped Chickadees are more common.

American Crows aren’t as common in Cleveland as they are in the state as a whole.

Wrapping Up

If you ever want to expand your birding horizons past your backyard, have a look at some of the fantastic but common birds in different environments across the state.

Open Country Birds:

• Eastern Meadowlark: This grassland songbird with its bright yellow breast and black bib is the state bird of Ohio. Its melodious song is a familiar sound of the prairies.
   
• Red-winged Blackbird: These bold blackbirds with their bright red epaulets are common in marshes, fields, and backyards. They’re vocal birds with a variety of calls and songs.
   
• American Kestrel: This small falcon is a common sight hovering over fields and meadows in Ohio. It hunts for insects and small rodents, using its keen eyesight to spot prey from above.
   
• Rock Pigeon: These introduced birds are found in cities and towns throughout Ohio. They’re often seen perched on buildings and foraging for food scraps.
   

Woodland Birds:

• American Goldfinch: These bright yellow finches with black wings and cap are common visitors to gardens and feeders, especially during the winter months. They enjoy a variety of seeds, including thistle and niger.
   
• Downy Woodpecker: This small woodpecker with its black and white plumage is a frequent sight in Ohio woodlands. It drums on trees to attract mates and search for insects hidden in the bark.
• Blue Jay: These bold, blue birds with black masks and white wing bars are common residents in Ohio forests. They’re intelligent and vocal birds, known for their variety of calls and mimicry.
   
• Carolina Wren: These energetic brown wrens with their long, white eyebrow stripes are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, thickets, and backyards. They’re known for their loud, clear songs.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the state bird of Ohio?

The state bird of Ohio is the Cardinal, specifically the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). These vibrant red birds with their distinct song are a beloved symbol of the Buckeye State, often found in backyards, forests, and thickets. Their presence adds a splash of color and melodic charm to the Ohio landscape.

What are the little gray birds in Ohio?

Finding Tufted Titmice in Ohio is easy! These charming little songbirds with their tufted crests and cheerful “peter-peter-peter” calls are common year-round residents throughout the state. Here are some places where you’re likely to encounter them:

Habitat:

• Deciduous and mixed forests: Look for Tufted Titmice in mature woodlands with tall trees, especially oaks, maples, and hickories. They spend a lot of time foraging for insects and seeds among the branches and leaves.
• Parks and gardens: Titmice readily adapt to human-modified environments and are frequent visitors to parks and large gardens with mature trees and shrubs.
• Natural areas: Woodlands, nature preserves, and wildlife refuges offer excellent opportunities to see these birds in their natural habitat.

Tips for finding Titmice:

• Listen for their calls: The Tufted Titmouse’s signature “peter-peter-peter” call is loud and clear, making them easy to locate even when hidden in the foliage.
• Watch for flitting movement: These active birds flit through trees and branches, often hanging upside down to reach food hidden in crevices.
• Look for bird feeders: Titmice readily visit bird feeders, especially those stocked with sunflower seeds and nuts, their favorite foods.
• Be patient and observant: Titmice can be shy, so remain quiet and still to increase your chances of spotting them.

Specific locations in Ohio to consider:

• Hocking Hills State Park: This scenic park with its varied topography and mature forests is a prime habitat for Tufted Titmice.
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Explore the wooded trails and ravines of this park for a chance to see these active songbirds.
• The Toledo Metroparks: With several green spaces across the city, these parks offer excellent opportunities for birding, including encounters with Tufted Titmice.
• Mohican State Park: The mature forests and wooded ravines of this park provide ideal habitat for a variety of birds, including Titmice.
• Your own backyard: If you have mature trees and shrubs in your backyard, you may already be providing a welcome home for Tufted Titmice. Keep an eye out for them at your feeders or flitting through the branches.

What birds stay in Ohio all year long?

Many bird species make Ohio their home year-round, braving the chilly winters and enjoying the summer bounty. Here are some of the most common resident birds you can find right in your backyard in the Buckeye State throughout the year:

• American Robin: These cheerful songbirds, easily recognizable by their bright red breasts and black heads, thrive in diverse habitats, including backyards, parks, and forests.
• Black-capped Chickadee: These acrobatic little birds with their distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee” call are year-round residents, flitting through trees and shrubs in search of insects and seeds.
• Northern Cardinal: The vibrant red plumage of the male Northern Cardinal makes it a striking addition to any winter landscape. They favor dense thickets and shrubbery, where they forage for seeds and fruit.
• Carolina Wren: These energetic brown wrens with their long, white eyebrow stripes are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, thickets, and backyards. They’re known for their loud, clear songs.
• Downy Woodpecker: This small woodpecker with its black and white plumage is a frequent sight in Ohio woodlands, drumming on trees to attract mates and search for hidden insects.

Related Articles:

Feeding Winter Birds In Ohio

Red, Orange, & Yellow Birds of Ohio