28 Exciting backyard birds of Ohio & how to identify them

Ohio is an excellent place to bird watch because of its diverse landscape and abundance of bird species. Plenty of birds can be seen in the city or the country year-round.

One of the reasons why Ohio has such a high diversity of birds is because it lies in the Mississippi flyway. Birds take this significant route when migrating from their breeding grounds in the north to their wintering grounds in the south. So, if you live in Ohio, you have the chance to see all sorts of different birds passing through.

This makes it an excellent place for bird watching, and you can expect to see plenty of backyard birds.

In this blog post, we’ll look at 28 of Ohio’s most common backyard birds by surveying residents and utilizing data from ebird and other citizen science databases.

By reading this article, we hope you will identify some new species and find out which ones live near you!

Backyard Birds In Ohio

According to the latest data from ebird, there are 447 observed species of Birds in Ohio. This data comes from over 1.9 million checklists from over 41,000 passionate birdwatchers.

Identifying and seeing all 447 may be a daunting challenge, so we have chosen to focus on the birds you are more likely to see in your home, backyard, or bird feeders.

Here are some things to know about the Backyard Birds in Ohio:

• 447 observed species
• The Northern Cardinal is the most common backyard bird in Ohio
• The Northern Cardinal is the most common feeder bird in Ohio
• The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the smallest most common feeder bird in Ohio.
• The Cooper’s Hawk is the largest backyard bird on this list.
• The Northern Cardinal is Ohio’s state bird.

Top 5 Hotspots For Birdwatching In Ohio

If you prefer to venture away from home to do birding, visit one of Ohio’s best hotspots for birdwatching. These hotspots are determined by the number of species observed by fellow birdwatchers in Ohio.

1. Headlands Beach State Park
2. Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve
3. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
4. Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area
5. Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area

28 Types of Backyard Birds In Ohio

1. Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is a common species of bird found in the United States and is a year-round resident of Ohio.

Northern Cardinals are small songbirds, with males and females generally weighing less between 42 – 48g (1.5 – 1.7 oz), and are 21-23cm (8.3-9.1 inches) long.

Northern cardinals have a distinctive crest on their head that can be raised when they feel threatened or aggressive; however, this behavior is not often observed in wild populations and has been lost to captive ones.

The Northern Cardinal’s feathers range from bright red in males to brownish orange in females, and their bills are short but wide at the base – giving them an upturned appearance, making them easy to identify.

Northern Cardinals have a varied diet that consists of fruits, seeds, berries, and insects and are very common at most backyard feeders but prefer to eat seeds such as sunflower, safflower, and cracked corn from the ground.

Feeder Type For Northern Cardinals

• Large Tube feeder
• Large Hopper
• Platform Feeder
• Ground

Feeder Food For Northern Cardinals

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Safflower
• Cracker Corn
• Peanut Hearts
• Millet
• Milo

2. Black-capped Chickadee

The Black-Capped Chickadee is a widespread species of bird found throughout the Northern half of North America and can be seen in Ohio all year round.

They have a black cap and black throat with white cheeks, and mostly gray-olive feathers on their back with a white chest and belly.

Black-capped Chickadees are tiny in size – with males and females only about 12-15cm (4.7-5.9 inches) long and weighing between 9-14g (0.3-0.5oz). They have a large head and short neck, and long narrow tails with short thick dark bills.

They can survive the harshest winter weather by eating high-calorie foods, fluffing their feathers for insulation, and roosting in tree cavities at night, often in small groups.

The Black-Capped Chickadee is an energetic species that prefers deciduous woods often found in forests or residential areas and parks where plenty of large trees are used for roosting and nesting.

Their diet consists of insects, spiders, small fruits, and seeds, but they are also familiar visitors to backyard backyard feeders where they will readily eat sunflower seeds or suet.

They will often make multiple trips to feeders to store extra food in tree crevices throughout the day.

Feeder Types For Black-capped Chickadees

• Large & Small Tube Feeders
• Large & Small Hoppers
• Suet Cage
• Platform feeder

Feeder Foods For Black-capped Chickadees

• Black Oil Sunflower Seed
• Hulled Sunflower Seed
• Safflower
• Nyjer
• Suet
• Peanuts & Peanut Hearts
• Mealworms

3. Dark-eyed Junco

The Dark-Eyed Junco is a medium-sized sparrow that lives in the Northern Hemisphere from Alaska to Newfoundland and is a typical winter bird of Ohio.

Males and Females are about 14-16cm (5.5-6.3 inches) long and weigh between 18-30g (0.6-1.1oz). They have a round head, short conical bill, and long tail.

The Dark-Eyed Junco varies in color depending on what region you are in but are mainly dark gray or brown with a light/pale pink bill and white outer tail feathers that are noticeable in flight.

The three most common sub-types and colors are:

• Slate-colored Junco – Alaska, and East of the Rocky Mountains
• Oregon Junco – Northern Rockies and Farther West
• Gray-headed Junco – Southern Rockies

They live in coniferous forests, woodlands, scrubland, and tundra across the United States and Canada. You are more likely to find them in open areas like backyards, fields, and parks in winter.

They are ground foragers and eat insects, seeds, and berries. They eat mostly insects in the spring and summer and seeds and berries in the fall and winter.

They are also expected at backyard bird feeders in the winter, especially ones that offer sunflower seeds, millet, or cracked corn.

Feeder Types For Dark-eyed Juncos

• Large Hopper
• Platform Feeder
• Ground

Feeder Foods For Dark-eyed Juncos

• Black Oil Sunflower seed
• Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Safflower
• Nyjer
• Cracker Corn
• Peanut Hearts
• Millet & Milo
• Oats

4. Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker is a small woodpecker found throughout North America and is a year-round resident of Ohio.

They are smaller than most woodpeckers at about 14-17cm (5.5-6.7 inches) long and weigh between 21-28g (0.7-1oz).

Downy Woodpeckers have a black back and white stripe down the middle. They are white below, and their wings have a checkered black and white detailing them.

The males have a red patch at the back of the head, and females have a black head. They have a petite-looking bill compared to their other woodpecker relatives.

Their beaks are short, solid, and pointed at the end, which they use to chisel wood for excavation or peck at the bark to find food underneath.

Their preferred habitat is wooded areas with plenty of trees near rivers, ponds, or wetlands – even urban areas with a mix of grasslands, shrubs, and woodlands.

They are acrobatic foragers whose main diet consists of insects it can glean and probe from trees. They will also eat seeds, berries, or fruit when needed and are more common at backyard feeders than their larger relatives.

They prefer suet feeders and enjoy black oil sunflower seeds, peanut butter, seeds, and millet.

Feeder Types For Downy Woodpeckers

• Suet Cage
• Large & Small Hopper
• Platform Feeder

Feeder Foods For Downy Woodpeckers

• Black Oil & Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Safflower
• Suet
• Peanuts & Peanut Hearts
• Mealworms

5. Blue Jay

The Blue Jay is a common species of bird found throughout North America and can be seen in Ohio backyards all year round.

Blue Jays are about 25-30cm (9.8-11.8 inches) long and generally weigh between 70 – 100g (2.5-3.5oz). They have a very short neck and bill with a thick blue crest on their head.

They have very distinctive bright blue feathers on the top with white spots and gray-white color below, making them easy to identify from other birds.

Blue Jays are loud, boisterous birds that will eat almost anything they can find – making them one of the most common backyard visitors.

They are widespread at backyard bird feeders and will typically dominate smaller birds that visit simultaneously. They love sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and whole peanuts.

Feeder Types For Blue Jays

• Large Tube feeder
• Suet Cage
• Large Hopper
• Platform feeder
• Ground

Feeder Foods For Blue Jays

• Hulled & Black oil Sunflower Seeds
• Safflower
• Suet
• Cracker Corn
• Peanuts & Peanut Hearts
• Fruit
• Mealworms

6. Mourning Dove

The Mourning Dove is a common species of bird found throughout North America and is a year-round resident of Ohio.

They are about the size of an American Robin, with adults between 23-34cm (9.1-13.4 inches) long and weighing between 86-170g (3-6oz). Mourning Doves have grayish-brown feathers, and their heads are pale gray; however, they lack crests or head adornments.

Mourning Doves prefer open habitats in rural and urban areas and weedy fields.

Mourning Doves are ground foragers meaning that they eat seeds, grains, and other vegetation found on the ground. They have a varied diet but prefer to eat weed seeds such as dandelions or grasses in open fields rather than forest floors.

Mourning doves also drink water from puddles created by rain which they find near trees and shrubs.

They are frequent visitors to backyard feeders and typically eat seeds that have fallen on the ground or platform feeders.

Feeder Types For Mourning Doves

• Large Hopper
• Platform feeder
• Ground

Feeder Foods For Mourning Doves

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Safflower
• Nyjer
• Cracker Corn
• Peanut Hearts
• Millet & Milo
• Oats

7. House Finch

The House Finch is a small bird found in most of North America, including parts of the United States and Southern Canada. These tiny birds can be seen in Ohio all year round.

House Finches are 12-15cm (5.1-5.5 inches) long and weigh between 16-27g (0.6-0.9oz).

They have short wings that allow for a quick flight, and their beaks are stubby and slightly curved on top with a long flat head. The males are known for their bright red heads and breast with brown wings, tails, and back.

Their preferred habitat is open, grassy areas with some trees – often near farmlands. They will also be found around towns and suburbs to find food quickly on the ground, such as birdseed spilled from backyard bird feeders (or even at pet food bowls left out for our furry friends).

They are ground forages whose preferred diet consists mainly of seeds, buds, and fruit. They are common at backyard feeders and will often feed in large numbers, especially when black oil sunflowers seeds are present in your feeders.

Feeder Types For House Finches

• Large & Small Tube Feeder
• Large & Small Hopper
• Platform Feeder

Feeder Foods For House Finches

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Safflower
• Nyjer

8. Red-bellied Woodpecker

The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a long, chisel-like bill. They are the most commonly seen woodpeckers of Ohio and can be seen in the state all year round.

Males and Females are about 24cm (9.4 inches) long and weigh around 56-91g (2-3.2oz). Red-bellied Woodpeckers have black-and-white stripes above and a paler below.

The male has red from its bill to its nape, while the female only has a red nape. Red bellies can be seen during flight but are more challenging to see when perched.

They live in various habitats, including woodlands, bottomland forests, swamps, riversides, and parks. They are most commonly found near water to find insects to eat. 

They will seldom peck at the wood of trees to find food but instead will forage for insects whenever the opportunity presents itself. They also feed on nuts, fruits, and seeds and store their food in bark crevices.

Red-bellied woodpeckers also visit backyard bird feeders that offer suet, sunflowers seeds, or peanut butter mixed with birdseed.

While at backyard feeders, they are bullish birds and will often dominate other smaller birds and their cousins (Downy & Hairy Woodpeckers).

Feeder Types For Red-bellied Woodpeckers

• Large Hopper
• Platform Feeder
• Nectar Feeder
• Suet Cage

Feeder Foods For Red-bellied Woodpeckers

• Black Oil & Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Safflower
• Suet
• Cracker corn
• Peanuts & Peanut Hearts
• Sugar Water
• Fruit
• Mealworms

9. House Sparrow

The House Sparrow is a common species of bird found throughout the world and can be seen in Ohio backyards all year round.

Males and Females are about 15-17cm (5.9-6.7 inches) long and generally weigh between 27-30g (0.9-1.1oz). They have gray color on their head and chest, black spots on the feathers around their eyes, and brownish tails; however, they also have distinctive white spots on their wings.

House Sparrows are prevalent backyard visitors that can be identified by the distinctive appearance of two white spots on each side of the wing.

They typically live in cities and towns with large populations, although they will visit backyards if suet feeders or birdseed is available.

House Sparrows eat mainly weed seeds, grain, and insects during breeding time. They typically prefer sunflower hearts and suet, although they also eat thistle seed, safflower seeds, and fruit when available.

Sparrows are highly social birds living in large flocks outside of breeding season that can sometimes become aggressive towards other birds.

Feeder Types For House Sparrows

• Large Tube Feeder
• Large Hopper
• Platform Feeder
• Ground

Feeder Foods For House Sparrows

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Cracker Corn
• Peanut Hearts
• Millet 
• Milo

10. American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is a common species of bird found throughout North America and is a year-round resident of Ohio.

They are small songbirds 11-13cm (4.3-5.1 inches) long and weigh between 11-20g (0.4-0.70 oz), with males being slightly larger than females. 

Breeding adult males have a bright yellow color on their heads and rump with a black cap and black-tipped wings, making them easy to identify from other birds. Winter adult males are tan above and pale gray below with a yellow face and throat. 

Breeding adult females are olive-brown above and yellow below, and winter adult females are generally gray overall.

Their preferred habitat is overgrown, weedy fields, pastures, and well planted suburban areas and backyards.

They mainly eat seeds from wild sunflowers, composite flowers or thistles, and very few insects. 

American Goldfinches are frequent visitors of backyard bird feeders – making them easy to spot around the yard. They prefer hulled sunflower and nyjer seeds.

Feeder Types For Goldfinches

• Large & Small Tube feeder
• Large & Small Hopper
• Platform Feeder
• Ground

Feeder Foods For Goldfinches

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Nyjer

11. White-breasted Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch is an exciting species to observe and can be found from southern Canada down into Central America. These tiny birds can be seen in Ohio all year round.

White-breasted Nuthatches are small in size – only about 13-14cm (5.1-5.5 inches) in length and weighing between 18-30g (0.6-1.1oz). They have short tails with a thick dark bill.

They have a distinctive appearance with blue-gray feathers on their back and a white face with a darker “hood” that runs from the top of their beak to the back, making them easily identifiable from other birds.

White-breasted Nuthatches prefer mature mixed forests and wooded areas in towns, suburbs and parks.

White-breasted Nuthatches are very energetic birds that spend most of their time climbing trees and searching for food in the bark. They mainly eat insects they can glean from bark and foliage but will also eat seeds in winter.

They are known to visit backyard bird feeders and prefer suet feeders, shelled peanuts, and sunflower seeds.

Feeder Types For White-breasted Nuthatches

• Large & Small Tube Feeder
• Large & Small Hopper
• Suet Cage
• Platform Feeder

Feeder Foods For White-breasted Nuthatches

• Black Oil and Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Safflower
• Suet
• Peanuts & Peanut Hearts
• Mealworms

12. European Starling

The European Starling, also known as the Common Starling or just simply Starling, is a loud, boisterous bird that can be found throughout most of North America, Europe, and parts of Asia to North Africa in wintertime. 

European Starling is roughly the size of a Robin at about 20-23cm (7.9-9.1 inches) long and weighing around 60-96g (2.1-3.4oz).

Their breeding plumage is a glossy purplish-green with yellow beaks, and winter plumage is brown with white spots and a black bill. They have short wings which allow for a quick flight and a short tail. They have a long, slender bill and legs that are pinkish.

European Starlings winter in large flocks – often roosting with other bird species such as Blackbirds or Fieldfares to keep warm at night.

Their preferred habitat is open, grassy areas with some trees, but they can also be found in towns, suburbs, or human settlements out in the countryside.

They are opportunistic feeders that mainly eat insects and feed on berries, seeds, and grains. They are known to visit bird feeders in backyards to eat almost any type of food available – including suet mixes or peanuts.

Feeder Types For European Starlings

• Large Tube feeder
• Suet Cage
• Large Hopper
• Platform Feeder
• Ground

Feeder Foods For European Starlings

• Black Oil & Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Suet
• Cracker Corn
• Peanuts & Peanut Hearts
• Fruit
• Millet & Milo
• Oats

13. Tufted Titmouse

The Tufted Titmouse is a small species of bird that can be found throughout much of the Eastern half of North America. These tiny birds are year-round residents of Ohio.

They are gray above and white below with a crested head and small black forehead. Tufted Titmice are only about 14 – 16cm (5.5-6.3 inches) long and weigh around 18-26g (0.6-0.9oz).

Tufted Titmice are sociable birds found in pairs or groups living in deciduous woods, towns, wooded suburbs, and parks. They are omnivorous with a diet that consists mainly of insects and some seeds and berries.

Although they prefer to glean foliage for their preferred food, Tufted Titmice will readily visit bird feeders searching for sunflower seeds, peanuts or suet.

Feeder Types For Tufted Titmouse

• Large & Small Tube Feeder
• Large & Small Hopper
• Suet Cage
• Platform Feeder

Feeder Foods For Tufted Titmouse

• Black Oil and Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Safflower
• Nyjer
• Suet
• Peanuts & Peanut Hearts
• Mealworms

14. American Robin

The American Robin is a common species of bird found throughout North America and can be seen in Ohio all year round. 

American Robins are 20-28cm (7.9-11 inches) long and weigh 77-85g (2.7-3oz).

American Robins have a distinctive orange chest with black spots; however, their back feathers are brownish gray. Their beaks are tiny but comprehensive at the base, giving them a very distinct appearance.

They are common in most environments across North America, especially in gardens, parks, and wooded areas around towns and suburbs.

The American Robin is known to poke around in leaf litter, looking for insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and earthworms to eat in the summer months. They prefer berries or fruit during the autumn and winter months.

They are also known for being very friendly birds found at most bird feeders and prefer feeders that offer live mealworms.

Feeder Types For American Robins

• Platform feeder
• Ground

Feeder Foods For American Robins

• Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Suet
• Peanut Hearts
• Fruit
• Mealworms

15. Carolina Wren

The Carolina Wren is a common bird species in the eastern part of North America and is a year-round resident of Ohio.

Carolina Wrens are small backyard birds typically between 12 – 14cm (4.7-5.5 inches) long and weigh between 18-22g (0.6-0.8oz), with males slightly larger than females.

They have rusty-brown feathers with white spots on their tails and wings, with lighter brown-orange chest and belly, and a bold white line above the eye, making them very easy to identify from other birds.

Carolina Wrens spend most of their time in thick vegetation such as brushy woods, underbrush or shrubs, looking for insects and spiders to eat – making it easy to see when they fly out from their hiding place.

They are the only wren that will visit backyard bird feeders regularly and typically prefer suet feeders.

Feeder Types For Carolina Wrens

• Large Tube feeder
• Suet Cage
• Large & Small Hopper
• Platform Feeder
• Ground

Feeder Foods For Carolina Wrens

• Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Suet
• Peanut Hearts
• Mealworms

16. Hairy Woodpecker

The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker found throughout North America and Southern Canada. They can be seen throughout Ohio all year round.

The hairy woodpecker has a long chisel-like bill and long stiff tail feathers. Males and Females are about 18-26cm (7.1-10.2 inches) long and weigh around 40-95g (1.4-3.4oz).

They have black-and-white feathers: black back checkered with a white, white stripe down the middle back, and white below. The male has a red patch on the back of its head, while the female does not. They get their name from the “hairy” quality of the white on their backs.

They live in various habitats, including woodlands, bottomland forests, wooded suburbs, and parks. They will actively probe and drill into wood to look for insects under the bark.

They will also feed on fallen or rotting logs to chisel through dead wood to find insect larvae. They will also eat fruits and seeds when given a chance.

They are common at backyard bird feeders that offer suet, sunflower seeds, or peanut butter mixed with birdseed.

Feeder Types For Hairy Woodpeckers

• Suet Cage
• Large Hopper
• Platform Feeder

Feeder Foods For Hairy Woodpeckers

• Black Oil and Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Safflower
• Suet
• Peanuts and Peanut Hearts
• Mealworms

17. Song Sparrow

The Song Sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow found throughout North America and is a year-round resident of Ohio.

Males and Females are about 12-17cm (4.7-6.7 inches) long and weigh between 12-53g (0.4-1.9oz). They have relatively long, rounded tails and broad wings.

Song Sparrows are generally brown above with brown streaking on white below. They have a reddish-brown crown, a pale gray eyebrow, and a brown streak through the eye.

They live in most open areas such as forests edges, scrublands, wetlands, marshes, farmlands, and grasslands year-round in North America.

They mainly eat insects in the spring and summer and seeds and berries the rest of the year.

Song Sparrows are common backyard birds that visit bird feeders if the feeder offers cracked corn or millet and over some good cover. They prefer seeds scattered on the ground or a platform feeder.

Feeder Types For Song Sparrows

• Platform Feeder
• Ground

Feeder Foods For Song Sparrows

• Black Oil and Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Safflower
• Nyjer
• Cracked Corn
• Peanut Hearts
• Millet and Milo

18. Common Grackle

The Common Grackle is a large blackbird found in abundance throughout the Eastern and Mid-Eastern parts of North America.  These large birds can be seen in Ohio all year round.

They are about the size of a Mourning Dove and are around 28-34cm (11-13.4 Inches) long and weigh between 74-142g (2.6-5oz). Males are slightly larger than females.

They have a flat head with yellow eyes and a stout beak to eat insects, seeds, fruits, small invertebrates, and snails. 

They have a long tail and shiny black plumage. The male has a greenish iridescence to their feathers, while the female is less glossy with brown feathers on her head.

The Common Grackle is usually found in large flocks in open habitats that include farmlands or grassland areas. Still, it will also be seen around residential areas where food scraps are available, like compost piles or bird feeders. They can sometimes be found near wetlands too.

Common Grackles are opportunistic omnivores that eat mainly insects and some grain but supplement with food items like seeds, fruits, small invertebrates, and snails. They usually feed or forage on the ground but will also scavenge in the garbage around residential areas if given the opportunity.

The common grackle will often visit backyard bird feeders and don’t seem to be too picky when it comes to the type of feed present.

19. Brown-headed Cowbird

The Brown-headed cowbird is a small blackbird found across North America and can be seen in Ohio all year round.

The males range between 19-22cm (7.5-8.7 inches) long and weigh between 42-50g (1.5-1.8oz). The females range between 16-20cm (6.3-7.9 inches) long and weigh 42-50g (1.3-1.6oz). They have a short tail and thick sharp-tipped beak.

The males have a glossy black body with a dark brown head, and the females are grayish-brown above and a paler color below.

They prefer open areas with scattered trees like grasslands, pastures, meadows, marshes, or even agricultural fields.

The Brown-headed cowbird is a brood parasite, which means that it doesn’t build a nest of its own, but instead lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species. The host birds will then incubate and raise the cowbird chick as their own.

Cowbirds can be seen hopping around on the ground or flying low to the ground looking for food. They eat mainly seeds and grain but will also eat insects and spiders if given a chance.

Since they don’t build their own nests,  they will often be found close to humans in places like parks, golf courses, and even the backyard, which means they will often visit backyard bird feeders, especially if you use a  platform feeder or scatter seed on the ground. 

Brown-Headed cowbirds can often be a nuisance, and some people even take their feeders down in the spring or summer if they see too many cowbirds visiting.

Feeder Types For Brown-headed Cowbirds

• Large Hopper
• Platform Feeder
• Ground Feeding

Feeder Foods For Brown-headed Cowbirds

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Cracker Corn
• Peanut Hearts
• Millet
• Oats
• Milo

20. Red-winged Blackbird

The Red-Winged Blackbird is a stocky blackbird with a red shoulder and short tail. They are found in abundance in North America and Central America, and can be seen throughout Ohio all year round.

Males and Females are about 17-23cm (6.7-9.1 inches) long and weigh between 32-77g (1.1-2.7oz).

Males are all black with red shoulder patches tipped with a golden yellow color.

Females have mostly dark brown plumage above, are heavily streaked below, and have some orange coloration on their face and throat.

They live in open habitats such as wetlands, marshes, prairies, meadows, pastures, agricultural fields, and suburban parks. They nest in marshes, wet prairies, and hayfields across the Northern half of North America from Alaska to Newfoundland.

They eat insects, seeds, and berries primarily during nesting or feeding their young and grain in the winter. Red-winged blackbirds gather in large flocks during the winter.

They will often visit bird feeders that offer mixed seeds and grains and prefer to feed on the ground.

Feeder Types For Red-winged Blackbirds

• Ground feeding
• Large Tube Feeder
• Large Hopper
• Platform Feeder

Feeder Foods For Red-winged Blackbirds

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Cracker Corn
• Peanut Hearts
• Millet
• Oats

21. Cooper’s Hawk

The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized hawk found throughout North America.

Males are about 37-39cm (14.6-15.3 inches) long and weigh 220-410g (7.8-14.5oz). Females are about 42-45cm (16.5-17.7 inches) long and weigh 330-680g (11.6-24oz).

They have broad rounded wings, a long, rounded tail, and a large head. Adults are bluish-gray above, with rusty colored bars below and thick darker bands on their tails. Juveniles are brown above, with orange-colored highlights on the head and dark streaks below.

Cooper’s hawks are often found in riparian woodlands, suburbs, and parks where they can find plenty of prey.

The Cooper’s Hawk is a versatile predator that preys on small mammals such as squirrels and rats and small birds up to the size of a Blue Jay. They often hunt by perching on a branch and waiting for prey to pass by. When prey is spotted, they will swoop down, grasp it with their feet and kill using a sharp blow of the bill.

In suburban areas, they sometimes hunt birds at bird feeders or squirrels in backyards and small rodents such as mice and rats.

22. White-throated Sparrow

The White-Throated Sparrow is a medium-large sparrow that lives primarily in the eastern half of the United States. They are migratory birds that can be seen in Ohio during the colder non-breeding months.

Males and Females are about 16-18cm (6.3-7.1 inches) long and weigh between 22-32g (0.8-1.1oz). They have a round head, long legs, and long tail.

Both sexes are brown above and gray below with a black and white striped head and a yellow spot above the eye and bill. Another morph is tan striped instead of black and white striped. Both morphs have a strongly outlined white throat.

They live in brushy woodlands, forest edges, wooded urban areas, parks, and gardens across the Eastern United States. Most often seen in backyards during the winter months.

They are ground foragers that often flock together to eat insects in summer and seeds and berries the rest of the year. They are common backyard birds that will visit feeders in the winter, especially ones that offer seeds scattered on the ground or a platform feeder.

Feeder Types For White-throated Sparrows

• Platform Feeder
• Ground

Feeder Foods For White-throated Sparrows

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Cracker Corn
• Millet
• Milo

23. American Crow

The American Crow is a large bird found throughout most of North America, except in some areas in the southern United States along the border with Mexico.

American Crows are large at about 40-53cm (115.8-21 inches) long and weigh between 316-620g (11.2-22oz). They are black all over, including their legs, feet, bill, and eyes.

They have a very distinct, short tail with broad wings that allow for a quick flight. They are known to be brilliant birds – able to use tools to obtain the food they otherwise couldn’t reach.

Their preferred habitat is open areas such as pastures with some trees – either deciduous or coniferous to roost at night when they sleep.

They will often be found in urban areas where food is plentiful – for example, at dumpsters behind supermarkets or garbage bins.

They are omnivores and very opportunistic and will eat small mammals, insects, and amphibians but may also be found eating fruits or grain in the wintertime when other food sources are scarce.

We have even personally seen crows stealing chicks from other nests and flying away to eat them.

Not your typical visitor to backyard bird feeders but may hang around yards that offer a compost heap, easy access to garbage, or pet food lying around.

24. Eastern Bluebird

The Eastern Bluebird is a small thrush that is common throughout the Eastern half of North America. These beautiful birds can be seen in Ohio during the summer and spring breeding months.

They are about 16-21cm (6.3-8.3 inches) long and weigh only 28-32g (1-1.1oz). The males are known for their beautiful blue feathers above and a rusty reddish-brown throat and breast. 

Females are gray above with blue wings and blue tail and a more orange-brown breast. You can find them in other colors depending on the region they live in – such as black or white bodies instead of blue, grayish underparts, or orange neck patches.

Their preferred habitat is an open area such as pasture or farmland with short grasses and some trees.

Their preferred diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates that they find by probing the ground. They may also eat some small fruits in winter, but insects make up many of their diets.

They are very social birds, often found in pairs or flocks – especially during migration to warmer climates for wintertime.

Eastern Bluebirds will visit bird feeders when mealworms are offered.

Feeder Types For Eastern Bluebirds

• Platform Feeder
• Ground

Feeder Foods For Eastern Bluebirds

• Mealworms
• Peanut Hearts
• Fruit
• Suet

25. Red-breasted Nuthatch

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a small songbird found across most of North America and much of Canada. They are migratory birds that can be seen in Ohio during the colder non-breeding months.

Both males and females are about 11-12cm (4.3 inches) long and weigh between 8-13g (0.3-0.5oz). They have a long, pointy bill, short, broad wings, and very short tails.

Both sexes are blueish-gray above and reddish-cinnamon below. Their heads are striped with a black cap, white eyebrows, a black line through the eye, and finally, white cheeks. Very similar looking to the white-breasted nuthatch.

Red-breasted nuthatches can be found in coniferous forests such as spruce and fir, where they like to forage on the trunks and branches. They are very energetic and acrobatic birds and can often be seen hanging upside down while searching for food.

Their diet is primarily insects and spiders they glean from trees and bark in the summer and eat seeds in the winter.

They are also familiar visitors to backyard bird feeders where they eat seeds and suet.

Feeder Types For Red-breasted Nuthatches

• Large and Small Tube Feeders
• Large and Small Hoppers
• Suet Cage
• Platform Feeder

Feeder Foods For Red-breasted Nuthatches

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Suet
• Peanuts and Peanut Hearts
• Mealworms

26. Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is one of North America’s most common woodpecker species. They can be seen in southern Ohio all year round and in northern Ohio during the warmer breeding season.

They are about 28-31cm (11-12.2 inches) long and weigh 110-160g (3.9-5.6oz). They are slim woodpeckers with rounded heads, long pointy tails, and a long, slightly downward curving bill.

Northern Flickers are brownish-gray above and paler below. They have a crescent-looking black bar on their chest and black spots on their bellies.

Eastern males have black whiskers, a red nape, and bright yellow under their tails, while females lack the same black whiskers as males.

Western males have red whiskers and red under their tails, while females lack the same red whiskers as males.

Northern Flickers live in open areas such as fields, pastures, woods but can also be seen around towns and suburbs.

Northern Flickers are seen foraging for ants and other insects on the ground, but they also eat fruits, nuts, and seeds. They use their long curved bill to pry insects out of logs or trees.

They will often visit backyard bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds, suet, or peanut butter.

Feeder Type For Northern Flickers

• Suet Cage
• Large Hopper
• Platform Feeder

Feeder Food For Northern Flickers

• Black Oil and Hulled Sunflower Seed
• Safflower
• Suet
• Peanuts and Peanut Hearts
• Cracker Corn
• Millet

27. Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrows are ubiquitous sparrows that are found throughout North America and can be seen in Ohio during the summer breeding season.

They are about 12-15cm (4.7-5.9 inches) long, weigh between 11-16g (0.4-0.6oz). Chipping Sparrows are slender, long-tailed birds with gray faces, chestnut heads, and a white belly. They have a black line through the eye, back and wings.

They have relatively short wings that allow for quick travel through thick vegetation or high into the trees where they will find their nests on a thin branch close to the trunk of a tree. Their beaks are short but thick at the end for catching insects and eating seeds from grasses or trees.

Their preferred habitat is open woodland, forest edges, and clearings. It will also be found in parks and residential areas.

Chipping Sparrows eat insects they can glean from the ground, vegetation, or the air in summer months and forage for seeds in wild grasses and weeds in the fall and winter months.

They are frequent visitors at bird feeders and prefer to eat seeds such as black oil sunflower seeds, millet, or cracked corn from a platform feeder or the ground. You will often see them in small flocks around your feeders.

Feeder Type For Chipping Sparrows

• Large & Small Hopper
• Platform Feeder
• Ground

Feeder Food For Chipping Sparrows

• Hulled Sunflower Seeds
• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
• Nyjer
• Cracked Corn
• Millet

28. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a tiny bird found only in eastern North America and Central America, and is a resident of Ohio during the summer breeding months.

Males and females are about 7-9cm (2.8-3.5 inches) long and weigh around 2-6g (0.1-0.2oz). They have long, slender bills and short wings.

They are metallic green above and grayish-white below with red throats (males), or pale gray throat with reddish sides of their head/throat (females).

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, open spaces, and backyards. They breed in the eastern United States and Canada, and during winter/migration, they migrate south to Central America.

They eat mostly nectar from flowers but also feed on insects by catching them mid-flight. They forage mainly in the upper part of trees and hover in place while searching for food.

They have been known to visit bird feeders with nectar, especially during their migration months.

Feeder Type For Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

• Nectar Feeder

Feeder Food For Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

• Sugar Water/Nectar

What Are The Most Common Backyard Birds All Year Round In Ohio?

• Northern Cardinal (57% frequency)
• American Robin (51% frequency)
• Blue Jay (48% frequency)
• Mourning Dove (41% frequency)
• Song Sparrow (40% frequency)
• American Goldfinch (39% frequency)
• Red-bellied Woodpecker (38% frequency)
• Downy Woodpecker (38% frequency)
• Red-winged Blackbird (37% frequency)
• European Starling (35% frequency)

What Are The Most Common Winter Backyard Birds In Ohio?

• Northern Cardinal (53% frequency)
• Blue Jay (41% frequency)
• Downy Woodpecker (39% frequency)
• Red-bellied Woodpecker (36% frequency)
• Mourning Dove (35% frequency)
• American Robin (34% frequency)
• American Crow (33% frequency)
• White-breasted Nuthatch (32% frequency)
• European Starling (32% frequency)
• Tufted Titmouse (32% frequency)

Birds To Spot Beyond The Backyard In ohio

When you decide to venture away from your home to do some birdwatching, these are some of the other birds to look out for:

1. Bank Swallow
2. Purple Martin
3. Tree Swallow
4. Rusty Blackbird
5. Broad-winged Hawk
6. Chimney Swift
7. Cedar Waxwing
8. Snow Bunting
9. Barn Swallow
10. Killdeer
11. Cliff Swallow
12. Yellow-rumped Warbler
13. Common Nighthawk
14. Northern Flicker
15. Rock Pigeon
16. Sharp-shinned Hawk
17. Common Redpoll
18. Baltimore Oriole
19. Savannah Sparrow
20. Ruby-crowned Kinglet
21. Golden-crowned Kinglet
22. Eastern Kingbird
23. Swainson’s Thrush
24. Indigo Bunting
25. Blackpoll Warbler
26. Gray Catbird
27. Magnolia Warbler
28. Evening Grosbeak
29. Eastern Meadowlark
30. Palm Warbler

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Keep a watchful eye for backyard birds In Ohio

We hope this guide was helpful and informative in teaching you about the top backyard birds of Ohio. Birding is a great way to get outside, relax, and connect with nature. It’s also a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. What’s not to love?

If you are interested in birdwatching away from the backyard, visit any of Ohio’s top five hotspots. We would also love to hear about your favorite birdwatching spots or experiences in Ohio.

If you have questions about identifying more species or finding out which ones live near you, let us know! We would love to help identify new bird species for our readers.

Don’t forget to check out our other blog posts for more information about birds and nature.

So, grab your binoculars and head outside to see which birds you can find in your backyard!