COMM0N BIRDS OF OHIO
c d g u i d e b o o k
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
TR A C K # 3 7
Like the purple martin, barn swallows are
very much associated with humans. This
bird is aptly named; they typically build their
nests on support beams in barns, or under
overhangs of sheds and other buildings. Barn
swallows are unmistakable, with their very
long forked tails and orangish underparts.
They are quite vocal, emitting a continuous
barrage of rapid twittering notes.
RAN GE:
Common statewide.
HAB ITAT :
Open countryside,
especially agricultural areas.
BES T S POTS:
Easily found in suitable areas throughout
Ohio; like other swallows, often queues
up in large ocks in late summer.
Barn Swallow Hir u nd o r u st i ca
TR A C K # 3 8 A
This species is extremely similar to the Caro-
lina chickadee, but is easily differentiated
with practice by their vocalizations. Black-
cappeds occur north of the Carolina’s range,
and for the most part they don’t overlap.
The song of the black-capped chickadee is a
two-parted whistled fee-bee, and their chik-a-
dee-dee calls are much huskier and slower in
tempo than the Carolina chickadee.
RAN GE:
Roughly the northern ¼ of
Ohio, from Manseld north.
HAB ITAT :
Similar to the Carolina chickadee.
BES T S POTS:
Easily found in appropriate habitat;
Killdeer Plains WA is a noteworthy site
to observe chickadees, as both species
have been reported there.
Black-capped Chickadee Poec ile at ric api l lu s
27
©
photo by
:
Allen Claybon
©
photo by
:
David Van Meter
04 Birding Hot Spots
06 Groups & Organizations
08 Species Accounts
60 Birding Fast Facts
Common Name
Description
Species Photo
Track Number
corresponses with
accompaying audio CD
Photo Credit
Family Name
COMMON BIRDS
Of
OHIO
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
B O R R O R / O D O W B I R D S O N G S
Knowing the sounds of our birds is
important to becoming a better birder,
as many birds are quite secretive and
hard to see, but their calls are easily
heard. The birder with knowledge of
songs and calls will nd more birds, in-
cluding many that would otherwise go
undetected. In some cases the best way
to conrm identication is by the song
or call. Finally, learning the sounds of
Ohio’s songsters can greatly increase
one’s enjoyment of the natural world.
This CD contains 103 of Ohio’s most
common breeding birds that are found
primarily in upland habitats. Most of
these sounds were recorded in Ohio,
and each species includes songs and
calls that are most typically heard.
Habitat can be a clue to a bird’s iden-
tity, and many birders also use mne-
monics – memory devices – to help
learn and remember songs. Refer to the
text in the booklet that accompanies
this CD for helpful information regard-
ing habitats and tips that might aid in
learning these sounds.
INTRODUCTION
Best Spots: Abbreviations
MP = Metropark (county)
NP = National Park
NWR = National Wildlife Refuge
SF = State Forest
SNP = State Nature Preserve
SP = State Park
TNC = The Nature Conservancy
WA = Wildlife Area
Page
61 Contact Information
62 Publication Funding
Quick Info: Range, Habitat, and Best Spots
8 Ring-necked Pheasant
8 Ruffed Grouse
9 Wild Turkey
9 Northern Bobwhite
10 Red-tailed Hawk
10 American Kestrel
11 Killdeer
11 Mourning Dove
12 Black-billed Cuckoo
12 Yellow-billed Cuckoo
13 Eastern Screech-Owl
13 Great Horned Owl
14 Barred Owl
14 Common Nighthawk
15 Whip-poor-will
15 Chimney Swift
16 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
16 Red-headed Woodpecker
17 Red-bellied Woodpecker
17 Downy Woodpecker
18 Hairy Woodpecker
18 Northern Flicker
19 Pileated Woodpecker
19 Eastern Wood-Pewee
20 Acadian Flycatcher
20 Willow Flycatcher
21 Eastern Phoebe
21 Great Crested Flycatcher
22 Eastern Kingbird
22 White-eyed Vireo
23 Yellow-throated Vireo
23 Blue-headed Vireo
24 Red-eyed Vireo
24 Warbling Vireo
25 Blue Jay
25 American Crow
26 Horned Lark
26 Purple Martin
27 Barn Swallow
27 Carolina Chickadee
28 Black-capped Chickadee
28 Tufted Titmouse
29 White-breasted Nuthatch
29 Carolina Wren
30 House Wren
30 Sedge Wren
31 Marsh Wren
31 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
32 Eastern Bluebird
32 Veery
33 Hermit Thrush
33 Wood Thrush
34 American Robin
34 Gray Catbird
35 Northern Mockingbird
35 Brown Thrasher
36 Cedar Waxwing
36 Blue-winged Warbler
37 Northern Parula
37 Yellow Warbler
38 Chestnut-sided Warbler
38 Black-throated Green Warbler
39 Yellow-throated Warbler
39 Pine Warbler
40 Prairie Warbler
40 Cerulean Warbler
41 Black-and-white Warbler
41 American Redstart
42 Prothonotary Warbler
42 Worm-eating Warbler
43 Ovenbird
43 Louisiana Waterthrush
44 Kentucky Warbler
44 Common Yellowthroat
45 Hooded Warbler
45 Yellow-breasted Chat
46 Summer Tanager
46 Scarlet Tanager
47 Eastern Towhee
47 Chipping Sparrow
48 Field Sparrow
48 Vesper Sparrow
49 Savannah Sparrow
49 Grasshopper Sparrow
50 Henslow’s Sparrow
50 Song Sparrow
51 Swamp Sparrow
51 Dark-eyed Junco
52 Northern Cardinal
52 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
53 Blue Grosbeak
53 Indigo Bunting
54 Dickcissel
54 Bobolink
55 Red-winged Blackbird
55 Eastern Meadowlark
56 Common Grackle
56 Brown-headed Cowbird
57 Orchard Oriole
57 Baltimore Oriole
58 Purple Finch
58 House Finch
59 American Goldfinch
ON THE COVER: NORTHERN CARDINAL
MAP COURTESY: ODNR DIVISION OF GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
1 Lake La Su An WA
2 Goll Woods SNP
3 Maumee State Forest
4 Oak Openings MP
5 Maumee Bay SP
6 Ottawa NWR
7 Magee Marsh WA
8 Resthaven Wildlife Area
9 Mentor Headlands SNP
10 Cuyahoga Valley NP
11 Holden Arboretum
12 Grand River WA
OHIO BIRDING TRAILS
Appalachian Discovery
appalachiandiscovery.com
Hocking Valley Birding Trai
birdhocking.com
Ohio Lake Erie Birding Trail
lakeerieohiobirding.info
Under each species account in this booklet
is a section titled “Best Spots”. The general
statewide location of these sites is shown on
the adjacent map. See page 6 for a listing of
contact information for various agencies and
organizations to learn more.
ABBREVIATION KEY
MP = Metropark
NER = National Esturarie Reserve
NP = National Park
NWR = National Wildlife Refuge
SF = State Forest
SNP = State Nature Preserve
SP = State Park
TNC = The Nature Conservancy
WA = Wildlife Area
OHIO BIRDING HOT SPOTS
GLACIATED
UNGLACIATED
4
L A K E E R I E O H I O B I R D I N G . I N F O
13 Quail Hollow State Park
14 Tinkers’ Creek State Park
15 Mohican State Forest
16 Beaver Creek State Park
17 Woodbury Wildlife Area
18 Egypt Valley Wildlife Area
19 The Wilds
20 Tri-Valley Wildlife Area
21 Hocking SF/SP
(Conkle’s Hollow SNP)
22 Clear Creek MP
23 Waterloo Wildlife Area
24 Tar Hollow State Forest
25 Zaleski SF/Lake Hope SP
26 Lake Katharine SNP
27 Crown City Wildlife Area
28 Shawnee State Forest
29 Edge of Appalachia TNC
30 Tranquility Wildlife Area
31 Indian Creek Wildlife Area
32 Miami-Whitewater MP
33 Hueston Woods State Park
34 Paint Creek Wildlife Area
35 Spring Valley Wildlife Area
36 Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area
37 Findley State Park
38 Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area
39 Killbuck Wildlife Area
40 Big Island Wildlife Area
41 Alum Creek State Park
42 Blendon Woods MP
43 Hoover Reservoir
44 Green Lawn Cemetery
45 Deer Creek Wildlife Area
46 Davey Woods SNP
47 Lawrence Woods SNP
48 Mercer Wildlife Area
OHIO LAKE ERIE BIRDING TRAIL
MAP COURTESY: ODNR DIVISION OF GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
BIRDING GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS
One of the best ways to get involved with
birding is to join a group of like-minded
people. Fortunately, Ohio has a number of
active groups throughout the state that have
many birders as members, and most of these
organizations host eld trips regularly. Listed
below are the names and contact information
for many of the state’s birding groups.
1 AUDUBON SOCIETY OF GREATER CLEVELAND
The Park Building • 140 Public Square
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-861-5093
www.clevelandaudubon.org
2 AUDUBON SOCIETY OF OHIO
3398 West Galbraith Rd. • Cincinnati, OH 45239
513-741-7926
http://home.earthlink.net/~audsocohio/
3 AUDUBON SOCIETY/MAHONING VALLEY
P.O. Box 3214 • Youngstown, OH 44512
members.cboss.com/audubonmv/
4 AUDUBON MIAMI VALLEY
P.O. Box 556 • Oxford, OH 45056
www.orgs.muohio.edu/audubonmiamivalley/
5 BLACKBROOK AUDUBON SOCIETY
7573 Dahlia Drive • Mentor, OH 44060
440-255-0961
www.blackbrookaudubon.org
GLACIATED
UNGLACIATED
6
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Borror Laboratory of Bioacous-
tics (BLB) is a research and service
unit of the Department of Evolution,
Ecology and Organismal Biology at
The Ohio State University. It is located
in the OSU Museum of Biological Di-
versity.
The BLB houses one of the largest
collections of recorded animal sounds
in the world. Founded by the late Dr.
Donald Borror, Professor of Entomol-
ogy and Zoology at The Ohio State
University, the collection contains
over 34,000 recordings of over 1500
species of animals.
BORROR LABORATORY OF BIOACOUSTICS
The Ohio State University • 1315 Kinnear Road
Columbus, OH 43212-1192
614-292-2176
http://blb.biosci.ohio-state.edu/
6 BLACK RIVER AUDUBON SOCIETY
304 West Ave • Elyria, OH 44035
www.blackriveraudubon.org
7 BLACK SWAMP AUDUBON SOCIETY
P.O. Box 7086 • Defiance, OH 43512
8 BLACK SWAMP BIRD OBSERVATORY
P.O. Box 228 • Oak Harbor, OH 43449
419-898-4070
www.bsbobird.org
9 CANTON AUDUBON SOCIETY
P.O. Box 9586 • Canton, OH 44711
330-832-2491
10 CINCINNATI BIRD CLUB
www.cincinnatibirds.com/birdclub
11 COLUMBUS AUDUBON
P.O. Box 141350 • Columbus, OH 43214
740-549-0333
www.columbusaudubon.org
12 DAYTON AUDUBON SOCIETY
1375 East Siebenthaler Ave • Dayton, OH 45414
937-293-4876
www.dayton.net/Audubon/
13 EAST CENTRAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
P.O. Box 55 • Granville, OH 43023
14 FIRELANDS AUDUBON SOCIETY
P.O. Box 967 • Sandusky, OH 44870
15 GREAT AKRON AUDUBON SOCIETY
P.O. Box 80056 • Akron, OH 44308
330-315-5213
www.cs.uakron.edu/~pelz/gaas.html
16 GREATER MOHICAN AUDUBON SOCIETY
P.O. Box 907 • Ashland, OH 44805
http://audubon.cjb.net/
17 KELLEYS ISLAND AUDUBON CLUB
P.O. Box 42 • Kelleys Island, OH 43438
www.kelleysislandnature.com
18 KIRTLAND BIRD CLUB
www.kirtlandbirdclub.org
19 OHIO BIRD CONSERVATION INITIATIVE
www.obcinet.org/index.html
20 OHIO BLUEBIRD SOCIETY
PMB 111 • 343 West Milltown Rd.
Wooster, OH 44691
www.obsbluebirds.com
21 OHIO ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY
P.O. Box 14051 • Columbus, OH 43214
www.ohiobirds.org
22 PRESIDENT R. B. HAYES AUDUBON SOCIETY
P.O. Box 92 • Fremont, OH 43420
23 SHAWNEE NATURE CLUB
4362 Swauger Valley Rd • Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
740-820-8382
24 TOLEDO NATURALISTS’ ASSOCIATION
www.toledonaturalist.org
25 TRI-MORAINE AUDUBON SOCIETY
P.O. Box 5648 • Lima, OH 45802
26 WESTERN CUYAHOGA AUDUBON SOCIETY
4310 Bush Avenue • Cleveland, OH 44109
216-741-2352
www.wcasohio.org
TR ACK #2
This spectacular Eurasian species was intro-
duced into Ohio in 1896, and is very popular
with sportsmen. Look for them in open coun-
tryside that has a mosaic of brushy elds,
open meadows, cornelds, and overgrown
fence rows. The male makes a loud, unmis-
takable crowing unlikely to be confused with
any other bird.
TR ACK #3
These partridge-like birds are forest inhabit-
ants, often congregating where brush piles or
downed trees litter the understory. Grouse
occur in greatest numbers in young, regener-
ating forests; especially those less than twen-
ty years old. The drumming of the males –
which sounds a bit like an old lawn mower
being started – is made by the bird quickly
rotating its wings, creating a vacuum that
produces a loud booming sound.
RANGE:
Statewide, with locally abundant
populations in northwest and central Ohio.
HABITAT:
Open country with a mosaic of
grasslands, overgrown fence rows,
and rowcrop agriculture
BEST SPOTS:
Deer Creek WA, Big Island WA,
and Lake La Su An WA.
Phasianus colchicus
Bonasa umbellus
RANGE:
Southern and eastern Ohio, from Adams
County north to Ashtabula County.
HABITAT:
Forests, particularly in young, scruffy
clearcuts and brushy thickets.
BEST SPOTS:
Most state forests, such as Shawnee,
Tar Hollow, and Zaleski; Waterloo WA.
8
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
TR ACK #4
A true conservation success story, Wild tur-
keys had disappeared from Ohio by 1904. Re-
introductions began in 1956, and today they
are again common throughout much of the
state. The “gobbling” of males is unmistak-
able, but birds also make a variety of clucks
and other sounds. Watch for turkeys in elds
along woods, especially early in the morning.
TR ACK #5
Once a common bird throughout Ohio, bob-
whites have declined signicantly and are
mostly found in limited areas in the southern
fourth of the state. The male’s characteristic
song, a cheery, whistled Bob-white! – often de-
livered from high in a tree – is a perfect exam-
ple of onomatopoeia, or a word that is closely
imitative of a sound.
RANGE:
Throughout Ohio, but most common in the
unglaciated areas of the south and east.
HABITAT:
A wide variety of deciduous forest; turkeys
often forage in elds near woodland borders.
BEST SPOTS:
Throughout the Hocking Hills,
The Wilds, and Lake Katharine SNP.
RANGE:
Distributed primarily in the
southern fourth of Ohio.
HABITAT:
Open country interspersed with brushy
thickets, scattered trees, grasslands,
reverting elds, and pastures.
BEST SPOTS:
Crown City, Tranquility and Woodbury
wildlife areas are excellent places to
look for Northern bobwhites.
Meleagris gallopavo
Colinus virginianus
9
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
TR ACK #6
This is probably the most common of Ohio’s
hawks, and certainly the most conspicu-
ous. Red-tailed hawks are commonly seen
perched along freeways and roads, where
their white underparts cause them to stand
out. Red-tails have adapted well to urban
situations, and are often seen in cities and
towns. Their typical call is a loud descend-
ing scream, which is sometimes mimicked by
blue jays.
TR ACK #7
Formerly known as the “sparrow hawk,”
the American kestrel is the smallest North
American falcon. They are very adaptable
and occur throughout Ohio, and are often
seen perched on roadside wires. Kestrels fre-
quently “wind hover,” uttering in one spot
high in the air when prey is sighted below.
They also nest in cavities, and can be enticed
to use appropriate nest boxes. Their call is a
loud, penetrating killykillykilly.
RANGE:
Common throughout the state.
HABITAT:
All types of open landscapes,
woodlots, urban parks, and open forests.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found almost anywhere. Killdeer Plains
WA is particularly good, and large migrations
can occur along Lake Erie in March.
RANGE:
Common throughout the state.
HABITAT:
A wide variety of open landscapes,
urban parks, meadows; often seen hunting
along the margins of roadways.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found throughout the state; they
are a sure thing along International Road
through The Wilds, where nest boxes
have been placed; Mercer WA
Falco sparverius
Buteo jamaicensis
10
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
TR ACK #8
The scientic name of this plover includes
vociferus, and with good reason – killdeer are
very vocal, and their loud calls carry long
distances. If approached, they usually sound
the alarm, and their typical call is similar to
their name, a clear, ringing Kill-deer,Kill-deer.
Killdeer breed commonly statewide, and
their nest scrapes are often made in gravel
drives and parking lots.
TR ACK #9
Widespread and abundant, the mourning
dove is the most commonly taken game bird
in North America by hunters. Because of their
generalized habitat and high reproductive
rate, mourning doves are one of the most
abundant birds in Ohio, and nationwide
only the red-winged blackbird is thought to
be more common. They are named for their
plaintive, mournful oh-woo-woo-woo call.
RANGE:
Common throughout the state.
HABITAT:
All types of open areas, but killdeer are
especially attracted to mudats, large open
grassy elds, and muddy pastures.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found statewide, except in winter,
although some hardy birds will overwinter.
Commonly heard calling while ying
overhead at night in migration.
Charadrius vociferus
RANGE:
Abundant throughout Ohio.
HABITAT:
Very adaptable and occupies a wide range of
habitats, and is frequent at backyard feeders.
Peak numbers occur in open countryside
interspersed with rowcrop agriculture,
pastures, and open woods.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found statewide; large fall
concentrations occur at Deer Creek,
Killdeer Plains, and Paint Creek wildlife areas.
Zenaida macroura
11
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
©
photo by
:
David VanMeter
TR ACK #1 0A
Of our two cuckoos, this species is less
common and often avoids detection. Black-
billed cuckoos also frequently call at night,
and they may be partly nocturnal in their
habits. An interesting and little-known facet
of cuckoo behavior involves nest parasit-
ism; they sometimes lay their eggs in other
bird’s nests, and the unwitting host raises
the young cuckoos.
TR ACK #1 0B
Often referred to as “rain crows” by old-tim-
ers, it was thought that yellow-billed cuckoos
would deliver their peculiar vocalizations
soon before a storm. While there is no scien-
tic validity to this claim, the cuckoo does
have a very distinctive call that carries great
distances. Like many birds, they are more
easily heard than seen, so knowing this call
makes nding a yellow-billed cuckoo to ob-
serve a much easier task.
RANGE:
Found statewide in migration, but primarily
restricted to the northern third of Ohio as
a breeder, although scattered birds
breed further south.
HABITAT:
A woodland species, but favors younger
forests and dense, scruffy thickets.
BEST SPOTS:
Cuyahoga Valley NP, Resthaven WA,
and Mohican SF.
Coccyzus erythropthalmus
RANGE
:
Fairly common to common
across the state.
HABITAT:
All manner of woodlots, but especially
in scruffy thickets, reverting clearcuts,
orchards, and black locust groves
in reclaimed strip mines.
BEST SPOTS:
Fairly easily found statewide; Crown City,
Spring Valley, and Woodbury wildlife areas;
Maumee SF; Quail Hollow SP.
Coccyzus americanus
12
©
photo by
:
Gary Meszaros
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #1 1
This is the most common owl in Ohio, and
is far more frequent than most people would
suspect. Eastern screech-owls even occur in
treed neighborhoods and other urban set-
tings. Their rich, eerily quavering whistle is
easily imitated, and these inquisitive little
owls often quickly y in to investigate a
call. Eastern screech-owls occur in two color
morphs, red and gray, and very rarely an in-
termediate brown morph.
TR ACK #1 2
The largest of our owls, great horned owls are sur-
prisingly versatile in their haunts, and can often
be found in big city parks and cemeteries. They
will call throughout the year, but vocalizing steps
up in early winter, and the birds will often be sit-
ting on eggs by late winter. Great horned owls de-
liver a classic owl-like call – a deep hoo-hoo-hoooo,
with each phrase given four to six times. The male
and female often call back and forth across great
distances, the male gives a lower pitched hoot.
RANGE:
Common in appropriate habitats statewide.
HABITAT:
All manner of wooded habitats, even
suburban parks and neighborhoods, but they
are at their peak in open woods and brushy
areas near streams. Eastern screech-owls
require cavities for nesting, and will nest in
appropriate nest boxes.
BEST SPOTS:
Often found along the Magee Marsh WA bird
trail; found statewide in suitable habitat by
venturing out at night and imitating their calls.
Megascops asio
Bubo virginianus
13
RANGE:
Common throughout the state.
HABITAT:
Will use urban parks and treed neighborhoods,
but typical habitat is elds, meadows, and
open countryside interspersed with woodlots.
BEST SPOTS:
At dusk, watch for owls perched on utility line
towers and poles, and in late winter and early
spring, they are often spotted sitting on old
hawks’ nests in trees, as great horned owls often
take them over for nest sites. Killdeer Plains
WA, at night often results in “singing” owls.
©
photo by
:
Michael Greene
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
TR ACK #1 3
Birders love to use mnemonics – memory de-
vices – to remember bird calls, and the barred
owl call is a good example of an easy mne-
monic. Their typical call sounds just like Who
cooksforyou,whocooksforyou,all! Barred owls
are more habitat-specic than great horned
and Eastern screech-owls, preferring heav-
ily wooded ravines and wet woods. They are
easily attracted to imitations of their calls and
will y right in to investigate.
TR ACK #1 4
Sometimes called “bullbats” due to their erratic
ight style, reminiscent of bats, common night-
hawks course about high above the ground catch-
ing insects on the wing. While doing so, they
frequently give their “song,” a nasal peent which
sounds somewhat like the call of the American
woodcock. Nighthawks nest primarily on gravel
rooftops, placing the eggs directly on the rocks.
Modernization of roofs has decreased the avail-
ability of suitable nest sites, and common night-
hawks seem to be declining.
Strix varia
Chordeiles minor
14
RANGE:
Fairly common throughout
the state, more so in eastern Ohio.
HABITAT:
Heavily wooded ravines and hollows,
swampy woods. Sometimes occurs in wooded
neighborhoods if ravines are present, such as
in Columbus’ Clintonville area.
BEST SPOTS:
Ravines around the northern end of Alum
Creek SP, Shawnee SF, Beaver Creek SP.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Nests primarily on gravel rooftops, thus cities
and towns are the best place to observe com-
mon nighthawks. They are most conspicuous at
dusk as they y high overhead, and males can
be seen making fast, steep dives as part of their
courtship display, during which they produce a
loud booming sound with their wings.
BEST SPOTS:
Cities and towns; sometimes spectacular ights
are observed during fall migration in late Au-
gust/early September.
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
TR ACK #1 5
Few birds sing as incessantly as these odd noc-
turnal “nightjars.” A whip-poor-will at fever
pitch might produce 59 songs a minute, and they
have been known to sing a thousand renditions
non-stop. Their loud song carries long distances,
and is simple to learn; they say their name. While
strictly nocturnal and hard to observe, every now
and then, particularly in migration, one comes
across a “whip” perched perpendicularly on a
branch, looking like a piece of wood themselves.
TR ACK #1 6
The “ying cigar” as these extraordinary aeri-
alists are sometimes called, doesn’t sing and
has a limited repertoire. Rather, they give a
fairly steady stream of rapid, staccato chips
while in ight – chitter-chitter-chitter – occa-
sionally interspersed with quick series of chip
notes. Chimney swifts spend the vast major-
ity of time on the wing, and form large roost-
ing colonies in favored chimneys.
RANGE:
Declining; now found mostly in southern and
eastern Ohio, with a signicant population
in the Oak Openings near Toledo.
HABITAT:
Open deciduous woods, occasionally utilizes
pine plantations, forages on the wing over
open elds and brushy areas.
BEST SPOTS:
Oak Openings MP, Zaleski SF,
Indian Creek WA.
Caprimulgus vociferus
RANGE:
Common statewide.
HABITAT:
Feeds exclusively in ight, capturing insects.
Skies over cities and towns are best, but in
migration, on cold days, swifts are often
seen hawking insects low over water.
BEST SPOTS:
Over urban areas; favored
roosting sites in larger cities
sometimes draw crowds.
Chaetura pelagica
15
©
photo by
:
Gary Meszaros
©
photo by
:
Dominic Sherony
TR ACK #1 7
Becoming familiar with the high-pitched
squeaky vocalizations of these tiny birds al-
lows for detection of many more than would
otherwise be noticed. They often ash by so
quickly that all that is heard are the calls, and
the characteristic buzzing sound created by
their wings. Ruby-throated hummingbirds
can produce up to 80 wing beats per second.
They are easily lured to gardens and yards by
hummingbird feeders and favored owers.
TR ACK #1 8
An extraordinary looking bird, the adult red-
headed woodpecker is what inspired legend-
ary ornithologist Alexander Wilson to take up
the study of birds. This woodpecker favors
open woodlands and savannas, especially
those that have plenty of oaks, as they are
fond of acorns. Typical calls are loud, rough
kweer or kwrrr notes, but they give a variety
of chattering calls, especially when in family
units, which remain together into winter.
RANGE:
Common statewide.
HABITAT:
Very versatile; everywhere from mature
forests to gardens in yards. They are especially
attracted to sites with numerous owering
plants, which are mined for nectar.
BEST SPOTS:
Often, your backyard. Placing suitable feeders
frequently lures these sprites, even in very
urban settings. Some lucky people have had
over 100 birds using their feeders, at one time!
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Archilochus colubris
16
RANGE:
Somewhat scattered and local, and primarily in
glaciated northern and western Ohio. Can be
common in larger woodlots of western Ohio.
HABITAT:
As red-headed woodpeckers eat plenty of
mast in winter, they prefer open woods with
oaks and hickories.
BEST SPOTS:
Killdeer Plains WA, on roadside telephone
poles; Goll Woods SNP; Killbuck and Funk
Bottoms wildlife areas; Lawrence Woods SNP.
©
photo by
:
Bill Heban
©
photo by
:
Al Freeman
TR ACK #1 9
This big, extroverted and conspicuous wood-
pecker is easily lured to backyard feeders,
and its loud rolling churr calls are heard
throughout Ohio woodlands. The common
name is not very appropriate; the faint blush
of reddish pigment on the belly is barely vis-
ible. After the downy woodpecker and possi-
bly the Northern icker, this is the most com-
mon Ohio woodpecker.
TR ACK #2 0A
The most common Ohio woodpecker and
also the smallest, the downy woodpecker
is found in all manner of habitats, and is a
frequent visitor to yards and feeders. They
sound – and look – similar to the larger hairy
woodpecker, but the downy’s calls are eas-
ily separated with practice. All woodpeckers
drum, the distinctive rapid beats produced
by pounding on wood – but the various spe-
cies can’t be reliably told apart by drumming.
RANGE:
Common statewide.
HABITAT:
A forest dweller, but will occupy fairly
small woodlots, and makes forays into open
countryside. Common in urban areas with
large trees; frequent feeder visitor.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found in woods statewide; county
parks, such as Blendon Woods MP in
Columbus, that have feeders are good places
to observe red-bellied woodpeckers.
Melanerpes carolinus
RANGE:
Very common statewide.
HABITAT:
The most versatile of our woodpeckers,
found in all manner of wooded areas.
Often ventures into elds, where they
bore into goldenrod galls.
BEST SPOTS:
Just about anywhere;
easily lured to backyard feeders.
Picoides pubescens
17
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Bill Heban
TR ACK #2 0B
Resembling a jumbo downy woodpecker, the
hairy is best told by its larger size, propor-
tionately much bigger bill, and unspotted
outer tail feathers. Hairy woodpeckers are
not nearly so frequent, and are outnumbered
by downys by ten to one. The hairy has a
much louder, more explosive call, and fre-
quently gives a drawn out rattling call some-
what reminiscent of a belted kingsher.
TR ACK #2 1
The highly migratory Northern icker is
found in Ohio year-round, but numbers
swell during spring and fall migration. They
are often observed on the ground, as ants
are a huge part of their diet. Flickers give a
wide variety of calls, but the typical song is a
loud, laugh-like wicka-wicka-wicka. Males are
also prone to loud drumming as part of their
courtship, and sometimes use metal down-
spouts of homes to create a barrage of sound.
RANGE:
Fairly common to common in
appropriate habitat statewide.
HABITAT:
This species is much less tolerant of
forest fragmentation than the downy
woodpecker, and is generally conned
to larger, older woodlands.
BEST SPOTS:
Any of Ohio’s twenty state forests;
Hueston Woods SP, Cuyahoga Valley NP,
and Davey Woods SNP.
Picoides villosus
RANGE:
Statewide; more common in migration,
particularly in spring.
HABITAT:
Prefers open country and scattered woodlots
more than our other woodpeckers; often seen
on the ground hunting ants.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found in most areas of Ohio; big
migrations can be observed in the vicinity
of Magee Marsh WA in April and May.
Colaptes auratus
18
©
photo by
:
Gary Meszaros
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
TR ACK #2 2
By far our largest woodpecker, this crow-sized
bird is surprisingly secretive. A dweller of larger
forests and woodlots, most pileated woodpeck-
ers will be detected by their very loud, maniacal-
sounding calls, which carry long distances. The
presence of these massive woodpeckers is often
obvious by their drillings; cavities are large and
oval in shape, and in areas where they have bored
into trees for food, the residual wood chips are
much larger than those left by other woodpeckers.
TR ACK #2 3
An abundant but non-descript ycatcher,
pewees are found in most woodlands and
will even occupy wooded parks and river
corridors in urban areas. This bird’s song,
like the bobwhite quail, is another example of
onomatopoeia, a word whose pronunciation
is imitative of a sound. Eastern wood-pewees
say their name, pee-ah-wee, so identifying this
species is much easier by song than by sight.
RANGE:
Slowly expanding northward;
found statewide but least common
in western and northwestern Ohio.
HABITAT:
A denizen of large, mature forests; a pair needs
about 100 acres of woods for their territory.
BEST SPOTS:
Large forests of unglaciated Ohio; scattered
elsewhere. Any of the 20 state forests,
Lake Katharine SNP; Cuyahoga Valley NP.
Dryocopus pileatus
Contopus virens
RANGE:
Common statewide, wherever
suitable habitat occurs.
HABITAT:
All types of woodlands, but prefers some
larger trees and a somewhat open understory.
Sometimes even occupies urban parks if
tree cover is adequate.
BEST SPOTS:
Any good-sized woodlot , such as
Lawrence Woods SNP, or forest statewide
should harbor pewees.
19
©
photo by
:
Sharon Hosko
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #2 4
This small, greenish ycatcher occupies
streamside woodlands almost exclusively,
and as is sometimes the case with birds,
habitat preference can be a clue used in iden-
tication. While Acadian ycatchers greatly
resemble several other species of ycatch-
ers, their song is very distinctive and easily
clinches the identication. Acadians deliver a
loud, explosive Peet-sa!, sometimes described
as “pizza!”
TR ACK #2 5
This species is a perfect example of how help-
ful recognition of songs can be as an identi-
cation aid. Willow ycatchers are part of a
group of ve small Ohio ycatchers that all
look very similar, but have quite different
vocalizations. Willows, which occur in over-
grown shrubby areas and willow thickets,
deliver a loud, somewhat nasal tz-bew! Its
song and habitat are similar only to the much
scarcer alder ycatcher.
RANGE:
Common statewide in areas of suitable habitat.
HABITAT:
Occurs in greatest numbers in mature riparian
woodlands, but will use swampy woods and
sometimes other types of mature forest.
BEST SPOTS:
Mohican SF, Clear Creek MP,
Goll Woods, Davey Woods SNP,
and Grand River WA.
Empidonax virescens
RANGE:
Fairly common to common statewide.
HABITAT:
All types of shrublands, even in fairly
dry elds, but prefers moist areas
dominated by willow thickets.
BEST SPOTS:
Moist successional habitats in reclaimed
strip mines, such as Crown City and
Woodbury wildlife areas; Ottawa NWR,
Lake La Su An WA,Tinker’s Creek SP.
Empidonax traillii
20
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #2 6
One of the easiest of all songs to learn, phoe-
bes say their name, a robust, emphatic Fee-
bee! This is also our hardiest ycatcher, arriv-
ing very early in spring, and a few will even
overwinter in mild years. Eastern phoebes
are intimately associated with people and
their structures, as they build their nests un-
der bridges, on building ledges, and in cul-
verts. Some birds can still be found nesting
on cliff faces in the Hocking Hills region.
TR ACK #2 7
This is our largest ycatcher, and the only
one that nests in cavities. Great crested y-
catchers are fairly common where suitable
habitat occurs, but usually lurk high in the
tree canopy, and are easily missed. Until they
call, that is; their typical call is a very loud,
whistled wheeep and a raucous rattling call
that carries a considerable distance. These
interesting birds can sometimes be enticed to
use appropriate nest boxes.
RANGE:
Statewide, but least common in heavily
agricultural western Ohio.
HABITAT:
Open woodlands, clearings, forest edges;
most often found near water.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found in Hocking Hills SP and
that region; a pair has nested for decades
on the Howald mausoleum by the
pond in Green Lawn Cemetery.
Sayornis phoebe
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
All types of deciduous forests, but requires
some large trees, and prefers forest openings
or edges; even found in wooded parks and
occasionally in heavily treed neighborhoods.
BEST SPOTS:
Fairly easy to nd in any large woods;
TNC Edge of Appalachia preserve,
all state forests, Findley SP, Waterloo WA.
Myiarchus crinitus
21
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #2 8
Well named, kingbirds are highly territorial
and aggressive, and are often seen badger-
ing crows, raptors, and any other large bird
that overies their domain. They possess a
sleek, suave look, with crisp blackish upper-
parts, clean white underparts, and a tail that
looks like it was dipped in white paint. East-
ern kingbirds do not have much of a voice,
though; they give an un-birdlike rapid, elec-
tric chattering, kit-kit-kit-kitter-kitter.
TR ACK #2 9
The white-eyed vireo is a real skulker, lurk-
ing in dense, impenetrable thickets, and get-
ting a good look at one can be quite difcult.
However, like most vireos, they are chronic
singers and easily heard. Their forceful, rap-
idly delivered song carries some distance,
and typical renditions sound very much like
pick-up-the-beer, check! The only other vireo
likely to share this habitat is the rare Bell’s
vireo, which sounds very different.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
All types of open country-rural elds with
scattered woodlots, tree lines, and power lines;
parks; larger openings and clearcuts
in forested areas.
BEST SPOTS:
Most state wildlife areas support this species,
Indian Creek, Mercer, and Crown City wildlife
areas, Oak Openings MP, Miami-Whitewater
MP, Holden Arboretum.
Tyrannus tyrannus
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Shrubby thickets in overgrown elds,
reclaimed strip mines, and woodland
clearings; young clearcuts.
BEST SPOTS:
Crown City, Egypt Valley, Tri-Valley,
and Woodbury wildlife areas.
Vireo griseus
22
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #3 0
Several species of vireos can sound con-
fusingly similar, and this is one of them.
Red-eyed, yellow-throated, blue-headed,
and Philadelphia vireos all sing somewhat
similar short phrases interspersed with brief
pauses. Yellow-throateds, however, have a
very rough, burry quality to their voice, and
once you are familiar with this tone, the spe-
cies is easily separated from the others.
TR ACK #3 1A
Known as the “solitary vireo” until 1997,
blue-headed vireos are common migrants,
and one of the rst migratory songbirds to
return in spring, often by mid-March. As a
breeder, they are rare and local, being con-
ned to larger hemlock ravines, such as those
that are found in Hocking County. Their
song is similar to the red-eyed vireo, but has
a slower tempo and shorter phrases, with a
sweeter quality.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Woodlands, but favors relatively open woods
with a fairly open understory, and many oaks.
BEST SPOTS:
Probably nests in every county and
usually easy to nd in suitable habitat.
Vireo flavifrons
RANGE:
Common migrant statewide;
rare breeder in hemlock ravines.
HABITAT:
Occurs in a wide variety of woodlands
as a migrant; breeders are intimately
linked to hemlock trees.
BEST SPOTS:
Places like Green Lawn Cemetery and
Magee Marsh WA are excellent in migration;
breeders can be found at Mohican SF
and Conkle’s Hollow SNP.
Vireo solitarius
23
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #3 1B
One of the most common birds breeding in
our deciduous forests, the song of the red-
eyed vireo is a very common sound of the
summer woodlands. Mastering this song will
make recognition of the other, similar-sound-
ing vireos much easier. Red-eyed vireos are
chronic singers, often singing 40 phrases a
minute for hours on end. Their song is a se-
ries of robin-like phrases interspersed with
pauses – see-me,here-I-am,way-up,tree-tops!
RANGE:
Common statewide
HABITAT:
Deciduous woodlands, even parks and
suburban areas with plenty of large trees.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found wherever there are
woods of almost any size.
Vireo olivaceus
TR ACK #3 2
Many species of birds are intimately associ-
ated with certain plants, and in the case of the
warbling vireo, it is the Eastern cottonwood
tree. This vireo sings incessantly from high in
the treetops, and is a good example of why
knowing songs is useful. Getting a look at
this nondescript vireo is not easy, but hear-
ing one certainly is. Even when a birder has
triangulated on the easily learned song, spot-
ting the sluggish vireo still can be tough.
RANGE:
Common statewide.
HABITAT:
Normally found in or around cottonwoods,
thus usually found along streams and
lake margins, but sometimes parks and
cemeteries if big trees are present.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found in suitable habitat statewide;
can’t miss in the large cottonwoods
around the parking lot by the
Magee Marsh WA bird trail.
Vireo gilvus
24
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Gary Meszaros
TR ACK #3 3
The loud screams of the jay are well known
to about anyone who feeds birds, or walks in
the woods. Blue jays are an effective alarm
system, alerting all of the other animals with-
in earshot of the presence of intruders. They
can be skilled mimics, often expertly imitat-
ing the call of the red-shouldered hawk, in
particular. Although a common winter resi-
dent, jays are highly migratory, and we get
many more in spring and fall.
TR ACK #3 4
Even most non-birders know this one; the
loud raucous caw-cawcall of a crow is unmis-
takable. This is one of Ohio’s most common
birds, and in recent years has adapted well to
urban life, and crows are now a common part
of the suburban landscape. American crows
sometimes form large winter roosts, and ex-
ceptional roosts can number into the tens of
thousands.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Although able to exploit many habitats,
even surburbia and parks, blue jays are
typically associated with woods that have
mast-bearing trees such as oaks and hickories.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found statewide; spectacular migratory
ocks queue up along Lake Erie in May,
and perhaps the best place to observe
this phenomenon is Magee Marsh WA.
Cyanocitta cristata
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Opportunistic and able to exploit a variety
of habitats, but probably does best in rural
country with a mosaic of agricultural elds,
meadows, and scattered woodlots.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found anywhere; large winter
roosts often form in Columbus,
Manseld, and Springeld.
Corvus brachyrhynchos
25
©
photo by
:
David Tarr
©
photo by
:
Al Freeman
TR ACK #3 5
Few birds occupy a bleaker habitat than
horned larks. This species prefers wide-open
barren landscapes, and is at home in vast ag-
ricultural elds with little vegetation. The up-
per parts of horned larks are muted brownish
earth tones, and they blend remarkably well
with the soil. Their musical tinkling calls,
which carry considerable distances, give
them away and allow an observer to locate
these birds.
TR ACK #3 6
Few birds are as intimately associated with
people as the purple martin. Historically,
they would have nested in large tree hollows,
but humans have been enticing them to nest
close at hand since early Native Americans
began placing hollowed out gourds near their
villages. Today, martins are entirely depen-
dent upon man-made nest boxes for breeding
sites. Their pleasant, liquid gurgling notes are
distinctive.
RANGE:
Statewide, but most common in agricultural
areas of western and northern Ohio.
HABITAT:
Large barren elds, mudats, and sparsely
vegetated elds and meadows.
BEST SPOTS:
Stopping along large barren croplands and
listening for their distinctive calls is the best
way to nd larks. They often gather along
roadsides when snow covers the elds. Big
Island, Killdeer Plains, and Mercer wildlife
areas are good places to look.
Eremophila alpestris
RANGE:
Statewide, wherever people have erected nest
boxes that martins deem acceptable. Can occur
anywhere, especially near water, in migration.
HABITAT:
Large, open areas, particularly those
with water bodies nearby.
BEST SPOTS:
Best observed near nesting sites;
plentiful around the visitor’s center
at Magee Marsh WA.
Progne subis
26
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Gary Yankech
TR ACK #3 7
Like the purple martin, barn swallows are
very much associated with humans. This
bird is aptly named; they typically build their
nests on support beams in barns, or under
overhangs of sheds and other buildings. Barn
swallows are unmistakable, with their very
long forked tails and orangish underparts.
They are quite vocal, emitting a continuous
barrage of rapid twittering notes.
RANGE:
Common statewide.
HABITAT:
Open countryside,
especially agricultural areas.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found in suitable areas throughout
Ohio; like other swallows, often queues
up in large ocks in late summer.
Hirundo rustica
27
©
photo by
:
Allen Claybon
TR ACK #3 8A
Much confusion surrounds Ohio chickadees,
as we have two species and they look very
similar. The Carolina chickadee is the south-
erner, occurring south of the black-capped
chickadee’s range. Calls are the best way to
separate them; the Carolina’s song is a four-
parted whistle, fee-bee,fee-bay, and their calls
– chik-a-dee-dee-dee – are faster and not nearly
so husky in tone.
RANGE:
Southern, from the Ohio River north
to about the latitude of Manseld.
HABITAT:
A wide variety of woodlands; often
ventures into urban yards and parks,
and is easily attracted to feeders.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found through its range; best
observed at feeding stations.
Poecile carolinensis
©
photo by
:
©Robert Royse
TR ACK #3 9
The small, dove-gray titmouse is simple to
recognize, in part because it is one of very
few Ohio birds with a prominent crest. This
species is a very common woodland inhab-
itant, and often fraternizes with chickadees,
woodpeckers, and nuthatches. Tufted titmice
vocalize year-round, and their loud, whistled
peter-peter-peter song is a characteristic sound
of Ohio forests.
RANGE:
Common statewide.
HABITAT:
Forests, woodlots, parks and
neighborhoods with ample tree cover.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found throughout the state.
Titmice are attracted to feeders, and these
are the best sites to observe their antics.
Baeolophus bicolor
28
©
photo by
:
Bill Heban
TR ACK #3 8B
This species is extremely similar to the Caro-
lina chickadee, but is easily differentiated
with practice by their vocalizations. Black-
cappeds occur north of the Carolina’s range,
and for the most part they don’t overlap.
The song of the black-capped chickadee is a
two-parted whistled fee-bee, and their chik-a-
dee-dee calls are much huskier and slower in
tempo than the Carolina chickadee.
RANGE:
Roughly the northern ¼ of
Ohio, from Manseld north.
HABITAT:
Similar to the Carolina chickadee.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found in appropriate habitat;
Killdeer Plains WA is a noteworthy site
to observe chickadees, as both species
have been reported there.
Poecile atricapillus
©
photo by
:
David VanMeter
TR ACK #4 0
This interesting tree-gleaner is very distinc-
tive in its foraging behavior. Nuthatches
are distinguished by their habit of creeping
headrst down tree trunks, unlike wood-
peckers and brown creepers, which travel
upward. White-breasted nuthatches have
very distinctive nasal calls, but be mindful of
red-breasted nuthatches, which are primar-
ily winter visitors. Their calls are similar, but
faster and higher pitched.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
All manner of woodlands; even parks and
neighborhoods with plenty of trees.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found in appropriate habitat;
common feeder visitor.
Sitta carolinensis
29
©
photo by
:
David VanMeter
TR ACK #4 1
This species is a year-round resident, and
their loud, ringing song, which sounds like
teakettle,teakettle,teakettle, can even be heard
during winter months. Carolina wrens are
southerners that expanded north into Ohio
following the clearing of the original forests
that blanketed the state. They are vulnerable
to severe winters, such as in 1977-78, which
decimated their populations.
RANGE:
Common statewide,
but more frequent southward.
HABITAT:
All manner of woodlands, but prefers edges
and scruffy thickets; often resides in well-
vegetated parks and suburban areas.
BEST SPOTS:
Almost any state park,
wildlife area, or state forest.
Thryothorus ludovicianus
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #4 3
Generally a rarity, sedge wrens are notori-
ously erratic in their movements and where
they appear from year to year. Sometimes
they don’t appear on territory until July or
August, and they often utilize nest sites for
only one year. They are best detected by song,
as sedge wrens prefer dense stands of grasses
or sedges, and stay hidden in the vegetation.
Their songs somewhat resemble the dry, stac-
cato chatter of an old sewing machine.
RANGE:
Most are detected in the western
and northwestern part of Ohio.
HABITAT:
Large sedge meadows, and damp
grassy elds; sometimes hayelds.
BEST SPOTS:
Western Lake Erie marshes such as
Magee Marsh WA; Killdeer Plains
and Big Island wildlife areas.
Cistothorus platensis
30
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #4 2
A well named species, the house wren is most
often found in proximity to dwellings, and
will readily use appropriate nest boxes, as
they are cavity dwellers. House wrens win-
ter in Central America, return in mid-April,
and throughout the summer the male’s loud,
bubbling warble is a common sound of sub-
urbia. When alarmed, wrens readily deliver
their harsh, rattling scold notes.
RANGE:
Common statewide.
HABITAT:
A variety of open areas interspersed with
thickets, shrubs, and scattered trees;
woodland openings and edges.
BEST SPOTS:
Easy to nd; neighborhoods, parks,
open woodlands, cemeteries.
Troglodytes aedon
©
photo by
:
Gary Meszaros
TR ACK #4 4
The liquid gurgling notes of marsh wrens
have a mechanical quality, and give away
this small bird’s presence in the cattails. This
a well named species; marsh wrens are strict
wetland inhabitants, and prefer larger marsh-
es. As about 90% of Ohio wetlands have been
lost since European settlement, marsh wrens
have declined as well. Marsh wrens often oc-
cur in loose colonies, and frequently sing at
night.
TR ACK #4 5
The tiny gnatcatcher returns from its tropi-
cal wintering grounds in late March, before
trees are leafed out, and early spring is the
best time to observe them. They deliver high-
pitched, fussy-sounding notes more or less
continuously, and these sounds are often
what alert observers to their presence high in
the tree tops. Gnatcatchers are quite inquisi-
tive, and can often be lured in by making
squeaky scolding sounds.
RANGE:
Most likely in the northern half
of Ohio, but might occur wherever
large wetlands are found.
HABITAT:
Mixed-emergent marshes,
prefers dense cattail stands.
BEST SPOTS:
Western Lake Erie marshes such as
Magee Marsh WA; Spring Valley
and Killbuck wildlife areas.
Cistothorus palustris
RANGE:
Common in suitable habitat statewide.
HABITAT:
All types of deciduous woods, but requires
some large trees; often found in well treed
parks and neighborhoods.
BEST SPOTS:
Woodlands such as Davey Woods and
Lawrence Woods state nature preserves;
generally easy to nd state wide.
Polioptila caerulea
31
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #4 6
One of our most celebrated birds, bluebird
fanciers have erected thousands of nest boxes
throughout Ohio which have helped to great-
ly expand populations of this attractive spe-
cies. Bluebirds are a type of thrush, closely
related to the American robin, and males de-
liver a soft, pleasing warbling song. In ight,
bluebirds often emit a whistled tu-wee call,
and knowing that sound will lead to detec-
tion of birds ying overhead.
TR ACK #4 7
A secretive woodland thrush, the common
name is imitative of its call – a surprisingly
loud, whistled veeeer! Many thrushes have
some of the most beautiful songs in the bird
world, and veerys are no exception. They are
common migrants throughout Ohio, but are
much more local as breeders. Most nesting
veerys are found in the northern half of the
state, becoming most numerous in the north-
eastern quarter.
RANGE:
Common statewide; many overwinter.
HABITAT:
All types of open country: farm land,
golf courses, meadows and pastures.
BEST SPOTS:
Most easily found where nest boxes
have been erected, such as in many
county parks.
Sialia sialis
RANGE:
Common migrant statewide; nesters
most likely in northern Ohio.
HABITAT:
Migrants use all types of wooded areas;
breeders prefer lush, swampy woods.
BEST SPOTS:
Migration hot spots like Green Lawn
Cemetery and Mentor Headlands SNP;
Clear Creek MP and Mohican SF
are good places to nd breeders.
Catharus fuscescens
32
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Gary Meszaros
Hylocichla mustelina
TR ACK #4 8
Possessing one of the most hauntingly beau-
tiful voices of any bird, the hermit thrush is a
common migrant. As a nester, it is quite rare,
and is one of a suite of birds that breed almost
exclusively in hemlock gorges. This group
includes the blue-headed vireo and black-
throated green warbler. Hermit thrushes are
surprisingly hardy, and often overwinter in
Ohio, particularly in the southern third of the
state.
TR ACK #4 9
A familiar sound of Ohio woodlands, the
wood thrush song is a melodious, ute-like
cascade of ethereal notes. If it sounds like the
singer is harmonizing with itself, it’s because
it is. This species has a divided syrinx (vo-
cal tube) that allows it to create two separate
notes simultaneously. Wood thrushes win-
ter in the Central American tropics, and are
thought to be declining.
RANGE:
Statewide in migration; breeders
conned to hemlock gorges.
HABITAT:
All types of woods in migration; nesters
require cool, steep-sided valleys
dominated by hemlock trees.
BEST SPOTS:
Can be found nearly anywhere in migration;
visiting the beautiful hemlock ravines of
the Hocking Hills or Mohican SF is a good
way to nd – and hear – nesters.
Catharus guttatus
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Deciduous woodlands with a shrub
understory; prefers older, undisturbed forests.
BEST SPOTS:
Davey Woods SNP, Shawnee SF, and
Waterloo WA have many; can be found
in suitable woodlands statewide.
33
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
TR ACK #5 0
One of the most obvious sounds of the out-
doors is the song of the ubiquitous American
robin. One of Ohio’s most abundant breed-
ing birds, the males are persistent singers and
can be heard almost anywhere. In spring and
summer, there are so many singing robins in
the earliest hours of morning that this cas-
cade of sound has often been dubbed, “the
dawn chorus.”
TR ACK #5 1
This interesting species is one of three mim-
ics in Ohio – birds that routinely imitate other
sounds. The gray catbird is the least accom-
plished imitator of the three, but is the most
common. For the most part, catbirds deliver
a rapid, squeaky gurgling punctuated occa-
sionally with their namesake call, a meow that
sounds surprisingly cat-like. Catbirds are the
least hardy of the three mimics, but occasion-
ally one attempts to overwinter.
RANGE:
Abundant statewide.
HABITAT:
Generalists, and can be
seen in most habitat types.
BEST SPOTS:
Almost anywhere that is out-of-doors.
Turdus migratorius
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Shrublands, brushy thickets, forest edges,
and other successional habitats.
BEST SPOTS:
Abundant at Magee Marsh WA and easily
found on almost every wildlife area.
Dumetella carolinensis
34
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
©
photo by
:
David Tarr
TR ACK #5 2
Of our three mimics, the mockingbird is an
imitator extraordinaire. They are capable of
retaining and reproducing up to 200 differ-
ent sounds, and the subjects that they mimic
can be quite diverse. In addition to offering
up amazingly accurate reproductions of all
types of birds, mockingbirds will even imi-
tate truck backup beeps, sirens, and people’s
whistles. Mockingbirds often sing at night;
these birds are typically unmated males.
TR ACK #5 3
This is the least common of Ohio’s mimics,
and is not particularly tolerant of urban situ-
ations, preferring wide open country. Thrash-
ers like dry, brushy elds and thickets with
scattered fence rows and woodlots. They are
accomplished imitators, but don’t seem as
prone to mimicking other sounds to the ex-
tent that mockingbirds do. Brown thrashers
typically sing their phrases in pairs – a useful
identication tip.
RANGE:
Statewide, but increasingly rare to the north.
HABITAT:
Often found in suburbia, prefers open areas
interspersed with shrubs and thickets.
BEST SPOTS:
Often found in the local neighborhood,
easily found in suitable habitat in
central and southern Ohio.
Mimus polyglottos
RANGE:
Statewide, but more common to the south.
HABITAT:
Dry, overgrown pastures, elds and thickets;
young, open woodlots.
BEST SPOTS:
Reclaimed strip mines such as Crown City,
Egypt Valley, and Woodbury wildlife areas;
a few birds overwinter in southern Ohio.
Toxostoma rufum
35
©
photo by
:
Jerry Snyder
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
TR ACK #5 4
This species might be thought of as the “hear-
ing test bird”; waxwings’ calls are so high-
pitched that people with high frequency hear-
ing loss can’t hear them. They emit soft, quiet
whistled tsee-tsee-tsee sounds, and knowing
this call will produce many more waxwings,
as traveling ocks constantly vocalize as they
pass overhead. Cedar waxwings are big fruit
consumers, and nomadic ocks often visit or-
namental berry trees.
TR ACK #5 5
This brilliant yellow bird has one of the
easiest of the warbler songs to learn; a very
buzzy, distinctive beee-buzzzz! that is fairly
unmistakable. The only real source of confu-
sion would be with the much rarer golden-
winged warbler, which normally delivers a
four-parted song. However, these species of-
ten hybridize, and suspicious sounding blue-
winged songs should be tracked down to see
who the singer is.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Very nomadic, ocks can turn up anywhere,
but are especially attracted to berries;
breeders prefer riparian woodlands.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found along rivers in streams in
summer; seek ornamental berry-producing
trees and shrubs in fall and winter.
Bombycilla cedrorum
RANGE:
Statewide, but least common in heavily
agricultural western Ohio.
HABITAT:
Brushy successional elds, thickets,
woodland edges and openings.
BEST SPOTS:
Reclaimed strip mines, particularly
Crown City WA; Clear Creek MP.
Vermivora cyanoptera
36
©
photo by
:
Bill Heban
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
TR ACK #5 6
This is our smallest warbler, and often dif-
cult to see, as these hyperactive sprites are
often reluctant to leave the highest tree tops.
Their song is easy to learn, though, and fairly
unmistakable. Parulas deliver a loud, ascend-
ing buzzy trill that ends with an abrupt zap!
This southerner seems to be slowly expand-
ing northward as a breeder, but migrants can
be found statewide.
TR ACK #5 7
The yellow warbler’s song could best be de-
scribed as cheery; a loud, fast sweet-sweet-I’m-
so-sweet! It is a common sound, too, as this
bird is a very common breeder throughout
Ohio. Although the song can be quite vari-
able, the distinctive tone remains the same,
and it can usually be easily recognized. Be-
ware of chestnut-sided warblers, which can
sometimes sound extremely similar.
RANGE:
Most common in the southern ¼
of Ohio, but migrants are fairly
common statewide.
HABITAT:
Peak numbers occur in hemlock
gorges, but also nests in mature
streamside forests of other types.
BEST SPOTS:
Shawnee and Zaleski state forests;
Clear Creek MP.
Setophaga americana
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
prefers willow-dominated thickets, but
found in all manner of scrubby habitat.
BEST SPOTS:
Absolutely abundant around the
western Lake Erie marshes.
Setophaga petechia
37
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Allen Claybon
TR ACK #5 8
This northerner has become much more com-
mon since the original eastern forests were
opened up, which created an abundance of
the scruffy brushlands and edge habitats
that chestnut-sided warblers require. Their
typical song is not too hard to recognize – a
clear, ringing please,please,pleasedtoMeetcha!
The emphatic upslurred ending note helps in
recognition, but sometimes this species can
sound very similar to the yellow warbler.
TR ACK #5 9
One of the rst warblers to return in spring,
the distinctive buzzy zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee of the
black-throated green warbler rings out from
our woodlands beginning in early April. This
is a common migrant, but is much rarer as
a nester. Breeding black-throated greens re-
quire large hemlock gorges; not a common
Ohio habitat. This is one of the easiest war-
bler songs to recognize, and even beginners
quickly learn this one.
RANGE:
Common statewide in migration;
breeding birds are most often found
in the northern third of the state.
HABITAT:
Young woods, woodland edges,
brushy elds and thickets.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found almost anywhere in migration.
Setophaga pensylvanica
RANGE:
Statewide in migration;
hemlock gorges in summer.
HABITAT:
Migrants frequent all types of woodlands,
but breeders require cool, steep-sided gorges
that are dominated by hemlock trees.
BEST SPOTS:
Anywhere in migration; Mohican SF
and Clear Creek MP in summer.
Setophaga virens
38
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Bill Heban
TR ACKS # 60
Many birds are intimately associated with
certain plants, and this species is an excellent
example. In fact, the yellow-throated warbler
was formerly known as the “sycamore war-
bler” because of its intimate relationship with
that tree. Yellow-throated warblers return in
early April, one of the earliest warblers to re-
turn. Their sweet song is a descending series
of slurred whistles, normally delivered from
high in the tree tops.
TR ACK #6 1
Few birds are better named than this one.
Breeding pine warblers are always found
around pine trees, and even migrants will
forage in conifers if they are available. This
species gives a relatively brief musical trill,
and since the sound will often come from
high in pines, the habitat is a clue to the iden-
tity of the singer. A number of other species
give similar trilling songs, such as dark-eyed
junco and chipping sparrow.
RANGE:
Statewide, but rare in the northern ¼ of state.
HABITAT:
Breeds almost strictly along streams
where large sycamores occur. Occasionally
utilizes upland stands of native pines
in southern Ohio.
BEST SPOTS:
Very common along streams in Shawnee and
Zaleski SFs and Waterloo WA; found along
most rivers from central Ohio southward.
Setophaga dominica
RANGE:
Migrants can be found statewide;
breeders largely conned to unglaciated
southeastern Ohio, with some in
Mohican SF and the Oak Openings.
HABITAT:
Strictly associated with mature pines,
either native or planted stands.
BEST SPOTS:
Hocking, Tar Hollow,
and Zaleski state forests.
Setophaga pinus
39
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #6 2
This species has a very pleasing, easy to learn
song – a rapid, buzzy zee-zee-zee-zee that as-
cends high up the scale. Prairie warblers can
be extroverts, too – often the male will deliver
his song from a conspicuous perch, such as
the tip of a shrub or small tree, or occasion-
ally while perched on a telephone wire. Most
have quit singing by mid-July.
TR ACK #6 3
Primarily an oak-hickory specialist, cerulean
warblers spend most of their time high in the
crowns of mature trees, and getting a good
look at one is not easy. But, their quick buzzy
song, which speeds in tempo, is easily heard
and alerts observers to the bird. This species
is thought to be rapidly declining, and south-
ern Ohio harbors some of the best remaining
breeding populations.
RANGE:
Uncommon outside breeding areas, which
is primarily southern and eastern Ohio.
HABITAT:
Scrubby elds, locust groves in reclaimed
strip mines, old clearcuts, and cedar groves.
BEST SPOTS:
Stands of young red cedar in southwest Ohio,
such as at the Edge of Appalachia preserve;
common at Crown City and Waterloo WAs,
and Zaleski SF.
Setophaga discolor
RANGE:
Mostly in southern and eastern Ohio,
where most of the mature forests occur.
HABITAT:
Upland oak-hickory forests, although
some use mature riparian woodlands.
BEST SPOTS:
Shawnee SF, Lake Hope SP,
and Clear Creek MP.
Setophaga cerulea
40
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #6 4
One of the more obscure songs of the for-
est, black-and-whites deliver a wispy, high-
pitched weetsee-weetsee-weetsee that is easily
overlooked. So is the bird; this species en-
gages in a foraging habit similar to the brown
creeper, crawling over the bark of trees. Thus,
they blend well with their surroundings, and
are often more numerous than one might sus-
pect, especially if the observer is not in tune
with the song.
TR ACK #6 5
The ashy redstart is hyperactive, constantly
fanning its tail and icking its wings, expos-
ing the bright orange ashes in its plum-
age. In females, the orange is replaced with
yellow, and if a “yellowstart” is observed
singing, it is a rst year male, as it takes this
species two years to mature. Redstarts have
quite a variable range of songs, and it takes
some practice to master this one.
RANGE:
Migrants found statewide; most breeders
are in southern and eastern Ohio.
HABITAT:
Mature deciduous woodlands.
BEST SPOTS:
Most of the large state forests,
Conkle’s Hollow SNP, and Clear Creek MP.
Mniotilta varia
RANGE:
Statewide, but most common in
southern and eastern Ohio.
HABITAT:
Dense understory shrubs of forests,
especially around water.
BEST SPOTS:
Most of the state forests; huge numbers
of migrants at Magee Marsh WA.
Setophaga ruticilla
41
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #6 6
Our only cavity-nesting warbler, this species
is an inhabitant of wooded swamps. While
most use natural cavities in dead trees, they
can be enticed to use appropriate nest boxes
placed in suitable habitat. Prothonotary war-
blers have a rather unmusical, loud song – a
monotone series of zweezweezwee notes that
carry for considerable distances. Overall, this
species is uncommon, and not often found
away from breeding sites.
TR ACK #6 7
This inconspicuous warbler spends most of
its time foraging among dead leaves, and
inhabits steep, wooded slopes. Worm-eating
warblers are generally quite uncommon in
migration away from breeding locales. Their
song is a rather dry, rapid husky trill, similar
to the pine warbler and chipping sparrow.
Habitat is a helpful identication clue; those
two species normally wouldn’t occur in the
understory of heavily wooded hillsides.
RANGE:
Statewide, but generally uncommon and local.
HABITAT:
Wooded swamps and forests along
slow-owing streams.
BEST SPOTS:
The upper end of Hoover Reservoir;
Killbuck WA.
Protonotaria citrea
RANGE:
Primarily the unglaciated hill
country of southeast Ohio.
HABITAT:
Inhabits the understory of mature
deciduous woods that occur on hillsides.
BEST SPOTS:
Shawnee and other state forests in the
southeast; Lake Katharine SNP.
Helmitheros vermivorum
42
©
photo by
:
Al Freeman
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #6 8
The loud, ascending song of the ovenbird is
a common and characteristic sound of Ohio’s
woodlands. Rising steadily in pitch, their
song sounds like tee-cher, tee-cher, tee-cher!
The only similar woodland song is that of the
Kentucky warbler, but it is more monotone
and has a atter tone, and each phrase does
not have the sharp inection of the ovenbird.
This species gives a rarely heard, complex
warbling song at dusk.
TR ACK #6 9
A harbinger of spring, this waterthrush re-
turns by late March, and their loud, beauti-
ful song heralds their arrival. They are odd
amongst the warblers in that they spend a
great deal of time on the ground, foraging
along creek banks, behaving more like a spot-
ted sandpiper than a songbird. The only simi-
lar song is that of the yellow-throated war-
bler, but that song lacks the rapid warbling
chitters that conclude the waterthrush song.
RANGE:
Common statewide, wherever
suitable habitat occurs.
HABITAT:
Relatively mature and
undisturbed deciduous woods.
BEST SPOTS:
Any of the state forests
and many wooded parks
Seiurus aurocapilla
RANGE:
Primarily southern and eastern Ohio;
migrants are rare outside this area.
HABITAT:
Forested ravines with creeks or
streams owing through them.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found in the wooded hill
country of southeast Ohio.
Parkesia motacilla
43
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #7 0
This is a visually stunning species and well
worth a look. Kentucky warblers are not easy
to see, however, as they tend to lurk in the
dense, shady undergrowth of forests. Know-
ing the song is key to nding them, as singing
birds can usually eventually be tracked down
and observed. This species sounds a bit like
an ovenbird, but has a at, monotone deliv-
ery that is readily recognized with practice.
RANGE:
Breeds almost throughout Ohio,
but most common in the south and east.
HABITAT:
Deciduous woodlands with
dense understory vegetation.
BEST SPOTS:
Woodlands throughout southern and
eastern Ohio, especially state forests.
Geothlypis formosa
TR ACK #7 1
Yellowthroats are one of the most common
warblers breeding in the state, and their loud
wichity wichity wichity song is commonly
heard in all types of wetlands. They normally
lurk in dense vegetation and are hard to see,
but making squeaking or pishing sounds of-
ten lures them briey into view. This is also a
hardy warbler, and occasionally will attempt
to overwinter in marshes.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
All manner of wetlands;
occasionally drier brushy elds.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found in suitable
habitats throughout Ohio.
Geothlypis trichas
44
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #7 2
A stunning creature, the brilliant yellow hues
of the hooded warbler are not always easy
to see, as this species occupies dense, shady
habitats and is hard to observe. This is yet
another case where knowing the song is very
helpful, as the clear, ringing melody carries
some distance, and with perseverance the
singer can often be found. Hooded warblers
have the largest eye of our warblers, an adap-
tation to the shady realm in which they live.
RANGE:
Breeds statewide, most common
in our larger woodlands.
HABITAT:
Dense understory shrubbery
of mature deciduous forests.
BEST SPOTS:
All of the state forests, Clear Creek MP,
and Cuyahoga Valley NP.
Setophaga citrina
TR ACK #7 3
Chats are rather bizarre and completely un-
like the other members of the warbler family.
They are huge for a warbler – several inches
longer than most – and act very differently.
Yellow-breasted chats skulk about in dense
thickets, emitting odd hoots, grunts, cack-
les, and squeaks. If lured into view by mak-
ing squeaking or pishing sounds, one will be
rewarded with views of the brilliant lemon-
yellow breast of this otherwise greenish bird.
RANGE:
Statewide, wherever suitable habitat occurs.
HABITAT:
Scruffy overgrown elds, thickets, young
clearcuts, reclaimed strip mines.
BEST SPOTS:
Edge of Appalachia preserve,
Crown City WA.
Icteria virens
45
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #7 4
Part of the robin-like song complex, this song
may be one of the harder ones to learn in
Ohio, as it is similar to the American Robin
and not particularly distinctive. In this case,
the call is easier to learn than the song – it is
a diagnostic, mechanical-sounding pit-a-tuk-
tuk. Summer tanagers are much scarcer than
scarlet tanagers, and are closely associated
with mature stands of oak-hickory forests.
RANGE:
Migrants are rare outside the breeding range,
which is mostly southern Ohio.
HABITAT:
Upland oak-hickory woodlands.
BEST SPOTS:
Waterloo WA, Shawnee SF,
and Lake Katharine SNP.
Piranga rubra
TR ACK #7 5
This striking bird is probably far more com-
mon in Ohio than many people might sus-
pect, but they tend to remain in the treetops
and can be hard to see. Scarlet tanagers’
songs are easily enough heard, though, and
give away their presence. While somewhat
robin-like in phrasing and tempo, their song
has a rough, burry quality and has often been
likened to a “robin with a sore throat”.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Mature deciduous woodlands.
BEST SPOTS:
All of the state forests and many
of our wildlife areas.
Piranga olivacea
46
©
photo by
:
Gary Meszaros
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #7 6
Known as the rufous-sided towhee until 1995,
this large, showy sparrow has a very distinc-
tive, clear ringing song. It often sounds very
much like drinkyourteeeaaa; their call, which
has the same clear tone, resembles chewink!
Towhees are often rst detected by another
sound they make – with their feet! They feed
primarily on the ground, and will scratch
loudly amongst the leaf litter, like small
chickens.
RANGE:
Common in suitable
habitat statewide.
HABITAT:
Brushy elds, woodland openings
and edges, cedar groves, thickets.
BEST SPOTS:
Easy to nd in appropriate habitats.
Pipilo erythropthalmus
TR ACK #7 7
This clean-cut, handsome little sparrow has
adapted very well to suburbia, and is quite
common in most neighborhoods. Their oft-
given song is a rather lengthy, dry, monoto-
nous series of chips. Chipping sparrow trills
sound much like some other species, like
dark-eyed junco, pine and worm-eating war-
blers, and eld and swamp sparrows. It just
takes some practice to differentiate them.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Open lawns with scattered trees,
cemeteries, open woodlands.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found in appropriate
habitat statewide.
Spizella passerina
47
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #7 8
Although eld sparrows have trilling songs
like several other species, this one is proba-
bly the easiest to recognize. They have a very
sweet, melodic quality, and the trill speeds up
towards the end. The song sounds much like
a ping-pong ball that is dropped and bounces
to a stop. Field sparrows often overwinter
in the southern half of the state, but become
quite secretive and lurk in dense brush.
RANGE:
Common in suitable habitat statewide.
HABITAT:
Old elds, abandoned pastures,
open woods, orchards, woodland edges.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found statewide.
Spizella pusilla
TR ACK #7 9
This species gets its name because it often
sings at dusk – vespers are evening prayer
services. Vesper sparrows are birds of wide-
open, barren landscapes, and are best sought
around large farms in very agricultural areas.
Once one is in tune with their song – a mu-
sical, somewhat bubbly trill that begins with
four distinctive notes – it is surprising just
how common this bird is in otherwise largely
bird-free habitats.
RANGE:
Statewide, but mostly in heavily agricultural
western and northern Ohio.
HABITAT:
Large croplands interspersed with tree lines
and brushy fence rows; grasslands.
BEST SPOTS:
Big Island and Killdeer Plains
wildlife areas and vicinity.
Pooecetes gramineus
48
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #8 0
First discovered in Georgia, and named for
the city where it was found, Savannah spar-
rows are inconspicuous residents of wide-
open landscapes. Their buzzy, two-pitched
trilling song is distinctive and easily learned,
and is by far the best way to become aware
of their presence. This pleasing song is a
regular feature of movie and commercial
soundtracks.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Hay and alfalfa elds, grassy elds of
airports, and reclaimed strip mines.
BEST SPOTS:
County airports; Crown City, Tri-Valley,
and Woodbury wildlife areas.
Passerculus sandwichensis
TR ACK #8 1
The subtle, inconspicuous song of this skulk-
ing species can easily be lost among the ca-
cophony of more boisterous songs in our
grasslands. When attuned to the sounds of
the grasshopper sparrow, though, it is sur-
prising how common they are. Creation of
massive reclaimed strip mine grasslands be-
ginning in the 1970s has been a boon for this
species, and large numbers now utilize this
habitat.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Fallow elds, pastures, hayelds,
reclaimed strip mines.
BEST SPOTS:
Reclaimed strip mines like
Tri-Valley WA and The Wilds.
Ammodramus savannarum
49
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #8 2
This obscure bird is more common than
thought, but its song is inconspicuous in the
extreme and the bird is very easy to overlook.
The male Henslow’s sparrow tosses his head
back, opens his bill, and out comes a pathetic-
sounding two-thirds of a second hiccup that
sounds like an ill cricket. Once attuned to this
sound, an observer will soon learn that there
are many more of these birds in suitable habi-
tat than would otherwise be thought.
RANGE:
Statewide, but now primarily
in southeastern Ohio.
HABITAT:
Reclaimed strip mine grasslands,
hayelds, old pastures.
BEST SPOTS:
Strip mine grasslands like
Crown City WA and The Wilds.
Ammodramus henslowii
TR ACK #8 3
Our most common and widespread sparrow,
song sparrows occupy all manner of habi-
tats and will sing throughout the year. Their
songs have a distinctive tone and quality of
pitch, but a keen observer will note the ex-
treme variability – it seems every rendition is
slightly different. One of the most intensive
studies of any bird species involved the song
sparrow, by researcher Margaret Morse Nice
in Columbus, Ohio.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
All types of open to semi-open
landscapes; very adaptable.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found throughout the state.
Melospiza melodia
50
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #8 4
This is another of our trill-singers, like the
chipping and eld sparrows. However,
swamp sparrows occupy a very different
habitat than the others – wetlands. Their
song has a rather metallic quality, as well,
and seems slower in tempo than the oth-
ers. Also, it is unlikely that any of the other
similar-sounding species would be singing in
wetland habitats.
RANGE:
Statewide in migration; breeders
primarily in northern half of state.
HABITAT:
Wetlands, especially those dominated by
cattails and other non-woody plants.
BEST SPOTS:
Abundant at Magee Marsh WA,
Springville Marsh SNP, and Maumee Bay SP.
Melospiza georgiana
TR ACK #8 5
A widespread and abundant winter visitor,
juncos are common at backyard feeding sta-
tions. Their status as a nester in Ohio is much
rarer; they are largely conned to hemlock
gorges in the extreme northeastern corner
of the state. Junco numbers swell during the
peak of spring migration in March and April,
and at this time it is very common to hear the
males singing.
RANGE:
Common statewide in fall,
winter, and spring.
HABITAT:
All types of wooded and open habitats;
breeders use hemlock gorges.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found statewide,
especially around feeders.
Junco hyemalis
51
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #8 6
Along with six other states, Ohio has se-
lected the cardinal as our state bird, and its
showy appearance is often depicted, even
on a license plate. It is also one of our most
common birds, and a species that virtually
everyone is familiar with. Northern cardinals
sing throughout the year, and their cheery,
whistled song is easily learned. This is one of
the few species in which the females can and
do sing on occasion.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Very adaptable, everywhere from
suburbia to woodlands.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found throughout Ohio.
Cardinalis cardinalis
TR ACK #8 7
Another of the robin-like complex of sing-
ers, rose-breasted grosbeaks do sound like a
robin, but they have a sweet, slurred quality
to their voice that is very distinct. Sometimes,
their song is said to sound like a “drunken
robin.” Rose-breasted grosbeaks frequently
intersperse their call note with the song, and
it is an easily recognized chink sound that
sounds like two trees rubbing together in the
wind.
RANGE:
Migrants are common statewide;
nesters more common northward.
HABITAT:
All types of woods; breeders prefer younger
second-growth deciduous woods.
BEST SPOTS:
Big numbers of migrants at Magee Marsh WA
and Green Lawn Cemetery.
Pheucticus ludovicianus
52
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #8 8
A southern species, the blue grosbeak is rare
to uncommon in Ohio, and most likely to
be found in the tier of counties that border
the Ohio River. However, they are expand-
ing northward and sightings are increasing.
This bird has a rapid, rich warbling that is
reminiscent of a purple nch, a species that
would never occur alongside blue grosbeaks,
as their habitat and range is very different.
RANGE:
Most likely in southernmost Ohio;
occasionally to the north.
HABITAT:
Open country interspersed with brushy
thickets and overgrown fence rows.
BEST SPOTS:
Crown City WA and Adams County.
Passerina caerulea
TR ACK #8 9
A ubiquitous species of the countryside,
indigo buntings are nonstop singers even
throughout the heat of summer. It is an abun-
dant species; some estimates of the overall
population have put the total at 40 million
pairs. Their song is a long, complex series
of warbling whistles; a helpful identication
tip is that most of the notes are sung in pairs.
Indigo buntings often sing from telephone
wires or other conspicuous spots.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
All types of open country, woodland
edges and openings, orchards.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found throughout Ohio.
Passerina cyanea
53
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Frank Bard
TR ACK #9 0
A grassland and prairie species that reaches
peak abundance in the western Great Plains,
dickcissels are notoriously cyclical from year
to year in Ohio. Our state is at the eastern
limits of their range, and a favored locale
might have a few dozen pairs one year, and
no birds at all the following year. Their song
is imitative of the name; a mechanical, chat-
tering dik-dik-dik-cisscissciss.
RANGE:
Primarily the western
half of the state.
HABITAT:
Prairie remnants, open meadows,
hayelds, strip mine grasslands.
BEST SPOTS:
Big Island and Killdeer Plains wildlife areas;
many reclaimed strip mines.
Spiza americana
TR ACK #9 1
Come the rst week of May, the bobolinks
return to our elds from their wintering
grounds in Argentina, and their bubbling
melodies ll the air. Bobolinks are loosely
colonial, and oftentimes many singing and
displaying males can be observed in proxim-
ity. In migration, many birds can be detected
as they wing high overhead, if one is familiar
with their musical pink call note.
RANGE:
Statewide; most likely in
western and northern Ohio.
HABITAT:
Hayelds, especially with lots of
legumes; grass meadows.
BEST SPOTS:
The Wilds, hayelds
throughout the countryside.
Dolichonyx oryzivorus
54
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
TR ACK #9 2
An abundant bird, red-winged blackbirds are
one of the more obvious species along our
roadsides. The males are prone to perching
on fences, wires, and the tops of shrubs and
delivering their raucous conk-a-ree-onk song.
Frequently they accompany their singing by
ashing their brilliant red epaulets, which
they display by folding their wings out and
forward. They reach peak abundance in wet-
lands.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
All types of open habitats, roadsides,
wet meadows, cattail marshes, etc.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found throughout Ohio.
Agelaius phoeniceus
TR ACK #9 3
The clear, ringing song of this colorful black-
bird is commonly heard wherever large
grasslands and meadows are found. While
meadowlarks have declined signicantly in
recent decades, they still remain common
throughout much of Ohio. Its western coun-
terpart, the Western meadowlark, is very rare
in the state and looks nearly identical. The
two species are best separated by their very
different songs.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Meadows, pastures, hayelds, grasslands.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found statewide; abundant in
reclaimed strip mine grasslands.
Sturnella magna
55
©
photo by
:
Bill Heban
©
photo by
:
Gary Meszaros
TR ACK #9 4
Not likely to rank high on anyone’s list of fa-
vorite bird songs, grackles emit an abrasive
variety of harsh, grating sounds, often con-
cluding with a metallic squeak. It is a com-
monplace song too; common grackles are
one of our most abundant birds, commonly
found in residential areas. Our largest black-
bird often forms enormous winter roosts that
usually include other blackbird species, and
European starlings.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
All manner of sites, except
perhaps large dense forests.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found almost everywhere.
Quiscalus quiscula
TR ACK #9 5
This species is much reviled, as it is parasitic
and lays its eggs in other birds’ nests. The
baby cowbirds normally outcompete the
host species’ young, and thus cowbirds have
had detrimental impacts on other songbirds.
Brown-headed cowbirds give a distinctive,
high-pitched gurgling call that is quite un-
like any of our other species. This bird is well
named; they are often seen in pastures forag-
ing around cattle.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
All types of situations, generally avoiding
only the densest woodlands.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found throughout the state.
Molothrus ater
56
©
photo by
:
Bill Heban
©
photo by
:
David VanMeter
TR ACK #9 6
Not as common and well known as the Bal-
timore oriole, orchard orioles are nonetheless
not uncommon in much of Ohio, but are not
as conspicuous as the brilliant orange Balti-
more. Knowing the song of the orchard oriole
is the best way to nd them, as they usually
lurk in dense growth. The rapid and variable
complex of whistled notes almost always
ends in a distinctive downslurred note.
RANGE:
Statewide in appropriate habitat.
HABITAT:
Open areas with scattered trees;
old elds with brushy thickets.
BEST SPOTS:
Crown City, The Wilds, and
Killdeer Plains wildlife areas.
Icterus spurius
TR ACK #9 7
These brilliant orange blackbirds are good
singers, and males keep up a steady stream
of their melodious ute-like whistling. A per-
son who is a good whistler and attempts to
imitate the singer will often be rewarded by
having the oriole y down for a close look at
the imitator. Baltimore orioles like large, scat-
tered shade trees and often do quite well in
neighborhoods, parks, cemeteries and other
urban haunts.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Tall trees along streams, in parks or
neighborhoods; open woods.
BEST SPOTS:
Migrants are abundant at
Magee Marsh WA in May.
Icterus galbula
57
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
©
photo by
:
Bill Heban
TR ACK #9 8A
This species is primarily a winter visitor to
most of Ohio, although they are casual to lo-
cally common breeders in the northeastern
part of the state. There is a pronounced mi-
gration in April and May, and the males often
are heard singing their rich, rapid warbling
song. Wintering birds are often more com-
mon than thought, and if one is familiar with
their dry, metallic pik call note, many more
birds will be detected.
RANGE:
Statewide in winter,
but variable from year to year.
HABITAT:
Often attracted to conifers,
but utilizes many forest types.
BEST SPOTS:
Frequently visits feeders; nesters often
found in Holden Arboretum.
Carpodacus purpureus
TR ACK #9 8B
A case of remarkably fast colonization, house
nches were introduced in New York City in
1940, and from there spread throughout the
entire eastern U.S. By the mid-80s they had
spread throughout Ohio and today are a
common xture. The rapid jumbled warbling
song of the male is a very common sound of
suburbia, and house nches are generally far
more likely at backyard feeders than is the
similar purple nch.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
Often associated with urban settings,
parks, farms, etc.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found throughout Ohio.
Carpodacus mexicanus
58
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
TR ACK #9 9
Sometimes known as “wild canaries,” the
American goldnch is an abundant Ohio bird
that occupies a variety of open landscapes.
They are most conspicuous in spring and
summer, when males molt into their brilliant
yellow plumage. Their song is a variable and
complex mix of warbles and trills, but has a
distinctive tone and is easy to learn. Gold-
nches often call while in ight.
RANGE:
Statewide.
HABITAT:
All types of open habitats, including yards,
gardens, and parks.
BEST SPOTS:
Easily found throughout Ohio.
Carduelis tristis
59
©
photo by
:
Tim Daniel
BIRDS Of OHIO CD COLLECTION
COMMON BIRDS OF OHIO
PUBLICATION 5414
WATERBIRDS OF OHIO
PUBLICATION 5418
OWLS OF OHIO
PUBLICATION 5423
WARBLERS OF OHIO
PUBLICATION 5349
60
fAST fACTS ABOUT OHIO BIRDS
• 421 species have been recorded in the state
•About 300 species occur annually
•Of the 421 species recorded, 40 of those have only been seen once
•Three species that once occurred in Ohio are extinct: passenger pigeon,
Carolina parakeet, and ivory-billed woodpecker
•About 180 species breed in Ohio every year
•Of the 180 breeding species, about 1/3rd of them winter in the Central and South
American tropics
•There are only four species that are common and widespread but non-native:
rock pigeon, European starling, house nch, and house sparrow
•Numerically, the most abundant bird is probably the European starling. Since
the Christmas Bird Counts began in 1900, nearly 9 million have been tallied
just on these counts – far more than any other species
•Our fastest bird is the peregrine falcon, which can accelerate to nearly 200 miles
per hour in a dive
•The bird nesting in Ohio that migrates the longest distance is probably the upland
sandpiper, which winters in Argentina. They travel up to 11,000 miles round trip,
each year.
•The biggest Ohio bird is the trumpeter swan, which can weigh 23
pounds and have a wing span of nearly 7 feet
•The smallest Ohio bird is the ruby-throated hummingbird,
which weighs in at 3 grams, or about the weight
of a nickel
Indigo Bunting
©
photo by
:
Robert Royse
CONTACT INfORMATION fOR SITES MENTIONED
CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
15610 Vaughn Road • Brecksville, OH 44141
216-524-1497
www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm
EDGE OF APPALACHIA PRESERVE
The Nature Conservancy
3223 Waggoner Riffle Road • West Union, OH 45693
937-544-2188
nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/ohio/preserves/art145.html
FRANKLIN COUNTY METROPARKS
1069 W. Main Sreet • Westerville, OH 43081
614-891-0700
www.metroparks.net
HAMILTON COUNTY PARK DISTRICT
10245 Winton Road • Cincinnati, OH 45231
513-728-3551
www.greatparks.org
HOLDEN ARBORETUM
9500 Sperry Road • Kirtland, OH 44094
440-946-4400
www.holdenarb.org
OAK OPENINGS METROPARK
4139 Girdham Road • Swanton, OH 43558
419-826-6463
www.metroparksstoledo.com/metroparks/oakopenings
OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
14000 West State Route 2 • Oak Harbor, OH 43449
419-898-0014
www.midwest.fws.gov/ottawa/ottawa.html
THE WILDS
14000 International Road • Cumberland, OH 43732
740-638-5030
www.thewilds.org
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF FORESTRY (state forests)
2045 Morse Road, H-1 • Columbus, OH 43229
614-265-6694
www.ohiodnr.com/forestry
DIVISION OF NATURAL AREAS AND PRESERVES
(state nature preserves)
2045 Morse Road, C-3 • Columbus, OH 43229
614-265-6453
www.ohiodnr.com/dnap
DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION (state parks)
2045 Morse Road, C-3 • Columbus, OH 43229
614-265-6561
www.ohiodnr.com/parks
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE (state wildlife areas)
2045 Morse Road, G-1 • Columbus, OH 43229
614-265-6300
www.wildohio.com
62
10a. Amount from line 10 on page 1 .................................................................................................10a.
11. Joint filing credit (only for married filing jointly filers; see page 16 in the instructions and
enclose documentation) % times line 10a (limit $650) ..................................................11.
12. Ohio tax less joint filing credit (line 10a minus line 11; if line 11 is more than line 10a,
enter -0-) .....................................................................................................................................12.
13. Total credits from line 69 on page 4 of Ohio f orm IT 1040 (enclose page 4) ......................13.
14. Ohio income tax before manufacturin g equipment grant (line 12 minus line 13; if line 13 is
more than line 12, enter -0-) ......................................................................................................14.
15. Manufac turing equipment grant. You mus t incl ude the grant request form ................. 15.
16. Ohio income tax (line 14 minus line 15; if line 15 is more than line 14, enter -0 -) ..................16.
17. Interest penalt y on underpayment of est imated tax. Check if Ohio form I T/SD 2210
is included (may be required; see instructions on page 17) ............ INTEREST PENALTY
17.
18. Unpaid Ohio use
tax (see worksheet on page 29 of instruction s) ................... USE TAX
18.
19. Total Ohio tax (add lines 16, 17 and 18) ........................................................ TOTAL TAX
19.
20. Ohio Tax Withheld (box 17 on your W-2). Place W-2(s) on top o f this retu rn........................
........................................................................................................... AMOUNT WITHHELD
20.
21. 2007 overpayment credited to 2008, 2008 estimated tax payments and 2008 IT 40P extension payment(s).. 21.
22. a. Refundable business jobs credit; b. Refundable pass-through entity cred it;
you must include certificate(s) you must include K-1(s)
c. Hist orical building rehabilitat ion credit; 22. Add line s 22a, 22b and 22c .....................22.
you must include certificate(s)
23. Add lines 20, 21 and 22 ...............................
............................ TOTAL PAYMENTS
23.
24. If line 23 is GREATER than li ne 19, subtract line 19 from line 23 .... AMOU NT OVERPAID
24.
25. Amount of line 24 to be credit ed to 2009 estimated income tax liabilit
y................ CREDIT
25.
26. Amount of line 24 that you wish to donate to the Military Inju ry Relief Fund ........................ 26.
27. Amount of line 24 that you wish to d onate for Ohio’s wil dlife species and cons ervation
of end angered wi ldlife ...............................................................................................................27.
28. Amount of line 24 that you wish to donate f or nature preserves, scenic rivers and pro-
tection o f endangered species ..................................................................................................28.
29. Amount o f line 24 to be refunde d (subtract amou nts on
lines 25, 26, 27 and 28 from line 24) .... YOUR REFUND
29.
30. Amount You Owe (if l ine 23 is less than line 19, subtra ct line 23 from line 19). If pay-
ment is enclosed , make check pay able to Ohio Treasurer of State and include Ohio form
IT 40P (see pages 5 or 43 of the i nstructions) ..................................AMOUNT YOU OW E
30.
Your signatu re Date
Spouse’s signature (see instruc tions on page 9) Phone number
Preparer’s name (please print; see instructions on page 9) Phone number
Do you authorize your preparer to contact us regarding this return? Ye s No
For Department Use Only
Code
1040
Income Tax Return
I have read this return. Under penalties of perjury, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge
and belief, the return and all enclosures are true, correct and complete.
,
,
PAYMENTS
, , .
,
, .
0 0
, , .
If your refun d is less than $1.01, no refund will be issued. If yo u owe less tha n $1.01, no payment is necessary.
, , .
0 0
, , .
0 0
SIGN HERE (required) – See page 4 of this return for mailing information.
, .
0 0
, .
0 0
, .
0 0
0 0
, , .
0 0
0 0
, , .
0 0
, , .
0 0
, , .
0 0
, , .
0 0
, , .
0 0
, , .
0 0
, , .
0 0
, , .
0 0
.
0 0
, , .
0 0
, , .
0 0
, , .
0 0
, , .
0 0
REFUND OR AMOUNT YOU OWE
, , .
0 0
, , .
0 0
PUBLICATION fUNDING
Funding for this publication was provided by donations to the state income tax checkoff
program, sales of the cardinal license plate and the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp.
To make a donation:
go to the second page of the
1040 income tax form for
the tax checkoff program
For more information about
Ohio’s native wildlife, please
contact the Division of Wildlife:
1-800-WILDLIFE
(1-800-750-0750 Ohio Relay TTY only)
w i l d o h i o . c o m
To purchase a license plate:
visit your local registrar’s
office or call BMV at
1-888-PLATES3
To purchase a Legacy Stamp,
call the Division of Wildlife at:
1-800-WILDLIFE or visit the
web at wildohiostamp.com
To mail a donation, send to:
Wildlife Diversity Fund
2045 Morse Road Bldg G.
Columbus, OH 43229-6693
Pub 5127 - Stream Fishes of Ohio
Pub 5140 - Common Spiders of Ohio
Pub 5204 - Butterflies & Skippers of Ohio
Pub 5320 - Dragonflies & Damselflies of Ohio
OTHER WILDLIfE DIVERSITY-fUNDED BOOKLETS
Pub 5334 - Sportfish of Ohio
Pub 5344 - Mammals of Ohio
Pub 5348 - Amphibians of Ohio
Pub 5349 - Warblers of Ohio
Pub 5354 - Reptiles of Ohio
Pub 5418 - Waterbirds of Ohio
Pub 5423 - Owls of Ohio
WE HOPE YOU HAVE ENjOYED
THIS fREE PUBLICATION
HeLp SuppORT OHIO’S wILDLIfe DIveRSITy
AND fuNDING fOR puBLICATIONS LIKe THIS ONe
vISIT THe wILD OHIO CuSTOmeR CeNTeR AT wILDOHIO.COm
TO LOG ON OR CReATe AN ACCOuNT
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE OFFICES
HEADQUARTERS
2045 Morse Road, Bldg. G
Columbus, OH 43229-6693
614-265-6300 • 1-800-WILDLIFE
1 - 8 0 0 - 9 4 5 - 3 5 4 3
WILDLIFE DISTRICT ONE
1500 Dublin Road
Columbus, OH 43215
614-644-3925
WILDLIFE DISTRICT TWO
952 Lima Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840
419-424-5000
WILDLIFE DISTRICT THREE
912 Portage Lakes Drive
Akron, OH 44319
330-644-2293
WILDLIFE DISTRICT FOUR
360 E. State Street
Athens, OH 45701
740-589-9930
WILDLIFE DISTRICT FIVE
1076 Old Springfield Pike
Xenia, OH 45385
937-372-9261
Marsh Wren
©Robert Royse
O H I O D E P A R T M E N T O f N A T U R A L R E S O U R C E S
HuNTING, fISHING, TRAppING, BIRDwATCHING - THe LOve Of NATuRe ... pASS IT ON!
w I L D O H I O . C O m 1 - 8 0 0 - w I L D L I f e
To conserve and improve fish and
wildlife resources and their habitats for
sustainable use and appreciation by all.
The ODNR, Division of Wildlife is the
state agency responsible for managing
Ohio’s fish and wildlife resources. The
primary source of funding for the Divi-
sion comes from the sale of hunting and
fishing licenses, federal excise taxes on
hunting, fishing, and shooting equip-
ment, and donations from the public.
We care about all wildlife and maintain-
ing stable, healthy wildlife populations.
Our challenge is to balance the needs
of wildlife, habitat, and people.
OuR mISSION
PUBLICATION 5414 (R0413)
Total Quantities Printed: XX,000 Unit cost: $.XXXX Publication date: X/13
