The blue birds found in Ohio are an iconic symbol of the state’s natural beauty. These stunning birds are found throughout the state and have come to represent the beauty of Ohio’s landscape.
Blue birds are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. They are most commonly seen in meadows, fields, and open areas in the state.
The Eastern Bluebird is the most commonly found species in Ohio, but other species of blue birds, such as the Western Bluebird, can also be seen. These birds can be a joy to watch and a great addition to any backyard.
1. Eastern Bluebird
The eastern bluebird is a species of thrush native to North America and is known for its bright blue breeding plumage. It is typically found in open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards.
The most common way to observe this species is when they are perched on a wire or another open structure. The colorful feathers of the male eastern bluebird make it popular among birders, or people who love to observe and watch birds.
The eastern bluebird is also a migratory species, meaning that they travel long distances between certain destinations during certain times of the year.
This makes it easier for birders to view and enjoy them, as they are more likely to be found in a given location during certain periods. All in all, the eastern bluebird is a beautiful, popular species of bird that is beloved by many birders.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. sialis |
2. Songbirds
A songbird is a bird belonging to the suborder Passeri of the perching birds, otherwise known as Oscines. The scientific name Oscines comes from the Latin word oscen, which translates to “songbird”.
This suborder is characterized by the birds having unique ability to produce melodious vocalizations. Songbirds have complex and beautiful songs that vary greatly from species to species.
In some instances, the song of a bird can be quite complex, with different notes and patterns. Songbirds are a very diverse group of birds, with many species living in a variety of habitats. They can be found in forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and even in urban areas.
Songbirds feed on a variety of small insects and seeds, which they hunt for or scavenge.
In addition to their distinctive songs, many songbirds have brightly colored feathers, which they use to attract mates and ward off predators. Songbirds have been around for many centuries, and have been appreciated by humans for their beauty and singing abilities.
In many cultures, songbirds are thought to bring good luck or fortune. Even today, many people keep songbirds as pets, and they have become an important part of many cultures.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Clade | Eupasseres |
3. Indigo Bunting
The indigo bunting is a small bird that belongs to the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. It is a migratory species, which means that its range changes seasonally. During the breeding season, it can be found in southern Canada and northern Florida.
However, when winter arrives, it travels further south to southern Florida and northern South America. The indigo bunting has an interesting way of navigating during its migrations – it uses the stars in the night sky as a guide.
This helps it to find its way from one place to another, ensuring that it safely reaches its destination.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. cyanea |
4. Blue Jay
The blue jay is a type of bird belonging to the family Corvidae, which is found in North America. It has a large range, with populations being present in most of the eastern and central United States.
Additionally, there are resident populations in Newfoundland, Canada, as well as breeding populations across southern Canada. Some of the eastern populations may migrate depending on the season.
The blue jay is a colorful bird, with shades of blue, white, and black on its feathers. It is easily recognizable due to its loud call and distinct coloring. Its diet consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects.
It is a social bird, often seen in groups, and is known to be quite aggressive towards other birds. Blue jays are also highly intelligent and capable of problem-solving.In addition to its bright plumage, the blue jay is well-adapted to its environment.
It is able to hide in dense foliage and has a good memory, so it can remember the location of food sources.
It is also a good flyer and can fly up to twenty miles per hour. The blue jay is an important bird species in North America, with its presence providing an indication of the health of the local environment.
It is an interesting bird to observe, with its distinctive colors and behavior.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
5. Barn Swallow
The barn swallow is one of the most recognizable bird species found across the globe. It is a species of swallow, which is a type of passerine bird. One of the most notable features of the barn swallow is its long, deeply forked tail.
This tail, combined with its blue upperparts, helps to make it easily recognizable. The barn swallow is thought to be the most widely distributed passerine species in the world, with a range of over 251 million square kilometers.
This is an exceptionally large area and shows just how successful this species has been at adapting to different environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Species | H. rustica |
6. Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a small songbird native to North America. It is a very small bird, measuring only 4.5 to 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8 to 9 inches. It has a blue-gray back, white underparts, and a distinctive white wing patch.
Its bill is short and black, and its tail is long and rounded.
It is a migratory bird that spends the winter in Mexico and Central America and the summer in the Eastern and Central United States. The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a skulking species, which is most often seen in thickets and brushy areas.
It feeds on small insects, especially gnats, which it catches in mid-air. It also eats spiders, small berries, and other small invertebrates.
During the breeding season, its song is a high-pitched, rapid trill. The blue-gray gnatcatcher is considered a common species in much of its range, but there are concerns about the species’ population size in some areas.
Habitat destruction and fragmentation, as well as predation, are major threats to this species. It is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. caerulea |
7. Cerulean Warbler
The cerulean warbler is an impressive species of songbird belonging to the family Parulidae. It is a long-distance migrant, breeding in the hardwood forests of eastern North America.
During the non-breeding season, this species travels south to the eastern slope of the Andes mountain range in South America, where it prefers to inhabit subtropical forests.
This species of warbler is an incredible testament to the adaptability of birds, as it is able to cover vast distances while surviving in both temperate and tropical climates.
The cerulean warbler is a fascinating species to observe and study, as its adaptation to different habitats is remarkable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. cerulea |
8. Belted Kingfisher
The Belted Kingfisher is a large bird that is easily identifiable due to its vibrant colors. It is native to North America and is part of the Alcedinidae family of water kingfishers.
This family was traditionally thought to be made up of one type of kingfisher, but recent research has shown that this family should be divided into three subfamilies. This is based on genetic analysis of the birds and differences in their physical characteristics.
The three subfamilies are River Kingfishers, Water Kingfishers, and Estuary Kingfishers. Each of these subfamilies contains a variety of species of kingfishers that have adapted to a specialized environment.
The Belted Kingfisher, for example, is a type of Water Kingfisher that is adapted to living near freshwater sources. This adaptation includes the use of its large beak to catch fish and other small aquatic creatures.
The Belted Kingfisher is also known for its loud call and is often seen perched on branches near water sources.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. alcyon |
9. Black-Throated Blue Warbler
The black-throated blue warbler is a species of bird that belongs to the family of New World warblers. It can be found in a variety of habitats, mostly in deciduous and mixed coniferous forests located in the eastern part of North America.
During the cooler months, this species migrates to the Caribbean and Central America, where it spends its time on its wintering grounds.
This species is known to inhabit a wide variety of forest types, from coniferous to deciduous, and is known to breed successfully in the interior of forests.
Its migratory behavior gives it a wide range of habitats in which to live and breed, allowing it to thrive in its natural environment.
The black-throated blue warbler is an important species of bird in North America, as its presence helps to maintain the biodiversity of forests and other habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. caerulescens |
10. Tree Swallow
The Tree Swallow is a species of bird belonging to the family Hirundinidae. It is a migratory bird, found mainly in the Americas. It was first documented in 1807 by French ornithologist Louis Vieillot, who gave it the scientific name Hirundo bicolor.
Later research has since placed the Tree Swallow into its own genus, Tachycineta. The exact phylogenetic placement of the Tree Swallow within the genus is currently debated among scientists. Tree Swallows are small birds, usually measuring between 4-5 inches in length.
They are mainly light blue in color, with darker blue wings and a white underside. They also have white patches on their foreheads and white tips on their tails. Tree Swallows feed on flying insects, such as moths and dragonflies.
They typically nest in cavities, such as old abandoned woodpecker holes and nest boxes. Tree Swallows migrate south in the winter months, usually to areas in Mexico and the Caribbean. They return to their breeding grounds in the spring, where they form large flocks and breed.
During the breeding season, males are very territorial and will defend their nests vigorously. Tree Swallows are socially monogamous, meaning they pair up with a single mate for the breeding season.
The Tree Swallow is a common species in North America and its population is considered to be stable. However, the species is listed as vulnerable in some areas due to habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Tree Swallow and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. bicolor |
11. Blue grosbeak
The blue grosbeak is a medium-sized songbird that belongs to the cardinal family Cardinalidae. It is found in North America, and breeds mainly in northern Mexico and the southern United States. During the winter months, the blue grosbeak migrates to Central America.
The male of the species has a blue plumage, with two brown wing bars. These wing bars are usually found on the birds’ wings and are used to identify the bird. The blue grosbeak is a very popular bird among birdwatchers due to its vibrant blue color and distinct wing bars.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. caerulea |
12. Common grackle
The common grackle is a species of large icterid bird that is found in large numbers throughout much of North America. It was first described in 1758 by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus and is divided into three subspecies.
Adult common grackles have distinctive features such as a long and dark bill, pale yellow eyes, and a long tail. These features help distinguish them from other species of birds in the area, making the common grackle unique and easily recognizable.
The common grackle is a large bird and is often found in flocks in open areas, such as parks, fields, and wetlands. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of items, including insects, fruit, and grain.
They are also known to scavenge, and can often be seen near beaches and garbage dumps. The common grackle is a vocal bird and has a variety of sounds it uses to communicate, from chirps to complex songs.
The common grackle is an important part of the North American ecosystem and plays a role in controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds. They are also popular with birdwatchers, due to their striking appearance and distinctive calls.
The common grackle has been the subject of numerous studies and is a species of least concern in terms of conservation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
13. Purple Martin
The purple martin is a type of bird that belongs to the Hirundinidae family, which is a group of birds known as swallows. It is the largest swallow species in North America, and it stands out from the rest of the birds in its family due to its size.
Contrary to its name, the purple martin is not actually purple in color. Instead, it is a darker shade of blue, with hints of purple in its wings and tail. The purple martin has a glossy black head, wings, and tail with a white breast and underside.
Its beak is a pale yellow-orange color. The purple martin is a migratory bird, meaning it travels from one place to another in order to find food. During the summer, they can be found in large colonies, with hundreds of birds occupying the same area.
They are also social birds and can be seen chasing each other in the air and perching together on power lines. The purple martin is an important species in North America, as it helps to control the population of flying insects.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Progne |
| Species | P. subis |
14. Cardinalidae
Cardinalidae is a family of birds native to the New World. It is made up of three main bird genera – cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings.
Along with these three, there are several other genera that are related to them, such as the tanager-like Piranga and the warbler-like Granatellus. Cardinals are medium-sized birds that are usually brightly colored. They are found in woodlands, gardens, and thickets.
Grosbeaks are typically larger than cardinals and have a thick beak. They feed on seeds, insects, and fruits and can be found in open habitats like woodlands, meadows, and fields. Buntings are small, seed-eating birds that are usually found in marshy areas and grasslands.
All of these birds in the Cardinalidae family share similar traits as they are all passerines, meaning they have three toes pointing forward and one toe pointing backward. They also all have short, conical beaks which are adapted for cracking seeds and eating small insects.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
15. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small, migratory bird native to North America. It belongs to the finch family. During the breeding season, it ranges from mid-Alberta in Canada to North Carolina in the United States.
During the winter, it travels further south, from just south of the Canada-United States border to Mexico. This species has a wide distribution range, allowing it to live in a variety of habitats.
It is typically found in open woodlands, meadows, fields, and gardens, where it feeds on seeds and insects. It is also a popular backyard bird, often attracted to bird feeders and birdbaths. Its bright yellow and black plumage makes it a beautiful and eye-catching bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
16. White-Breasted Nuthatch
The white-breasted nuthatch is a small but distinctive bird species that can be found in many parts of North America and beyond. The white-breasted nuthatch belongs to the family of birds known as Sittidae, which also includes the red-breasted and brown-headed nuthatches.
This species of bird is about 15.5 cm in length and is quite small compared to other members of the family. It has a white breast and grey upperparts, with a distinctive black eye line and a long bill.
Its diet consists mostly of insects, seeds, and nuts, which it forages for on trees or on the ground. The white-breasted nuthatch is an agile climber and is able to climb up and down trees using its sharp claws.
This species of bird is known for its ability to store food in crevices in tree bark and then come back for it later. The white-breasted nuthatch is also known for its distinctive call, which is a series of high-pitched notes.
This species of bird is an important part of North American ecosystems, providing food for other species of animals and helping to maintain healthy forests.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. carolinensis |
17. Red-Breasted Nuthatch
The red-breasted nuthatch is a small songbird belonging to the Sittidae family. It has a distinct blue-grey color on its upper body, with a cinnamon color on its underside. Its head is predominantly white, with a black stripe running through its eyes.
Its bill is straight and grey and is capped off with a black crown. The bird is known for its high-pitched and nasal call, which has been likened to a tin trumpet. The call is often used for communication between birds and is an important part of their social behavior.
The red-breasted nuthatch is a relatively common bird and has a wide range across North America and parts of Europe. It is a highly active and social bird, often seen in pairs or small flocks. It is a ground feeder, foraging for food on the ground and in trees.
The red-breasted nuthatch can often be seen clinging to tree trunks, looking for insects and other food items. Its song is a series of harsh and nasal notes, which can often be heard in the early morning and late evening.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. canadensis |
18. New World Warblers
The New World warblers, also known as wood-warblers, are a unique family of small birds found only in the Americas. They belong to the family Parulidae and are characterized by their colorful feathers and small size.
These birds are not closely related to the Old World warblers, which are found in Europe and Asia, or the Australian warblers, which are found only in Australia. New World warblers are found throughout the Americas, from Canada to the southern tip of South America.
They can be found in a wide variety of habitats, from tropical rainforests to temperate deciduous forests. They are highly adaptable, able to live in both densely wooded areas and open meadows. New World warblers are incredibly diverse.
Over one hundred species have been identified and studied, each with its own unique coloration, song, and behavior. Some of the most well-known species include the Black-throated Blue Warbler, the Magnolia Warbler, and the Yellow-rumped Warbler.
New World warblers are important to the ecosystem as they act as pollinators and help to disperse seeds and insects. They are also a valuable source of food for a variety of predators.
Unfortunately, many species of warbler are threatened by habitat destruction, climate change, and pesticides. In conclusion, the New World warblers are an important group of birds that play a vital role in the American ecosystem.
They are colorful, diverse, and highly adaptable, making them a fascinating study for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
19. Common Starling
The common starling, also known as the European starling in North America and simply as the starling in Great Britain and Ireland, is a species of passerine bird that belongs to the family Sturnidae, commonly referred to as the starling family.
This species is medium-sized, with a typical length of 20–25 cm and a wingspan of 35–45 cm. The plumage of the common starling is mainly blackish-brown, with a glossy sheen on its feathers, and it has distinctive yellow tips on its wings and tail.
Its bill is yellow and its legs are yellowish-brown. The common starling is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but it has been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
It is a highly adaptable species, and it can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including urban areas, agricultural land, woodlands, and wetlands.
It is a highly social species, often forming large flocks, and it feeds on a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and grains.
The species is also known for its remarkable vocal abilities, and it can imitate a wide range of sounds, including those of other animals. The common starling is a species of conservation concern, as its population has been declining in recent years due to habitat loss and other factors.
It is also vulnerable to predation by other species, such as cats and rats. However, it is still relatively common in its native range, and it is also a popular cage bird.
As a result, it is often seen in parks and gardens, where it can provide a colorful spectacle as it flocks and feeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
20. Northern Parula
Source: encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com
The northern parula is a species of small songbird, also known as a New World warbler. This species of bird is native to eastern North America, from southern Canada all the way down to Florida.
It is a migratory species, and it is usually seen during the warmer months of the year. The northern parula is a beautiful bird, with a bright yellow throat and breast, a gray back, and blue-green wings.
It is a fairly common sight in eastern North America, and it can often be found in forests, marshes, and other wooded areas. It typically eats insects and spiders, but it will also feed on fruits and berries.
The northern parula is an important part of the local ecosystem, and its presence helps to keep insect populations in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. americana |
21. American Robin
The American robin is a species of migratory bird that belongs to the true thrush genus and Turdidae, the wider thrush family. It is named after the European robin, due to the similarity in their reddish-orange breast.
However, the two species are not closely related, as the European robin is in fact part of the Old World flycatcher family. The American robin is a large songbird and can be found throughout much of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
It is a common sight in gardens and backyards, often seen hopping around on the ground searching for food. It has a large, round body, and its breast and back are a mix of brown, gray, and black.
The male’s breast is a bright, reddish-orange color, which is the main characteristic that it shares with the European robin. The American robin is a migratory bird, and will typically migrate south for the winter months and return in the spring.
It is an omnivore, and its diet consists of a variety of insects, fruit, and berries. They are also known to eat the larvae of some insects, as well as earthworms and snails. The American robin is a popular bird and is often seen as a symbol of springtime.
Its song is a pleasant trill, and its bright coloration and friendly behavior make it a beloved sight in many gardens and backyards.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
22. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic bird found in many parts of the world. It belongs to the family Ardeidae, which includes herons, egrets, and bitterns.
This species is found in wetlands and near the shores of open water areas in North and Central America, as well as far northwestern South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands. It is a large wading bird, with a wingspan of up to 6.6 feet.
Its plumage is a beautiful grayish-blue, with a white belly and neck. It has a long, dark bill and long legs.
Its legs are a yellow-green color and its head has a distinctive crest. The great blue heron is an opportunistic feeder, which means it will take advantage of any food sources available.
It feeds on fish, frogs, insects, snakes, and small mammals found near rivers, ponds, and wetlands. It has been known to also scavenge on carrion. The great blue heron is a solitary species and nests in colonies in trees, shrubs, or man-made structures near water.
It is also a migratory species, traveling to the southern parts of its range in winter. This species is long-lived and can live up to 25 years in the wild.
They are also important to the environment, as they help to keep the environment and water clean by eating fish and other aquatic animals. The great blue heron is a magnificent species and an important part of the world’s biodiversity.
It is important that we respect and protect this species and its habitats so that it can continue to thrive in its natural environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
23. House Finch
The House Finch is a species of bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is native to western North America and has since been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii. This species is one of three American rosefinches and is placed in the genus Haemorhous.
The House Finch is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring between 12 and 16 cm in length. It has a short, conical bill and a long tail, and its plumage is generally brown and gray with a reddish hue on the chest and head.
This bird is found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, and feeds on small fruits and insects. It is a social species, often found in large flocks. Breeding pairs typically form in late winter and produce two to three clutches of eggs in one season.
The House Finch is a common species and is not considered to be at risk of extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
24. Tufted Titmouse
The tufted titmouse is a small songbird found in North America and is part of the tit and chickadee family. It is easily identifiable by its gray-brown body, white face, and distinctive crest of black feathers that crown its head.
Its call is a distinctive “peter-peter-peter.” This species is found throughout the eastern and central United States, as well as Mexico and parts of Canada. The black-crested titmouse once considered a subspecies of the tufted titmouse, is now its own species.
It is found in central and southern Texas and southward. This species is distinguishable from the tufted titmouse by its darker plumage, larger size, and black crest on its head.
Its call is a loud “tsee-tsee-tsee.” The black-crested titmouse, or Baeolophus atricristatus, is considered to be a separate species from the tufted titmouse.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. bicolor |
25. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a type of passerine bird found across a wide range of habitats in North America and Central America. It is a member of the Icteridae family, which includes other species of blackbirds, orioles, and meadowlarks.
The red-winged blackbird is easily recognizable due to its distinctive black body and bright red shoulder patches. It is also known for its loud, melodious song.
The red-winged blackbird is a highly adaptable species and can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, open fields, grasslands, and even suburban areas. It is a monogamous species, and forms pairs for the purpose of breeding.
The male red-winged blackbird is known for its territorial behavior and can be seen chasing away other birds from its area.
The female builds the nest, which is usually made of grasses and twigs. The red-winged blackbird is an opportunistic feeder and eats a variety of foods, including grains, insects, and fruit. During the winter months, they gather in large flocks to forage in fields and marshes.
The red-winged blackbird is an important species in North America and is an important food source for many predators, such as hawks and owls. It is a popular bird for birdwatchers and is a symbol of the North American landscape.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
26. Brown-Headed Cowbird
The brown-headed cowbird is a small species of icterid, a family of passerines known as the blackbirds. It is found in temperate and subtropical North America and is a permanent resident in the southern parts of its range.
The northern birds migrate to the southern United States and Mexico during winter, usually returning to their summer habitat in March or April.
These birds are obligate brood parasites, meaning that they do not build their own nests and instead rely on other species to raise their young. The cowbird lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving the host parent to feed and care for its offspring.
This has led to population declines in many of its host species, as the cowbird eggs are usually larger than the host’s eggs and the host parents may prioritize feeding the cowbird young over their own.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
27. Gray Catbird
The gray catbird, also spelled grey catbird, is a species of bird native to North America and Central America. It belongs to the mimid family, which consists of small to medium-sized songbirds.
The gray catbird is the only member of the genus Dumetella, which is also known as the ‘catbird’ genus. It is a medium-sized perching bird, measuring around 20 cm in length. Its body is predominantly gray with darker wings, head, and tail.
It has a white patch on its chest, and its bill is black. The gray catbird is a shy species and is usually found alone or in small groups. It prefers to stay close to the ground and is often seen foraging for insects and berries in shrubs and trees.
It has a distinctive call that consists of a series of chattering and mewling sounds. The gray catbird is an important species in its native habitat, providing essential pollination and pest control services to local ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Dumetella |
| Species | D. carolinensis |
28. Tit
The Paridae is a large family of small passerine birds that are commonly referred to as tits, chickadees, or titmice. They are mainly found in the Northern Hemisphere and Africa.
This family contains a wide variety of species, all of which were previously classified in the genus Parus. These birds are typically small in size and are known for their distinctive calls and songs.
They feed mainly on insects, seeds, and fruits, and are able to adapt to a wide range of environments. In addition to their small size and adaptability, they are also known for their cooperative breeding habits.
This means that they will often form social groups in order to raise their young, which can help them survive in harsher climates.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
29. Snowy Egret
The snowy egret is a small white heron that has been given its scientific name from Provençal French. The term ‘aigrette’ is a diminutive form of the word ‘aigron’ which means ‘heron’ in English.
The species name ‘thula’ is an Araucano term, which is a language spoken by the Mapuche people of South America. This term was mistakenly applied to the snowy egret by Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782.
He believed that the black-necked swan was the same species as the snowy egret, hence the name Thula. This mistake is still seen in the scientific name of the snowy egret today.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. thula |
30. Double-Crested Cormorant
The double-crested cormorant is a species of water bird belonging to the cormorant family. It is a highly adaptable species, found near lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
In North America, the double-crested cormorant is distributed widely, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska all the way down to Florida and Mexico.
In particular, the species is abundant in the Great Lakes region. The double-crested cormorant typically feeds on fish, which it catches underwater. It uses its long, hooked bill to catch and swallow its prey.
It also eats invertebrates and amphibians. The double-crested cormorant is a large species, with adults reaching up to 35 inches in length and up to 4.5 pounds in weight.
Adults have a black body and white throat patch, while juveniles are brown with a white breast. The double-crested cormorant is an important species for both recreational and commercial fishing.
It is a keystone species, meaning that its presence influences the health of the local ecosystem. For example, the species helps to maintain a balanced fish population, and its presence is important for the health of the aquatic food chain.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Nannopterum |
| Species | N. auritum |
31. Ruddy Duck
The ruddy duck is a species of duck native to North America. It belongs to the stiff-tailed duck family, a group of ducks characterized by their erect tails and long necks.
The genus name of the ruddy duck, ‘Oxus’, is derived from two words from Ancient Greek: ‘oxus’, meaning ‘sharp’, and ‘oura’, meaning ‘tail’. The species name, ‘jamaicensis’, refers to its geographic origin, as the ruddy duck is native to Jamaica.
The ruddy duck is a small duck, with the male having bright rusty-red plumage and a black head. The female is duller in color and has a grey-brown body and white cheeks. It is well adapted to its aquatic lifestyle, with webbed feet and a long, flat bill.
The tail of the ruddy duck is particularly distinctive, with stiff feathers that give it a ‘spiked’ appearance. The ruddy duck is a social species, often seen in large flocks in the winter, when it migrates south from its breeding grounds.
It feeds mainly on aquatic insects, small fish, and crustaceans, and its loud, harsh call is a familiar sound in wetlands. The ruddy duck is a common species in many parts of North America and is still abundant in many areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Oxyura |
| Species | O. jamaicensis |
Conclusion
Blue birds are found in Ohio and are a common sight in many parts of the state. They are a symbol of hope and renewal and add beauty to any landscape they inhabit.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is committed to protecting and conserving these amazing birds and their habitats. By working together, we can ensure that blue birds can continue to thrive in Ohio for generations to come.