Top 29 Big Birds in Ohio You Can Spot Year-Round

Sometimes When You’re Out Walking In Nature You Can’t Help But Stop And Stare At The Sky. The Moment A Huge Bird Soars Above You It Makes You Wonder What Kind Of Giant Creatures Call Ohio Home. If You’ve Ever Asked Yourself Which Species Are The Big Birds In Ohio You’re Definitely Not Alone. Many Bird Lovers Feel That Same Mix Of Curiosity And Excitement.

Ohio Is A Wonderful Place For Spotting These Majestic Creatures. From Powerful Raptors To Graceful Waterbirds The State Is Filled With Species That Stand Out For Their Size And Beauty. Learning About The Big Birds In Ohio Can Make Your Outdoor Adventures Even More Rewarding Whether You’re A Casual Walker Or A Serious Birder.

American Robin

Though Many People Think Of The American Robin As An Everyday Backyard Bird Its Size And Presence Make It Stand Out Among Ohio’s Larger Songbirds. Known For Its Orange Breast And Cheerful SongThis Bird Is Often One Of The First Signs Of Spring. Robins Thrive In A Wide Range Of Habitats, From Ohio Woodlands And Grasslands To Suburban Lawns. They’re Opportunistic Feeders Eating Worms Berries And Insects Depending On The Season.

Robins Are Also Famous For Their Nesting Habits. You’ll Often Spot Their Mud-lined Nests Tucked Into Trees Or Even On Ledges Of Houses. During Courtship Displays Males Sing Persistently To Attract Females And They Can Be Very Territorial In Defending Their Space. Although Common The Robin Is A Beloved Symbol Of Renewal Reminding Birdwatchers Across Ohio To Look Closer At Even The Most Familiar Birds.

American Crow

Crows Are Among The Most Intelligent Birds Of Ohio And Their Presence Is Impossible To Miss. With Their Glossy Black Plumage And Loud Caws American Crows Thrive In Both Urban And Rural Environments. They Gather In Large Flocks Sometimes Numbering In The Thousands Especially During Winter Roosting Season. These Highly Adaptable Birds Feed On Just About Anything Insects Seeds Carrion Or Even Food Scraps From People.

Their Behavior Often Fascinates Birdwatchers. Studies Have Shown That Crows Can Recognize Human Faces Use Tools And Even Pass Down Knowledge Through Generations. In Ohio’s Farmlands And Forests They Play An Important Role As Scavengers Helping Clean Up Waste. Despite Being Sometimes Misunderstood As Noisy Or Destructive Their Intelligence Makes Them One Of The Most Remarkable Big Birds You’ll Encounter Across The State.

American White Pelican

The American White Pelican Is One Of The Most Striking Waterbirds You Can Spot In Ohio. With A Wingspan Stretching Up To Nine Feet It’s Hard To Miss These Massive Birds When They Glide Over Lakes Or Gather In Wetlands. They’re Mostly White, With Black Flight Feathers That Become Visible In The Air. Unlike The More Coastal Brown Pelican White Pelicans Don’t Dive For Fish Instead They Use Cooperative Hunting Techniques Working In Groups To Herd Fish Toward Shallow Water Where They Can Scoop Them Up.

In Ohio They’re Considered Migratory Visitors Most Often Seen Around Lake Erie During Spring And Fall Their Arrival Often Excites Local Birdwatchers As They Bring A Rare Glimpse Of Large Graceful Waterfowl Moving Through The State Watching A Flock Soar In Synchronized Formation Is A Breathtaking Experience That Highlights The Diversity Of Migratory Birds In Ohio.

Broad-Winged Hawk

Among The Raptors In Ohio, The Broad winged Hawk Is Known For Its Distinctive Whistling Call And Spectacular Migrations. This Medium sized Member Of The Accipitridae Family Has Broad Wings And A Short Tail Making It Easily Recognizable In Flight In Summer They Breed In Ohio’s Woodlands Often Nesting Along The Edges Of Forests Near Rivers Or Wetlands. Their Diet Includes Frogs Small Mammals And InsectsWhich They Hunt From Perches.

One Of The Most Exciting Things About Broad winged Hawks Is Their Migration. Each Fall Thousands Gather Into Groups Called “kettles” And Soar Southward Sometimes Traveling All The Way To South America. While They May Not Be The Largest Hawk In Ohio Their Collective Movements Are One Of The Most Breathtaking Spectacles In Birdwatching. Spotting Them Circling Above Ohio Forests Is A Reminder Of Nature’s Powerful Rhythms.

Bald Eagle

No List Of Big Birds In Ohio Would Be Complete Without The Bald Eagle. This Iconic Bird Of Prey With Its White Head And Tail Contrasting Against A Dark Body Is A True Symbol Of Strength Once Endangered Due To Pesticide Poisoning And Habitat Loss The Bald Eagle Has Made A Dramatic Comeback Thanks To Wildlife Protection Laws And Conservation Efforts. Today They Can Be Spotted Around Lake Erie The Cuyahoga River And Other Waterways Where Fish Are Abundant.

Bald Eagles Build Some Of The Largest Nests Of Any Bird Often Reusing And Expanding Them Year After Year. These Massive Structures Can Weigh Hundreds Of Pounds And Be Over Six Feet Across. Seeing One Soar Above Ohio Wetlands Or Perch High In A Tree Is Always Awe inspiring. Their Return Is One Of The State’s Greatest Conservation Success Stories Making Them A Must see For Anyone Interested In Ohio Birdwatching.

Brown Pelican

Unlike Its White Cousin The Brown Pelican Is More Coastal In Nature But It Can Occasionally Be Seen Along Ohio’s Larger Waterways During Migration. This Bird Is Instantly Recognizable For Its Long Bill And Massive Throat Pouch, Which It Uses To Scoop Up Fish. Unlike American White Pelicans Brown Pelicans Dive Headfirst Into The Water To Catch Their Prey A Spectacular Sight If You’re Lucky Enough To Witness It.

In Ohio They’re Not As Common As Other Waterbirds, But Rare Sightings Around Lake Erie Draw Attention From Local Birdwatchers. Their Adaptability And Dramatic Feeding Style Make Them One Of The More Fascinating Large Birds Of Prey-like Behavior Even Though They Are Technically Seabirds. Spotting One Here Is Always A Special Treat For Those Who Love Observing Migratory Birds In Ohio.

Black Vulture

The Black Vulture Is A Bird That Often Sparks Mixed Reactions. With Its Dark Plumage Bare Black Head, And Short Tail It Has A Somewhat Ominous Look. However This Scavenger Plays An Important Ecological Role By Cleaning Up Carrion In Ohio’s Forests, Farmlands, And Even Highways. Smaller Than The Turkey Vulture But More Aggressive At Carcasses, Black Vultures Often Gather In Family Groups.

In Recent Years Their Range Has Expanded Further Into Ohio Especially In The Southern Regions. They’re Known For Their Strong Family Bonds And Communal Roosting Habits. While They May Lack The Keen Sense Of Smell That Turkey Vultures Use To Find Food, Their Sharp Eyesight And Cooperative Behavior Keep Them Well fed. Despite Their Grim Reputation They’re A Fascinating Part Of Ohio’s Birdlife.

Cooper’s Hawk

Sleek And Fast The Cooper’s Hawk Is A Medium sized Raptor From The Accipiter Group. Often Described As A “bird Feeder Predator” This Hawk Is Notorious For Ambushing Smaller Songbirds Right In Suburban Backyards. Its Long Tail And Short Rounded Wings Are Perfectly Adapted For Darting Through Trees In Pursuit Of Prey Birdwatchers In Ohio Frequently Spot Them In Woodlands Neighborhoods, And Even City Parks.

Cooper’s Hawks Are Sometimes Confused With Sharp shinned Hawks Though They’re Larger And Have A More Rounded Tail. They’re Known For Aggressive Hunting Techniques Using Surprise And Speed To Overwhelm Prey. Nicknamed The “big Blue Darter” This Hawk Has A Dramatic Presence In Ohio’s Ecosystems Serving As A Reminder Of How Even Familiar Spaces Can Be Hunting Grounds For Skilled Predators.

Canada Goose

Few Waterbirds Are As Familiar In Ohio As The Canada Goose. With Its Black Head White Cheek Patch And Brown Body This Goose Is A Year round Resident Of Wetlands Parks And Farmlands. Large Flocks Are Often Seen Grazing In Fields Or Flying Overhead In Their Iconic V shaped Formations. While They Can Sometimes Be Considered Pests In Urban Areas They’re Also A Valued Part Of The Natural Landscape.

These Geese Are Adaptable In Both Diet And Nesting Sites. They Feed On Grasses Grains And Aquatic Plants And They Often Nest Near Ponds Or Rivers. Their Loud Honking Calls And Seasonal Migrations Make Them One Of The Most Easily Recognizable Birds Of Ohio. Love Them Or Not Canada Geese Are Impossible To Ignore And Are Firmly Part Of Ohio’s Birdwatching Experience.

Golden Eagle

While Not As Common As The Bald Eagle The Golden Eagle Is Another Powerful Raptor That Occasionally Graces Ohio Skies This Species Is One Of The Largest Birds Of Prey In North America With A Wingspan That Can Exceed Seven Feet. Covered In Dark Brown Feathers With Golden Highlights On The Back Of The Head It’s A Majestic Sight To Behold.

Golden Eagles Prefer Open Country So They’re Sometimes Spotted In Ohio’s Grasslands Or Near Large Rivers During Migration. Unlike Bald Eagles They Tend To Hunt Mammals Like Rabbits And Ground Squirrels Rather Than Relying Heavily On Fish. They Symbolize Wild Strength And Freedom And Though Sightings Are Rare They Are Unforgettable For Ohio Birdwatchers Lucky Enough To Encounter One.

Great Cormorant

The Great Cormorant Is A Large Dark Waterbird With A Long Neck And Hooked Bill. These Birds Are Expert Divers Plunging Beneath The Water To Chase Fish With Remarkable Agility. They’re Often Seen Perched With Wings Spread Out To Dry As Their Feathers Are Not Fully Waterproof. In Ohio They Can Be Spotted In Rivers And Lakes Particularly Near Lake Erie.

Though Less Common Than The Double crested Cormorant Great Cormorants Are Still Notable For Their Size And Fishing Skills. Their Presence Sometimes Causes Conflict With Fishermen As Both Rely On The Same Food Source Still Their Adaptability And Striking Appearance Make Them A Fascinating Species To Watch. They Remind Us How Wetlands And Waterways Sustain Both Human And Bird Life In Ohio.

Great Blue Heron

Perhaps One Of The Most Iconic Big Birds In Ohio The Great Blue Heron Is A Tall Elegant Wading Bird Often Seen Along Rivers Lakes And Wetlands. Standing Up To Four Feet Tall With A Wingspan Over Six Feet They’re Hard To Miss. With Their Long Legs Dagger like Bills And Graceful Flight They’re A Symbol Of Quiet Strength In Ohio’s Ecosystems.

These Herons Are Patient Hunters Often Standing Motionless In Shallow Water Until Fish Or Frogs Come Within Striking Distance. They Nest In Colonies Called Heronries Often In Tall Trees Near Wetlands Birdwatchers Across Ohio Are Familiar With Their Slow Powerful Wingbeats As They Fly Overhead At Dawn Or Dusk. Graceful Yet PowerfulThe Great Blue Heron Embodies The Beauty Of Ohio’s Waterways.

Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl Is One Of The Most Powerful And Adaptable Predators In Ohio’s Forests. With Its Tufted “horns” Of Feathers Large Yellow Eyes And Deep Hooting Call It’s An Unmistakable Presence. These Owls Are True Generalists Hunting Everything From Rabbits And Squirrels To Other Birds Including Hawks. Their Silent Flight And Night Vision Make Them Master Hunters Of The Night.

Great Horned Owls Are Also Known For Their Fierce Territorial Behavior. They’re One Of The First Birds To Begin Nesting In Late Winter Often Reusing Old Hawk Or Crow Nests. For Many People In Ohio Hearing Their Haunting Calls On A Cold Evening Is A Reminder Of The Wild That Thrives Even In Suburban Areas. This Owl Is Both Feared And Admired As One Of The Most Dominant Nocturnal Raptors In North America.

Harris’s Hawk

Unlike Most Raptors Harris’s Hawks Are Famous For Hunting In Cooperative Groups Almost Like Wolves Of The Sky. Though Native To The SouthwestThey Occasionally Appear In Ohio Often As Falconry Birds That Have Escaped Into The Wild. With Dark Plumage Chestnut Shoulders And A Long Tail They’re Striking Hunters.

In The Wild They Perch Low And Flush Prey Into The Open Working Together To Catch Rabbits Birds And Reptiles. Spotting One In Ohio Is Rare But Unforgettable. Their Presence Highlights The Connection Between Falconry Tradition And Modern Birdwatching.

Mute Swan

Graceful And Elegant The Mute Swan Is One Of The Largest Waterbirds In Ohio. With A Wingspan Over Seven Feet And Striking White Plumage They Are A Common Sight On Lakes And Ponds. Despite Their Beauty They Are Non native And Can Be Very Aggressive Often Displacing Native Waterfowl.

They Feed Mainly On Aquatic Vegetation Dipping Their Long Necks Underwater To Graze. In Spring Pairs Build Large Nests Near Shorelines Fiercely Defending Their Territory. Love Them Or Not Mute Swans Are Among The Most Unforgettable Big Birds In Ohio Wetlands.

Northern Goshawk

The Northern Goshawk Is The Largest Of The Accipiter Hawks Known For Its Fierce Temperament And Powerful Hunting Skills. With Slate gray Feathers And Bold Red Eyes It’s An Intimidating Presence In Ohio’s Forests. This Raptor Specializes In Chasing Game Birds Squirrels And Rabbits Through Dense Woodlands.

Goshawks Are Highly Territorial And Will Even Attack Intruders Including Humans Who Come Too Close To Their Nests. Though Rare They Are Prized Sightings For Dedicated Birdwatchers. Their Strength And Stealth Make Them One Of Ohio’s Most Formidable Forest Hunters.

Northern Harrier

Distinctive And Graceful The Northern Harrier Glides Low Over Grasslands And Marshes In Search Of Prey. Recognizable By Its White Rump Patch And Owl like Face It Uses Both Vision And Hearing To Locate Small Mammals. Males Are Gray While Females Are Brown Both With Long Wings And Tails.

These Hawks Are Polygynous With Males Sometimes Maintaining Multiple Mates. In Ohio They Favor Wide Open Fields And Wetlands Often Delighting Birdwatchers With Their Smooth Low Flights. They Are Living Reminders Of How Grassland Habitats Sustain Unique Raptors.

Osprey

The Osprey Often Called The “fish Hawk” Is A Skilled Hunter Found Near Ohio’s Rivers Lakes And Wetlands. With Long Wings And A White Underside It’s Easy To Spot Hovering Before It Plunges Feet first Into The Water To Snatch Fish. Their Dramatic Dives Make Them One Of The Most Exciting Raptors To Watch.

In Ohio Ospreys Have Benefited From Conservation Programs And Nesting Platforms Placed Near Waterways. They Migrate South In Winter But Return Each Spring To Breed. Seeing An Osprey Soar Over Lake Erie Is Always A Highlight For Birdwatchers.

Red-Tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk Is The Most Common Hawk In Ohio And Is Often Called The “chicken Hawk.” Its Rusty red Tail And Piercing Scream Make It Easy To Recognize. These Buteo Hawks Are Opportunistic Predators Feeding On Small Mammals Birds And Reptiles.

They Adapt Well To Farmlands Forests And Even Suburban Areas. Often Seen Perched Along Highways They Scan For Prey With Sharp Eyesight. For Many Ohio Birdwatchers Spotting A Red tail Soaring High Is A Daily But Never Boring Experience.

Red-Shouldered Hawk

The Red shouldered Hawk Is A Woodland Raptor With Striking Reddish Shoulders And Barred Underparts. It Prefers Dense Forests Near Rivers And Wetlands Where It Hunts Frogs Snakes And Small Mammals Its Loud Repeated Call Is A Familiar Sound In Ohio Woodlands.

Sometimes Mistaken For The Red tail This Hawk Is Smaller And More Secretive. It Often Nests High In Mature Forests Showing Strong Territorial Behavior. Birders Who Hear Its Clear Whistle Know A True Forest Hunter Is Nearby.

Rough-Legged Hawk

The Rough legged Hawk Is A Winter Visitor In Ohio, Migrating From The Arctic Tundra. It’s Recognized By Its Feathered Legs Pale Underside And Habit Of Hovering In The Wind While Hunting. These Hawks Favor Open Farmlands And Grasslands Where They Feed On Voles And Small Mammals.

Though Less Common Than Red tails Their Seasonal Appearance Excites Birdwatchers. Spotting One Perched On A Fence Post Or Gliding Low Over Fields Adds Variety To Ohio’s Raptor Sightings In Colder Months.

Sharp-Shinned Hawk

The Sharp shinned Hawk Is The Smallest Hawk In North America But Is Still A Fierce Predator. It Has Short Rounded Wings And A Long Tail Perfect For Darting Through Woodlands In Pursuit Of Sparrows And Other Small Birds.

Often Confused With Cooper’s Hawks Sharp shins Are Slimmer And More Delicate. They’re Especially Known For Ambushing Backyard Feeders Making Them Both Admired And Dreaded By Birdwatchers.

Swainson’s Hawk

The Swainson’s Hawk Is A Rare Sight In Ohio As It Prefers Western Grasslands. Sometimes Called The “grasshopper Hawk” It Feeds Heavily On Insects Especially During Migration. Its Long Wings And Pale Underside With A Dark Chest Band Make It Distinctive.

When Seen In Ohio It’s Usually During Migration On Its Way To South America. Birders Lucky Enough To Spot One Know They’ve Witnessed A Special Visitor Far From Its Usual Range.

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Cranes Are Tall Elegant Birds With Long Necks Gray Plumage And A Red Crown. Standing Nearly Four Feet Tall They Are Among The Most Striking Wetland Birds In Ohio. Their Bugling Calls Can Carry For Miles Often Heard Before They Are Seen.

These Cranes Gather In Wetlands Marshes And Grasslands Feeding On Seeds Insects, And Small Animals. They Are Migratory But Breed In Parts Of Ohio Especially In Restored Marsh Habitats. Watching Their Graceful Courtship Dances Is A Highlight For Birdwatchers.

Snowy Owl

Snowy Owls Are Rare But Spectacular Winter Visitors To Ohio. With Bright White Plumage And Piercing Yellow Eyes They Stand Out Against Snowy Fields And Lakefronts. These Large Owls Migrate South From The Arctic During Irruption Years When Food Is Scarce Up North.

They Prefer Wide Open Areas Like Farmland Or Shorelines Where They Perch And Hunt Small Mammals. Seeing One Is Always A Special Event For Ohio Birders As Their Unpredictable Arrivals Make Them Highly Sought after Sightings.

Trumpeter Swan

The Trumpeter Swan Is The Largest Native Waterfowl In North America With A Wingspan Up To Ten Feet. Once Nearly Wiped Out By Hunting They’ve Been Successfully Reintroduced To Ohio Through Conservation Efforts. Their Deep Trumpet-like Calls Set Them Apart From Mute Swans.

These Swans Thrive In Wetlands Ponds, And Lakes Feeding On Aquatic Plants. They Form Lifelong Pairs And Are Highly Protective Of Their Nests. Spotting A Trumpeter Swan In Ohio Today Is A Reminder Of How Conservation Can Restore Lost Species.

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkeys Are Large Ground dwelling Birds That Thrive In Ohio’s Forests And Farmlands. Males Known As Toms Display Brilliant Iridescent Feathers And Fan Their Tails During Courtship. Their Gobbling Calls Echo Through The Woods Each Spring Signaling Breeding Season.

These Birds Forage On Acorns Seeds Insects And Berries Scratching The Ground With Strong Legs. Though Once Nearly Extinct In Ohio Reintroduction Programs Brought Them Back Successfully Today They’re A Common And Impressive Sight Across Much Of The State.

Whooping Crane

The Whooping Crane Is One Of The Rarest And Most Endangered Birds In North America. Standing Nearly Five Feet Tall With Pure White Plumage And Black Wingtips They Are Breathtaking In Flight. A Few Individuals Sometimes Migrate Through Ohio Especially Near Wetlands.

Their Haunting Bugle Calls And Tall Stature Make Them Unforgettable. Thanks To Conservation And Reintroduction Populations Are Slowly Recovering. Spotting A Whooping Crane In Ohio Is A Once in a lifetime Reward For Dedicated Birdwatchers.

Wood Stork

The Wood Stork Is A Tall Wading Bird With White Plumage Black Wing Feathers And A Bald Dark Head. It Is Mostly Found In The Southern U.s. But Rare Visitors Sometimes Reach Ohio Wetlands. Its Unique Foraging Style Involves Wading Through Shallow Water With Its Bill Open Snapping Shut When It Touches Prey.

These Storks Feed Mainly On Fish Frogs And Crustaceans. While Sightings In Ohio Are Unusual They Highlight The State’s Role As A Stopover For Diverse Migratory Birds. For Many Birders Spotting A Wood Stork Here Is An Unexpected And Thrilling Surprise.

FAQs

What Is The Big Birds in Ohio?

The Bald Eagle Is Considered The Biggest Bird In Ohio With A Wingspan Of Up To 8 Feet.

Are There Any Golden Eagles In Ohio?

Yes Golden Eagles Can Be Seen In Ohio Mostly During Migration And Winter Months.

What Is The Big Gray Bird In Ohio?

The Great Blue Heron Is The Large Gray Bird Often Spotted Around Lakes Rivers And Wetlands In Ohio.

What Is The Big All-black Bird In Ohio?

The Common Raven And American Crow Are The Large All-black Birds Found In Ohio Though Ravens Are Less Common.

Does Ohio Have Hawks Or Falcons?

Yes Ohio Is Home To Both Hawks (like Red-tailed Hawks And Cooper’s Hawks) And Falcons (such As The Peregrine Falcon).

Conclusion

Ohio Offers An Incredible Variety Of Large And Powerful Birds From Everyday Species Like The American Robin To Rare Visitors Like The Whooping Crane. Wetlands Forests Grasslands And Rivers All Serve As Vital Habitats For These Impressive Creatures Whether You’re Scanning The Skies For Eagles Or Listening For The Bugling Call Of Cranes The State Never Disappoints.

Exploring The World Of Big Birds In Ohio Isn’t Just About Identification It’s About Appreciating The Balance Of Nature And The Conservation Efforts That Keep These Species Thriving With A Pair Of Binoculars And A Little Patience You’re Bound To Encounter Some Of The Most Remarkable Birds The Midwest Has To Offer.

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