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 As A Big Birds in Ohio Among The State’s Larger Songbirds. Known For Its Orange Breast And Cheerful Song This 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. It Represents The Spirit Of A Big Birds in Ohio Bringing Color And Song To Every Corner Of The State.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Throughout North America From Alaska And Canada To Mexico In Forests Gardens And Urban Areas
Key Fact	One Of The Most Familiar Songbirds Recognized By Its Cheerful Song And Red Orange Breast
Plumage	Gray Brown Back With Warm Red Orange Breast And White Eye Ring
Behavior	Active And Alert Often Seen Hopping On Lawns Searching For Worms
Diet	Feeds On Earthworms Insects Berries And Fruits

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. As A Big Birds in Ohio They Stand Out For Their Size Intelligence And Social Behavior. 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 Species To Observe. For Anyone Exploring Wildlife The American Crow Is Truly A Big Birds in Ohio Worth Admiring.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Throughout Most Of North America In Forests Fields Farmlands And Urban Areas
Key Fact	Extremely Intelligent Bird Known For Tool Use Problem Solving And Recognizing Human Faces
Plumage	Entirely Black With Glossy Feathers Showing Blue And Purple Sheen In Sunlight
Behavior	Social And Vocal Often Seen In Family Groups Or Large Roosts Communicating With Loud Caws
Diet	Feeds On Insects Grains Fruits Small Animals And Carrion

American White Pelican

The American White Pelican Is Truly A Big Birds in Ohio And One Of The Most Striking Waterbirds You Can Spot Across The State. 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 These Majestic Birds Perfectly Represent What It Means To Be A Big Birds in Ohio Bringing 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 The Region.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Across North America Breeding In Inland Lakes And Wintering Along Coastal Waters
Key Fact	One Of The Largest North American Birds With A Wingspan Of Up To Nine Feet
Plumage	Pure White Body With Black Wing Tips And Large Orange Bill And Pouch
Behavior	Graceful Fliers Often Seen Gliding In Formations And Cooperatively Feeding In Groups
Diet	Feeds Mainly On Fish Caught By Scooping Them From The Water With Its Large Bill

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. As A Big Birds in Ohio It Captures Attention When Circling Over Forests During The Warmer Months. 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 Insects Which 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. Their Coordinated Flight Patterns Make Them One Of The Most Fascinating Raptors To Observe. Seeing A Group Of These Hawks Rising Together In The Sky Perfectly Shows The Grace And Power Of A Big Birds in Ohio And Reminds Birdwatchers Of The Incredible Journeys That Shape Wildlife Across The State.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Throughout Eastern North America Migrating To Central And South America During Winter
Key Fact	Known For Its Impressive Long Distance Migration Forming Large Flocks Called Kettles
Plumage	Brown Upperparts With White Underside And Distinct Broad Dark Tail Bands
Behavior	Solitary Hunter That Soars High Searching For Small Mammals Frogs And Insects
Diet	Feeds On Small Rodents Frogs Snakes And Large Insects

Bald Eagle

No List Of Big Birds in Ohio Species 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 Perfectly Represents The Majesty Of A Big Birds in Ohio. Their Return Is One Of The State’s Greatest Conservation Success Stories Making Them A Must See For Anyone Interested In Ohio Birdwatching.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Across North America Near Large Lakes Rivers And Coastal Regions
Key Fact	National Bird Of The United States Known For Its White Head And Powerful Flight
Plumage	Dark Brown Body With White Head And Tail And Yellow Beak And Feet
Behavior	Strong And Graceful Flier Often Seen Soaring High Or Perched Near Water Watching For Prey
Diet	Feeds Mainly On Fish But Also Hunts Birds Small Mammals And Scavenges Carrion

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. As A Big Birds in Ohio It Stands Out For Its Impressive Diving Skills. 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 Most Fascinating Species To Spot. Whenever A Big Birds in Ohio Like The Brown Pelican Appears It Quickly Becomes A Highlight Of The Season For Anyone Who Loves Observing Migratory Birds Across The State.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Along The Coasts Of North South And Central America Including The Gulf Of Mexico And The Caribbean
Key Fact	Only Pelican Species That Dives Headfirst Into Water To Catch Fish
Plumage	Brownish Gray Body With White Head And Yellow Wash During Breeding Season
Behavior	Graceful Diver Often Seen Gliding Over Waves In V Shaped Formations
Diet	Feeds Mainly On Fish Caught By Plunging Into The Water From Heights Up To Sixty Feet

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 Yet It Remains A True Big Birds in Ohio Because Of Its Wide Wingspan And Impressive Soaring Ability. 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 The Southern Parts Of The State. They’re Known For Their Strong Family Bonds And Communal Roosting Habits. Though Some May View Them As Grim They Are Essential For Maintaining Ecological Balance. Watching A Big Birds in Ohio Like The Black Vulture Circle Effortlessly Overhead Reminds Birdwatchers Of Nature’s Cleanup Crew And The Vital Role These Species Play In Ohio’s Ecosystem.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Throughout The Southeastern United States Central America And Much Of South America
Key Fact	Known For Its Distinct Black Plumage Short Tail And Bare Gray Head
Plumage	Entirely Black Body With Silvery Wing Tips Visible In Flight
Behavior	Highly Social Often Seen In Groups Soaring On Thermals And Feeding Together
Diet	Feeds Mainly On Carrion Occasionally Eats Eggs Or Small Animals

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 Making It One Remarkably Skilled Big Birds in Ohio That Thrives Even In Urban Areas. Birdwatchers In Ohio Frequently Spot Them In Woodlands Neighborhoods And 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. Watching A Big Birds in Ohio Like The Cooper’s Hawk In Action Reminds Observers How Even Familiar Spaces Can Become Hunting Grounds For These Fearless Predators.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Across North America From Southern Canada To Northern Mexico In Forests And Suburban Areas
Key Fact	Agile Forest Hawk Known For Its Short Rounded Wings And Long Tail Adapted For Fast Pursuits
Plumage	Blue Gray Upperparts With Reddish Barred Chest And Long Banded Tail
Behavior	Skilled Hunter That Flies Swiftly Through Trees To Catch Small Birds And Mammals
Diet	Feeds Mainly On Small Birds And Occasionally On Squirrels And Other Small Mammals

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. As A Big Birds in Ohio The Canada Goose Commands Attention Wherever It Goes Often Becoming The Centerpiece Of Lakes And Parks. While Some Consider Them Pests In Urban Areas They Remain 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 Often Nest Near Ponds Or Rivers. Their Loud Honking Calls And Seasonal Migrations Make Them One Of The Most Recognizable Species In The Region. Watching A Big Birds in Ohio Like The Canada Goose Fly Gracefully Across The Sky Is A Classic Sight That Defines The Spirit Of Midwest Birdwatching.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Throughout North America Migrating Between Northern Breeding Grounds And Southern Wintering Areas
Key Fact	Known For Its Distinct Honking Call And V Shaped Flight Formations During Migration
Plumage	Brown Body With Black Head And Neck And White Chinstrap Marking
Behavior	Highly Social Often Seen In Flocks Grazing On Grasslands Or Swimming In Lakes
Diet	Feeds On Grasses Grains Aquatic Plants And Occasionally Small Insects

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 Making It A Truly Impressive Big Birds in Ohio Worth Watching. 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 On Fish. Their Commanding Presence And Power Make Them Another Big Birds in Ohio That Symbolizes Freedom Strength And The Wild Beauty Of The Skies.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Across The Northern Hemisphere In North America Europe Asia And Northern Africa
Key Fact	One Of The Largest And Fastest Birds Of Prey Capable Of Diving At Speeds Over One Hundred Fifty Miles Per Hour
Plumage	Dark Brown Body With Golden Feathers On The Nape And Crown
Behavior	Powerful Hunter Often Seen Soaring Over Mountains And Open Plains Searching For Prey
Diet	Feeds On Rabbits Hares Ground Squirrels And Occasionally Larger Mammals

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 Where Their Impressive Size Makes Them Stand Out As A Big Birds in Ohio Worth Watching.

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 One More Big Birds in Ohio That Adds Character To The State’s Wetlands And Waterways. They Remind Us How These Ecosystems Sustain Both Human And Bird Life In Perfect Balance.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Across Europe Asia Africa And North America Along Coasts Rivers And Lakes
Key Fact	Large Diving Bird Known For Its Excellent Fishing Skills And Ability To Swim Underwater Using Its Feet
Plumage	Black Body With Greenish Gloss White Thigh Patches And Yellow Skin Around The Bill
Behavior	Often Seen Perched With Wings Spread To Dry After Diving For Fish
Diet	Feeds Mainly On Fish Caught By Pursuing Them Underwater

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 Powerful The Great Blue Heron Is Truly A Big Birds In Ohio That Embodies The Beauty And Serenity Of The State’s Waterways.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Throughout North America From Alaska And Canada To The Caribbean And Northern South America
Key Fact	Largest North American Heron Known For Its Graceful Flight And S Shaped Neck
Plumage	Blue Gray Body With Long Legs White Face And Black Plumes Above The Eyes
Behavior	Solitary Wader Often Seen Standing Still In Shallow Water Waiting To Spear Fish
Diet	Feeds On Fish Frogs Small Mammals And Insects

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 And A True Big Birds In Ohio Known For Its Commanding Look And Strength. 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 Big Birds In Ohio And A Symbol Of Power Among Nocturnal Raptors.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Throughout North And South America In Forests Deserts Wetlands And Urban Areas
Key Fact	Powerful Nocturnal Predator Recognized By Its Tufted Ear Like Horns And Deep Hooting Call
Plumage	Mottled Brown And Gray Feathers With White Throat Patch And Yellow Eyes
Behavior	Silent Hunter That Uses Excellent Hearing And Night Vision To Ambush Prey
Diet	Feeds On Small Mammals Birds Reptiles And Occasionally Larger Animals Like Rabbits

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 Southwest They 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 And A Rare Big Birds In Ohio That Captures Every Birder’s Attention.

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 Making The Harris’s Hawk One Of The Most Fascinating Big Birds In Ohio To Encounter.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found In The Southwestern United States Central America And Much Of South America
Key Fact	Unique Among Raptors For Its Cooperative Hunting Behavior Often Working In Groups
Plumage	Dark Brown Body With Chestnut Shoulders And Legs And White Base And Tip Of Tail
Behavior	Intelligent Social And Bold Often Seen Perching In Groups Or Soaring Low Over The Desert
Diet	Feeds On Small Mammals Birds Lizards And Insects

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 It Is A True Big Birds In Ohio And A Symbol Of Beauty On Lakes And Ponds. Despite Their Charm 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 That Bring Grace And Power To Every Wetland They Inhabit.

Fact	Detail
Range	Native To Europe And Asia Introduced To North America And Other Regions
Key Fact	Large Elegant Waterbird Known For Its Graceful Appearance And S Shaped Neck
Plumage	Pure White Feathers With Orange Bill And Black Knob At The Base
Behavior	Territorial During Breeding Season Often Seen Gliding On Lakes And Rivers
Diet	Feeds On Aquatic Plants Algae And Small Invertebrates

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 And A True Big Birds In Ohio That Rules The Woodland Skies. 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 The Most Formidable Forest Hunters And Among The Most Impressive Big Birds In Ohio Ever Seen In The Wild.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Across The Northern Hemisphere Including North America Europe And Asia
Key Fact	Powerful Forest Hawk Known For Its Speed Agility And Fierce Hunting Skills
Plumage	Gray Upperparts With Pale Underside And Fine Dark Barrings And Bright Red Eyes In Adults
Behavior	Solitary And Territorial Often Flies Swiftly Through Dense Forests To Ambush Prey
Diet	Feeds On Birds Squirrels Rabbits And Other Small Mammals

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 Making This Raptor A Truly Impressive Big Birds In Ohio To Watch In Action.

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. Their Elegant Hunting Style And Graceful Movements Make Them One Of The Most Distinctive Big Birds In Ohio And A Symbol Of The Beauty Found In The State’s Wild Grasslands.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Across North America Europe And Asia In Open Grasslands Marshes And Fields
Key Fact	Recognized By Its Distinct White Rump Patch And Low Gliding Flight Over Open Terrain
Plumage	Gray In Males Brown In Females With White Underside And Owl Like Facial Disk
Behavior	Hunts By Flying Low And Using Keen Hearing And Sight To Locate Small Prey
Diet	Feeds On Small Mammals Birds Frogs And Insects

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 And Impressive Size Make Them A Truly Remarkable Big Birds In Ohio To Observe In The Wild.

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 With Its Catch Is One Of The Most Thrilling Moments For Birdwatchers And A Proud Symbol Of The Recovery Of This Big Birds In Ohio.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Worldwide Near Rivers Lakes And Coastal Waters Except In Antarctica
Key Fact	Also Known As The Fish Hawk Specializes In Catching Fish With Its Reversible Outer Toes
Plumage	Brown Upperparts With White Underside White Head And Dark Eye Stripe
Behavior	Powerful Diver That Plunges Feet First Into Water To Catch Fish And Builds Large Stick Nests
Diet	Feeds Almost Exclusively On Fish

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 As A Classic Big Birds In Ohio That Dominates The Skies. 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 And A Reminder Of The Power And Grace Of This Majestic Big Birds In Ohio.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Throughout North America From Alaska And Canada To Central America In Open Fields And Forests
Key Fact	One Of The Most Common And Recognizable Hawks Known For Its Brick Red Tail
Plumage	Brown Upperparts With Pale Underside And Distinct Reddish Tail In Adults
Behavior	Often Seen Soaring In Wide Circles Or Perched Along Roadsides Searching For Prey
Diet	Feeds On Small Mammals Birds Reptiles And Occasionally Carrion

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 Of The Forest And Marks It As A Distinctive Big Birds In Ohio That Thrives In Shaded Woodlands.

Sometimes Mistaken For The Red Tail This Hawk Is Smaller And More Secretive. It Often Nests High In Mature Trees Showing Strong Territorial Behavior. Birders Who Hear Its Clear Whistle Know A True Forest Hunter Is Nearby And Are Often Thrilled To Catch A Glimpse Of This Elusive Big Birds In Ohio.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found In Eastern North America And Along The Coast Of California In Wooded Habitats Near Water
Key Fact	Recognized By Its Reddish Shoulders And Loud Distinctive Kee Ah Call
Plumage	Reddish Brown Chest With Black And White Checkered Wings And Banded Tail
Behavior	Agile Forest Hunter Often Seen Perched On Branches Waiting To Ambush Prey
Diet	Feeds On Small Mammals Frogs Snakes And Large Insects

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 Making Them A Striking Big Birds In Ohio During The Cold Season.

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 And Reminds Observers How Even Winter Brings Its Own Majestic Big Birds In Ohio.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found In The Arctic Regions Of North America And Eurasia Migrating South During Winter
Key Fact	Named For The Feathers That Extend Down Its Legs Helping It Stay Warm In Cold Climates
Plumage	Brown And White Body With Dark Belly Patch And Broad Dark Bands On The Tail
Behavior	Soars Gracefully Over Open Fields Hovering While Hunting For Small Mammals
Diet	Feeds Mainly On Lemmings Voles And Small Rodents

Swainson’s Hawk

The Swainsons 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 And Mark It As A Graceful Big Birds In Ohio When Seen Passing Through.

When Spotted In Ohio It’s Usually During Migration On Its Way To South America. Birders Lucky Enough To See One Know They Have Witnessed A Truly Special Visitor And An Uncommon Big Birds In Ohio Far From Its Usual Range.

Fact	Detail
Range	Breeds In Western North America And Migrates To Argentina For Winter Covering Thousands Of Miles
Key Fact	Long Distance Migrant Often Seen In Large Flocks During Migration Known As Kettles
Plumage	Brown Upperparts With White Underparts And Distinct Dark Chest Band
Behavior	Soars Gracefully Over Open Fields And Grasslands Searching For Prey
Diet	Feeds On Small Mammals Birds And Large Insects Especially Grasshoppers During Migration

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 Species And A Truly Majestic Big Birds In Ohio. Their Bugling Calls Can Carry For Miles Often Heard Long 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 The State Especially In Restored Marsh Habitats. Watching Their Graceful Courtship Dances Is A Highlight For Birdwatchers And A Reminder Of How The Big Birds In Ohio Brings Life And Beauty To The Wetlands.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Across North America Siberia And Northeastern Asia Migrating Between Breeding And Wintering Grounds
Key Fact	Tall Elegant Bird Known For Its Trumpeting Call And Graceful Courtship Dances
Plumage	Gray Body With Red Crown And White Cheeks Often Stained Reddish Brown From Mud
Behavior	Social And Vocal Often Seen In Large Flocks During Migration Or Feeding In Fields
Diet	Feeds On Grains Insects Small Animals And Aquatic Plants

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 Making Them One Of The Most Mesmerizing Big Birds In Ohio. 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 Birders As Their Unpredictable Arrivals Make Them A Truly Remarkable Big Birds In Ohio Worth Waiting For.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found In The Arctic Regions Of North America Europe And Asia Occasionally Migrating South In Winter
Key Fact	Large White Owl Known For Its Striking Plumage And Adaptation To Life On The Tundra
Plumage	Pure White With Dark Bars And Spots More Prominent In Females
Behavior	Active During The Day Unlike Most Owls Often Seen Perched On The Ground Or Snowbanks
Diet	Feeds Mainly On Lemmings Small Rodents Birds And Occasionally Fish

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 Have Been Successfully Reintroduced Through Conservation Efforts Making Them One Of The Most Inspiring Big Birds In Ohio. Their Deep Trumpet Like Calls Set Them Apart From Other Waterfowl.

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 Gracefully Gliding Across The Water Is A Powerful Sight And A Proud Symbol Of Recovery Among Big Birds In Ohio.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found In North America From Alaska And Canada To The Northern United States
Key Fact	Largest Native North American Waterfowl With A Wingspan Of Up To Eight Feet
Plumage	Pure White Body With Long Neck And Black Bill Legs And Feet
Behavior	Graceful Swimmer And Strong Flyer Often Seen In Pairs Or Small Family Groups
Diet	Feeds On Aquatic Plants Roots And Grasses

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 Making Them A Majestic Big Birds In Ohio To Observe. 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 The State Reintroduction Programs Brought Them Back Successfully. Today They’re A Common And Impressive Sight Across The Countryside Standing Proud As Another Remarkable Big Birds In Ohio.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found Throughout North America In Forests Grasslands And Farmlands
Key Fact	Large Ground Dwelling Bird Known For Its Fan Shaped Tail And Iridescent Plumage
Plumage	Bronze Green And Copper Feathers With Bare Red Blue And White Head
Behavior	Social Birds That Roost In Trees And Communicate With A Variety Of Calls Including The Gobble
Diet	Feeds On Seeds Berries Insects And Small Reptiles

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 It’s A Truly Majestic Big Birds In Ohio To Witness. A Few Individuals Sometimes Migrate Through The State Especially Near Wetlands Where Their Graceful Flight Captures Immediate Attention.

Their Haunting Bugle Calls And Towering Presence Make Them Unforgettable. Thanks To Conservation And Reintroduction Programs Populations Are Slowly Recovering. Spotting A Whooping Crane In Ohio Is A Once In A Lifetime Experience For Dedicated Birdwatchers And A Testament To The Fragile Beauty Of Each Big Birds In Ohio That Graces The Skies.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found In North America Breeding In Canada And Wintering Along The Gulf Coast Of Texas
Key Fact	Tallest North American Bird And One Of The Rarest With A Remarkable Conservation Success Story
Plumage	Pure White Body With Black Wingtips And Red Crown
Behavior	Graceful Wader Known For Loud Trumpeting Calls And Elaborate Courtship Dances
Diet	Feeds On Crustaceans Fish Insects And Aquatic Plants

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 United States But Rare Visitors Sometimes Reach Ohio Wetlands Making It An Exciting Big Birds In Ohio To Observe. 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 Gracefully Moving Through Marshes Is An Unexpected And Thrilling Encounter With A Truly Remarkable Big Birds In Ohio.

Fact	Detail
Range	Found In The Southeastern United States Central America And South America In Wetlands And Swamps
Key Fact	Only Stork Species That Breeds In North America Recognized By Its Bald Head And Long Bill
Plumage	White Body With Black Flight Feathers And Bare Dark Gray Head And Neck
Behavior	Feeds By Wading Slowly Through Shallow Water And Snapping Bill Shut When It Touches Prey
Diet	Feeds On Fish Frogs Insects And Crustaceans

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.

Further Reading

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