Common Backyard Birds of the Ohio Valley Region
Introduction
Backyards in the Ohio Valley region are often filled with the cheerful songs and lively antics of many different bird species. Some of the most common birds you’re likely to see or hear in your backyard include blackbirds, ducks, geese, finches, gulls, owls, raptors, sparrows, warblers, woodpeckers, and wrens.
Blackbirds
Blackbirds are a diverse group of birds that are widespread throughout the Ohio Valley region. They are typically medium-sized birds with dark plumage, although some species, like the Baltimore oriole, have brightly colored markings. Common blackbird species in the region include the red-winged blackbird, European starling, common grackle, brown-headed cowbird, and eastern meadowlark.
Ducks and Geese
If you live near a body of water such as a lake, pond, or creek, you’re likely to encounter ducks and geese. These web-footed birds are well-adapted for swimming and often cross lawns in search of food. The most common duck species in the Ohio Valley region is the mallard duck, while the Canada goose is the most common goose species.
Finches
Finches are small, colorful songbirds with short, conical beaks. The males of many finch species have brightly colored plumage, while the females are typically more drab. The American Goldfinch is one of the most easily identifiable finches in the Midwest, thanks to its brilliant yellow plumage. Other common finch species in the Ohio Valley region include the House Finch and Purple Finch.
Gulls
Despite being miles away from the nearest ocean, Midwesterners often see flocks of ring-billed seagulls in parking lots. These scavengers are attracted to the trash that shoppers leave behind. If you live near one of the Great Lakes, you might also catch sight of an American herring gull.
Owls
Owls are nocturnal raptors that are more likely to be heard than seen during the day. They have large eyes, sharp talons, and excellent hearing, which they use to hunt small animals. Common owl species in the Ohio Valley region include barn owls, great horned owls, and screech owls.
Raptors
Raptors are predatory birds with keen eyesight and sharp talons for hunting. They soar overhead on warm, sunny afternoons, searching for prey. Popular raptor species in the Midwest include red-tailed hawks, Cooper’s hawks, and turkey vultures.
Sparrows
Song sparrows top the list of small birds native to Ohio Valley regions. Like most sparrow species, these vibrant singers have variations of brown, cream, and light gray plumage. Other sparrow species you will likely spot hopping around the garden include the white-throated sparrow and the American tree sparrow. Although quite common, the house sparrow is a non-native species.
Warblers
Warblers are primarily migratory songbirds that call the Central states home during the summer. They are small, colorful birds with distinctive songs. The American yellow warbler is a common sight throughout the region, with its chestnut-streaked, lemon-yellow plumage. Other popular warbler species include the blackburnian warbler, cerulean warbler, and the magnolia warbler.
Woodpeckers
The distinctive tap-tap-tap of woodpeckers creates the perfect background rhythm for gardening. These insect-seeking birds have strong beaks and sharp claws that they use to drill into trees in search of food. Common woodpecker species in the Midwest include the downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, and red-bellied woodpecker.
Wrens
Most gardeners welcome these insect-seeking birds in Ohio Valley backyards. Wrens search for food at ground-level and often consume common garden pests such as flies, moths, caterpillars, grasshoppers, mosquitoes, and snails. The Carolina wren is among the most popular species in the Midwest, but spotting this reddish-brown bird may be difficult as they are notoriously shy.
Tips for Attracting Birds to Your Backyard
There are several things you can do to attract birds to your backyard and make it a haven for these feathered friends:
- Provide a variety of food sources, such as bird feeders, suet, and fruit trees.
- Offer water in a birdbath or shallow dish.
- Create nesting sites by planting dense shrubs and trees.
- Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, which can harm birds.
- Keep your yard clean and free of debris.
By following these tips, you can create a backyard that is not only beautiful but also teeming with life.