Birds Native to Southern Ohio

Birds of Prey

• There are three species groups of native Ohio raptors. A good place to see these birds is the 10,000 acre nature preserve called The Wilds in Muskingum County. Hawks, eagles and owls all inhabit the grasslands and forests of the state. There are three golden eagles now residing in The Wilds. A more common species is the northern harrier hawk which boasts a 42-inch wingspan. Seven species of owl are native to Ohio and while their numbers are increasing they are more common in the northern areas of the state. The majestic bald eagle often makes an appearance in the Ohio River Valley.

Grassland Birds

• The northern bobwhite is a native grassland species found in southern Ohio. Though the bobwhite's numbers have decreased significantly, they are still found in thickets, pastures and grasslands. The wild turkey is another native Ohio bird that actually disappeared from the state in 1904. Since then, this species has been reestablished in the south. These game animals are often found near the borders of forests and grasslands. One native grassland bird is the killdeer, recognizable by its signature song.

Cerulean warbler

• This famous redheaded bird is native to eastern U.S. temperate deciduous forests like those found in southern Ohio. The Fort Hill Memorial in southern Ohio provides an excellent habitat for the cerulean warbler to nest. The oak trees in particular are a favorite home for this species. Despite the fact that it calls Ohio home, these birds are rapidly declining in numbers. The Kentucky warbler, hooded warbler and worm-eating warbler are related species of birds in the area.

Forest Birds

• The thick, old-growth deciduous forests of southern Ohio provide an excellent home for native birds. The ruffed grouse is a bird that has called this area home since the last ice age. It once inhabited 95 percent of Ohio. These important birds had disappeared from much of the state by 1908. Today, their numbers are fluctuating. The red-bellied woodpecker is another forest dweller recognized both by its red head and the familiar sound.