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    COMM0N BIRDS OF OHIO c d g u i d e b o o k DIVISION OF WILDLIFE

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    This CD contains 103 of Ohios most common breeding birds that are found primarily in upland habitats. Most

    of these sounds were recorded in Ohio, and each species includes songs and calls that are most typically heard.Habitat can be a clue to a birds identity, and many birders also use mnemonics memory devices to help learnand remember songs. Refer to the text in the booklet that accompanies this CD for helpful information regardinghabitats and tips that might aid in learning these sounds.

    Knowing the sounds of our birds is important to becoming a better birder, as many birds are quite secretive andhard to see, but their calls are easily heard. The birder with knowledge of songs and calls will nd more birds,including many that would otherwise go undetected. In some cases the best way to conrm identication is

    by the song or call. Finally, learning the sounds of Ohios songsters can greatly increase ones enjoyment of thenatural world.

    Abbreviations used under Best Spots

    MP = Metropark (county)NP = National ParkNWR = National Wildlife Refuge

    SF = State ForestSNP = State Nature PreserveSP = State ParkTNC = The Nature ConservancyWA = Wildlife Area

    Borror/ODOW Bird SongsIntroduction

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    6Ring-necked Pheasant

    6Ruffed Grouse

    7Wild Turkey

    7Northern Bobwhite

    8Red-tailed Hawk

    8American Kestrel

    9Killdeer

    9Mourning Dove

    10Black-billed Cuckoo

    10Yellow-billed Cuckoo

    11Eastern Screech-Owl

    11Great Horned Owl1Barred Owl

    1Common Nighthawk

    1Whip-poor-will

    1Chimney Swift

    14Ruby-throated Hummingbird

    14Red-headed Woodpecker

    15Red-bellied Woodpecker

    15Downy Woodpecker

    16Hairy Woodpecker16Northern Flicker

    17Pileated Woodpecker

    17Eastern Wood-Pewee

    18Acadian Flycatcher

    18Willow Flycatcher

    19Eastern Phoebe

    19Great Crested Flycatcher

    0Eastern Kingbird

    0White-eyed Vireo

    1Yellow-throated Vireo

    1Blue-headed Vireo

    Red-eyed Vireo

    Warbling Vireo

    Blue Jay

    American Crow

    4Horned Lark

    4Purple Martin5Barn Swallow

    5Black-capped Chickadee

    6Carolina Chickadee

    6Tufted Titmouse

    7White-breasted Nuthatch

    7House Wren

    8Carolina Wren

    8Sedge Wren

    9Marsh Wren9Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

    0Eastern Bluebird

    0Veery

    1Hermit Thrush

    1Wood Thrush

    American Robin

    Gray Catbird

    Northern Mockingbird

    Brown Thrasher

    4Cedar Waxwing

    4Blue-winged Warbler

    5Northern Parula

    5Yellow Warbler

    6Chestnut-sided Warbler

    6Black-throated Green Warbler

    7Yellow-throated Warbler

    7Pine Warbler8Prairie Warbler

    8Cerulean Warbler

    9Black-and-white Warbler

    9American Redstart

    40Prothonotary Warbler

    40Worm-eating Warbler

    41Ovenbird

    41Louisiana Waterthrush

    4Kentucky Warbler4Common Yellowthroat

    4Hooded Warbler

    4Yellow-breasted Chat

    44Summer Tanager

    44Scarlet Tanager

    45Eastern Towhee

    45Chipping Sparrow

    46Field Sparrow

    46Vesper Sparrow

    47Savannah Sparrow

    47Grasshopper Sparrow

    48Henslows Sparrow

    48Song Sparrow

    49Swamp Sparrow

    49Dark-eyed Junco

    50Northern Cardinal

    50Rose-breasted Grosbeak51Blue Grosbeak

    51Indigo Bunting

    5Dickcissel

    5Bobolink

    5Red-winged Blackbird

    5Eastern Meadowlark

    54Common Grackle

    54Brown-headed Cowbird

    55Orchard Oriole55Baltimore Oriole

    56Purple Finch

    56House Finch

    57American Goldnch

    Borror/ODOW Bird SongsTable of Contents

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    Lake La Su An Wildlife Area

    Goll Woods State Nature Preserve

    Maumee State Forest

    Oak Openings Metropark

    Maumee Bay State Park

    Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

    Magee Marsh Wildlife Area

    Resthaven Wildlife Area

    Mentor Headlands State Nature Preserve

    Cuyahoga Valley National Park

    Holden Arboretum

    Grand River Wildlife Area

    Quail Hollow State Park

    Tinkers Creek State Park

    Mohican State Forest

    Beaver Creek State Park

    Woodbury Wildlife Area

    Egypt Valley Wildlife Area

    The Wilds

    Tri-Valley Wildlife Area

    Hocking SF/SP (Conkles Hollow SNP)

    Clear Creek Metropark

    Waterloo Wildlife Area

    Tar Hollow State Forest

    Zaleski State Forest/Lake Hope State Park

    Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve

    Crown City Wildlife Area

    Shawnee State Forest

    Edge of Appalachia, The Nature Conservancy

    Tranquility Wildlife Area

    Indian Creek Wildlife Area

    Miami-Whitewater Metropark

    Hueston Woods State Park

    Paint Creek Wildlife Area

    Spring Valley Wildlife Area

    Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area

    Findley State Park

    Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area

    Killbuck Wildlife Area

    Big Island Wildlife Area

    Alum Creek State Park

    Blendon Woods Metropark

    Hoover Reservoir

    Green Lawn Cemetery

    Deer Creek Wildlife Area

    Davey Woods State Nature Preserve

    Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve

    Mercer Wildlife Area

    Borror/ODOW Bird SongsHot Spots Locations

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    5

    Under each species accountin this booklet is a section

    titled Best Spots.The general location of

    these sites is shown on theaccompanying map. Please

    see the listing of contactinformation for the variousagencies and organizationsin the back of the booklet to

    learn more about them.

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    TRACK #

    This spectacular Eurasian species wasintroduced into Ohio in 1896, and is verypopular with sportsmen. Look for themin open countryside that has a mosaic ofbrushy elds, open meadows, cornelds,and overgrown fence rows. The male makesa loud, unmistakable crowing unlikely to beconfused with any other bird.

    TRACK #

    These partridge-like birds are forestinhabitants, often congregating where brushpiles or downed trees litter the understory.Grouse occur in greatest numbers in young,

    regenerating forests; especially those lessthan twenty years old. The drumming of themales which sounds a bit like an old lawnmower being started is made by the birdquickly rotating its wings, creating a vacuumthat produces a loud booming sound.

    Range:Statewide, with locally abundant

    populations in northwest and central Ohio.

    HabitatOpen country with a mosaic of

    grasslands, overgrown fence rows,and rowcrop agiculture

    Best Spots:Deer Creek WA,Big Island WA,

    Lake La Su An WA.

    Ring-necked PheasantPhasianus colchicus

    Ruffed GrouseBonasa umbellusRange:

    Southern and eastern Ohio, from AdamsCounty north to Ashtabula County.

    Habitat:

    Forests, particularly in young, scruffyclearcuts and brushy thickets.

    Best Spots:

    Most state forests, such asShawnee, Tar Hollow, and Zaleski;

    Waterloo WA.

    6

    Photoby:ODNRDivisionofWildlife/TimDaniel

    Photoby:ODNRDivision

    ofWildlife/TimDaniel

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    TRACK #4

    A true conservation success story, Wildturkeys had disappeared from Ohio by1904. Reintroductions began in 1956, and

    today they are again common throughoutmuch of the state. The gobbling of males isunmistakable, but birds also make a varietyof clucks and other sounds. Watch for turkeysin elds along woods, especially early in themorning.

    TRACK #5

    Once a common bird throughout Ohio,bobwhites have declined signicantly andare mostly found in limited areas in thesouthern fourth of the state. The males

    characteristic song, a cheery, whistled Bob-white! often delivered from high in a tree is a perfect example of onomatopoeia, or aword that is closely imitative of a sound.

    Range:

    Throughout Ohio, but most common in theunglaciated areas of the south and east.

    Habitat:A wide variety of deciduous forest; turkeys often

    forage in elds near woodland borders.

    Best Spots:

    Throughout the Hocking Hills,The Wilds, Lake Katharine SNP.

    Range:

    Distributed primarily in thesouthern fourth of Ohio.

    Habitat:

    Open country interspersed with brushy thickets,scattered trees, grasslands,

    reverting elds, and pastures.

    Best Spots:

    Crown City, Tranquility and Woodbury wildlifeareas are excellent places to look for

    Northern bobwhites.

    Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo

    Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus7Photoby:ODNRDivisionofWildlife/TimDaniel

    Photoby:ODNRDivision

    ofWildlife/TimDaniel

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    TRACK #6

    This is probably the most common of Ohioshawks, and certainly the most conspicuous.Red-tailed hawks are commonly seen

    perched along freeways and roads, wheretheir white underparts cause them to standout. Red-tails have adapted well to urbansituations, and are often seen in cities andtowns. Their typical call is a loud descendingscream, which is sometimes mimicked byblue jays.

    TRACK #7

    Formerly known as the sparrow hawk,the American kestrel is the smallest NorthAmerican falcon. They are very adaptableand occur throughout Ohio, and are often

    seen perched on roadside wires. Kestrelsfrequently wind hover, uttering in onespot high in the air when prey is sightedbelow. They also nest in cavities, and can beenticed to use appropriate nest boxes. Theircall is a loud, penetrating killy killy killy.

    Range:

    Common throughoutthe state.

    Habitat:All types of open landscapes, woodlots, urban

    parks, and open forests.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found almost anywhere. Killdeer PlainsWA is particularly good, and large migrations

    can occur along Lake Erie in March.

    Range:

    Common throughout the state.

    Habitat:A wide variety of open landscapes, urban parks,

    meadows; often seen hunting along the

    margins of roadways.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found throughout the state; they are asure thing along International Road through

    The Wilds, where nest boxes have been placed;Mercer WA

    American Kestrel Falco sparverius

    Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis

    8

    Photoby:ODNRDivisionofWildlife/TimDaniel

    Photoby:ODNRDivision

    ofWildlife/TimDaniel

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    TRACK #8

    The scientic name of this plover includesvociferus, and with good reason killdeer arevery vocal, and their loud calls carry long

    distances. If approached, they usually soundthe alarm, and their typical call is similar totheir name, a clear, ringing Kill-deer, Kill-deer.Killdeer breed commonly statewide, andtheir nest scrapes are often made in graveldrives and parking lots.

    TRACK #9

    Widespread and abundant, the mourningdove is the most commonly taken gamebird in North America by hunters. Becauseof their generalized habitat and highreproductive rate, mourning doves are oneof the most abundant birds in Ohio, andnationwide only the red-winged blackbirdis thought to be more common. They arenamed for their plaintive, mournful oh-woo-woo-woo call a very common sound in bothrural and urban settings.

    Range:

    Common throughout the state.

    Habitat:

    All types of open areas, but killdeer areespecially attracted to mudats, large open

    grassy elds, and muddy pastures.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found statewide, except in winter,although some hardy birds will overwinter.

    Commonly heard calling while yingoverhead at night in migration.

    Killdeer Charadrius vociferus

    Range:Abundant throughout Ohio.

    Habitat:Very adaptable and occupies a wide range ofhabitats, and is frequent at backyard feeders.

    Peak numbers occur in open countrysideinterspersed with rowcrop agriculture,

    pastures, and open woods.

    Best Spots:Easily found statewide; large fall concentrations

    occur at Deer Creek, Killdeer Plains,and Paint Creek wildlife areas.

    Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura9

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

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    TRACK #10a

    Of our two cuckoos, this species is lesscommon and often avoids detection. Black-billed cuckoos also frequently call at night,

    and they may be partly nocturnal in theirhabits. An interesting and little-known facetof cuckoo behavior involves nest parasitism;they sometimes lay their eggs in other birdsnests, and the unwitting host raises the youngcuckoos.

    TRACK #10b

    Often referred to as rain crows by old-timers, it was thought that yellow-billedcuckoos would deliver their peculiarvocalizations soon before a storm. While

    there is no scientic validity to this claim, thecuckoo does have a very distinctive call thatcarries great distances. Like many birds, theyare more easily heard than seen, so knowingthis call makes nding a yellow-billed cuckooto observe a much easier task.

    Range:Found statewide in migration, but primarily

    restricted to the northern third of Ohio asa breeder, although scattered birds

    breed further south.

    Habitat:A woodland species, but favors younger

    forests and dense, scruffy thickets.

    Best Spots:Cuyahoga Valley NP,

    Resthaven WA,Mohican SF.

    Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus

    Range:

    Fairly common to commonacross the state.

    Habitat:

    All manner of woodlots, but especially in scruffy

    thickets, reverting clearcuts, orchards, and blacklocust groves in reclaimed strip mines.

    Best Spots:

    Fairly easily found statewide; Crown City,Spring Valley, and Woodbury wildlife areas;

    Maumee SF; Quail Hollow SP.

    Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus10

    Photoby:GaryMeszaros

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

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    TRACK #11

    This is the most common owl in Ohio, andis far more frequent than most people wouldsuspect. Eastern screech-owls even occur

    in treed neighborhoods and other urbansettings. Their rich, eerily quavering whistleis easily imitated, and these inquisitive littleowls often quickly y in to investigate acall. Eastern screech-owls occur in two colorphases, red and gray, and very rarely anintermediate brown phase.

    TRACK #1The largest of our owls, great horned owlsare surprisingly versatile in their haunts,and can often be found in big city parks andcemeteries. They will call throughout the year,but vocalizing steps up in early winter, and

    the birds will often be sitting on eggs by latewinter. Great horned owls deliver a classicowl-like call a deep hoo-hoo-hoooo, with eachphrase given four to six times. The male andfemale often call back and forth across greatdistances, and the sexes can be identied bycall the male gives a higher pitched hoot.

    Range:Common in appropriate habitats statewide.

    Habitat:

    All manner of wooded habitats, even suburbanparks and neighborhoods, but they are at theirpeak in open woods and brushy areas near streams.

    Eastern screech-owls require cavities for nesting,and will nest in appropriate nest boxes.

    Best Spots:Often found along the Magee Marsh WA bird

    trail; easily found statewide in suitable habitat byventuring out at night and imitating their calls.

    Eastern Screech-Owl Megascops asio

    Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus11Range:

    Common throughout the state.

    Habitat:Will use urban parks and treed neighborhoods, but

    typical habitat is open countryside interspersed withwoodlots, elds, and meadows.

    Best Spots:At dusk, watch for owls perched on utility line towersand poles, and in late winter and early spring, they are

    often spotted sitting on old hawks nests in trees, asgreat horned owls often take them over for nest sites.

    Venturing into good habitat, such as Killdeer Plains WA,at night will often result in nding singing owls.

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:ODNRDivision

    ofWildlife/TimDaniel

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    TRACK #1Birders love to use mnemonics memorydevices to remember bird calls, and thebarred owl call is a good example of an easy

    mnemonic. Their typical call sounds just likeWho cooks for you, who cooks for you, all! Barredowls are more habitat-specic than greathorned and Eastern screech-owls, preferringheavily wooded ravines and wet woods.They are easily attracted to imitations of theircalls, even crude ones, and will y right in toinvestigate the fraudulent perpetrator.

    TRACK #14Sometimes called bullbats due to their erraticight style, reminiscent of bats, commonnighthawks course about high above the groundcatching insects on the wing. While doing so,they frequently give their song, a nasal peentwhich sounds somewhat like the call of theAmerican woodcock. Nighthawks nest primarilyon gravel rooftops, placing the eggs directly onthe rocks. Modernization of roofs has decreasedthe availability of suitable nest sites, and commonnighthawks seem to be declining.

    Barred Owl Strix varia

    Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor1

    Range:

    Fairly common throughoutthe state, more so in eastern Ohio.

    Habitat:Heavily wooded ravines and hollows,

    swampy woods. Sometimes occurs in woodedneighborhoods if ravines are present, such as in

    Columbus Clintonville area.

    Best Spots:

    Ravines around the northern end of Alum CreekSP, Shawnee SF, Beaver Creek SP.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:Nests primarily on gravel rooftops, thus cities

    and towns are the best place to observe commonnighthawks. They are most conspicuous at dusk as

    they y high overhead, and males can be seen makingfast, steep dives as part of their courtship display,

    during which they produce a loudbooming sound with their wings.

    Best Spots:

    Cities and towns; sometimes spectacular ights areobserved during fall migration in late

    August/early September.

    Photoby:ODNRDivisionofWil

    dlife/TimDaniel

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

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    TRACK #15

    Few birds sing as incessantly as these odd nocturnalnightjars. A whip-poor-will at fever pitch mightproduce 59 songs a minute, and they have been

    known to sing a thousand renditions non-stop.Their loud song carries long distances, and issimple to learn; they say their name. While strictlynocturnal and hard to observe, every now andthen, particularly in migration, one comes acrossa whip perched perpendicularly on a branch,looking much like a piece of wood themselves.

    TRACK #16

    The ying cigar as these extraordinary aerialistsare sometimes called, doesnt sing and has a limitedrepertoire. Rather, they give a fairly steady stream ofrapid, staccato chips while in ight chitter-chitter-

    chitter occasionally interspersed with quick seriesof chip notes. Chimney swifts spend the vast majorityof time on the wing, and form large roosting coloniesin favored chimneys. These roosts sometimes attractspectators who gather to watch the vortex of birdsswirl into the chimney at dusk.

    Range:Declining; now found mostly in southern

    and eastern Ohio, with a signicantpopulation in the Oak Openings near

    Toledo.

    Habitat:Open deciduous woods, occasionally

    utilizes pine plantations, forages on thewing over open elds and brushy areas.

    Best Spots:Oak Openings MP, Zaleski SF,

    Indian Creek WA.

    Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus vociferus

    Range:Common statewide.

    Habitat:Feeds exclusively in ight, capturing

    insects. Skies over cities and towns are

    best, but in migration, on cold days,swifts are often seen hawking

    insects low over water.

    Best Spots:Over urban areas; favored

    roosting sites in larger citiessometimes draw crowds.

    Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica1

    Photoby:GaryMeszaros

    Photoby:CornellLab

    oratoryofOrnithology

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    TRACK #17

    Becoming familiar with the high-pitchedsqueaky vocalizations of these tiny birdsallows for detection of many more than would

    otherwise be noticed. They often ash by soquickly that all that is heard are the calls, andthe characteristic buzzing sound created bytheir wings. Ruby-throated hummingbirds canproduce up to 80 wing beats per second whenat full tilt! They are easily lured to gardens andyards by placing hummingbird feeders andplanting favored owers, such as Salvia.

    TRACK #18

    An extraordinary looking bird, the adultred-headed woodpecker is what inspiredlegendary ornithologist AlexanderWilson to take up the study of birds. Thiswoodpecker favors open woodlands andsavannas, especially those that have plentyof oaks, as they are fond of acorns. Typicalcalls are loud, rough kweeror kwrrrnotes,but they give a variety of chattering calls,especially when in family units, whichremain together into winter.

    Range:Common statewide.

    Habitat:

    Very versatile; everywhere from matureforests to gardens in yards. They are especiallyattracted to sites with numerous owering

    plants, which are mined for nectar.

    Best Spots:Often, your backyard. Placing suitable feeders

    frequently lures these sprites, even in veryurban settings. Some lucky people have had

    over 100 birds using their feeders, at one time!

    Ruby-throated HummingbirdArchilochus colubris

    Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus14Range:

    Somewhat scattered and local, and primarily inglaciated northern and western Ohio. Can be

    surprisingly common in larger woodlots in the westernpart of the state.

    Habitat:As red-headed woodpeckers eat plenty of mast inwinter, they prefer open woods with oaks and hickories.

    Best Spots:Killdeer Plains WA, watch for them on the roadside

    telephone poles; Goll Woods SNP; Killbuck and FunkBottoms wildlife areas; Lawrence Woods SNP.

    Photoby:CornellLaborato

    ryofOrnithology

    Photoby:RobertRoy

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    TRACK #19

    This big, extroverted and conspicuouswoodpecker is easily lured to backyardfeeders, and its loud rolling churr calls are

    heard throughout Ohio woodlands. Thecommon name is not very appropriate; thefaint blush of reddish pigment on the breast isbarely visible. After the downy woodpeckerand possibly the Northern icker, this is themost common Ohio woodpecker.

    TRACK #0a

    The most common Ohio woodpecker and alsothe smallest, the downy woodpecker is foundin all manner of habitats, and is a frequentvisitor to yards and feeders. They sound and

    look similar to the larger hairy woodpecker,but the downys calls are easily separated withpractice. All woodpeckers drum, too thedistinctive rapid beats produced by poundingon wood but the various species cant bereliably told apart by drumming.

    Range:Common statewide.

    Habitat:

    A forest dweller, but will occupy fairlysmall woodlots, and makes forays into opencountryside. Common in urban areas with large

    trees; frequent feeder visitor.

    Best Spots:Easily found in woods statewide; county parks,such as Blendon Woods MP in Columbus, thathave feeders are good places to observe red-

    bellied woodpeckers.

    Red-bellied WoodpeckerMelanerpes carolinus

    Range:

    Very common statewide.

    Habitat:

    The most versatile of our woodpeckers,found in all manner of wooded areas. Often

    ventures into elds, where they bore intogoldenrod galls.

    Best Spots:

    Just about anywhere; easily lured tobackyard feeders.

    Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens15

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby;ODNRDivision

    ofWildlife/TimDaniel

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    TRACK #0b

    Resembling a jumbo downy woodpecker,the hairy is best told by its larger size,proportionately much bigger bill, and

    unspotted outer tail feathers. Hairywoodpeckers are not nearly so frequent,and are outnumbered by downys by tento one. The hairy has a much louder, moreexplosive call, and frequently gives a drawnout rattling call somewhat reminiscent of abelted kingsher.

    TRACK #1

    The highly migratory Northern icker is foundin Ohio year-round, but numbers swell duringspring and fall migration. They are oftenobserved on the ground, as ants are a huge

    part of their diet. Flickers give a wide varietyof calls, but the typical song is a loud, laugh-like wicka-wicka-wicka. Males are also prone toloud drumming as part of their courtship, andsometimes use metal downspouts of homes tocreate a barrage of sound.

    Range:

    Fairly common to common in appropriatehabitat statewide.

    Habitat:This species is much less tolerant of forestfragmentation than the downy woodpecker, andis generally conned to larger, older woodlands.

    Best Spots:

    Any of Ohios twenty state forests;Hueston Woods SP,

    Cuyahoga Valley NP,Davey Woods SNP.

    Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus

    Range:

    Statewide; more common in migration,particularly in spring.

    Habitat:

    Prefers open country and scattered woodlots

    more than our other woodpeckers; often seen onthe ground hunting ants.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found in most areas of Ohio; bigmigrations can be observed in the vicinity of

    Magee Marsh WA in April and May.

    Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus16

    Photoby:GaryMeszaros

    Photoby:GaryMeszaros

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    TRACK #

    By far our largest woodpecker, this crow-sized birdis surprisingly secretive. A dweller of larger forestsand woodlots, most pileated woodpeckers will be

    detected by their very loud, maniacal-soundingcalls, which carry long distances. The presence ofthese massive woodpeckers is often obvious bytheir drillings; cavities are large and oval in shape,and in areas where they have bored into trees forfood, the residual wood chips are much larger thanwould be left by other woodpeckers.

    TRACK #

    An abundant but non-descript ycatcher,pewees are found in most woodlands andwill even occupy wooded parks and rivercorridors in urban areas. This birds song,

    like the bobwhite quail, is another example ofonomatopoeia, a word whose pronunciationis imitative of a sound. Eastern wood-peweessay their name,pee-ah-wee, so identifying thisspecies is much easier by song than by sight.

    Range:Slowly expanding northward; found

    statewide but least common in westernand northwestern Ohio.

    Habitat:A denizen of large, mature forests; a pair

    needs about 100 acres of woodsfor their territory.

    Best Spots:Large forests of unglaciated Ohio; scatteredelsewhere. Any of the 20 state forests, Lake

    Katharine SNP; Cuyahoga Valley NP.

    Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus

    Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virensRange:

    Common statewide, whereversuitable habitat occurs.

    Habitat:All types of woodlands, but prefers some

    larger trees and a somewhat open understory.Sometimes even occupies urban parks iftree cover is adequate.

    Best Spots:Any good-sized woodlot , such as Lawrence

    Woods SNP, or forest statewideshould harbor pewees.

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    Photoby:ODNRDivisionofWildlife/TimDaniel

    Photoby:RobertRoy

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    TRACK #4

    This small, greenish ycatcher occupiesstreamside woodlands almost exclusively,and as is sometimes the case with birds,

    habitat preference can be a clue used inidentication. While Acadian ycatchersgreatly resemble several other species ofycatchers, their song is very distinctive andeasily clinches the identication. Acadiansdeliver a loud, explosive Peet-sa!, sometimesdescribed as pizza!

    TRACK #5

    This species is a perfect example of howhelpful recognition of songs can be as anidentication aid. Willow ycatchers arepart of a group of ve small Ohio ycatchers

    that all look very similar, but have quitedifferent vocalizations. Willows, which occurin overgrown shrubby areas and willowthickets, deliver a loud, somewhat nasalftz-bew! Its song and habitat are similar only tothe much scarcer alder ycatcher.

    Range:

    Common statewide in areas of suitable habitat.

    Habitat:

    Occurs in greatest numbers in mature riparianwoodlands, but will use swampy woods andsometimes other types of mature forest.

    Best Spots:

    Mohican SF, Clear Creek MP,Goll Woods and Davey Woods

    state nature preserves,Grand River WA.

    Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens

    Range:Fairly common to common statewide.

    Habitat:All types of shrublands, even in fairly dryelds, but prefers moist areas dominated

    by willow thickets.

    Best Spots:Moist successional habitats in reclaimed strip

    mines, such as Crown City and Woodburywildlife areas; Ottawa NWR,

    Lake La Su An WA,Tinkers Creek SP.

    Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii18

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    TRACK #6

    One of the easiest of all songs to learn, phoebessay their name, a robust, emphatic Fee-bee! Thisis also our hardiest ycatcher, arriving very

    early in spring, and a few will even overwinterin mild years. Eastern phoebes are intimatelyassociated with people and their structures,as they build their nests under bridges, onbuilding ledges, and in culverts. Some birdscan still be found nesting on cliff faces in theHocking Hills region.

    TRACK #7

    This is our largest ycatcher, and the onlyone that nests in cavities. Great crestedycatchers are fairly common where suitablehabitat occurs, but usually lurk high in the

    tree canopy, and are easily missed. Until theycall, that is; their typical call is a very loud,whistled wheeep and a raucous rattling callthat carries a considerable distance. Theseinteresting birds can sometimes be enticed touse appropriate nest boxes.

    Range:

    Statewide, but least common in heavilyagricultural western Ohio.

    Habitat:Open woodlands, clearings, forest edges;most often found near water.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found in Hocking Hills SP and thatregion; a pair has nested for decades on the

    Howald mausoleum by the pond inGreen Lawn Cemetery.

    Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    All types of deciduous forests, but requires somelarge trees, and prefers forest openings or edges;

    even found in wooded parks and occasionally inheavily treed neighborhoods.

    Best Spots:

    Fairly easy to nd in any large woods; TNCEdge of Appalachia preserve, all state forests,

    Findley SP, Waterloo WA.

    Great Crested FlycatcherMyiarchus crinitus19

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    TRACK #8

    Well named, kingbirds are highly territorialand aggressive, and are often seen badgeringcrows, raptors, and any other large bird that

    overies their domain. They possess a sleek,suave look, with crisp blackish upperparts,clean white underparts, and a tail that lookslike it was dipped in white paint. Easternkingbirds do not have much of a voice,though; they give an un-birdlike rapid,electric chattering, kit-kit-kit-kitter-kitter.

    TRACK #9

    The white-eyed vireo is a real skulker, lurkingin dense, impenetrable thickets, and gettinga good look at one can be quite difcult.However, like most vireos, they are chronic

    singers and easily heard. Their forceful,rapidly delivered song carries some distance,and typical renditions sound very much like

    pick-up-the-beer, check! The only other vireolikely to share this habitat is the rare Bellsvireo, which sounds very different.

    Range:Statewide.

    Habitat:

    All types of open country-rural elds withscattered woodlots, tree lines, and power lines;parks; larger openings and clearcuts

    in forested areas.

    Best Spots:Most state wildlife areas support this species,

    Indian Creek, Mercer, and Crown City wildlifeareas, Oak Openings MP, Miami-Whitewater

    MP, Holden Arboretum.

    Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    Shrubby thickets in overgrown elds, reclaimedstrip mines, and woodland clearings;

    young clearcuts.

    Best Spots:

    Crown City,Egypt Valley,

    Tri-Valley, andWoodbury wildlife areas.

    White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus0

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    TRACK #0

    Several species of vireos can soundconfusingly similar, and this is one of them.Red-eyed, yellow-throated, blue-headed,

    and Philadelphia vireos all sing somewhatsimilar short phrases interspersed with briefpauses. Yellow-throateds, however, havea very rough, burry quality to their voice,and once you are familiar with this tone, thespecies is easily separated from the others.

    TRACK #1a

    Known as the solitary vireo until 1997,blue-headed vireos are common migrants,and one of the rst migratory songbirdsto return in spring, often by mid-March.As a breeder, they are rare and local, beingconned to larger hemlock ravines, suchas those that are found in Hocking County.Their song is similar to the red-eyed vireo,but has a slower tempo and shorter phrases,with a sweeter quality.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    Woodlands, but favors relatively open woodswith a fairly open understory, andmany oaks.

    Best Spots:

    Probably nests in every county and usually easyto nd in suitable habitat.

    Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo avifrons

    Range:Common migrant statewide; rare breeder

    in hemlock ravines.

    Habitat:Occurs in a wide variety of woodlands as a

    migrant; breeders are intimately linkedto hemlock trees.

    Best Spots:Places like Green Lawn Cemetery and Magee

    Marsh WA are excellent in migration;breeders can be found at

    Conkles Hollow SNP and Mohican SF.

    Blue-headed VireoVireo solitarius1

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    TRACK #1b

    One of the most common birds breeding inour deciduous forests, the song of the red-eyed vireo is a very common sound of the

    summer woodlands. Mastering this songwill make recognition of the other, similar-sounding vireos much easier. Red-eyed vireosare chronic singers, often singing 40 phrases aminute for hours on end. Their song is a seriesof robin-like phrases interspersed with pauses see-me, here-I-am, way-up, tree-tops!

    Range:

    Common statewide

    Habitat:

    Deciduous woodlands, even parksand suburban areas withplenty of large trees.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found wherever there arewoods of almost any size.

    Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus

    TRACK #

    Many species of birds are intimately associatedwith certain plants, and in the case of thewarbling vireo, it is the Eastern cottonwoodtree. This vireo sings incessantly from highin the treetops, and is a good example ofwhy knowing songs is useful. Getting a lookat this nondescript vireo is not easy, buthearing one certainly is. Even when a birderhas triangulated on the easily learned song,spotting the sluggish vireo still can be tough.

    Range:Common statewide.

    Habitat:Normally found in or around cottonwoods,thus usually found along streams and lake

    margins, but sometimes parks and cemeteries ifbig trees are present.

    Best Spots:Easily found in suitable habitat statewide;

    cant miss in the large cottonwoodsaround the parking lot by theMagee Marsh WA bird trail.

    Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus

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    TRACK #

    The loud screams of the jay are well knownto about anyone who feeds birds, or walks inthe woods. Blue jays are an effective alarm

    system, alerting all of the other animalswithin earshot of the presence of intruders.They can be skilled mimics, often expertlyimitating the call of the red-shoulderedhawk, in particular. Although a commonwinter resident, jays are highly migratory,and we get many more in spring and fall.

    TRACK #4

    Even most non-birders know this one;the loud raucous caw-caw call of a crowis unmistakable. This is one of Ohiosmost common birds, and in recent years

    has adapted well to urban life, and crowsare now a common part of the suburbanlandscape. American crows sometimes formlarge winter roosts, and exceptional roostscan number into the tens of thousands.

    Range:Statewide.

    Habitat:Although able to exploit many habitats, evensurburbia and parks, blue jays are typically

    associated with woods that have mast-bearingtrees such as oaks and hickories.

    Best Spots:Easily found statewide; spectacular migratory

    ocks queue up along Lake Erie in May,and perhaps the best place to observe this

    phenomenon is Magee Marsh WA.

    Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    Opportunistic and able to exploit a variety ofhabitats, but probably does best in rural country

    with a mosaic of agricultural elds, meadows,and scattered woodlots.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found anywhere; large winter roosts oftenform in Columbus, Manseld, and Springeld.

    American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos

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    TRACK #5

    Few birds occupy a bleaker habitat thanhorned larks. This species prefers wide-open barren landscapes, and is at home in

    vast agricultural elds with little vegetation.The upper parts of horned larks are mutedbrownish earth tones, and they blendremarkably well with the soil. Their musicaltinkling calls, which carry considerabledistances, give them away and allow anobserver to locate these birds.

    TRACK #6

    Few birds are as intimately associated withpeople as the purple martin. Historically,they would have nested in large tree hollows,but humans have been enticing them to nestclose at hand since early Native Americansbegan placing hollowed out gourds neartheir villages. Today, martins are entirelydependent upon man-made nest boxesfor breeding sites. Their pleasant, liquidgurgling notes are distinctive.

    Range:Statewide, but most common in agricultural

    areas of western and northern Ohio.

    Habitat:

    Large barren elds, mudats, and sparselyvegetated elds and meadows.

    Best Spots:Stopping along large barren croplands and listeningfor their distinctive calls is the best way to nd larks.

    They often gather along roadsides in winter, whensnow covers the elds. The vicinity of Big Island,

    Killdeer Plains, and Mercer wildlife areasare good places to look.

    Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris

    Range:

    Statewide, wherever people have erected nestboxes that martins deem acceptable. Can occuranywhere, especially near water, in migration.

    Habitat:

    Large, open areas, particularly those with waterbodies nearby.

    Best Spots:

    Best observed near nesting sites; plentifularound the visitors center at Magee Marsh WA.

    Purple Martin Progne subis4

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    TRACK #7

    Like the purple martin, barn swallows arevery much associated with humans. Thisbird is aptly named; they typically build their

    nests on support beams in barns, or underoverhangs of sheds and other buildings. Barnswallows are unmistakable, with their verylong forked tails and orangish underparts.They are quite vocal, emitting a continuousbarrage of rapid twittering notes.

    Range:

    Common statewide.

    Habitat:

    Open countryside,especially agricultural areas.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found in suitable areas throughout Ohio;like other swallows, often queuesup in large ocks in late summer.

    Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

    TRACK #8a

    This species is extremely similar tothe Carolina chickadee, but is easilydifferentiated with practice by theirvocalizations. Black-cappeds occur north ofthe Carolinas range, and for the most partthey dont overlap. The song of the black-capped chickadee is a two-parted whistled

    fee-bee, and their chik-a-dee-dee calls aremuch huskier and slower in tempo than theCarolina chickadee.

    Range:

    Roughly the northern ofOhio, from Manseld north.

    Habitat:

    Similar to the Carolina chickadee.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found in appropriate habitat;Killdeer Plains WA is a noteworthy site

    to observe chickadees, as both species havebeen reported there.

    Black-capped ChickadeePoecile atricapillus5

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    TRACK #9

    The small, dove-gray titmouse is simple torecognize, in part because it is one of veryfew Ohio birds with a prominent crest.This species is a very common woodlandinhabitant, and often fraternizes withchickadees, woodpeckers, and nuthatches.Tufted titmice vocalize year-round, andtheir loud, whistledpeter-peter-petersong is acharacteristic sound of Ohio forests.

    Range:

    Common statewide.

    Habitat:

    Forests, woodlots, parksand neighborhoods with

    ample tree cover.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found throughout the state.Titmice are attracted to feeders, and theseare the best sites to observe their antics.

    Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor

    TRACK #8b

    Much confusion surrounds Ohio chickadees,as we have two species and they lookvery similar. The Carolina chickadee is the

    southerner, occurring south of the black-capped chickadees range. Calls are the bestway to separate them; the Carolinas songis a four-parted whistle, fee-bee, fee-bay, andtheir calls chik-a-dee-dee-dee are faster andnot nearly so husky in tone.

    Range:

    Southern, from the Ohio River north toabout the latitude of Manseld.

    Habitat:

    A wide variety of woodlands; often venturesinto urban yards and parks, and is

    easily attracted to feeders.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found through its range; bestobserved at feeding stations.

    Carolina Chickadee Poecile carolinensis

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    TRACK #40

    This interesting tree-gleaner is verydistinctive in its foraging behavior.Nuthatches are distinguished by their habit

    of creeping headrst down tree trunks, unlikewoodpeckers and brown creepers, whichtravel upward. White-breasted nuthatcheshave very distinctive nasal calls, but bemindful of red-breasted nuthatches, whichare primarily winter visitors. Their calls aresimilar, but faster and higher pitched.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    All manner of woodlands; even parks andneighborhoods with plenty of trees.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found in appropriate habitat;common feeder visitor.

    White-breasted NuthatchSitta carolinensis

    TRACK #41

    A well named species, the house wren ismost often found in proximity to dwellings,and will readily use appropriate nest boxes,as they are cavity dwellers. House wrenswinter in Central America, return in mid-April, and throughout the summer the malesloud, bubbling warble is a common soundof suburbia. When alarmed, wrens readilydeliver their harsh, rattling scold notes.

    Range:

    Common statewide.

    Habitat:A variety of open areas interspersed with

    thickets, shrubs, and scattered trees; woodland

    openings and edges.

    Best Spots:

    Easy to nd; neighborhoods, parks, openwoodlands, cemeteries.

    House Wren Troglodytes aedon7

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    TRACK #4

    Generally a rarity, sedge wrens are notoriouslyerratic in their movements and wherethey appear from year to year. Sometimesthey dont appear on territory until July orAugust, and they often utilize nest sites foronly one year. They are best detected by song,as sedge wrens prefer dense stands of grassesor sedges, and stay hidden in the vegetation.Their songs somewhat resemble the dry,staccato chatter of an old sewing machine.

    Range:

    Most are detected in the western andnorthwestern part of Ohio.

    Habitat:

    Large sedge meadows, and damp grassy

    elds; sometimes hayelds.

    Best Spots:

    Western Lake Erie marshes such asMagee Marsh WA; Killdeer Plains

    and Big Island wildlife areas.

    Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis

    TRACK #4

    This species is a year-round resident, andtheir loud, ringing song, which sounds liketeakettle, teakettle, teakettle, can even be heard

    during winter months. Carolina wrens aresoutherners that expanded north into Ohiofollowing the clearing of the original foreststhat blanketed the state. They are vulnerableto severe winters, such as in 1977-78, whichdecimated their populations.

    Range:

    Common statewide,but more frequent southward.

    Habitat:

    All manner of woodlands,but prefers edges and scruffy thickets;often resides in well-vegetated parks

    and suburban areas.

    Best Spots:

    Almost any state park, wildlife area,or state forest.

    Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus

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    TRACK #44

    The liquid gurgling notes of marsh wrenshave a mechanical quality, and give awaythis small birds presence in the cattails.

    This a well named species; marsh wrens arestrict wetland inhabitants, and prefer largermarshes. As about 90% of Ohio wetlandshave been lost since European settlement,marsh wrens have declined as well. Marshwrens often occur in loose colonies, andfrequently sing at night.

    TRACK #45

    The tiny gnatcatcher returns from its tropicalwintering grounds in late March, beforetrees are leafed out, and early spring is thebest time to observe them. They deliverhigh-pitched, fussy-sounding notes moreor less continuously, and these sounds areoften what alert observers to their presencehigh in the tree tops. Gnatcatchers are quiteinquisitive, and can often be lured in bymaking squeaky scolding sounds.

    Range:

    Most likely in the northern half of Ohio,but might occur wherever large

    wetlands are found.

    Habitat:

    Mixed-emergentmarshes, prefers dense cattail stands.

    Best Spots:

    Western Lake Erie marshes such asMagee Marsh WA; Spring Valley

    and Killbuck wildlife areas.

    Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris

    Range:

    Common in suitable habitat statewide.

    Habitat:

    All types of deciduous woods, but requiressome large trees; often found in well treed

    parks and neighborhoods.

    Best Spots:

    Woodlands such as Davey Woods andLawrence Woods state nature preserves;

    generally easy to nd state wide.

    Blue-gray GnatcatcherPolioptila caerulea9

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    TRACK #46

    One of our most celebrated birds, bluebirdfanciers have erected thousands of nestboxes throughout Ohio which have helped to

    greatly expand populations of this attractivespecies. Bluebirds are a type of thrush, closelyrelated to the American robin, and malesdeliver a soft, pleasing warbling song. Inight, bluebirds often emit a whistled tu-weecall, and knowing that sound will lead todetection of birds ying overhead.

    TRACK #47

    A secretive woodland thrush, the commonname is imitative of its call a surprisinglyloud, whistled veeeer! Many thrushes havesome of the most beautiful songs in the birdworld, and veerys are no exception. Theyare common migrants throughout Ohio,but are much more local as breeders. Mostnesting veerys are found in the northernhalf of the state, becoming most numerousin the northeastern quarter.

    Range:

    Common statewide; many overwinter.

    Habitat:All types of open country: farm land,golf courses, meadows and pastures.

    Best Spots:

    Most easily found where nest boxeshave been erected, such as in many

    county parks.

    Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis

    Range:

    Common migrant statewide; nestersmost likely in northern Ohio.

    Habitat:

    Migrants use all types of wooded areas;

    breeders prefer lush, swampy woods.

    Best Spots:

    Migration hot spots like Green LawnCemetery and Mentor Headlands SNP;

    Clear Creek MP and Mohican SF aregood places to nd breeders.

    Veery Catharus fuscescens0

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    Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina

    TRACK #48

    Possessing one of the most hauntinglybeautiful voices of any bird, the hermitthrush is a common migrant. As a nester, it

    is quite rare, and is one of a suite of birdsthat breed almost exclusively in hemlockgorges. This group includes the blue-headedvireo and black-throated green warbler.Hermit thrushes are surprisingly hardy, andoften overwinter in Ohio, particularly in thesouthern third of the state.

    TRACK #49

    A familiar sound of Ohio woodlands, thewood thrush song is a melodious, ute-likecascade of ethereal notes. If it sounds like thesinger is harmonizing with itself, its becauseit is. This species has a divided syrinx (vocaltube) that allows it to create two separatenotes simultaneously. Wood thrushes winterin the Central American tropics, and arethought to be declining.

    Range:Statewide in migration; breeders

    conned to hemlock gorges.

    Habitat:

    All types of woods in migration; nestersrequire cool, steep-sided valleys

    dominated by hemlock trees.

    Best Spots:Can be found nearly anywhere in migration;

    visiting the beautiful hemlock ravines ofthe Hocking Hills or Mohican SF is a good

    way to nd and hear nesters.

    Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    Deciduous woodlands with a shrub understory;prefers older, undisturbed forests.

    Best Spots:

    Davey Woods SNP, Shawnee SF, andWaterloo WA have many; can be found

    in suitable woodlands statewide.

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    TRACK #50

    One of the most obvious sounds of theoutdoors is the song of the ubiquitousAmerican robin. One of Ohios most

    abundant breeding birds, the males arepersistent singers and can be heard almostanywhere. In spring and summer, there areso many singing robins in the earliest hoursof morning that this cascade of sound hasoften been dubbed, the dawn chorus.

    TRACK #51

    This interesting species is one of threemimics in Ohio birds that routinely imitateother sounds. The gray catbird is the leastaccomplished imitator of the three, but is themost common. For the most part, catbirds

    deliver a rapid, squeaky gurgling punctuatedoccasionally with their namesake call, a meowthat sounds surprisingly cat-like. Catbirdsare the least hardy of the three mimics, butoccasionally one attempts to overwinter.

    Range:

    Abundant statewide.

    Habitat:

    Generalists, and can be seen inmost habitat types.

    Best Spots:

    Almost anywhere that is out-of-doors.

    American Robin Turdus migratorius

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    Shrublands, brushy thickets, forest edges,and other successional habitats.

    Best Spots:

    Abundant at Magee Marsh WA and easilyfound on almost every wildlife area.

    Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis

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    TRACK #5

    Of our three mimics, the mockingbird is animitator extraordinaire. They are capable ofretaining and reproducing up to 200 different

    sounds, and the subjects that they mimic canbe quite diverse. In addition to offering upamazingly accurate reproductions of all typesof birds, mockingbirds will even imitate truckbackup beeps, sirens, and peoples whistles.Mockingbirds often sing at night; these birdsare typically unmated males.

    TRACK #5

    This is the least common of Ohios mimics,and is not particularly tolerant of urbansituations, preferring wide open country.Thrashers like dry, brushy elds and thicketswith scattered fence rows and woodlots.They are accomplished imitators, but dontseem as prone to mimicking other soundsto the extent that mockingbirds do. Brownthrashers typically sing their phrases in pairs a useful identication tip.

    Range:

    Statewide, but increasingly rare to the north.

    Habitat:

    Often found in suburbia, prefers open areas

    interspersed with shrubs and thickets.

    Best Spots:

    Often found in the local neighborhood, easilyfound in suitable habitat in central

    and southern Ohio.

    Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos

    Range:

    Statewide, but more common to the south.

    Habitat:

    Dry, overgrown pastures, elds and thickets;young, open woodlots.

    Best Spots:

    Reclaimed strip mines such as Crown City,Egypt Valley, and Woodbury wildlife areas;

    a few birds overwinter in southern Ohio.

    Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum

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    TRACK #54

    This species might be thought of as the hearingtest bird; waxwings calls are so high-pitchedthat people with high frequency hearing

    loss cant hear them. They emit soft, quietwhistled tsee-tsee-tsee sounds, and knowingthis call will produce many more waxwings,as traveling ocks constantly vocalize as theypass overhead. Cedar waxwings are big fruitconsumers, and nomadic ocks often visitornamental berry trees.

    TRACK #55

    This brilliant yellow bird has one of theeasiest of the warbler songs to learn; avery buzzy, distinctive beee-buzzzz! that isfairly unmistakable. The only real sourceof confusion would be with the much rarer

    golden-winged warbler, which normallydelivers a four-parted song. However, thesespecies often hybridize, and suspicioussounding blue-winged songs should betracked down to see who the singer is.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    Very nomadic, ocks can turn up anywhere,but are especially attracted to berries;breeders prefer riparian woodlands.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found along rivers in streams insummer; seek ornamental berry-producing

    trees and shrubs in fall and winter.

    Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum

    Range:

    Statewide, but least common in heavilyagricultural western Ohio.

    Habitat:

    Brushy successional elds, thickets,

    woodland edges and openings.

    Best Spots:

    Reclaimed strip mines, particularlyCrown City WA;Clear Creek MP.

    Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus4

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    TRACK #56

    This is our smallest warbler, and oftendifcult to see, as these hyperactive spritesare often reluctant to leave the highest tree

    tops. Their song is easy to learn, though,and fairly unmistakable. Parulas deliver aloud, ascending buzzy trill that ends withan abrupt zap! This southerner seems to beslowly expanding northward as a breeder,but migrants can be found statewide.

    TRACK #57

    The yellow warblers song could best bedescribed as cheery; a loud, fast sweet-sweet-Im-so-sweet! It is a common sound,too, as this bird is a very common breederthroughout Ohio. Although the song can

    be quite variable, the distinctive toneremains the same, and it can usually beeasily recognized. Beware of chestnut-sidedwarblers, though, which can sometimessound extremely similar.

    Range:

    Most common in the southern of Ohio, but migrants are fairly

    common statewide.

    Habitat:Peak numbers occur in hemlockgorges, but also nests in mature

    streamside forests of other types.

    Best Spots:

    Shawnee and Zaleski state forests;Clear Creek MP.

    Northern Parula Parula americana

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    prefers willow-dominated thickets, butfound in all manner of scrubby habitat.

    Best Spots:

    Absolutely abundant around thewestern Lake Erie marshes.

    Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia5

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    C D d l

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    TRACK #58

    This northerner has become much morecommon since the original eastern forestswere opened up, which created an abundance

    of the scruffy brushlands and edge habitatsthat chestnut-sided warblers require. Theirtypical song is not too hard to recognize aclear, ringing please, please, pleased to Meetcha!The emphatic upslurred ending note helps inrecognition, but sometimes this species cansound very similar to the yellow warbler.

    TRACK #59

    One of the rst warblers to return in spring,the distinctive buzzy zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee of theblack-throated green warbler rings out fromour woodlands beginning in early April.This is a common migrant, but is much

    rarer as a nester. Breeding black-throatedgreens require large hemlock gorges; nota common Ohio habitat. This is one of theeasiest warbler songs to recognize, and evenbeginners quickly learn this one.

    Range:

    Common statewide in migration; breedingbirds are most often found in the northern

    third of the state.

    Habitat:Young woods, woodland edges,

    brushy eldsand thickets.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found almost anywhere in migration.

    Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica

    Range:

    Statewide in migration; hemlockgorges in summer.

    Habitat:

    Migrants frequent all types of woodlands, butbreeders require cool, steep-sided gorges

    that are dominated by hemlock trees.

    Best Spots:

    Anywhere in migration; Mohican SFand Clear Creek MP in summer.

    Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens6

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Y W D d d

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    TRACKS #60

    Many birds are intimately associated withcertain plants, and this species is an excellentexample. In fact, the yellow-throated warbler

    was formerly known as the sycamorewarbler because of its intimate relationshipwith that tree. Yellow-throated warblers returnin early April, one of the earliest warblers toreturn. Their sweet song is a descendingseries of slurred whistles, normally deliveredfrom high in the tree tops.

    TRACK #61

    Few birds are better named than this one.Breeding pine warblers are always foundaround pine trees, and even migrants willforage in conifers if they are available. Thisspecies gives a relatively brief musical trill,

    and since the sound will often come fromhigh in pines, the habitat is a clue to theidentity of the singer. A number of otherspecies give similar trilling songs, such asdark-eyed junco and chipping sparrow.

    Range:

    Statewide, but rare in the northern of the state.

    Habitat:

    Breeds almost strictly along streams where largesycamores occur. Occasionally utilizes upland

    stands of native pines in southern Ohio.

    Best Spots:

    Very common along streams in Shawnee and

    Zaleski SFs and Waterloo WA; easily found along

    most rivers from central Ohio southward.

    Yellow-throated Warbler Dendroica dominica

    Range:

    Migrants can be found statewide; breederslargely conned to unglaciated southeastern

    Ohio, with some in Mohican SFand the Oak Openings.

    Habitat:

    Strictly associated with mature pines,either native or planted stands.

    Best Spots:

    Hocking, Tar Hollow,and Zaleski state forests.

    Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus7

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    P W D d d l

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    TRACK #6

    This species has a very pleasing, easy to learnsong a rapid, buzzy zee-zee-zee-zee thatascends high up the scale. Prairie warblerscan be extroverts, too often the male willdeliver his song from a conspicuous perch,such as the tip of a shrub or small tree, oroccasionally while perched on a telephonewire. Most have quit singing by mid-July.

    TRACK #6

    Primarily an oak-hickory specialist, ceruleanwarblers spend most of their time high inthe crowns of mature trees, and getting agood look at one is not easy. But, their quickbuzzy song, which speeds in tempo, is easily

    heard and alerts observers to the bird. Thisspecies is thought to be rapidly declining,and southern Ohio harbors some of the bestremaining breeding populations.

    Range:

    Uncommon outside breeding areas, which isprimarily southern and eastern Ohio.

    Habitat:

    Scrubby elds, locust groves in reclaimed stripmines, old clearcuts, and cedar groves.

    Best Spots:

    Stands of young red cedar in southwest Ohio,such as at the Edge of Appalachia preserve;common at Crown City and Waterloo WAs,

    and Zaleski SF.

    Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor

    Range:

    Mostly in southern and eastern Ohio, wheremost of the mature forests occur.

    Habitat:

    Upland oak-hickory forests, although someuse mature riparian woodlands.

    Best Spots:

    Shawnee SF,Lake Hope SP,

    Clear Creek MP.

    Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea8

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertR

    oyse

    Black and white Warbler M i tilt i

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    TRACK #64

    One of the more obscure songs of the forest,black-and-whites deliver a wispy, high-pitched weetsee-weetsee-weetsee that is easily

    overlooked. So is the bird; this speciesengages in a foraging habit similar to thebrown creeper, crawling over the bark oftrees. Thus, they blend well with theirsurroundings, and are often more numerousthan one might suspect, especially if theobserver is not in tune with the song.

    TRACK #65

    The ashy redstart is hyperactive, constantlyfanning its tail and icking its wings, exposingthe bright orange ashes in its plumage. Infemales, the orange is replaced with yellow,and if a yellowstart is observed singing,

    it is a rst year male, as it takes this speciestwo years to mature. Redstarts have quite avariable range of songs, and it takes somepractice to master this one.

    Range:

    Migrants found statewide; most breedersare in southern and eastern Ohio.

    Habitat:

    Mature deciduous woodlands.

    Best Spots:

    Most of the large state forests,Conkles Hollow SNP,

    Clear Creek MP.

    Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia

    Range:

    Statewide, but most common insouthern and eastern Ohio.

    Habitat:

    Dense understory shrubs of forests,especially around water.

    Best Spots:

    Most of the state forests; huge numbersof migrants at Magee Marsh WA.

    American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla9

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertR

    oyse

    Prothonotary Warbler P t t i it

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    TRACK #66

    Our only cavity-nesting warbler, this speciesis an inhabitant of wooded swamps. Whilemost use natural cavities in dead trees, they

    can be enticed to use appropriate nest boxesplaced in suitable habitat. Prothonotarywarblers have a rather unmusical, loudsong a monotone series of zwee zwee zweenotes that carry for considerable distances.Overall, this species is uncommon, and notoften found away from breeding sites.

    TRACK #67

    This inconspicuous warbler spends most ofits time foraging among dead leaves, andinhabits steep, wooded slopes. Worm-eatingwarblers are generally quite uncommon inmigration away from breeding locales. Their

    song is a rather dry, rapid husky trill, similarto the pine warbler and chipping sparrow.Habitat is a helpful identication clue; thosetwo species normally wouldnt occur in theunderstory of heavily wooded hillsides.

    Range:

    Statewide, but generally uncommon and local.

    Habitat:

    Wooded swamps and forests along

    slow-owing streams.

    Best Spots:

    The upper end of Hoover Reservoir;Killbuck WA.

    Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea

    Range:Primarily the unglaciated hill

    country of southeast Ohio.

    Habitat:

    Inhabits the understory of mature deciduouswoods that occur on hillsides.

    Best Spots:

    Shawnee and other stateforests in the southeast;

    Lake Katharine SNP.

    Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum40

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertR

    oyse

    Ovenbird S i a o apilla

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    TRACK #68

    The loud, ascending song of the ovenbird isa common and characteristic sound of Ohioswoodlands. Rising steadily in pitch, theirsong sounds like tee-cher, tee-cher, tee-cher!The only similar woodland song is that of theKentucky warbler, but it is more monotoneand has a atter tone, and each phrase doesnot have the sharp inection of the ovenbird.This species gives a rarely heard, complexwarbling song at dusk.

    TRACK #69

    A harbinger of spring, this waterthrush returnsby late March, and their loud, beautiful songheralds their arrival. They are odd amongstthe warblers in that they spend a great dealof time on the ground, foraging along creek

    banks, behaving more like a spotted sandpiperthan a songbird. The only similar song is thatof the yellow-throated warbler, but that songlacks the rapid warbling chitters that concludethe waterthrush song.

    Range:

    Common statewide, whereversuitable habitat occurs.

    Habitat:

    Relatively mature andundisturbed deciduous woods.

    Best Spots:

    Any of the state forestsand many wooded parks

    Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla

    Range:

    Primarily southern and eastern Ohio;migrants are rare outside this area.

    Habitat:

    Forested ravines with creeks orstreams owing through them.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found in the wooded hillcountry of southeast Ohio.

    Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla41

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertR

    oyse

    Kentucky Warbler Oporornis formosus

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    TRACK #70

    This is a visually stunning species and wellworth a look. Kentucky warblers are noteasy to see, however, as they tend to lurkin the dense, shady undergrowth of forests.Knowing the song is key to nding them,as singing birds can usually eventually betracked down and observed. This speciessounds a bit like an ovenbird, but has a at,monotone delivery that is readily recognizedwith practice.

    Range:

    Breeds almost throughout Ohio, but mostcommon in the south and east.

    Habitat:

    Deciduous woodlands withdense understory vegetation.

    Best Spots:

    Woodlands throughout southern and easternOhio, especially state forests.

    Kentucky Warbler Oporornis formosus

    TRACK #71

    Yellowthroats are one of the most commonwarblers breeding in the state, and their loudwichity wichity wichity song is commonlyheard in all types of wetlands. They normallylurk in dense vegetation and are hard to see,

    but making squeaking or pishing soundsoften lures them briey into view. This isalso a hardy warbler, and occasionally willattempt to overwinter in marshes.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    All manner of wetlands;occasionally drier brushy elds.

    Best Spots:Easily found in suitable

    habitats throughout Ohio.

    Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas4

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertR

    oyse

    Hooded Warbler Wilsonia citrina

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    TRACK #7

    A stunning creature, the brilliant yellow hues ofthe hooded warbler are not always easy to see,as this species occupies dense, shady habitatsand is hard to observe. This is yet another casewhere knowing the song is very helpful, as theclear, ringing melody carries some distance,and with perseverance the singer can often befound. Hooded warblers have the largest eyeof our warblers, an adaptation to the shadyrealm in which they live.

    Range:

    Breeds statewide, most commonin our larger woodlands.

    Habitat:

    Dense understory shrubbery ofmature deciduous forests.

    Best Spots:

    All of the state forests,Clear Creek MP,

    Cuyahoga Valley NP.

    Hooded Warbler Wilsonia citrina

    TRACK #7

    Chats are rather bizarre and completely unlikethe other members of the warbler family.They are huge for a warbler several incheslonger than most and act very differently.Yellow-breasted chats skulk about in dense

    thickets, emitting odd hoots, grunts, cackles,and squeaks. If lured into view by makingsqueaking or pishing sounds, one will berewarded with views of the brilliant lemon-yellow breast of this otherwise greenish bird.

    Range:

    Statewide, wherever suitable habitat occurs.

    Habitat:

    Scruffy overgrown elds, thickets, youngclearcuts, reclaimed strip mines.

    Best Spots:Edge of Appalachia preserve,

    Crown City WA.

    Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens4

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertR

    oyse

    Summer Tanager Piranga rubra

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    TRACK #74

    Part of the robin-like song complex, this songmay be one of the harder ones to learn inOhio, as it is similar to the American Robinand not particularly distinctive. In this case,the call is easier to learn than the song it isa diagnostic, mechanical-sounding pit-a-tuk-tuk. Summer tanagers are much scarcer thanscarlet tanagers, and are closely associatedwith mature stands of oak-hickory forests.

    Range:

    Migrants are rare outside the breeding range,which is mostly southern Ohio.

    Habitat:

    Upland oak-hickory woodlands.

    Best Spots:

    Waterloo WA,Shawnee SF,

    Lake Katharine SNP.

    Summer Tanager Piranga rubra

    TRACK #75

    This striking bird is probably far morecommon in Ohio than many people mightsuspect, but they tend to remain in thetreetops and can be hard to see. Scarlettanagers songs are easily enough heard,

    though, and give away their presence. Whilesomewhat robin-like in phrasing and tempo,their song has a rough, burry quality and hasoften been likened to a robin with a sorethroat.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    Mature deciduous woodlands.

    Best Spots:

    All of the state forests and manyof our wildlife areas.

    Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea44

    Photoby:GaryMeszaros

    Photoby:RobertR

    oyse

    Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythropthalmus

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    TRACK #76

    Known as the rufous-sided towhee until1995, this large, showy sparrow has a verydistinctive, clear ringing song. It often soundsvery much like drink your teeeaaa; their call,which has the same clear tone, resembleschewink! Towhees are often rst detected byanother sound they make with their feet!They feed primarily on the ground, and willscratch loudly amongst the leaf litter, likesmall chickens.

    Range:

    Common in suitablehabitat statewide.

    Habitat:

    Brushy elds, woodland openingsand edges, cedar groves, thickets.

    Best Spots:

    Easy to nd in appropriate habitats.

    Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythropthalmus

    TRACK #77

    This clean-cut, handsome little sparrowhas adapted very well to suburbia, andis quite common in most neighborhoods.Their oft-given song is a rather lengthy,dry, monotonous series of chips. Chipping

    sparrow trills sound much like some otherspecies, like dark-eyed junco, pine andworm-eating warblers, and eld and swampsparrows. It just takes some practice todifferentiate them.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    Open lawns with scattered trees,cemeteries, open woodlands.

    Best Spots:Easily found in appropriate habitat statewide.

    Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina45

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertR

    oyse

    Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla

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    TRACK #78

    Although eld sparrows have trillingsongs like several other species, this one isprobably the easiest to recognize. They havea very sweet, melodic quality, and the trillspeeds up towards the end. The song soundsmuch like a ping-pong ball that is droppedand bounces to a stop. Field sparrows oftenoverwinter in the southern half of the state,but become quite secretive and lurk in densebrush.

    Range:

    Common in suitable habitat statewide.

    Habitat:

    Old elds, abandoned pastures, open woods,

    orchards, woodland edges.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found statewide.

    S o Sp ze a pus a

    TRACK #79

    This species gets its name because it oftensings at dusk vespers are evening prayerservices. Vesper sparrows are birds of wide-open, barren landscapes, and are best soughtaround large farms in very agricultural

    areas. Once one is in tune with their song amusical, somewhat bubbly trill that beginswith four distinctive notes it is surprising

    just how common this bird is in otherwiselargely bird-free habitats.

    Range:

    Statewide, but mostly in heavily agriculturalwestern and northern Ohio.

    Habitat:Large croplands interspersed withtree lines and brushy fence rows;

    grasslands.

    Best Spots:

    Big Island and Killdeer Plainswildlife areas and vicinity.

    Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus46

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertR

    oyse

    Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis

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    TRACK #80

    First discovered in Georgia, and namedfor the city where it was found, Savannahsparrows are inconspicuous residents ofwide-open landscapes. Their buzzy, two-pitched trilling song is distinctive and easilylearned, and is by far the best way to becomeaware of their presence. This pleasing songis a regular feature of movie and commercialsoundtracks.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    Hay and alfalfa elds, grassy elds of

    airports, and reclaimed strip mines.

    Best Spots:

    County airports;Crown City,

    Tri-Valley, andWoodbury wildlife areas.

    d

    TRACK #81The subtle, inconspicuous song of thisskulking species can easily be lost amongthe cacophony of more boisterous songs inour grasslands. When attuned to the soundsof the grasshopper sparrow, though, it is

    surprising how common they are. Creationof massive reclaimed strip mine grasslandsbeginning in the 1970s has been a boon forthis species, and large numbers now utilizethis habitat.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    Fallow elds, pastures, hayelds,reclaimed strip mines.

    Best Spots:Reclaimed strip mines like

    Tri-Valley WA and The Wilds.

    Grasshopper SparrowAmmodramus savannarum47

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertR

    oyse

    Henslows SparrowAmmodramus henslowii

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    TRACK #8

    This obscure bird is more common thanthought, but its song is inconspicuous in theextreme and the bird is very easy to overlook.The male Henslows sparrow tosses his headback, opens his bill, and out comes a pathetic-sounding two-thirds of a second hiccup thatsounds like an ill cricket. Once attuned to thissound, though, an observer will soon learn thatthere are many more of these birds in suitablehabitat than would otherwise be thought.

    Range:

    Statewide, but now primarilyin southeastern Ohio.

    Habitat:

    Reclaimed strip mine grasslands,hayelds, old pastures.

    Best Spots:

    Strip mine grasslands like Crown City WAand The Wilds.

    A d

    TRACK #8

    Our most common and widespread sparrow,song sparrows occupy all manner of habitatsand will sing throughout the year. Theirsongs have a distinctive tone and qualityof pitch, but a keen observer will note the

    extreme variability it seems every renditionis slightly different. One of the most intensivestudies of any bird species involved the songsparrow, by researcher Margaret Morse Nicein Columbus, Ohio.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    All types of open to semi-openlandscapes; very adaptable.

    Best Spots:Easily found throughout the state.

    Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia48

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertR

    oyse

    Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana

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    TRACK #84

    This is another of our trill-singers, like thechipping and eld sparrows. However,swamp sparrows occupy a very differenthabitat than the others wetlands. Their

    song has a rather metallic quality, as well,and seems slower in tempo than the others.Also, it is unlikely that any of the othersimilar-sounding species would be singingin wetland habitats.

    Range:

    Statewide in migration; breedersprimarily in northern half of state.

    Habitat:

    Wetlands, especially those dominated bycattails and other non-woody plants.

    Best Spots:

    Abundant atMagee Marsh WA,

    Springville Marsh SNP,Maumee Bay SP.

    p g g

    TRACK #85

    A widespread and abundant winter visitor, juncos are common at backyard feedingstations. Their status as a nester in Ohiois much rarer; they are largely conned tohemlock gorges in the extreme northeastern

    corner of the state. Junco numbers swellduring the peak of spring migration in Marchand April, and at this time it is very commonto hear the males singing.

    Range:

    Common statewide in fall,winter, and spring.

    Habitat:

    All types of wooded and open habitats;breeders use hemlock gorges.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found statewide,especially around feeders.

    Dark-eyed JuncoJunco hyemalis49

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis

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    TRACK #86

    Along with six other states, Ohio hasselected the cardinal as our state bird, andits showy appearance is often depicted, evenon a license plate. It is also one of our most

    common birds, and a species that virtuallyeveryone is familiar with. Northern cardinalssing throughout the year, and their cheery,whistled song is easily learned. This is one ofthe few species in which the females can anddo sing on occasion.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    Very adaptable, everywhere from

    suburbia to woodlands.

    Best Spots:

    Easily foundthrough out Ohio.

    TRACK #87

    Another of the robin-like complex of singers,rose-breasted grosbeaks do sound like arobin, but they have a sweet, slurred qualityto their voice that is very distinct. Sometimes,their song is said to sound like a drunken

    robin. Rose-breasted grosbeaks frequentlyintersperse their call note with the song, andit is an easily recognized chink sound thatsounds like two trees rubbing together inthe wind.

    Range:

    Migrants are common statewide;nesters more common northward.

    Habitat:

    All types of woods; breeders prefer youngersecond-growth deciduous woods.

    Best Spots:

    Big numbers of migrants atGreen Lawn Cemetery;

    Magee Marsh WA.

    Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus50

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea

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    TRACK #88

    A southern species, the blue grosbeak is rareto uncommon in Ohio, and most likely to befound in the tier of counties that border theOhio River. However, they are expanding

    northward and sightings are increasing.This bird has a rapid, rich warbling that isreminiscent of a purple nch, a species thatwould never occur alongside blue grosbeaks,as their habitat and range is very different.

    Range:

    Most likely in southernmost Ohio;occasionally to the north.

    Habitat:

    Open country interspersed with brushythickets and overgrown fence rows.

    Best Spots:

    Crown City WA,Adams County.

    TRACK #89

    A ubiquitous species of the countryside, indigobuntings are nonstop singers even throughoutthe heat of summer. It is an abundant species;some estimates of the overall population haveput the total at 40 million pairs. Their song is

    a long, complex series of warbling whistles;a helpful identication tip is that most ofthe notes are sung in pairs. Indigo buntingsoften sing from telephone wires or otherconspicuous spots.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    All types of open country, woodlandedges and openings, orchards.

    Best Spots:Easily found throughout Ohio.

    Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea51

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Dickcissel Spiza americana

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    TRACK #90

    A grassland and prairie species that reachespeak abundance in the western Great Plains,dickcissels are notoriously cyclical from yearto year in Ohio. Our state is at the eastern

    limits of their range, and a favored localemight have a few dozen pairs one year,and no birds at all the following year. Theirsong is imitative of the name; a mechanical,chattering dik-dik-dik-ciss ciss ciss.

    Range:

    Primarily the westernhalf of the state.

    Habitat:

    Prairie remnants, open meadows,hayelds, strip mine grasslands.

    Best Spots:

    Big Island and Killdeer Plains wildlife areas;many reclaimed strip mines.

    p

    TRACK #91

    Come the rst week of May, the bobolinksreturn to our elds from their winteringgrounds in Argentina, and their bubblingmelodies ll the air. Bobolinks are looselycolonial, and oftentimes many singing

    and displaying males can be observed inproximity. In migration, many birds can bedetected as they wing high overhead, if oneis familiar with their musicalpink call note.

    Range:

    Statewide; most likely inwestern and northern Ohio.

    Habitat:

    Hayelds, especially with lots oflegumes; grass meadows.

    Best Spots:

    The Wilds, hayeldsthroughout the countryside.

    Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus5

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Red-winged BlackbirdAgelaius phoeniceus

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    TRACK #9

    An abundant bird, red-winged blackbirds areone of the more obvious species along ourroadsides. The males are prone to perchingon fences, wires, and the tops of shrubs and

    delivering their raucous conk-a-ree-onk song.Frequently they accompany their singing byashing their brilliant red epaulets, whichthey display by folding their wings out andforward. They reach peak abundance inwetlands.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    All types of open habitats, roadsides,

    wet meadows, cattail marshes, etc.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found throughout Ohio.

    g p

    TRACK #9

    The clear, ringing song of this colorfulblackbird is commonly heard wherever largegrasslands and meadows are found. Whilemeadowlarks have declined signicantly inrecent decades, they still remain common

    throughout much of Ohio. Its westerncounterpart, the Western meadowlark,is very rare in the state and looks nearlyidentical. The two species are best separatedby their very different songs.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    Meadows, pastures, hayelds, grasslands.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found statewide; abundant inreclaimed strip mine grasslands.

    Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna5

    Photoby:RobertRoyse

    Photoby:GaryMe

    szaros

    Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula

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    TRACK #94

    Not likely to rank high on anyones listof favorite bird songs, grackles emit anabrasive variety of harsh, grating sounds,often concluding with a metallic squeak.

    It is a commonplace song too; commongrackles are one of our most abundant birds,commonly found in residential areas. Ourlargest blackbird often forms enormouswinter roosts that usually include otherblackbird species, and European starlings.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:All manner of sites,

    except perhaps large dense forests.

    Best Spots:

    Easily found almost everywhere.

    q

    TRACK #95

    This species is much reviled, as it is parasiticand lays its eggs in other birds nests. Thebaby cowbirds normally outcompete thehost species young, and thus cowbirds havehad detrimental impacts on other songbirds.

    Brown-headed cowbirds give a distinctive,high-pitched gurgling call that is quiteunlike any of our other species. This bird iswell named; they are often seen in pasturesforaging around cattle.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    All types of situations, generally avoidingonly the densest woodlands.

    Best Spots:Easily found throughout the state.

    Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater54

    Photoby:GaryMeszaros

    Photoby:CornellLaboratoryofOrnithology

    Orchard Oriole Icterus spuriusy

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    TRACK #96

    Not as common and well known as theBaltimore oriole, orchard orioles arenonetheless not uncommon in much of Ohio,but are not as conspicuous as the brilliant

    orange Baltimore. Knowing the song of theorchard oriole is the best way to nd them,as they usually lurk in dense growth. Therapid and variable complex of whistlednotes almost always ends in a distinctivedownslurred note.

    Range:

    Statewide in appropriate habitat.

    Habitat:

    Open areas with scattered trees;

    old elds with brushy thickets.

    Best Spots:

    Crown City andKilldeer Plains wildlife areas;

    The Wilds.

    p

    TRACK #97

    These brilliant orange blackbirds are goodsingers, and males keep up a steady streamof their melodious ute-like whistling. Aperson who is a good whistler and attemptsto imitate the singer will often be rewarded

    by having the oriole y down for a close lookat the imitator. Baltimore orioles like large,scattered shade trees and often do quite wellin neighborhoods, parks, cemeteries andother urban haunts.

    Range:

    Statewide.

    Habitat:

    Tall trees along streams, in parks orneighborhoods; open woods.

    Best Spots:Migrants are abundant atMagee Marsh WA in May.

    Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula55

    Photoby:CornellLaboratoryofOrnithology

    Photoby:GaryMe

    szaros

    Purple Finch Carpodacus purpureus

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    TRACK #98a

    This species is primarily a winter visitor tomost of Ohio, although they are casual tolocally common breeders in the northeasternpart of the state. There is a pronounced

    migration in April and May, and the malesoften are heard singing their rich, rapidwarbling song. Wintering birds are oftenmore common than thought, and if one isfamiliar with their dry, metallicpik call note,many more birds will be detected.

    Range:

    Statewide in winter,but variable from year to year.

    Habitat:

    Often attracted to conifers,but utilizes many forest types.

    Best Spots:

    Frequently visits feeders;nesters often found inHolden Arboretum.

    p p p

    TRACK #98b

    A case of remarkably fast colonization, housenches were introduced in Ne