
From deciduous forests to open fields, the Ohio Valley region contains a multitude of ecosystems, each offering a haven to many different species of birds. A huge number of avian visitors can bring immense delight to bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike who come to backyards at different times of the year. This paper considers some of the most common backyard birds that visit the Ohio Valley area by indicating the features, behaviors, and best ways to attract them.
1. Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis
Description and Behavior
The Northern Cardinal is Ohio’s state bird and a common year-round resident easily recognized by its bright red plumage in males and the more subdued reddish-brown shades of females. Males have a bright red body with a black face mask and a crest on top of the head, while females are much more subdued in color with hints of red. Cardinals are known for their strong, musical songs, very variable but quite often clear with whistled notes.
Habitat and Diet
Cardinals make their home in a variety of landscapes, from woodlands to gardens and shrublands. They are primarily seed-eaters, and they get their preference for sunflower seeds. Other food sources include fruits, insects, and berries. To lure these brilliant birds into your yard, offer feeders with sunflower seeds, and plant native shrubs and trees that will provide them with cover and food.
2. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
Description and Behavior
Another common visitor to backyards is the American Goldfinch. It’s particularly recognizable during the breeding season, when it dons bright yellow plumage. In breeding males, this is a brilliant yellow color; the wings are black with white wing bars, and its cap is black. Females and nonbreeding males are more subdued, olive-brown tones. Goldfinches exhibit an undulating flight pattern and are seen in small flocks flitting about.
Habitat and Diet
Goldfinches favor open fields, meadows, and backyard feeders. They prefer thistle seeds and sunflower seeds, so a specialized feeder filled with these seeds would attract them the most. They also have a particular liking for seeds from native plants such as coneflowers and milkweed. Having some of these species in your garden might help attract them.
3. Ducks
Description and Behavior
Ducks are a small family of birds that form part of the larger group of birds called waterfowl, which includes swans and geese. Of these above-indicated relatives, however, ducks are far and away the smallest. They have a rather short neck, with a stout and broad body. Their legs are set to the back of the body, so they have a waddling gait but are fine swimmers. Their webbed feet supplement swimming, while their flat, wide bills allow for foraging in the water.
Habitat and Diet
They are most adaptable and can occur in a variety of habitats, ranging from freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal areas, to even some species occurring in urban parks and agricultural fields. Habitat preference depends on the availability of water and food sources to a great extent. The diet of ducks is generally omnivorous, comprised of aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and crustaceans. They forage either by dabbling-that is, tipping forward in the water to reach plants and animals below the surface-or they dive.
4. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Description and Behavior
With bright blue feathers, white undersides, and the distinctive blue crest, blue jays are rather easy to identify. These birds were known for their intelligence, social complexity, and very loud calls, mimicking the cries of hawks. They can usually be located playing around in pairs or family groups and may be seen engaging in complex forms of communication.
Habitat and Diet
Blue Jays are associated with mixed forests and mature trees in residential areas. They are omnivorous, their diet running the gamut from acorns and nuts to insects and small vertebrates. Offering peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet in your backyard will bring in a Blue Jay or two. They also cache food, so the continuity of a food source will entice repeat visitors.
5. American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Description and Behavior
Perhaps one of the most recognizable birds in Ohio Valley, the American Robin is truly an early harbinger of spring. A medium-sized, gray-brown songbird with a warm orange breast and white throat with black streaks, it has a melodious song—a series of clear whistles, very common in the early morning hours.
Habitat and Diet
Robins are adaptable and thus are found in forests, gardens, and urban areas. Their major foods are earthworms, insects, and fruits. It often forages on lawns looking for worms during its breeding season. Berry-producing shrubs, such as holly and serviceberry, may be planted to feed robins during winter.
6. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Description and Behavior
Mourning Doves are slender, medium-sized birds, soft gray-brown in color, with long tails and a distinguishing black spot in the wing. Their mournful cooing call is a familiar sound in many backyards. Doves are known for their gentle nature and swift, powerful flight.
Habitat and Diet
These birds may be found in open woodlands, fields, and urban areas. Their diet primarily consists of seeds. Their preference is for millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn. Ground feeders or spread seed on the ground will bring Mourning Doves into your yard. It’s also helpful to have a source of clean water for drinking and bathing.
7. Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Description and Behavior
The Red-bellied Woodpecker takes its name from the flecks of red color on its belly, which is sometimes difficult to see; its more distinguishing features are its black and white barred back and the bright red cap that extends from forehead to neck in males and only to the nape in females. Woodpeckers have a characteristic rolling call, which one knows very well; furthermore, they mostly stay attached to tree trunks or branches.
Habitat and Diet
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are found in deciduous forests, woodlots, and suburban areas with mature trees. Their diet includes insects, nuts, and fruits; they can frequently be seen at suet feeders. It may help to offer a combination of suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. Although they relish dead trees or limbs for both nesting and foraging, they do visit feeders.
8. House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
Description and Behavior
This is a small songbird; males have bright red coloration on the head and breast in contrast with the brown-streaked body, while females lack red coloration, and the plumage is uniformly brown with streaking. Their song is a very pretty warble, and they are frequently seen at flocks.
Habitat and Diet
Successful in the urban and suburban areas, House Finches still do well in more rural settings. As long as they can find a place to nest, commonly in trees, shrubs, or even man-made structures, they’ll manage. They virtually live on seeds and fruits alone. House Finches will come to your yard if you fill feeders with sunflower seeds and millet.
9. Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)
Description and Behavior
The Tufted Titmouse is a small, gray bird with a distinctive crest on its head, large dark eyes, and a small black patch just above its beak. Their song is a clear, whistled “peter-peter-peter,” and they are often seen in mixed-species flocks, especially in winter.
Habitat and Diet
The Titmouse prefers deciduous and mixed forests but has also become common in suburban areas with mature trees. They eat insects, seeds and nuts. Offering sunflower seeds, peanuts and suet will attract Tufted Titmice into your yard. They can also be encouraged to take up residence by offering a nest box.
Conclusion
The Ohio Valley region boasts an impressive variety of bird species that you can enjoy right from your back yard. With appropriate habitat, food, and water, one can attract a range of bird species and hence provide a haven to such beautiful creatures. So whether you are a seasoned birder or a beginning birder, there is much enjoyment and learning opportunity in the observation and identification of these everyday backyard birds. Now, set up your feeders, plant some native shrubs, and enjoy the vibrant avian life that graces the Ohio Valley.