During the arrival of warblers in spring and summer in Ohio, it is common to spot yellow birds, but in winter, the American Goldfinch is the most frequently seen yellow bird in the area.
To help you identify the yellow birds you spot in Ohio, this comprehensive guide provides pictures, identification details, song recordings, and migration patterns.
Warblers, orioles, and tanagers are the most common yellow birds in Ohio, with some female birds exhibiting distinct differences from their male counterparts.
This guide presents the yellow birds in Ohio in the order of their frequency according to ebird checklists in spring and summer (May and June).
Yellow birds found in Ohio throughout the year include the American Goldfinch.
Yellow birds seen in Ohio during the summer include the Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Baltimore Oriole, Cedar Waxwing, American Redstart, Eastern Meadowlark, Scarlet Tanager, Yellow-throated Vireo, Orchard Oriole, Yellow-throated Warbler, White-eyed Vireo, Hooded Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Summer Tanager, Prairie Warbler, Dickcissel, and Western Meadowlark.
During the winter months, the Yellow-rumped Warbler is the only commonly spotted yellow bird in Ohio.
Yellow birds passing through Ohio during migration include the Palm Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Pine Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Canada Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Evening Grosbeak.
Continue reading to discover how to identify the yellow birds you’ve spotted.
28 Yellow Birds in Ohio:
1. American Goldfinch
Identification: The American Goldfinch, with its vibrant yellow and black plumage during spring, is a popular bird. The females and winter males have a duller brown appearance.
Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces (11-20 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Habitat: American Goldfinches can be found in weedy fields, overgrown areas, suburbs, parks, and backyards.
Song: The American Goldfinch has a distinct song.
Nesting: American Goldfinches build nests in shrubs using rootlets, plant material, and spiders’ webs. They lay up to seven eggs.
Attracting: Planting thistles and milkweed can attract American Goldfinches to your backyard. They are also fond of sunflower and nyjer seeds.
Fun Fact: The American Goldfinch’s vegetarian diet makes it unsuitable for raising cowbird chicks.
2. Yellow Warbler
Identification: Yellow Warblers are small yellow birds with a yellow-green back and chestnut streaks on the male’s breast. Females and juveniles have less vibrant coloring.
Scientific Name: Setophaga petechia
Size: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 inches (16-20 cm)
Migration: Yellow Warblers migrate to Canada and the US for breeding and then head to Central and South America for winter. They can be seen during migration in southeastern US states.
Habitat: Yellow Warblers are commonly found along streams, wetlands, and the edges of fields.
Song: Yellow Warblers have a distinct song.
Nesting: Yellow Warblers build nests in small trees or shr
3. Common Yellowthroat
Identification: The Common Yellowthroat is a small yellow bird with a black mask across its face. Males have a brighter yellow coloration, while females have a duller olive-yellow hue.
Scientific Name: Geothlypis trichas
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-12 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 inches (17-20 cm)
Habitat: Common Yellowthroats can be found in wet thickets, marshes, and areas with dense vegetation.
Song: The song of the Common Yellowthroat is a series of musical notes followed by a distinctive “witchety-witchety-witchety” call.
Nesting: They build cup-shaped nests on or near the ground, usually hidden in vegetation.
Attracting: Creating dense shrubby habitats and providing water sources can attract Common Yellowthroats.
4. Baltimore Oriole
Identification: The Baltimore Oriole is a medium-sized bird with bright orange plumage and black accents on its wings and head. Females have a similar pattern but with duller colors.
Scientific Name: Icterus galbula
Size: 7.1-7.9 inches (18-20 cm)
Weight: 1-1.1 ounces (28-32 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 inches (25-30 cm)
Habitat: Baltimore Orioles can be found in open woodlands, forest edges, parks, and backyards with suitable nesting sites.
Song: Baltimore Orioles have a rich, flute-like song.
Nesting: They build pendulous nests hanging from tree branches using plant fibers, grasses, and other materials.
Attracting: Offering orange slices, nectar feeders, and jelly can attract Baltimore Orioles.
5. Cedar Waxwing
Identification: Cedar Waxwings are medium-sized birds with a sleek crest, pale yellow bellies, gray wings, and distinctive black masks.
Scientific Name: Bombycilla cedrorum
Size: 6.3-7.5 inches (16-19 cm)
Weight: 1.1-1.5 ounces (30-42 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 inches (25-30 cm)
Habitat: Cedar Waxwings can be found in open woodlands, orchards, and areas with fruit-bearing trees.
Song: Cedar Waxwings have a high-pitched, trilling song.
Nesting: They build cup-shaped nests made of twigs, grasses, and other materials.
Attracting: Providing berry-producing shrubs and trees can attract Cedar Waxwings.
6. American Redstart
Identification: The male American Redstart has black and orange plumage with bold wing patches. Females and immature birds have yellow and grayish plumage.
Scientific Name: Setophaga ruticilla
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.2-0.4 ounces (6-12 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 inches (17-20 cm)
Habitat: American Redstarts can be found in deciduous forests, woodland edges, and shrubby habitats.
Song: They have a high-pitched, warbling song.
Nesting: They build cup-shaped nests on branches, usually in the understory of forests.
Attracting: Providing a variety of insects can attract American Redstarts.
7. Eastern Meadowlark
Identification: Eastern Meadowlarks are medium-sized birds with yellow underparts, brown upperparts, and a distinctive black “V” on their chests.
Scientific Name: Sturnella magna
Size: 7.9-10.2 inches (20-26 cm)
Weight: 4.9-6.5 ounces (140-185 g)
Wingspan: 15.0-16.5 inches (38-42 cm)
Habitat: Eastern Meadowlarks can be found in open grasslands, meadows, pastures, and agricultural fields.
Song: They have a melodious, flute-like song often described as a whistled “spring-of-the-year.”
Nesting: They build cup-shaped nests on the ground in grassy areas.
Attracting: Maintaining open grassy habitats and avoiding excessive mowing can attract Eastern Meadowlarks.
8. Yellow Warbler
Identification: The Yellow Warbler is a small songbird with bright yellow plumage, often showing reddish streaks on the breast. Males have a reddish band on their chest.
Scientific Name: Setophaga petechia
Size: 4.7 inches (12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-12 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 inches (17-20 cm)
Habitat: Yellow Warblers can be found in various habitats, including forests, wetlands, shrubby areas, and gardens.
Song: They have a sweet, musical song that is often described as a series of rising notes.
Nesting: They build cup-shaped nests in shrubs or low trees, using grass, bark, and plant fibers.
Attracting: Providing shrubs, trees, and a water source can attract Yellow Warblers to your backyard.
9. Wilson’s Warbler
Identification: The Wilson’s Warbler is a small, vibrant yellow bird with olive-green upperparts and a black cap. Males have a more extensive black cap compared to females.
Scientific Name: Cardellina pusilla
Size: 4.3-4.7 inches (11-12 cm)
Weight: 0.3 ounces (8-9 g)
Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 inches (16-18 cm)
Habitat: Wilson’s Warblers can be found in dense shrubs, woodland edges, and wet areas with thick vegetation.
Song: They have a high, fast, and musical song that is often described as a series of chattering notes.
Nesting: They build cup-shaped nests on the ground or in low shrubs, using grass, moss, and plant fibers.
Attracting: Creating dense shrubby habitats and providing water sources can attract Wilson’s Warblers.
10. Yellow-throated Warbler
Identification: The Yellow-throated Warbler is a medium-sized songbird with yellow underparts, white wing bars, and a black stripe through its eyes. Males have a brighter yellow throat.
Scientific Name: Setophaga dominica
Size: 5.5-5.9 inches (14-15 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (11-14 g)
Wingspan: 8.3-9.1 inches (21-23 cm)
Habitat: Yellow-throated Warblers can be found in mature deciduous forests, cypress swamps, and wooded areas near water.
Song: They have a distinctive, clear, and ringing song that is often described as a repeated “sweet-sweet-sweet, I’m so sweet.”
Nesting: They build cup-shaped nests in the forks of tree branches, using grass, moss, and plant fibers.
Attracting: Maintaining mature forests and providing nest boxes can attract Yellow-throated Warblers.
11. American Goldfinch
Identification: The American Goldfinch is a small songbird with bright yellow plumage and black wings. During the breeding season, males have a black cap and a black face.
Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces (12-20 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Habitat: American Goldfinches can be found in open areas, including fields, meadows, gardens, and woodland edges.
Song: They have a lively, melodic song that is often described as a series of twittering notes.
Nesting: They build cup-shaped nests in shrubs or trees, using plant fibers and plant down.
Attracting: Providing nyjer or thistle seed feeders can attract American Goldfinches to your backyard.
12. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Identification: The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker with black and white plumage. Males have a red crown and throat, while females have a white throat.
Scientific Name: Sphyrapicus varius
Size: 7.1-8.3 inches (18-21 cm)
Weight: 1.5-1.9 ounces (42-54 g)
Wingspan: 13.4-15.8 inches (34-40 cm)
Habitat: Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers can be found in forests, woodlands, and sometimes in orchards or urban areas with suitable trees.
Call: They have a distinctive mewing call that sounds like a cat.
Nesting: They excavate holes in trees for nesting and sap wells, which they use to feed on tree sap and attract insects.
Attracting: Leaving dead trees or installing nest boxes can attract Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers to your area.
13. Pine Warbler
Identification: The Pine Warbler is a medium-sized songbird with olive-green upperparts and bright yellow underparts. It has a thin white wing bar and a narrow bill.
Scientific Name: Setophaga pinus
Size: 5.5-5.9 inches (14-15 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (11-14 g)
Wingspan: 8.3-9.1 inches (21-23 cm)
Habitat: Pine Warblers can be found in pine forests, mixed woodlands, and sometimes in residential areas with pine trees.
Song: They have a musical trilling song that is often described as a series of rising and falling notes.
Nesting: They build cup-shaped nests in pine trees, using grass, pine needles, and plant fibers.
Attracting: Maintaining pine forests and providing suet feeders can attract Pine Warblers to your backyard.
14. Yellow-throated Warbler
Identification: The Yellow-throated Warbler is a small songbird with yellow underparts and a striking black-and-white pattern on its head. Males have a black throat patch outlined in white.
Scientific Name: Setophaga dominica
Size: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 inches (20-23 cm)
Habitat: Yellow-throated Warblers can be found in mature deciduous forests, especially near water sources.
Song: They have a clear, ringing song that often includes a series of high-pitched notes followed by a descending trill.
Nesting: They build cup-shaped nests in tree branches using fine grasses, moss, and plant fibers.
Attracting: Maintaining mature forests and providing water sources like birdbaths can attract Yellow-throated Warblers to your area.
15. Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Identification: The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a medium-sized bird with a long, slim body, a gray-brown back, and a yellow bill. It has a white belly with faint yellow undertones.
Scientific Name: Coccyzus americanus
Size: 11.0-12.2 inches (28-31 cm)
Weight: 1.6-2.5 ounces (45-71 g)
Wingspan: 17.3-18.9 inches (44-48 cm)
Habitat: Yellow-billed Cuckoos can be found in riparian areas, wooded swamps, and forests with dense vegetation.
Call: They have a distinctive “coo-coo-coo” call, often repeated several times in a row.
Nesting: They build shallow platform nests in trees or shrubs, usually near water.
Attracting: Maintaining wooded areas with dense vegetation and providing water sources can attract Yellow-billed Cuckoos to your area.
16. American Goldfinch
Identification: The American Goldfinch is a small songbird with bright yellow plumage, black wings with white bars, and a black cap. During the breeding season, males display vibrant yellow feathers.
Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces (11-20 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Habitat: American Goldfinches are commonly found in open fields, meadows, and areas with thistle plants.
Song: They have a distinctive, undulating song, often described as a series of musical notes or “per-chi-co-ree.”
Nesting: They build cup-shaped nests using plant fibers and down, often placed in the branches of shrubs or trees.
Attracting: Providing nyjer (thistle) feeders and maintaining open areas with thistle plants can attract American Goldfinches to your yard.
17. Yellow-breasted Chat
Identification: The Yellow-breasted Chat is a large songbird with a yellow throat, breast, and belly. It has a gray back and a distinctive black mask around its eyes.
Scientific Name: Icteria virens
Size: 7.5-7.9 inches (19-20 cm)
Weight: 1.0-1.6 ounces (28-45 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-9.8 inches (22-25 cm)
Habitat: Yellow-breasted Chats can be found in dense thickets, shrubby areas, and forest edges.
Song: They have a loud and varied song that includes a mix of whistles, squawks, and gurgles.
Nesting: They build bulky cup-shaped nests in shrubs or low trees using twigs, grass, and plant fibers.
Attracting: Maintaining dense shrubbery and providing water sources can attract Yellow-breasted Chats to your area.
18. Prothonotary Warbler
From April to October, the Prothonotary Warbler chooses to spend its breeding season in Ohio, making appearances in about 6% of summer checklists.
These warblers boast bright yellow plumage, complemented by blue-gray wings and tails. Compared to other warblers, they are larger in size and feature thick black beaks, along with white under their tails. However, it’s worth noting that females have a less vibrant coloration than their male counterparts.
Scientific Name: Protonotaria citrea
Size: Measuring around 5.1 inches (13 cm) in length
Weight: Weighing about 0.44 ounces (12.5 g)
Wingspan: Spanning approximately 8.75 inches (22 cm)
While Prothonotary Warblers breed in eastern states of the US, they undertake a winter journey to regions as far as Mexico and northern South America.
These birds can often be found near streams and in wet woodlands, where they forage for a variety of delicacies such as spiders, insects, and snails. During winter, they may expand their diet to include fruits and seeds.
When it comes to nesting, Prothonotary Warblers exhibit an interesting strategy. They make use of abandoned woodpecker nest holes in trees located near water. The male takes the initiative by placing moss inside the hole, while the female constructs a cup-shaped nest using grass, leaves, and other plant materials.
The female lays up to seven eggs, which take approximately two weeks to hatch. Once hatched, the young birds spend an additional ten days in the nest before venturing out into the world.
To attract Prothonotary Warblers to your backyard, consider installing a nest box if you live near wet areas.
Fun Fact: The name “Prothonotary” is derived from the bright yellow robes, called “protonotary,” worn by certain members of the Roman Catholic Church.
19. Cape May Warbler
During the spring and fall migration, one might catch a glimpse of the Cape May Warbler in Ohio.
Male Cape May Warblers display distinctive features, including chestnut cheeks, dark caps, and a yellow neck ring that frames their heads. Their overall coloration consists of mottled yellow-olive on the upper parts and yellow with dark streaks on the lower parts.
Scientific Name: Setophaga tigrina
Size: Ranging from 4.7 to 5.1 inches (12 to 13 cm) in length
Weight: Weighing approximately 0.4 to 0.5 ounces (10.2 to 15.2 g)
Wingspan: Extending between 7.9 to 8.7 inches (20 to 22 cm)
Cape May Warblers undertake a remarkable journey. They migrate to their breeding grounds in Canada, traversing eastern states of the US. During the winter, they seek refuge in the Caribbean, as well as a narrow coastal region on the Yucatan Peninsula and Central America.
While the Cape May Warbler primarily inhabits spruce forests in its breeding grounds, during migration, it can be spotted in various habitats, particularly near woodland edges and scrublands where insects, their preferred prey, are abundant.
Their diet mainly consists of spruce budworm during the summer season. However, in winter, they supplement their diet with fruit, nectar, and may even visit hummingbird feeders.
As for nesting, Cape May Warblers construct their nests high up in spruce trees, near the trunk. The nests are crafted using twigs, pine needles, bark, and are shaped like
a cup. They line the nests with soft materials such as animal hair and feathers. A typical clutch size comprises up to nine eggs.
To attract Cape May Warblers to your backyard, consider planting native shrubs and trees that provide insects as a food source. Additionally, they may be enticed by fruit and hummingbird feeders.
Fun Fact: Cape May Warblers possess uniquely shaped tongues that are specially adapted for lapping up nectar. Their tongues are curled, forming a tube-like structure.
20. Yellow-headed Blackbird
Yellow-headed Blackbirds are commonly found in Ohio, particularly during migration. They are often observed from mid-May to April and are featured in 2% of checklists during the summer.
Yellow-headed Blackbirds stand out with their glossy black bodies, bright yellow heads and chests, and white wing patches in males. Females exhibit a brown coloration instead of black, and their yellow head is less vibrant. They are larger than Red-winged Blackbirds.
Scientific Name: Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
Size: Measuring between 8.3 to 10.2 inches (21 to 26 cm) in length
Weight: Weighing approximately 1.6 to 3.5 ounces (44 to 100 g)
Wingspan: Spanning from 16.5 to 17.3 inches (42 to 44 cm)
Yellow-headed Blackbirds breed in western and prairie wetlands, nesting in the reeds. They forage over surrounding wetlands, grasslands, and fields, primarily targeting insects during the summer.
Following breeding activities, Yellow-headed Blackbirds migrate to fields, farmlands, and Southwest states for the winter, often forming large flocks.
Their diet primarily consists of insects during the summer, while in winter, they consume seeds and grains.
Yellow-headed Blackbirds possess a unique screeching buzz sound interspersed with more melodious notes.
Nests of Yellow-headed Blackbirds are situated up to 100 feet above ground in pine trees. These nests are loosely constructed using twigs, rootlets, grass, moss, and pine needles. They typically contain 2 to 5 eggs, which hatch after an incubation period of two weeks.
To attract Yellow-headed Blackbirds to your backyard during winter, consider providing sunflower seeds.
Fun Fact: Yellow-headed Blackbirds exhibit incredible bill strength, allowing them to crush seeds that smaller birds struggle to open. As a result, they often scavenge for leftovers from other birds’ feeding activities.
21. Pine Warbler
During the spring and fall migration, Pine Warblers can be spotted in Ohio. They are most commonly observed in April, appearing on around 5% of checklists during that time.
Pine Warblers are small, plump birds adorned in yellow plumage with olive-colored backs. Their lower bellies are white, and their wings feature gray wingbars. Female Pine Warblers may appear browner and exhibit more white on their bellies.
Scientific Name: Setophaga pinus
Size: Measuring between 5.1 to 5.5 inches (13 to 14 cm) in length
Weight: Weighing approximately 0.3 to 0.5 ounces (9 to 15 g)
Wingspan: Spanning from 7.5 to 9.1 inches (19 to 23 cm)
Pine Warblers engage in breeding activities within northeastern states of the US before embarking on a journey to southeastern states. Some individuals, however, choose to remain in southeastern US states throughout the year.
As their name suggests, Pine Warblers predominantly inhabit pine forests, favoring the upper reaches of the trees. Their diet mainly comprises caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other insects and larvae. In colder weather, they may also consume fruits and seeds.
When it comes to their melodious song, Pine Warblers possess a distinctive rising tune.
Nests of Pine Warblers are typically situated in pine trees. These nests are skillfully constructed using twigs, bark, pine needles, and grass, held together by spider silk. They line the nests with feathers and animal hair. A clutch may consist of up to five eggs, which take around two weeks to hatch. The young birds remain in the nest for an additional ten days before taking flight.
To attract Pine Warblers to your yard, consider providing tube feeders and platform feeders stocked with millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, and suet. Additionally, planting native fruit-bearing trees and vines such as bayberry, grape, sumac, and Virginia creeper can be enticing.
Fun Fact: Pine Warblers are unique among warblers as they primarily consume seeds. Consequently, they are more likely to visit backyard feeders.
22. Blue-winged Warbler
Ohio witnesses the presence of Blue-winged Warblers from April to October, with approximately 4% of summer checklists including these avian visitors.
As their name suggests, Blue-winged Warblers sport bluish-gray wings, which are their defining feature. Adults possess a yellow-green coloration on the upper parts, accompanied by a black eye line that extends from their long bills across the eyes, lending them an intense expression.
The breast and belly of Blue-winged Warblers display a vibrant shade of yellow. Although females may exhibit a slightly paler hue, they often resemble the males. Adult birds boast two distinct white wing bars, while juvenile individuals possess barely visible, thin wing bars.
Scientific Name: Vermivora cyanoptera
Size: Measuring approximately 4.75 inches (12 cm) in length
Weight: Weighing about 0.3 ounces (9 g)
Wingspan: Spanning from 6.75 to 7.5inches (17 to 19 cm)
Blue-winged Warblers breed within eastern US states, excluding the southern regions. However, during their migration to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean for winter, they can be encountered in Ohio.
Abandoned and brushy fields, forest edges, and thickets serve as preferred habitats for Blue-winged Warblers. They often settle in elevated areas abundant with grass and canopy cover. In terms of diet, they primarily feed on insects and spiders, foraging amidst various plants and trees. They even exhibit acrobatic behaviors, hanging upside down from tree branches to search for insect larvae beneath leaves—a delicacy they provide to their young.
The distinctive song of Blue-winged Warblers combines musical notes with a screeching buzz at the end.
Nests of Blue-winged Warblers are commonly found on the ground, nestled within thick bushes or undergrowth. These cup-shaped nests are skillfully woven using dead leaves. The female lays four to seven eggs, which incubate for about 12 days.
Fun Fact: Blue-winged Warblers have a tendency to hybridize with Golden-winged Warblers, giving rise to unique hybrids known as Brewster’s Warblers and Lawrence’s Warblers.
23. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers are predominantly observed migrating across Ohio, particularly during May and September.
These small, round warblers exhibit vibrant yellow plumage and are characterized by a large black cap in males. Females possess a smaller black cap in comparison.
Scientific Name: Cardellina pusilla
Size: Ranging from 3.9 to 4.7 inches (10 to 12 cm) in length
Weight: Weighing approximately 0.2 to 0.3 ounces (5 to 10 g)
Wingspan: Extending between 5.5 to 6.7 inches (14 to 17 cm)
Wilson’s Warblers breed in Canada, Alaska, and northwestern US states. However, during migration, they traverse various US states, making appearances across the entire country. During winter, they seek refuge in Mexico and Central America.
These warblers can be found near streams, foraging for insects, their larvae, and spiders in thickets and forest edges.
The captivating song of Wilson’s Warblers is a treat to the ears.
Nests of Wilson’s Warblers are cleverly concealed on the ground, often near trees or shrubs. They are constructed using leaves, sedges, grass, and other plant materials, and lined with soft grass and animal hair. The female lays around five eggs, which hatch in approximately eleven days. The young birds leave the nest after an additional ten days.
It’s important to note that Wilson’s Warblers do not visit feeders. However, you can attract them to your backyard by planting native trees and shrubs.
Fun Fact: Wilson’s Warblers exhibit a fascinating behavior when it comes to protecting their nests. They feign a broken wing to distract potential nest predators, leading them away from the nest before abruptly flying off.
24. Canada Warbler
During the spring and fall migration, Ohio serves as a temporary home for Canada Warblers. They are particularly abundant during the spring migration in May, appearing on around 12% of checklists during that time.
Canada Warblers bear a resemblance to Magnolia Warblers and share a similar range. However, they possess a distinct grayish-black coloration on their backs, with the black “necklace” in males extending solely over their chest rather than across the belly. Their chests, bellies, and throats feature a vibrant shade of yellow.
Females and immature Canada Warblers exhibit a similar appearance, although their coloration may appear paler or duller. The black necklace is not presentin females.
Scientific Name: Cardellina canadensis
Size: Ranging from 4.7 to 5.9 inches (12 to 15 cm) in length
Weight: Weighing approximately 0.3 to 0.5 ounces (9 to 13 g)
Wingspan: Extending between 6.7 to 8.7 inches (17 to 22 cm)
Breeding activities for Canada Warblers primarily occur in Canada and northeastern US states. However, during migration, these warblers can be observed across the eastern half of the US. They spend the winter in western South America.
Rhododendron-filled conifer forests, as well as aspen and poplar forests, serve as favored breeding habitats for Canada Warblers. In terms of foraging, they predominantly seek insects and spiders amidst these environments. It’s worth noting that the species has experienced population decline in recent times.
Canada Warblers possess a delightful song that resonates within their territories.
Nests of Canada Warblers are situated near the ground, often in shrubs or ferns. These nests are intricately woven using grass, bark, leaves, and other plant materials. They typically contain up to six eggs, which hatch after a 12-day incubation period. The young birds remain in the nest for about eight days before embarking on their journey.
Fun Fact: Canada Warblers are exceptional flyers, covering over 3000 miles each way during their migratory journeys from winter to summer grounds.
25. Summer Tanager Female
Summer Tanagers are known to grace Ohio with their presence during the breeding season, typically from mid-April to September. However, a few individuals may linger until February. Approximately 2% of summer checklists include records of Summer Tanagers.
Male Summer Tanagers are easily recognizable due to their striking, bright red plumage and chunky build. Females and juveniles, on the other hand, exhibit a predominantly yellow coloration with hints of green on their backs.
Scientific Name: Piranga rubra
Size: Measuring approximately 6.7 inches (17 cm) in length
Weight: Weighing about 1.1 ounces (30 g)
Summer Tanagers breed within southern and eastern states before embarking on a winter migration to Central and South America.
Open woodlands serve as ideal habitats for Summer Tanagers, where they actively hunt bees and wasps mid-flight. They employ a unique technique of capturing and eliminating their prey by beating them against a branch, ensuring the removal of stingers before consumption.
The melodious song of Summer Tanagers adds to the ambiance of their presence.
Nests of Summer Tanagers are constructed by the females at the end of overhanging branches using grass and other plant materials. Although not particularly sturdy, these nests hold around four eggs. The incubation period spans approximately ten days, and the young birds take another ten days before leaving the nest.
To attract Summer Tanagers to your backyard, consider cultivating berry bushes and fruit trees.
Fun Fact: Young Scarlet Tanagers receive continued parental care for an additional three weeks after leaving the nest, as their flying skills are not fully developed during that period.
26. Prairie Warbler
Ohio serves as the breeding ground for Prairie Warblers, and they are usually spotted from April to November. Approximately 1% of summer checklists include these warblers.
Prairie Warblers are small songbirds characterized by their olive-green backs, white lower bellies, and gray wingbars. Females may display a browner appearance with more prominent white markings on their bellies.
Scientific Name: Setophaga discolor
Size: Measuring around 4.3 inches (11 cm) in length
Weight: Weighing approximately0.2 to 0.3 ounces (6.4 to 8.8 g)
Prairie Warblers breed within eastern and southeastern US states and spend the winter in Florida, the Caribbean, and some coastal areas of Central America. A separate subspecies remains in Florida throughout the year, and these individuals are slightly larger in size.
Contrary to their name, Prairie Warblers do not inhabit prairies but are often found in fields, forests, and grasslands. They feed on insects such as caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and snails. In colder weather, they may supplement their diet with fruits and seeds.
Prairie Warblers possess a unique rising song that sets them apart.
Nests of Prairie Warblers are skillfully hidden in trees and shrubs, crafted from plant material, leaves, and lined with soft feathers and fur. They lay up to five eggs, which hatch in approximately two weeks. The young birds leave the nest after around ten days.
Fun Fact: Male Prairie Warblers sing two distinct songs—one to attract females and another to deter competing males.
27. Dickcissel
Dickcissels make their presence known in Ohio during the breeding season, primarily from mid-May to August. They are recorded in approximately 1% of checklists during this period.
Male Dickcissels captivate with their striking appearance, featuring a black throat patch and yellow chest. Their yellow eyebrow lines stand out against their grayish heads. Female Dickcissels possess similar markings but with a slightly paler or duller coloration. Notably, they lack a black throat patch, and the yellow chest is faint.
Scientific Name: Spiza americana
Size: Measuring between 5.5 to 6.3 inches (14 to 16 cm) in length
Weight: Weighing approximately 0.9 to 1.4 ounces (25.6 to 38.4 g)
Wingspan: Spanning from 9.8 to 10.2 inches (24.8 to 26 cm)
Dickcissels breed within the central and great plains of the US before migrating to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
Meadows, prairies, tall grasslands, lightly grazed pastures, and roadsides are preferred habitats for Dickcissels. They forage on insects during summer, including grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, and crickets. At other times of the year, their diet may include seeds, weeds, grasses, and cultivated grains.
Dickcissels have a distinct screeching buzz incorporated into their song.
Nests of Dickcissels are typically found in small shrubs, grasses, and trees up to four feet high. These bulky nests are constructed using weeds, grass, and leaves, with a soft interior composed of fine grass and animal hair. The female may lay up to six eggs, which incubate for about two weeks. The young birds are ready to fly after around ten days.
Fun Fact: During fall migration, Dickcissel populations can swell to thousands or even millions as they gather in large flocks en route to their winter grounds.
28. Orange-crowned Warbler
Ohio is graced with the presence of Orange-crowned Warblers during migration, particularly in May and October.
Orange-crowned Warblers are not as vibrantly colored as other warbler species. They exhibit yellow-olive plumage, with individuals on the Pacific Coast displaying a more pronounced yellow hue. The orange crown for which they are named is seldom visible.
Scientific Name: Leiothlypis celata
Size: Ranging from 4.3 to 5.5 inches (11 to14 cm) in length
Weight: Weighing approximately 0.3 to 0.4 ounces (7 to 11 g)
Wingspan: Spanning 7.5 inches (19 cm)
Breeding activities for Orange-crowned Warblers take place in Canada and western US states. During migration, they can be observed across the Pacific, East, and Gulf Coasts of the US, as well as in Mexico. They are absent from the northeastern states.
Shrubs, low vegetation, and open woodlands serve as preferred habitats for Orange-crowned Warblers. Their diet primarily consists of spiders, insects like caterpillars and flies, and occasionally fruits, berries, and seeds. These warblers are known to visit backyard feeders regularly.
Orange-crowned Warblers possess a delightful song that resonates throughout their territories.
Nests of Orange-crowned Warblers are often situated near the ground and constructed using dead leaves, twigs, stems, and lined with soft grass and animal hair. The female typically lays up to six eggs.
To attract Orange-crowned Warblers to your backyard during winter, consider providing suet, peanut butter, hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water nectar, as well as planting native fruits and vines like bayberry, grape, sumac, and Virginia creeper.
Fun Fact: Orange-crowned Warblers have been observed drinking sap from sapwells created by sapsuckers and woodpeckers.