Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)

Length: 29–37 cm | Wingspan: 62–72 cm | Weight: 238–380 g

Plumage: Highly variable; wild‑type birds show blue‑gray body, iridescent neck, and two black wing bars.

Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal; males slightly larger with more iridescence.

Juveniles: Duller with brownish tones and less iridescence.

Diet: Seeds, grains, human food scraps; opportunistic forager.

Seasonal Diet Shift: Minimal due to reliance on human environments.

Breeding Biology: Breeds year‑round in Ohio’s cities.

Nest: Simple platform of sticks and debris on ledges, bridges, and buildings.

Clutch Size: 1–2 eggs; incubation 17–19 days.

Fledging: 25–32 days.

Lifespan: Typically 3–6 years; oldest 19 years.

Migration: Non‑migratory.

Vocalizations: Soft coos and grunts.

Behavior: Highly social; forms large flocks; excellent navigators.

Ohio Distribution: Abundant in all cities and towns.

Conservation Status: Introduced; stable.

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Length: 20–23 cm | Wingspan: 31–44 cm | Weight: 58–100 g

Plumage: Glossy black with iridescent greens and purples; winter birds show white speckles.

Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal; males have bluer base to bill in breeding season.

Juveniles: Brown overall; molt into adult plumage in fall.

Diet: Insects, fruits, grains; highly opportunistic.

Seasonal Diet Shift: More insects in summer; more fruits in fall.

Breeding Biology: Cavity nester; aggressively displaces native species.

Nest: Grass, feathers, trash; built in cavities or vents.

Clutch Size: 4–6 eggs; incubation 12 days.

Fledging: 21–23 days.

Lifespan: Typically 2–5 years; oldest 15 years.

Migration: Partial; large winter flocks common.

Vocalizations: Harsh chatters; excellent mimics.

Behavior: Forms massive murmurations.

Ohio Distribution: Statewide; extremely abundant.

Conservation Status: Invasive; increasing.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Length: 14–18 cm | Wingspan: 19–25 cm | Weight: 24–40 g

Plumage: Males have gray crown, black bib, chestnut nape; females dull brown.

Sexual Dimorphism: Strong.

Juveniles: Similar to females.

Diet: Seeds, grains, insects, human food scraps.

Seasonal Diet Shift: More insects during breeding season.

Breeding Biology: Cavity nester; competes with bluebirds and swallows.

Nest: Bulky mass of grasses and feathers.

Clutch Size: 3–7 eggs; incubation 10–14 days.

Fledging: 14–17 days.

Lifespan: Typically 3–5 years; oldest 13 years.

Migration: Non‑migratory.

Vocalizations: Constant “cheep” calls.

Behavior: Highly social; thrives near humans.

Ohio Distribution: Statewide in urban areas.

Conservation Status: Invasive; stable.

Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)

Length: 12–14 cm | Wingspan: 27–30 cm | Weight: 17–30 g

Plumage: Sooty brown overall; long, narrow, crescent‑shaped wings.

Sexual Dimorphism: None.

Juveniles: Similar to adults.

Diet: 100% aerial insects.

Seasonal Diet Shift: None.

Breeding Biology: Nests inside chimneys using saliva‑glued twigs.

Nest: Half‑cup of twigs attached to vertical walls.

Clutch Size: 3–5 eggs; incubation 18–21 days.

Fledging: 28–30 days.

Lifespan: Typically 4–6 years; oldest 14 years.

Migration: Long‑distance to South America.

Vocalizations: High‑pitched chattering.

Behavior: Cannot perch; clings to vertical surfaces.

Ohio Distribution: Common in towns with older chimneys.

Conservation Status: Declining due to chimney caps.

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)

Length: 28–34 cm | Wingspan: 36–46 cm | Weight: 74–142 g

Plumage: Glossy black with iridescent blue‑purple head; long keel‑shaped tail.

Sexual Dimorphism: Males larger and more iridescent.

Juveniles: Brownish with dull eyes.

Diet: Insects, grains, fruits, small vertebrates.

Seasonal Diet Shift: More grains in fall; more insects in spring.

Breeding Biology: Nests in colonies in trees or shrubs.

Nest: Bulky cup of grasses and twigs.

Clutch Size: 1–7 eggs; incubation 12–15 days.

Fledging: 10–17 days.

Lifespan: Typically 5–7 years; oldest 23 years.

Migration: Partial; many overwinter in Ohio.

Vocalizations: Harsh, metallic calls.

Behavior: Highly social; forms huge winter flocks.

Ohio Distribution: Statewide.

Conservation Status: Declining moderately.