Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)

Length: 13–17 cm | Wingspan: 18–25 cm | Weight: 18–30 g

Plumage: Slate‑gray body, white belly, pink bill; females browner.

Sexual Dimorphism: Mild; males darker.

Juveniles: Streaked brown; molt into adult plumage in fall.

Diet: Seeds (grass, weed), insects in summer.

Seasonal Diet Shift: Winter diet nearly 100% seeds.

Breeding Biology: Breeds in boreal forests (not in Ohio).

Nest: Ground nest hidden under roots or logs.

Clutch Size: 3–5 eggs; incubation 11–13 days.

Fledging: 9–13 days.

Lifespan: Typically 3–6 years; oldest 11 years.

Migration: Strong migrant; arrives in Ohio in October.

Vocalizations: High trills and chips.

Behavior: Ground forager; forms winter flocks.

Ohio Distribution: Statewide in winter.

Conservation Status: Stable.

Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens)

Length: 64–79 cm | Wingspan: 135–165 cm | Weight: 2.0–3.2 kg

Plumage: Two morphs: white (all white with black wingtips) and blue (dark body, white head).

Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal.

Juveniles: Grayish with duller bills.

Diet: Grasses, sedges, grains, roots.

Seasonal Diet Shift: More agricultural grains during migration.

Breeding Biology: Breeds in Arctic tundra.

Nest: Ground nest lined with down.

Clutch Size: 2–6 eggs; incubation 22–25 days.

Fledging: 42–50 days.

Lifespan: Typically 10–20 years; oldest 27 years.

Migration: Long‑distance; Ohio is a stopover.

Vocalizations: High, nasal honks.

Behavior: Forms massive flocks; strong family bonds.

Ohio Distribution: Mostly western Ohio wetlands in migration.

Conservation Status: Increasing.

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)

Length: 11–13 cm | Wingspan: 18–22 cm | Weight: 8–13 g

Plumage: Blue‑gray back, rusty underparts, bold black‑and‑white face stripes.

Sexual Dimorphism: Females paler below.

Juveniles: Duller with less contrast.

Diet: Conifer seeds, insects.

Seasonal Diet Shift: More seeds in winter.

Breeding Biology: Breeds in boreal forests.

Nest: Cavity lined with resin to deter predators.

Clutch Size: 4–7 eggs; incubation 12 days.

Fledging: 18–21 days.

Lifespan: Typically 3–6 years.

Migration: Irruptive; numbers vary yearly.

Vocalizations: Nasal “yank‑yank.”

Behavior: Climbs headfirst down trees.

Ohio Distribution: Winter visitor statewide.

Conservation Status: Stable.

Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)

Length: 11–14 cm | Wingspan: 18–22 cm | Weight: 12–18 g

Plumage: Streaky brown with yellow wing and tail flashes.

Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal.

Juveniles: Similar but duller.

Diet: Seeds (conifers, alder, birch), insects.

Seasonal Diet Shift: Winter diet nearly all seeds.

Breeding Biology: Breeds in boreal forests.

Nest: Cup of twigs, moss, and lichen.

Clutch Size: 3–5 eggs; incubation 13 days.

Fledging: 15–17 days.

Lifespan: Typically 3–6 years; oldest 8 years.

Migration: Highly irruptive; unpredictable winter visitor.

Vocalizations: High buzzy trills.

Behavior: Very social; forms large flocks.

Ohio Distribution: Winter visitor; varies by year.

Conservation Status: Declining slightly.

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

Length: 15–19 cm | Wingspan: 23–25 cm | Weight: 22–32 g

Plumage: Two morphs: white‑stripe and tan‑stripe; both have bright white throat patch and yellow lores.

Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal.

Juveniles: Tan‑stripe appearance; duller overall.

Diet: Seeds, fruits, insects.

Seasonal Diet Shift: More fruits in fall.

Breeding Biology: Breeds in northern forests.

Nest: Ground or low shrub nest.

Clutch Size: 3–5 eggs; incubation 11–14 days.

Fledging: 8–12 days.

Lifespan: Typically 4–7 years; oldest 14 years.

Migration: Migratory; arrives in Ohio in October.

Vocalizations: Clear whistle: “Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada.”

Behavior: Ground forager; forms winter flocks.

Ohio Distribution: Statewide in winter.

Conservation Status: Stable.