Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Length: 28–33 cm | Wingspan: 45–46 cm | Weight: 96–170 g
Plumage: Soft gray‑brown body, black wing spots, long pointed tail with white edges.
Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal; males slightly rosier on breast.
Juveniles: Scaly pattern on wings; duller overall.
Diet: 99% seeds (grasses, grains, weeds); occasional snails.
Seasonal Diet Shift: Minimal; winter flocks forage on waste grain.
Breeding Biology: Extremely prolific; up to 6 broods per year.
Nest: Flimsy platform of twigs; placed in trees, shrubs, or on structures.
Clutch Size: 2 eggs; incubation 14 days.
Fledging: 12–15 days.
Lifespan: Typically 1.5 years; oldest 31 years.
Migration: Partial; many remain in Ohio year‑round.
Vocalizations: Soft, mournful “coo‑OO‑oo.”
Behavior: Fast, whistling flight; ground forager.
Ohio Distribution: Statewide in open habitats.
Conservation Status: Stable.
Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)
Length: 19–28 cm | Wingspan: 35–40 cm | Weight: 90–150 g
Plumage: Bright yellow breast with bold black “V”; brown streaked back.
Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal.
Juveniles: Duller yellow; faint “V.”
Diet: Insects (grasshoppers, beetles), seeds, grains.
Seasonal Diet Shift: More seeds in winter.
Breeding Biology: Ground nester; dome‑shaped grass nest.
Nest: Hidden in tall grass.
Clutch Size: 2–6 eggs; incubation 13–15 days.
Fledging: 10–12 days.
Lifespan: Typically 5 years; oldest 10 years.
Migration: Partial; some remain in southern Ohio.
Vocalizations: Clear, flute‑like whistles.
Behavior: Perches on fence posts; sings from exposed spots.
Ohio Distribution: Declining in agricultural regions.
Conservation Status: Near Threatened (habitat loss).
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
Length: 20–28 cm | Wingspan: 46–48 cm | Weight: 80–130 g
Plumage: Brown upperparts, white belly, two black breast bands.
Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal.
Juveniles: Single breast band; duller plumage.
Diet: Insects, worms, small crustaceans.
Seasonal Diet Shift: More beetles in summer.
Breeding Biology: Ground nester; eggs laid on gravel.
Nest: Simple scrape lined with pebbles.
Clutch Size: 4–6 eggs; incubation 24–28 days.
Fledging: Precocial; chicks walk immediately.
Lifespan: Typically 3–5 years; oldest 10 years.
Migration: Partial; many overwinter in Ohio.
Vocalizations: Loud “kill‑deer!” call.
Behavior: Famous for “broken‑wing” distraction display.
Ohio Distribution: Statewide in open areas.
Conservation Status: Stable.
Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris)
Length: 16–20 cm | Wingspan: 30–36 cm | Weight: 28–40 g
Plumage: Pale brown back, yellow face, black “horns.”
Sexual Dimorphism: Males brighter.
Juveniles: Spotted and duller.
Diet: Seeds, insects.
Seasonal Diet Shift: More insects in breeding season.
Breeding Biology: Ground nester; early breeder.
Nest: Cup in shallow depression.
Clutch Size: 2–5 eggs; incubation 10–12 days.
Fledging: 8–10 days.
Lifespan: Typically 3–5 years.
Migration: Partial; winter flocks common.
Vocalizations: High tinkling song.
Behavior: Walks rather than hops.
Ohio Distribution: Northern and western Ohio.
Conservation Status: Declining.
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
Length: 15–20 cm | Wingspan: 27–30 cm | Weight: 29–56 g
Plumage: Males black with white back and yellow nape; females buffy with streaks.
Sexual Dimorphism: Strong.
Juveniles: Similar to females.
Diet: Insects, seeds, grains.
Seasonal Diet Shift: More seeds during migration.
Breeding Biology: Ground nester in tall grass.
Nest: Hidden in dense vegetation.
Clutch Size: 3–7 eggs; incubation 10–13 days.
Fledging: 10–11 days.
Lifespan: Typically 5–9 years.
Migration: Long‑distance to South America.
Vocalizations: Metallic, bubbling song.
Behavior: Polygynous; males defend territories.
Ohio Distribution: Declining; found in large grasslands.
Conservation Status: Near Threatened.
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
Length: 12–17 cm | Wingspan: 18–25 cm | Weight: 15–29 g
Plumage: Streaked brown with yellow eyebrow spot.
Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal.
Juveniles: Similar but duller.
Diet: Insects, seeds.
Seasonal Diet Shift: More seeds in winter.
Breeding Biology: Ground nester.
Nest: Hidden in grass clumps.
Clutch Size: 3–5 eggs; incubation 10–13 days.
Fledging: 8–11 days.
Lifespan: Typically 3–6 years.
Migration: Migratory; common in Ohio during migration.
Vocalizations: Insect‑like buzz.
Behavior: Low, fluttering flight.
Ohio Distribution: Breeds in NE Ohio; migrants statewide.
Conservation Status: Stable.
Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla)
Length: 12–15 cm | Wingspan: 18–21 cm | Weight: 11–15 g
Plumage: Warm brown back, pink bill, plain face.
Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal.
Juveniles: Streaked breast; duller.
Diet: Seeds, insects.
Seasonal Diet Shift: More insects in summer.
Breeding Biology: Ground or low shrub nester.
Nest: Grass cup.
Clutch Size: 2–5 eggs; incubation 10–12 days.
Fledging: 7–9 days.
Lifespan: Typically 3–5 years.
Migration: Partial; many overwinter in Ohio.
Vocalizations: Sweet, accelerating trill.
Behavior: Prefers shrubby fields.
Ohio Distribution: Statewide.
Conservation Status: Declining slightly.