Ohio is home to a wide variety of black birds that often get overlooked because people assume they’re all the same at first glance. But if you take a closer look, you’ll notice each species has its own markings, calls, and habits. Some, like the Red-winged Blackbird, show off bright red shoulder patches when they sing from cattails in spring. Others, such as the Common Grackle, have glossy feathers that shine purple and green in the sunlight.
Even the American Crow, which many see as just a large black shape on a branch, is intelligent and social in ways that surprise people who pay attention. In this article, we’ll explore the most notable black birds you’re likely to see across Ohio’s fields, wetlands, and neighborhoods. By learning to tell them apart, you can appreciate how much variety and character these dark-feathered birds bring to everyday landscapes.
1. Common Grackle
- Scientific name: Quiscalus quiscula
- Life span: 5-6 years
- Size: 11–13 in (28–34 cm)
- Weight: 2.6–5.0 oz (74–142 g)
- Wingspan: 14–18 in (36–46 cm)
- Status: Near Threatened
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Most leave in fall; return by early spring.
Common Grackles are found throughout much of the eastern and central United States and parts of Canada. They have striking, iridescent plumage that shines purple, blue, and bronze in the sunlight, giving them a metallic sheen. Their long tails often look slightly keeled or wedge-shaped, especially in flight.
Grackles have bright yellow eyes set in dark faces that can appear almost fierce when they stare directly at you. They frequently gather in noisy flocks, filling trees and fields with sharp calls and constant movement that make them hard to miss.
Grackles build bulky nests of grass and twigs in trees or dense shrubs, often near water. Females shape the cup and line it with finer materials. Colonies sometimes form when multiple pairs nest close together, filling trees with noise.
They eat insects, grains, and scraps, probing lawns with their long bills. Grackles are bold foragers, raiding crops and feeders alike. Their glossy feathers shine in sunlight, and flocks often mix with other blackbirds when feeding in fields
Grackle populations are widespread and secure in Ohio. Though considered pests by farmers, they are protected by law. Some management aims to limit damage, but their numbers have stayed strong without major conservation concerns over the past decades.
2. Red-winged Blackbird
- Scientific name: Agelaius phoeniceus
- Life span: 4-8 years
- Size: 6.7–9.1 in (17–23 cm)
- Weight: 1.1–2.7 oz (32–77 g)
- Wingspan: 12.2–15.8 in (31–40 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Many migrate south; some overwinter in southern Ohio.
The Red-winged Blackbird is widespread across North America, from Alaska and Canada down to Central America. Males are unmistakable with their glossy black plumage and bright red shoulder patches bordered by a yellow edge. When they sing, they lift their wings to display these vivid colors.
Females look entirely different, wearing streaky brown feathers that help them blend into marsh vegetation. In spring, their distinctive “conk-la-ree” calls echo across wetlands, where they perch boldly on cattails and reeds to defend their nesting territories from rivals.
Females weave sturdy cup nests among cattails or tall grasses near water. Males sing from perches above, flashing their bright red shoulders to mark territory. Nest placement low in dense vegetation helps protect eggs from predators and harsh spring weather.
They mainly eat insects in summer, picking beetles, caterpillars, and spiders from plants. In fall, they switch to seeds and grains. Large flocks gather in fields to feed together, creating swirling black clouds that move across harvested farmland.
Red-winged Blackbirds remain abundant across Ohio. They benefit from wetlands and wet meadows. Habitat loss is a concern, but their adaptability keeps populations stable. Conservation focuses on protecting marshes and ensuring plenty of nesting cover stays available each year.
3. Rusty Blackbird
- Scientific name: Euphagus carolinus
- Life span: Up to 8 years
- Size: 8.3–9.8 in (21–25 cm)
- Weight: 1.7–2.8 oz (47–80 g)
- Wingspan: 14.6 in (37 cm)
- Status: Vulnerable
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Migrates south in late fall; winters farther south.
Rusty Blackbirds breed in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska before migrating to the southeastern United States for winter. In fall and winter, they wear their namesake “rusty” edges on dark feathers, giving them a mottled, warm brown look.By spring, this coloration wears off, and males turn glossy black while females become grayish-brown.
Their pale yellow eyes stand out against their darker heads. Rusty Blackbirds prefer quiet wetlands and wooded swamps, where their soft, gurgling calls blend into the background.
Rusty Blackbirds build nests low in shrubs or trees near bogs and wet woods far north of Ohio. They use twigs and grasses to create a hidden cup lined with softer material. Nests remain well concealed in dense, damp foliage.
They search shallow water and muddy edges for insects, snails, and small crustaceans. In migration, they also pick seeds. Their feeding looks deliberate, with steady steps and probing bills, often away from noisy flocks of other blackbirds nearby.
Rusty Blackbirds have declined sharply across their range. Habitat loss and changes in wetlands are major causes. Conservation groups now monitor their migration closely, raising awareness to protect critical stopover sites and better understand what drives their population drop.
4. Brewer’s Blackbird
- Scientific name: Euphagus cyanocephalus
- Life span: Up to 11 years
- Size: 8.3-9.8 inches (21-25 cm)
- Weight: 2.1–3.0 oz (60–86 g)
- Wingspan: 14.6 in (37 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and uncommon
- Migratory behaviour: Migrates out by November; winters in southern states.
Brewer’s Blackbirds are widespread in the western and central United States but are also seen in parts of the Midwest during migration. Males are a shimmering, glossy black with a purple head and greenish body when viewed in good light. Females look quite different, wearing plain brownish-gray feathers and dark eyes.
Both sexes have slender bills and bright, alert postures. Brewer’s Blackbirds often gather in loose flocks along fields, parking lots, and open country roadsides, where they walk confidently in search of food.
Brewer’s Blackbirds nest in shrubs, trees, or occasionally on the ground. Their simple cup nests are built with grass and twigs. They often nest in loose colonies, where many pairs raise young close together, sharing watchfulness against predators.
They feed on insects, grains, and berries, walking across lawns or fields with confident steps. Brewer’s Blackbirds often forage in mixed flocks, blending in with starlings and grackles. Their bright eyes and smooth shape help them stand out when perched.
Although less common in Ohio, their numbers remain stable across the West and Midwest. No major conservation actions target them locally. Monitoring continues to track any changes in their range and ensure suitable habitats remain protected and available.
5. Brown-headed Cowbird
- Scientific name: Molothrus ater
- Life span: 6-8 years
- Size: 6.3–7.9 in (16–20 cm)
- Weight: 1.3–1.8 oz (38–50 g)
- Wingspan: 12.6–15.0 in (32–38 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Many migrate south by late fall.
The Brown-headed Cowbird ranges across most of North America, from southern Canada through Mexico. Males are glossy black with rich brown heads that contrast sharply with their dark bodies. Females are smaller and much plainer, with smooth gray-brown plumage overall. Cowbirds often blend into mixed flocks with blackbirds and grackles.
Their short, thick bills and slightly rounded shapes make them easy to recognize once you look closely. During breeding season, they are notorious for laying eggs in other birds’ nests rather than building their own.
Females never build nests. Instead, they quietly lay eggs in other birds’ nests, leaving the hosts to raise their chicks. This parasitic habit can impact smaller songbirds, which often struggle to feed the fast-growing cowbird young successfully.
They forage mostly on the ground, walking steadily in fields and pastures. Cowbirds eat seeds, grains, and insects, especially near livestock herds. Males stay alert, displaying their shiny black plumage and brown heads while keeping watch for rivals.
Conservation efforts focus on balancing cowbird populations to protect vulnerable hosts. In some areas, nest removal or trapping is used to reduce brood parasitism, especially where endangered birds, like warblers, are threatened by excessive cowbird nesting pressure.
6. European Starling
- Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 8.0 in (20 cm)
- Weight: 2.1–3.4 oz (60–96 g)
- Wingspan: 12.2–15.8 in (31–40 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stays year-round; does not migrate.
European Starlings were introduced to North America in the late 1800s and have spread coast to coast. Adults have sleek, iridescent black plumage with a green and purple sheen that catches the sun. In winter, their feathers are heavily speckled with white spots, creating a spotted pattern over their entire bodies.
They have short tails and long, pointed yellow bills that stand out against dark faces. Starlings are highly social and often form massive swirling flocks that move together like coordinated clouds.
Starlings nest in cavities in buildings, trees, or nest boxes. They fill holes with grass, feathers, and debris. Pairs fiercely defend their chosen spot, sometimes evicting native birds. Their nests often look messy, stuffed tightly into small spaces.
They eat insects, grains, and fruit. Starlings probe lawns and fields for grubs, then switch to berries in fall. In winter, huge flocks roost together. Their swirling formations create an unforgettable sight at dusk, especially near city buildings.
Brought from Europe, starlings spread rapidly across North America. They outcompete native cavity nesters, causing concern for conservationists. Though numerous and adaptable, efforts sometimes focus on limiting their impacts on native bird populations and agricultural crops.
7. American Crow
- Scientific name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
- Life span: 7-8 years
- Size: 16-21 inches (41-53 cm)
- Weight: 11-21 ounces (315-595 grams)
- Wingspan: 33-40 inches (84-102 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Year-round resident; does not migrate.
The American Crow is common across nearly all of North America, from forests and farmland to suburbs and cities. They are entirely black from bill to tail, with glossy feathers that can show hints of purple in bright light. Their strong, thick bills and fan-shaped tails make them easy to identify in flight. Crows are intelligent, watchful birds with a confident presence, often gathering in family groups. Their distinctive cawing calls can carry long distances across open fields and wooded areas.
Crows build large stick nests high in trees. Both sexes help with construction, lining the inner cup with bark and softer material. They fiercely protect their nest area, chasing away hawks or any intruders that come too close to their young.
They eat almost anything: insects, carrion, seeds, and garbage. Crows search fields, roadsides, and even dumpsters. Their intelligence shows in problem-solving skills, like dropping nuts on pavement to crack them or using tools to reach hidden food.
American Crow populations remain secure across Ohio. West Nile virus caused declines years ago, but numbers have rebounded. Because they adapt well to urban and rural life, no special conservation measures are needed beyond monitoring for disease outbreaks.
8. Fish Crow
- Scientific name: Corvus ossifragus
- Life span: 6-10 years
- Size: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm)
- Weight: 9-16 ounces (260-460 grams)
- Wingspan: 29-33 inches (74-84 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Some migrate south; small numbers overwinter locally.
Fish Crows are found mainly along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts but have expanded inland into parts of the Midwest, including Ohio. They look almost identical to American Crows, with equally glossy black plumage and similar size, though usually a bit smaller. The main clue to their identity is their nasal, short call that sounds distinctly different, a quick “uh-uh.” Fish Crows often frequent river valleys, wetlands, and urban areas, where they blend in with other blackbirds and scavenging crows.
Fish Crows nest in trees near rivers or wetlands, creating stick platforms hidden in high branches. Nests look similar to American Crows’, but Fish Crows often build closer to water. Pairs stay near their chosen territory through the breeding season.
They forage on insects, fish scraps, carrion, and refuse. Fish Crows often gather along riverbanks and parking lots, blending in with American Crows. Their shorter nasal calls help birders tell them apart when they’re mixed together in flocks.
Fish Crows have gradually expanded into Ohio from the south. They remain less common than American Crows but are increasing steadily. No targeted conservation programs are needed, though scientists watch their range as it continues to grow northward.
9. Black-capped Chickadee
- Scientific name: Poecile atricapillus
- Life span: Up to 11 years
- Size: 4.75–5.5 in (12–14 cm)
- Weight: 0.36 oz (10–11 g)
- Wingspan: 6-8 in (15-20 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stays year-round; never migrates.
Black-capped Chickadees are small, lively songbirds found across the northern United States and much of Canada. They have a distinctive black cap and bib, contrasting sharply with bright white cheeks. Their soft gray backs and wings blend into wooded environments, while their pale underparts give them a clean, tidy look. Chickadees are curious and friendly, often visiting feeders and exploring branches in short, quick hops. Their familiar “chick-a-dee-dee” calls are a cheerful sound in forests, parks, and backyards year-round.
Chickadees nest in tree cavities they excavate themselves or use old woodpecker holes. They line the chamber with moss and fur, creating a soft, hidden space. Both parents feed the chicks, flying back and forth with insects all day.
They eat insects, seeds, and suet. Chickadees also store food in bark crevices to retrieve later. Their quick visits to feeders and curious calls make them a familiar sight in backyards and woodlands, especially in the colder months.
Populations are stable across Ohio. Chickadees thrive in forests and neighbourhoods alike. Nest boxes and feeders help maintain their numbers. Because they are resilient and adaptable, conservation mainly focuses on preserving mature trees and healthy wooded habitats.
Where to look for Black birds in Ohio
Black birds can be spotted almost everywhere in Ohio, but some places make it easier to see a variety of them up close. Wetlands, farm fields, and even city parks all host different species at different times of year. Early mornings are often the best time to look, especially in spring when males are singing to claim territories. If you have binoculars, scan the tops of cattails, tree branches, and fence posts. Watch for flashes of color mixed into the dark feathers, like the red patches on Red-winged Blackbirds or the iridescent sheen of a Common Grackle.
Four great places to see black birds in Ohio are Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, where marshes fill with Red-winged Blackbirds and grackles; Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, perfect for spotting Rusty Blackbirds during migration; Shawnee State Forest, where crows and blackbirds share open spaces and wood edges; and Blendon Woods Metro Park, which draws a mix of species to ponds and feeding stations.
Take your time and listen closely, since many of these birds have distinctive calls that make them easier to identify. The more you pay attention, the more you’ll appreciate the variety and energy they bring to Ohio’s landscapes.
Conclusion
Ohio’s black birds bring a surprising amount of variety and character to fields, wetlands, and backyards across the state. From the bold Red-winged Blackbird flashing its red shoulders to the clever American Crow watching from high branches, each species adds its own voice to the landscape. Learning to recognize their shapes, calls, and habits can turn any walk into a richer experience. Take time to look closer, there’s always more to discover among their dark feathers.
