11 Common Types of Sparrows in Ohio (With Pictures)

Last Updated on Mar 15 2024

Sparrows are small, seed-eating birds that are found in a variety of habitats. In Ohio, there are many different types of sparrows that can be found. These sparrows range in size and color, but all have streaks on their chest. Some of the more common types of sparrows in Ohio include the chipping sparrow, the white-throated sparrow, and the Harris’s sparrow. Let’s take a closer look at Ohio’s sparrows!

The 11 Types of Sparrows in Ohio

1. Chipping Sparrow

The chipping sparrow gets its name from its call, which sounds like “chippity-chip”. The chipping sparrow is a small, seed-eating bird that can be found in a variety of habitats ranging from open woodlands to urban areas. In Ohio, the chipping sparrow is a common sight, especially in the spring and summer months. This sparrow is easily identifiable by its small size, rusty-brown cap, and white throat. The chipping sparrow typically builds its nest out of grasses and leaves, which is often hidden in trees or shrubs.

2. House Sparrow

The house sparrow is a small bird that is most commonly found in urban areas and farmland. In Ohio, the house sparrow is seen in big numbers during the spring and summer months. This sparrow is easily identifiable by its small size, gray cap, reddish brown and brown plumage, and white throat. The house sparrow does not nest in trees. Instead, it looks for a crevice or hole, then builds a cup-like nest out of grass, twigs, and leaves. Its call is described as a “harsh chirp.” The house sparrow is not actually a true sparrow – it is classified as a weaver finch!

3. American Tree Sparrow

The American tree sparrow is a small, seed-eating bird that is most commonly found in open woodlands, forests, and tundra. In Ohio, the American tree sparrow is a spring and summer bird. This sparrow is easily identifiable by its small size, gray-brown upperparts, and rusty-red cap. The American tree sparrow typically builds its nest in a small cup of grasses and leaves, which is hidden in a crevice or hole (in urban areas, think of the birds that nest in store signs). Its call is described as a sharp trill.

4. Fox Sparrow

The fox sparrow is a medium-sized, seed and insect-eating bird that is most commonly found in woodlands, forests, and mountains. In Ohio, the fox sparrow can be seen during the spring and summer months. This sparrow is easily identifiable by its rusty-red, gray, or brown upperparts and white belly. The Fox Sparrow typically builds its nest hidden on the ground under bushes or logs. The Fox Sparrow gets its name from its call, which sounds like a fox “barking,” with a trill that speeds up at the end.

5. White-throated Sparrow

The white-throated sparrow is a seed and insect-eating bird that is most commonly found in woodlands, forests, and gardens. In Ohio, the white-throated sparrow is seen during the spring and summer months. This sparrow is easily identifiable by the white stripe on its head and its white throat. Like other sparrows, the White-throated sparrow typically builds its nest in a small cup or bowl of grasses and leaves, which is hidden out of sight from predators. The call sounds like a clear “whit-cheer” or “oh sweet Canada Canada”

6. Song Sparrow

The song sparrow gets its name from its song, which is a series of clear trills. The song sparrow is a small bird that eats mostly seeds and insects. It is most commonly found in woodlands, forests, and gardens. In Ohio, the song can be seen all year round. This sparrow is easily identifiable by its brown and black streaked upperparts and its brown breast with white stomach. The song sparrow typically builds its cup-shaped nest in tight spots and hidden spaces.

7. Harris’s Sparrow

The Harris’s sparrow is a small, seed-eating bird that is most commonly found in woodlands, forests, and gardens. In Ohio, the Harris’s Sparrow can be seen all year round. This sparrow is easily identifiable by its rusty-brown upperparts with streaked wings and its white breast. The Harris’s Sparrow also builds cup-like grass nests in out-of-sight places. The Harris’s sparrow gets its name from its habitat – it is often found in Harris County, Texas!

8. Swamp Sparrow

The swamp sparrow gets its name from its habitat – it is most often found in swamps, but also woodlands and forests. The swamp sparrow eats seeds and insects. In Ohio, the Swamp Sparrow can be seen all year round. This sparrow is easily identifiable by its brown, rusty-red, and gray upper body with streaks and its white breast. The swamp sparrow typically builds its nest in a small cup of grasses and leaves, which is hidden in a crevice or hole in logs and trees.

9. Vesper Sparrow

The vesper sparrow is most commonly found in woodlands, forests, and gardens. In Ohio, the vesper sparrow can be seen all year round. This sparrow is easily identifiable by its rusty-brown upperparts with streaked wings and white breast. The vesper sparrow builds typical grass sparrow nests in cup shapes that are kept hidden from plain sight. They love the insides of shrubs and bushes as much as the insides of abandoned structures. The vesper sparrow gets its name from its song, which is often described as sounding like a “vesper bell”.

10. Field Sparrow

The field sparrow is most commonly found in fields and other open areas, including open woodlands, parks, and gardens. In Ohio, the field sparrow can be seen all year round. This sparrow is easily identifiable by its lighter coloring than other sparrows, streaked wings, and white breast. The field sparrow typically hides its cup-shaped nests in rafters, roofs, rock crevices, store signs – really anywhere they can find that feels protected from the elements and predators.

11. Grasshopper Sparrow

The grasshopper sparrow gets its name from its diet – it eats a lot of grasshoppers! The grasshopper sparrow, which feeds predominately off of insects, is a small bird found year-round in Ohio. Its yellowish-brown and light brown upperparts with streaked wings and white breast make it easily identifiable to most. Like other sparrows, this sparrow typically builds its nest by gathering grasses and leaves to create a small cup, usually hidden away in some type of crevice or hole.

The Migration Habits of Ohio Sparrows

Sparrows are migratory birds, which means that they travel to different areas at different times of the year. In Ohio, most sparrows migrate in the fall and winter. However, there are a few species of sparrows that stay year-round.

Yearlong Birds

Many types of sparrows reside in Ohio all year long. Some of these sparrows are:

• Chipping sparrow
• House sparrow
• American tree sparrow
• White-throated sparrow
• Song sparrow

Where Do Sparrows Go When They Migrate?

Sparrows that migrate typically travel to southern states, such as Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. Some sparrows also travel to Central America or even further south.

Why Do Sparrows Migrate?

There are a few reasons why sparrows migrate. One reason is that the weather gets too cold in Ohio for them to survive. Sparrows also migrate to find food. In the winter, there are fewer insects for sparrows to eat, so they must travel to places where there is more food. Finally, sparrows migrate to mate. Some sparrows will only mate if they are in their specific breeding territory.

When Do Sparrows Migrate?

Most sparrows migrate in the fall, typically in October or November. However, some sparrows will migrate earlier or later, depending on the weather and food availability.

How Do Sparrows Migrate?

Sparrows migrate by flying south in large groups. Scientists believe that sparrows use the stars, the sun, and the Earth’s magnetic field to help them navigate during their journey.

Conclusion

These are many types of sparrows that call Ohio home, but these are the most common. So, the next time you’re out and about in the state, keep your eyes peeled for these tiny birds. You might just be surprised at how many different types of sparrows you can spot now that you know what to look for.

See also: 20 Common Types of Sparrows in Alabama (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay