Iconic bird of Ohio Usa Magee Marsh

Common Birds of Ohio Usa Magee Marsh

Magee Marsh and the Lake Erie shoreline form North America's most famous warbler migration corridor β€” the iconic "Biggest Week in American Birding" festival draws 100,000+ visitors each May.

380+
Total species
0
Endemics
10
Threatened
May
Best months
🐦
1. Blackpoll WarblerLeast Concern
Setophaga striata

The marathon migrant of the warbler world β€” after fueling up at Magee Marsh, Blackpolls fly non-stop up to 85 hours across the Atlantic to South America.

πŸ“ Magee Marsh boardwalk, May onlyπŸ—“ May
🐦
2. Prothonotary WarblerLeast Concern
Protonotaria citrea

Nests in cavities over standing water right along the Magee Marsh boardwalk β€” golden-headed males sing from eye level, providing some of the most intimate warbler views in North America.

πŸ“ Magee Marsh boardwalk (nesting)πŸ—“ May–Jun
🐦
3. Cerulean WarblerVulnerable
Setophaga cerulea

The sky-blue gem of the canopy β€” breeds in small numbers in mature Oak Openings forest west of Toledo, singing high and fast from the topmost branches.

πŸ“ Oak Openings MetroparkπŸ—“ May–Jun
🐦
4. Yellow WarblerLeast Concern
Setophaga petechia

The most abundant warbler at Magee Marsh in peak weeks β€” pure yellow males with rose-streaked breasts crowd into willows along the Lake Erie shoreline by the thousands.

πŸ“ Magee Marsh, Ottawa NWRπŸ—“ May
🐦
5. American RedstartLeast Concern
Setophaga ruticilla

One of the most animated warblers β€” males spread orange-and-black tail and wings to startle insects, performing a constant fanning and drooping display as they forage.

πŸ“ Magee Marsh boardwalk, Ottawa NWRπŸ—“ May
🐦
6. Trumpeter SwanLeast Concern
Cygnus buccinator

A conservation success story in Ohio β€” Trumpeter Swans have been reintroduced and now breed at Ottawa NWR adjacent to Magee Marsh, viewable from the main road.

πŸ“ Ottawa NWR, Magee Marsh wetlandsπŸ—“ Year-round
🐦
7. Sandhill CraneLeast Concern
Antigone canadensis

Staging by the thousands in spring at Killbuck Marsh and Ottawa NWR β€” the bugling calls and mass flights of cranes at dawn are an underrated Ohio wildlife spectacle.

πŸ“ Ottawa NWR, Killbuck Marsh WAπŸ—“ Mar–Oct
🐦
8. Kirtland's WarblerNear Threatened
Setophaga kirtlandii

Occasionally appears at Magee Marsh during peak migration β€” a sighting of this rare warbler among the boardwalk crowds causes an immediate frenzy among assembled birders.

πŸ“ Occasional at Magee Marsh in migrationπŸ—“ May

Ready to Bird Ohio Usa Magee Marsh?

Use our smart trip planner to get a custom itinerary β€” best hotspots, species targets, and seasonal timing tailored to your visit.

Build My ItineraryBuy a Field Guide β†’