Ohio Riperian Corridor Birds

In many areas of Ohio where the former woodlands have been reduced to small isolated woodlots (usually no more than 10 to 50 acres), the forested stream corridors extend for miles in an unbroken band and provide a large percentage of the woodland habitats required by so many species. This is particularly true for many of Ohio's breeding bird species.

The presence or absence of key indicator species is one way to assess the quality of the riparian forests found along Ohio's scenic rivers.

Riperian Corridor Birds of Ohio

Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens)

Acadian Flycatcher Neotropical migrant and summer resident in Ohio.

A fairly common species statewide in suitable habitats. This flycatcher inhabits mature woodlands where they nest in the interior understories.

This species avoids edge habitats and will not be found in woods less than 25 - 30 acres in extent.

Along riparian corridors such as Big Darby Creek State Scenic River in Ohio, Acadian flycatchers are one of the best indicator species of riparian quality.

Riparian corridors of sufficient size and quality to support this species will also be found to support many other nesting species dependent on forest interiors such as wood thrush, yellow-throated vireo, cerulean warbler, Kentucky warbler, and others.