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

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

great horned owlPermanent resident

A common but generally inconspicuous species nesting in a variety of urban and rural habitats statewide in Ohio. After the screech owl this is Ohio's most common owl.

While preferring to nest in the cavities of large trees, great horned owls will also utilize the abandoned nests of hawks, crows, and herons as well as artificial nests constructed from old tires.

They are most commonly found nesting in areas characterized by agricultural fields interspersed with woodlots and wooded riparian corridors.

Along riparian corridors they frequently perch on overhanging limbs in the mid to upper canopy above the stream. In these situations they are most often seen by the careful observer dropping off a limb and silently retreating into the seclusion of the adjacent woodlands.

Photo courtesy of Peter LaTourrette