These “white and black birds” are not just a color combination; they represent a unique category of birds that sport a monochrome palette, making them stand out in the vibrant world of birdwatching. Their striking appearance, a blend of purity and mystery, often symbolizes natural balance.
In this blog, we’ll embark on a visual journey, showcasing 21 of the most mesmerizing white and black birds, complete with vivid pictures. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply someone who appreciates nature’s artistry, this guide promises a feast for your eyes. Let’s dive into the world of these monochromatic marvels!
21 Types of White and Black Birds
1. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a sight to behold, especially the males with their striking black and white plumage, punctuated by a brilliant red chevron extending from the throat down the middle of the breast. These medium-sized songbirds possess a large triangular bill, making them stand out even more. Females and immatures, on the other hand, are brown and heavily streaked, but they, too have a distinctive appearance with a bold whitish stripe over the eye.
These birds are not just about looks, though. They have a sweet, rambling song that resonates in eastern forests, reminiscent of the American Robin but with an added musical touch. Their sharp “chink” calls are also hard to miss. These grosbeaks are frequent visitors to backyards, especially if you have a bird feeder. They absolutely love sunflower seeds and will crack them open with their stout bills.
In terms of habitat, the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are quite versatile. They breed in eastern forests, both among deciduous trees and conifers. They’re particularly common in regenerating woodlands and often prefer forest edges and parks. During migration, they’re known to frequent fruiting trees, which provide the necessary fuel for their journey to Central and South America.
2. Black-Capped Chickadee
The Black-Capped Chickadee! This delightful little bird is a favorite among many bird enthusiasts. With its distinctive black cap and bib, white cheeks, and cheerful song, it’s hard not to fall in love with this tiny creature. The chickadee’s gray wings and tail and soft, buff-colored underside make it a standout in any backyard.
But it’s not just their appearance that’s captivating. Their behavior is equally charming. Ever curious and active, chickadees can often be seen flitting from branch to branch, searching for insects or seeds. Their acrobatic antics, often hanging upside down to forage, are a joy to watch. And let’s not forget their iconic “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, which varies in speed and length depending on whether they’re expressing curiosity, giving an alarm call, or identifying themselves.
These birds are incredibly adaptable. They’re found in various habitats, from forests to suburban areas, and they’re not shy about visiting bird feeders. In fact, if you have a feeder stocked with sunflower seeds, there’s a good chance you’ll attract these friendly birds. They’re also known for their remarkable memory. They can remember thousands of hiding places where they store food for later consumption.
3. Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
The smallest woodpecker in North America has a black and white plumage with a distinctive red patch on the back of the male’s head. They are often seen drumming on trees for insects or creating nesting cavities.
4. Pied Avocet
The Pied Avocet, scientifically known as Recurvirostra avosetta, is an elegant wader with contrasting black and white coloration. This bird belongs to the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae. Native to temperate Europe, it extends its range across the Palearctic to Central Asia and even to the Russian Far East. Most of these birds are migratory in nature and winter in Africa or southern Asia. However, some decide to stay and endure the winter in milder parts of their range, like southern Spain and southern England.
One of the most distinguishing features of the Pied Avocet is its upturned bill. This unique feature and its striking coloration make it a favorite among bird enthusiasts. The adults are predominantly white, with bold black markings on their wings, back, and a characteristic black cap. Their legs are bluish, adding to their distinct appearance.
But it’s not just their looks that are fascinating. The Pied Avocet has a unique feeding technique. They often forage in shallow brackish waters or mud flats, moving their bills side to side in the water, almost like scything. This technique is exclusive to avocets and is a sight to behold. Their diet mainly consists of crustaceans and insects.
5. Common Loon (Gavia immer)
The Common Loon, also known as the Great Northern Diver, is a sight to behold with its striking black and white plumage and red eyes. Native to North America, these birds are known for their eerie, haunting calls reverberating across northern lakes.
They are excellent divers, plunging into the water to catch fish, their primary diet. Common Loons are also known for their migratory habits, traveling great distances from their northern breeding grounds to warmer southern waters for the winter. Their beautiful appearance and distinctive calls make them a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
6. Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
The Gyrfalcon, the largest of all falcon species, is a majestic bird of prey. With its powerful build, it reigns over the Arctic tundra, preying on large birds and mammals. Its plumage varies, with some individuals being almost pure white birds, making them incredibly adapted to their snowy surroundings. These birds are known for their incredible speed and agility in the air, making them formidable hunters. The Gyrfalcon has a special place in falconry history, being a bird of kings and nobles in medieval times.
7. Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
Sporting a simple yet elegant black and white plumage, the Black Phoebe is a flycatcher native to the western parts of North America. They have a distinctive feeding habit, often seen perching near water bodies, darting out to catch flying insects in mid-air, and then returning to their perch. Their call, a sharp “pew-pew”, often gives away their presence before they are seen. Black Phoebes are also known for their mud nests, which they build under bridges, eaves, or other sheltered locations.
8. Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
The Black-Capped Chickadee is a delightful little songbird native to North America. Its black cap and bib are easily recognizable, contrasted with white cheeks. The rest of its body boasts a gray back, wings, and tail, while its underparts are a pristine white with a hint of rusty brown on the flanks. Their song, a clear whistle of “chick-a-dee-dee-dee”, is a familiar sound in many North American woods and gardens.
These birds are versatile when it comes to their living environment. They can be found in deciduous and mixed forests, gardens, parks, and shrublands. Their adaptability means you can spot them in various habitats. Being omnivorous, Black-Capped Chickadees have a varied diet. They munch on seeds, berries, and insects. Interestingly, during the cold months, they showcase their intelligence by storing food to consume later.
9. Black and White Warbler (Mniotilta varia)
This striking songbird is known for its zebra-like stripes, making it stand out among warblers. Native to North America, it’s unique not just in appearance but also in behavior. Unlike most warblers that flit about in the foliage, this one creeps along tree trunks and branches, hunting insects in bark crevices, much like a nuthatch. Their song, a series of high-pitched notes, is a delightful melody in the woods.
10. Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata)
The Blackpoll Warbler is a marvel of nature. Sporting a black cap and streaked underparts, this bird undertakes one of the most extended migrations of any songbird, traveling from North America to South America. During this journey, they can fly non-stop over the open ocean for up to three days. Their diet mainly consists of insects; their song is a series of high-pitched notes.
11. Black-Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
This heron is a sight to behold with its stocky build, deep red eyes, and distinctive black crown. They are nocturnal, often seen silently waiting by the water’s edge for prey like fish or small amphibians. When not hunting, they can rest in trees or bushes during the day. Their call, a loud ‘quok’, is often heard during the breeding season.
12. Black and White Hawk Eagle (Spizaetus melanoleucus)
This majestic raptor, native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, is a force to be reckoned with. Its striking black and white plumage, broad wings, and piercing eyes make it a formidable predator. They primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Their presence is a testament to the health of a rainforest ecosystem.
13. American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)
This coastal bird, with its bright orange bill and contrasting black and white body, is hard to miss. They use their strong, chisel-like bills to pry open mollusks, their primary diet. Their loud calls can often be heard along sandy beaches and mudflats. These birds are also known for their monogamous nature, often forming pairs that last for life.
14. Black-Necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)
Elegance on stilts! With their impossibly long pink legs and sharp black-and-white contrast, these birds are a sight to behold. They are waders, often seen gracefully walking in shallow waters, feeding on aquatic insects and other small creatures. Their high-pitched calls are a common sound in wetlands across the Americas.
15. Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis)
A close cousin of the Black-Capped Chickadee, this bird sports a similar black cap and bib with a white underside. They are found in the southeastern United States and are known for their cheerful “chick-a-dee” calls. These birds are naturally curious and can often be seen flitting about in trees or visiting bird feeders.
16. White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)
This small bird’s distinctive black and white plumage and long, constantly wagging tail is a common sight across Europe and Asia. They are often found near water bodies, feeding on insects. Their name “wagtail” comes from their habit of constantly wagging their tail, a behavior believed to flush out insects.
17. Black-Headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus)
This large wading bird, with its white body and contrasting black head and neck, is native to South Asia. They are often seen in wetlands, feeding on various aquatic animals. Their long, curved bill is perfect for probing mud and shallow water for prey.
18. Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys)
The male Lark Bunting, with its black body and white wings, is Colorado’s state bird. These birds are known for their melodic songs, often heard during breeding. They primarily feed on seeds and insects and are found in the grasslands of North America.
19. Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus various)
This unique woodpecker is known for drilling neat rows of small holes in trees to feed on sap. They have black and white plumage, a distinctive yellow belly, and a red cap. Their drumming can often be heard in North American forests, signaling their presence.
20. Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
This small sea duck is a treat to watch with its iridescent head and contrasting white body. They are diving ducks, often seen plunging underwater to catch aquatic invertebrates. Buffleheads are also known for their swift and agile flight.
21. Razorbill (Alca torda)
Native to the North Atlantic, this seabird has a black upper part and a white underside. They have a thick black bill with a white line, making them easily identifiable. Razorbills are known to dive deep into the water to catch fish, using their wings to swim.
