Black and white birds are among the most commonly found avian species across the globe. From their unique plumage to their diverse habitats, these birds captivate the attention of many bird watchers.
This article will explore 19 common black and white birds, discussing their geographic location, diet, plumage characteristics, adaptations and more. Through pictures and detailed descriptions readers will learn about the habits of these feathered beauties as well as gain an understanding of how they fit into their respective ecosystems.
Zebra Finch
The Zebra Finch is a small passerine bird that exhibits black and white stripes on its wings, back, and tail. It has a white body with black and white feathers on the head, neck, and breast.
The pattern of its coloration is similar to that of the Black-capped Chickadee, another common black and white bird.
This species of finch is native to Australia but can also be found in other parts of the world such as New Zealand, India, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Its distinct black and white coloration helps it blend in with its environment or stand out against predators for protection purposes.
As with most birds having this type of plumage patterning, they are well adapted to their habitats which help them survive in various environments around the world.
Magpie
The Magpie has a glossy black plumage embellished with white patches, resembling an elegant tuxedo in the sky. This bird can be easily distinguished from other species due to its mostly black body and striking white wing patches, which are visible when it is in flight.
The Magpie also lays white eggs, instead of the more common blue or greenish hue found in most other birds. It is usually found on open ground or in low trees, and has distinctive black and white markings on its head and neck.
In addition to these features, the Magpie’s most distinguishing feature is its long tail that trails behind it when flying. This bird also has similarities to the Black Skimmer, but can be identified by its larger size and thicker bill.
Pied Kingfisher
With its white and black-striped plumage, the Pied Kingfisher stands out amongst its peers as a classic example of monochromatic beauty. With an overall length of about 25 centimeters, it is a small black and white bird with striking black and white markings on its wings and tail, while its head is mostly black.
Its chest is white with some dark spots, but its undersides are completely white. The pied kingfisher has a long forked tail which they use to turn suddenly in pursuit of prey such as fish or insects that live near water. It also has unique feet adapted for perching on trees or wires, enabling them to search for food over a wide area.
They usually lay two to four eggs in tree cavities or burrows in riverbanks. The Pied Kingfisher provides a beautiful contrast with their black with white coloration that can be admired wherever they inhabit freshwater lakes or rivers in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
African Fish Eagle
Boasting a striking black and white plumage, the African Fish Eagle is a majestic bird of prey that inhabits tropical wetlands throughout Africa.
It has a white head with gray feathers on the nape, crown and sides, a gray back with black wings, black legs and feet, yellow beak, yellow eyes, and white chest with a large black patch in the center.
The adult female African Fish Eagle has white underparts with dark streaks while the male’s underparts are mostly solid black.
These birds have excellent vision and hearing that help them detect their prey from up to 100 meters away.
They often hunt for fish near rivers or lakes but also feed on carrion when available.
With its impressive size and beautiful coloration, the African Fish Eagle remains one of Africa’s most iconic birds of prey.
Black-and-White Warbler
The Black-and-White Warbler is a small songbird with striking black and white stripes and markings across much of its body. It has a gray to black cap, a white face with two bold white eye-stripes, and mostly white underparts.
The wings are grayish-black with two large white bars and the tail is blackish with some white on the edges. This bird’s legs are strong for climbing up tree trunks and it also features a long claw on its back toe for better grasping of bark.
Its unique adaptations help it to find food in hard-to-reach places as well as provide camouflage when attempting to escape predators or catch prey. This little bird can be found in various habitats including woodlands, parks, and open habitats near water throughout North America during both summer and winter months.
Blacksmith Lapwing
The Blacksmith Lapwing is a medium-sized wading bird, closely related to the lapwing. It has a white underside with black spots and patches on its wings, back, and head.
The Blacksmith Lapwing spends its breeding season in South Africa and migrates to the coast of South America for the winter.
These birds are found in areas near shallow wetlands such as estuaries, lagoons, mudflats, and saline lakes.
They feed mainly on insects but may also consume small crustaceans and mollusks.
Hooded Crow
With its glossy black plumage and distinctive white patches on the wings and tail, Hooded Crows are easily identifiable members of the Corvus genus. These birds are native to central and south Europe, as well as parts of Asia, Africa, North America, and Australia.
They inhabit woodlands near aquatic areas and can be found in meadows, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields. Hooded Crows feed on a variety of items such as small mammals; amphibians; invertebrates; grains; insects; carrion; seeds; fruit; eggs; and fish.
In terms of their coloration patterning, their heads are blackish-gray while their backs have a blue sheen. Their wings have pale patches along with silvery secondary feathers at the tips. They also have white spots on both sides of the tail that appear when they fly away or land after flying around.
As one of the most common black and white birds in Europe, Hooded Crows provide an interesting sight for bird watchers.
White Wagtail
The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a striking songbird with two-toned plumage of glossy black and white. It is a small bird, approximately 15–18 cm in length, with a long tail that it often flicks from side to side as it moves about.
The upperparts are mostly black, while the underparts are predominantly white, though there are some small patches of black on the chest and sides. The wings also have white patches which stand out against the almost black backdrop.
Its face has a grey mask around its eyes and a thin pale line that runs from its beak to the back of its head. This delightful little black and white bird can be found throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Black-billed Magpie
The Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) is a medium-sized bird that stands out with its distinctive black and white plumage. The magpie is one of the first birds to be noticed in an area, thanks to its bold coloration and striking patterning.
The head, neck, and chest are covered in glossy black feathers while the back, wings, and tail are mainly white. The contrast between the two colors helps this species stand out among other birds like it. It can also help them blend in when needed for protection from predators or aiding them in catching prey.
They inhabit North America from Alaska to Mexico as well as parts of Asia including China and Japan. These birds often feed on fruits, insects, small mammals, eggs, frogs, lizards, grain and carrion which makes them omnivores.
In addition to their unique coloring they also have a loud call that carries over long distances making them easy to spot even if you can’t see them visually.
Osprey
An osprey is a large raptor that typically inhabits coasts, lakes, and rivers. It is one of the most widespread species of birds in the world, being found on every continent except for Antarctica.
Its plumage is primarily white with brownish-black spots on its wings and tail feathers. The osprey has a distinctive hooked beak which it uses to catch smaller birds from mid-air or plunge into the water to capture fish. It can also detect prey by sight even when they are hidden under water due to its keen eyesight.
It nests in branches near water sources and is usually seen alone or in pairs. Ospreys have few natural predators as their size makes them intimidating to other birds and animals, however they do face threats such as loss of habitat due to human activities, pollution from hazardous chemicals, and accidental entanglement with fishing gear.
Black-throated Sparrow
Standing out with its black throat and crown, the black-throated sparrow is a captivating sight in its natural habitat.
This small bird has a white body with grayish-brown wings and tail, as well as a white eyebrow stripe.
The striking black throat patch makes it easily identifiable amongst other white birds.
Black-throated sparrows are found in Mexico, Central America, and South America, inhabiting deserts, grasslands, savannas, scrubland and shrubbery.
They feed on seeds from plants such as ragweed and cactus flowers.
Black-throated sparrows can also be found near water sources like ponds or streams where they search for insects to supplement their diet.
When threatened by predators they will quickly hide among foliage or take flight away from danger.
With its unique coloration and ability to survive in diverse habitats the black-throated sparrow continues to capture the attention of birders worldwide.
Snow Bunting
The transition from the previous subtopic of Black-throated Sparrow to the current subtopic of Snow Bunting is a subtle one.
The Snow Bunting is a species of bird that is almost entirely white, with black patches on its wings and tail. It is found in many regions, including Canada, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
This bird helps prevent other birds from dominating large areas by limiting their expansion. They live in open fields and meadows where they forage for insects and seeds.
They also inhabit tundra habitats around Arctic coasts during the breeding season. The Snow Bunting has adapted well to human disturbances such as farming and logging because of its ability to survive in cold temperatures and find food even when snow covers the ground.
Pied Currawong
With its striking black and white plumage, the Pied Currawong is a majestic sight to behold, resembling an intricate painting of contrasting colors that captivates onlookers.
The Pied Currawong has a black head with white stripes on its cheeks, wings and tail are black with white patches near the base of its wings. It also has a bright yellow bill and legs.
This species has adapted well to human presence and often seen scavenging for food from garbage dumps or parks. They feed mainly on insects but will eat small fruits such as berries when available.
Its loud call carries far through the air making it a wonderful addition to any backyard birding experience.
White-crowned Sparrow
Showcasing a captivating black and white plumage, the White-crowned Sparrow is a magnificent species that can be found in open habitats such as fields, parks, and gardens across much of North America.
This passerine bird has a white crown stripe on its head with greyish-brown back and wings, and tan underparts.
The White-crowned Sparrow lives in western Canada, parts of Mexico to northern South America. Its range extends from Central America into some parts of the United States.
They are omnivorous birds that mostly feed on insects when breeding season arrives but also eat seeds and berries in winter months when availability of insects decreases.
In addition to these foods, they also consume suet from birdfeeders throughout the year making them an ideal backyard bird to watch over!
Black-backed Woodpecker
The Black-backed Woodpecker is a unique species of woodpecker that has black and white plumage. It is found throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
The bird has a black back, white belly and tail with white spotting on the wings. This species of woodpecker is often seen in coniferous forests where it feeds on insects and larvae.
They are known for their loud drumming which they use to attract mates or mark their territory. The Black-backed Woodpecker is an impressive sight with its starkly contrasting black and white plumage making it stand out against other birds in its habitat.
Belted Kingfisher
Boasting a bright blue chest band, the Belted Kingfisher is easily recognized by its crested head and large bill.
This black and white bird can be found throughout Mexico, Central America, and South America in areas near streams or lakes. They feed on small fish, frogs, insects, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates.
Some of their unique characteristics include: 1) they are able to dive up to 3 feet in pursuit of prey; 2) they have an impressive wingspan of 20-24 inches; 3) they have the ability to hover over water before diving for food; 4) they use tree cavities as nesting sites.
The Belted Kingfisher is one of many common black and white birds that grace the skies of North America with their majestic beauty.
American Avocet
The American Avocet is a striking, black and white shorebird that can be found in shallow lakes and other brackish wetlands in North America, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
This elegant bird has grey upperparts with a white underside and long neck.
The head is jet black above the eye but changes to white below the eye.
Its bill curves upwards at the tip and has a distinctive orange-red coloration.
The wings are also black and white with an extra splash of white on the leading edge near the body.
With its unique patterned plumage, this avocet stands out amongst other white birds in its range.
Snow Goose
With a bright white body and black wing tips, the Snow Goose is an eye-catching species of goose found in North America.
They are typically seen in flocks of hundreds to thousands and found mostly in Mexico, Central America, and South America.
The Snow Goose has also been known to breed as far north as Alaska during the summer months.
This species of bird is one of the most commonly seen white birds on migration routes through North America.
Their distinctive coloring makes them easy to identify in flight or perched in wetlands throughout the continent.
The Snow Goose has adapted well to human activity and can be common around areas where people live and farm, including agricultural fields where they feed on grain crops as well as natural wetland habitats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences in habitat between the various black and white birds?
A study of the habitats of various black and white birds reveals that each bird has its own unique niche.
For example, the Black-crowned Night-Heron is a nocturnal heron that inhabits wetlands, such as estuaries, marshes, reservoirs and lakes.
The Downy Woodpecker prefers open woodlands, orchards and suburban backyards while the Razorbill can mainly be found in open water near Southeastern Canada and the Northeastern United States.
Meanwhile, other species like the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker inhabit hardwood and coniferous forests across Eastern United States and Canada.
Furthermore, some black and white birds can also be found in Mexico, Central America or South America such as the White Wagtail which lives in various habitats across Europe, Asia and parts of Northern Africa.
It is clear from this evidence that each species has evolved to take advantage of different environmental conditions in order to survive.
How do these birds use their black and white coloration to their advantage?
Black and white birds use their coloration to their advantage in a variety of ways. These birds can use the black and white patterning to blend in with their environment, providing camouflage that helps them hide from predators or catch prey.
They can also use this patterning for confusion, allowing them to evade predation by creating a confusing illusion of movement.
Additionally, some species may be more visible when using the black and white coloring as it stands out against its surroundings, which can be beneficial when looking for mates or searching for food.
What type of food do the various black and white birds eat?
Black and white birds, such as the American Oystercatcher, Black-Necked Stilt, Black-Billed Magpie, Carolina Chickadee, Blackpoll Warbler, White Wagtail, Pied Avocet, Black-headed Ibis, Australian Magpie, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Bufflehead Razorbill and Downy Woodpecker among others are found across North America.
These birds feed on a wide variety of food sources including mollusks and clams for the American Oystercatcher; aquatic insects and crustaceans for the Black-Necked Stilt; fruit and grain for the Black-Billed Magpie; insects and spiders for the Carolina Chickadee; spiders and caterpillars for the Blackpoll Warbler; beetles, snails, and small fish for the White Wagtail.
Primarily aquatic insects and crustaceans are eaten by the Pied Avocet; fish, amphibians, reptiles, eggs, and small mammals for the Black-headed Ibis; worms, millipedes, spiders, scorpions, cockroaches, beetles, frogs, mice, grain, fruits, and nuts for the Australian Magpie.
Beetle larvae, ants, moth pupae, and seeds are eaten by the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The diversity of these birds’ diets is essential to their survival in their natural habitats.
Are any of the black and white birds endangered?
Several of the black and white birds discussed in this article are classified as endangered or threatened. The American Oystercatcher, Black-Necked Stilt, Pied Avocet, Black-headed Ibis, and Gyrfalcon are all listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as vulnerable species.
The Bufflehead is listed as near threatened. The Eastern Kingbird, White Wagtail, Black-capped Chickadee, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak are all considered species of least concern by IUCN standards.
It is important to note that many of these birds require specific habitats to survive and thrive which can be threatened due to human activities such as development and pollution.
What is the average lifespan of the various black and white birds?
On average, the lifespans of the various black and white birds range significantly.
The Black-crowned Night-Heron can live up to 22 years in the wild while the Carolina Chickadee typically has a lifespan of only 2 or 3 years.
The Pied Avocet may live for up to 20 years while the Rose-breasted Grosbeak has an average lifespan of 6 to 8 years.
The American Oystercatcher can reach a maximum age of 16 years, and the Downy Woodpecker may even make it to 10 or 11 years old.
The White Wagtail is known to live for around 5 or 6 years on average, while the Blackpoll Warbler has a typical lifespan of 4 or 5 years.
Conclusion
The zebra finch and magpie are two of the most commonly spotted black and white birds across the world. From Africa to Australia to North America, these species are found in a variety of habitats, from wetlands to woodlands. Their adaptable diets consist of insects, fruits, and grains.
The pied kingfisher is an expert angler that dives from heights into rivers searching for prey. The African fish eagle has an impressive wingspan and a call that echoes through its savanna home.
The common loon’s haunting cry echoes across North American lakes while the belted kingfisher wields its long bill like a spear when fishing. Spot-breasted orioles sing beautiful melodies as they build their nests in tree canopies while American avocets wade gracefully in shallow waters searching for food.
Finally, snow geese flock together as they migrate south for the winter months. These 12 black and white birds have adapted to many different environments with unique plumage, behaviors, habitats, and diet preferences making them incredible species to observe worldwide.
