Top 15 Types Of Big Black Birds (With Pictures)

Spotlight on 15 majestic big black birds, each with unique traits—discover their secrets and stunning features in vivid detail.

list of large black birds

Exploring the top 15 types of big black birds reveals a fascinating array of species like the Common Raven, known for its intelligence and problem-solving skills, and the American Crow, recognized for its all-black plumage and complex social behaviors. The Great Cormorant impresses with its diving capabilities, while the Black Vulture stands out with its role in ecosystems as a carrion consumer. The European Starling, thriving in urban settings, displays iridescent feathers that shine purplish-green. Each species exhibits unique traits and adaptations, providing a deeper appreciation of these remarkable birds. Discover more about their distinct lives and contributions to their environments.

Common Raven

intelligent black bird species

The Common Raven, a highly intelligent species, exhibits remarkable problem-solving skills and complex social behaviors. These large birds are recognized by their deep croaking call, which resonates across vast distances.

Common Ravens utilize their sharp intellect to use tools, engage in play, and mimic sounds. Their adaptability in diet ranges from insects to carrion, showcasing their versatile survival strategies.

American Crow

intelligent black bird species

Renowned for their striking intelligence, American Crows feature entirely black plumage, from their bills to their legs. These large birds are found in diverse habitats such as farmlands and urban parks.

Their adaptability is evident in their varied diet, including insects and fruits. American Crows, known for their black bodies, exhibit complex social behaviors and are capable of using tools and cooperative hunting.

Great Cormorant

cormorants nesting in trees

While primarily inhabiting coastal waters, lakes, and rivers, Great Cormorants are large black birds distinguished by their long necks and hooked bills. Renowned for their exceptional diving skills, they efficiently swim underwater to hunt fish.

These birds often nest in colonies on cliffs or trees, and despite facing threats from habitat degradation and pollution, their populations remain generally stable.

Black Vulture

feeding on carcass

Shifting focus from the aquatic habitats of the Great Cormorant, we now explore the terrestrial Black Vulture, a scavenger known for its large, dark presence and featherless head.

These birds, with a 5-6 foot wingspan, glide on thermal currents in groups called kettles.

As scavengers, Black Vultures play an important role in ecosystems by consuming carrion and helping to eliminate decaying organic matter.

European Starling

invasive bird species introduced

European Starlings, originally native to Europe, have become incredibly successful in urban environments across the US. These birds, recognizable by their glossy black, iridescent purplish-green plumage and yellow beaks, thrive by utilizing city streets and trees for nesting.

Their adaptability and preference for areas populated by humans have fueled their rapid population expansion, illustrating their remarkable resilience and versatility in new territories.

Black Swan

perfectly balanced ballet performance

Originating from Australia, the Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is renowned for its striking all-black plumage and vivid red eyes. These large waterbirds are herbivores, primarily feeding on aquatic plants and algae.

Black Swans form lifelong pair bonds, symbolizing fidelity. They are iconic in Australian culture, often appearing in art and stories, representing both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Australian Magpie

melodic black and white

The Australian Magpie, known for its distinctive black and white plumage, is a prevalent songbird across Australia's diverse landscapes. These iconic types of black birds are renowned for their melodious calls and strong family bonds.

Highly territorial, they are found in urban to woodland areas, thriving on a diet of insects and small animals. This adaptability makes them a prominent feature among black birds with white.

Black Eagle

high flying majestic predator

Shifting focus to another formidable bird, the Black Eagle, scientifically known as Ictinaetus malaiensis, dominates the forested landscapes of Southeast Asia with its expansive wingspan and striking black plumage.

This large bird of prey uses its sharp talons and powerful beak to hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles, playing an essential role in maintaining ecosystem balance amidst conservation challenges.

Rook

chess piece with castle

Rooks, recognized by their distinct bare, grayish-white face, are medium-sized birds within the crow family renowned for their communal living and intelligence. These black birds thrive in agricultural settings, feeding on insects, grains, and small animals.

They are highly social, often seen foraging in groups and communicating through varied calls. Their exceptional problem-solving skills make rooks fascinating subjects for behavioral studies.

Carrion Crow

scavenging bird in forest

Carrion Crows, large and entirely black, are prevalent throughout Europe and parts of Asia. These all-black birds boast a wingspan of 39-45 inches and emit distinct cawing calls.

Known for their intelligence, Carrion Crows thrive in diverse habitats including urban areas and farmlands, feeding on carrion, insects, and fruits.

They exhibit strong pair bonds, collaboratively building nests and nurturing their young.

Anhinga

snakebird with unique behavior

The Anhinga, often referred to as the 'snakebird,' is distinguished by its long, sinuous neck and sharp beak, adaptations that make it an effective fish hunter.

Found in southeastern U.S. freshwater environments, this bird skillfully dives using its webbed feet.

Its glossy black plumage and distinctive drying posture, wings spread like a crucifix, underscore its unique adaptation to an aquatic lifestyle.

Black Heron

elegant wading bird species

Moving from the aquatic Anhinga, we explore another intriguing bird, the Black Heron, renowned for its distinctive shade-hunting technique.

Black Herons utilize canopy feeding, where they form an umbrella with their wings over water, cleverly creating shade that lures fish closer. Mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa's marshes and rivers, these birds exhibit unique all-black plumage, contrasting with their blue-grey bill and legs.

Jackdaw

bird in the crow

Why are jackdaws, with their distinctive gray napes and pale eyes, considered among the most intelligent of birds?

Like their relatives, Common Grackles and Brown-headed Cowbirds, jackdaws display complex social behavior and adaptability.

These traits are seen in their diverse diets and versatile nesting habits in various environments, from woodlands to urban areas, making them fascinating subjects of study in avian intelligence.

Jungle Crow

clever adaptable urban bird

Jungle Crows, recognized for their glossy black plumage and strong bills, epitomize adaptability and intelligence among birds. Native to Asia, they thrive in diverse habitats such as urban areas, forests, and agricultural fields.

These black birds are highly social, often seen in groups, and exhibit complex behaviors. Their diet is varied, including insects, fruits, garbage, and small animals, showcasing their versatile foraging skills.

What Differentiates Big Black Birds from Black Birds in Texas?

Texas is home to various types of black birds. Big black birds, as the name implies, are distinguishable by their larger size compared to other black birds in Texas. These birds, such as crows and ravens, possess a commanding presence. Meanwhile, black birds in Texas refers to a broader category that encompasses a range of species, including blackbirds, grackles, and meadowlarks. Each species holds its own unique characteristics and habits, making the study of these types of black birds in Texas intriguing for bird enthusiasts.

Black Stork

oriental white stork sighting

The Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), distinguished by its sleek black feathers and vibrant red bill, is a solitary bird often found in the wetlands and forested regions across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.

These large birds showcase a wingspan of about 2 meters, primarily feeding on fish and small mammals. Known for their migratory nature, they travel extensively between breeding and wintering grounds.