Top 15 Types Of Birds Black And White (With Pictures)

Discover the top 15 stunning black and white birds, each with unique features and behaviors, in our comprehensive visual guide.

birds in black and white

Black and white birds are fascinating, each with unique characteristics. The Magpie, notable for its intelligence and striking plumage, is a member of the crow family. Oystercatchers, recognized by their long, orange-red bills, are monogamous and thrive along coastlines. Guillemots, proficient divers of the auk family, contribute greatly to marine ecosystems. Black-headed Gulls feature a distinctive black head during the breeding season and are adaptable to various aquatic environments. Finally, the Black Guillemot, identifiable by its black plumage and white wing patches, showcases bright red legs and participates in intricate courtship behaviors. For a closer look at more species, explore the extensive array.

Magpie

shiny objects attract attention

Magpies, often recognized for their striking black and white plumage, are highly intelligent members of the crow family. These black birds exhibit a remarkable ability to mimic sounds and boast a diverse vocal range.

Omnivorous, magpies dine on insects, small animals, and fruits, and they hold a significant place in various cultural superstitions and folklore globally.

Their bold coloring and long tails are distinctive.

Oystercatcher

bird with distinctive red bill

Continuing our exploration of black and white birds, oystercatchers are easily recognized by their striking long, orange-red bills and contrasting plumage. These birds are widespread along coastal regions, known for their loud, piping calls. They feed primarily on shellfish and return annually to the same nesting sites.

Oystercatchers exemplify monogamous behavior, underscoring their unique place among black and white birds.

Guillemot

black and white bird

Guillemots, members of the auk family, are distinguished by their striking black and white plumage and adept diving skills. They exhibit dark bodies contrasted by white bellies and facial markings.

These seabirds are proficient divers, hunting fish underwater. Typically nesting on steep cliffs in dense colonies, they play an essential role in marine ecosystems by regulating fish populations through their dietary habits.

Black-headed Gull

seagull with black head

While guillemots are noted for their diving prowess, the Black-headed Gull stands out with its distinctive seasonal plumage and adaptability in various aquatic environments. This medium-sized gull flaunts a black head during breeding season, contrasting with its white body, gray wings, and red legs.

Common across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, these gulls thrive in coastal areas, lakes, and marshes, exhibiting versatile feeding habits and complex social behaviors.

Black Guillemot

arctic seabird with tuxedo

The Black Guillemot, distinguished by its striking black plumage and vivid white wing patches, is a notable member of the Alcidae family. Found along northern Atlantic coastlines, these seabirds are recognized by their bright red legs and feet.

During breeding, they engage in courtship behaviors like mutual preening and bill-touching, reinforcing their pair bonds amidst the rocky cliffs they inhabit.

Rook

castle on chessboard corner

Rooks, medium-sized black birds characterized by a distinctive pale, bare face and a slightly curved bill, belong to the crow family and exhibit complex social behaviors. These birds are highly social, often seen in large flocks, and known for their problem-solving abilities.

They thrive in communal settings called rookeries, feeding on a varied diet of insects, seeds, fruits, and carrion, showcasing their adaptability among birds.

Carrion Crow

feasts on dead flesh

Carrion Crows are easily identified by the striking white patch at the base of their throats. These large birds, found across Europe and parts of Asia, exhibit a mostly black head and body.

Renowned for their intelligence and adept problem-solving skills, Carrion Crows thrive as scavengers, feeding on carrion, insects, and small mammals, playing crucial roles in natural waste management and pest control.

Common Raven

intelligent black large bird

Shifting focus to another intelligent bird, Common Ravens exhibit a striking all-black plumage contrasted by a distinctive white patch on their throat.

Native to diverse habitats including the forests and deserts of western North America, these birds display remarkable problem-solving skills and can mimic sounds, including human speech.

Their varied diet ranges from carrion and insects to fruits and small rodents.

Snow Bunting

arctic songbird in winter

Although primarily found in the Arctic, Snow Buntings migrate to more temperate regions during the winter, showcasing their distinctive black and white plumage.

This bird species forms large flocks and forages on open ground for seeds and insects.

Recognizable by their high-pitched calls and undulating flight, conservation efforts are essential to protect their Arctic breeding grounds and guarantee suitable wintering areas.

White-winged Black Tern

elegant black and white

Continuing our exploration of black and white birds, the White-winged Black Tern emerges as a fascinating species, renowned for its dramatic wing coloring and dynamic flight behavior.

Sporting distinctive white patches on its wings, this bird excels in agile aerial maneuvers while hunting insects above wetlands.

Its presence in marshes, lakes, and rivers underscores the need for focused conservation efforts to protect its habitats.

Iceland Gull

icelandic bird with white feathers

Moving on to another black and white avian species, the Iceland Gull stands out with its medium size and striking coloration.

This gull features a mainly white tail and a yellow bill marked by a red spot, aiding in its identification.

Vulnerable due to habitat loss and pollution, they breed in the Arctic and migrate south in winter, showcasing graceful flight along coastlines.

Long-tailed Duck

arctic sea duck species

The Long-tailed Duck, distinguished by its elongated tail feathers, thrives in the frigid climates of the Arctic tundra. Known also as Oldsquaw, these birds are remarkable for their yodeling calls during courtship.

They primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates and mollusks, diving in cold waters, including those near North Dakota. Their mating rituals feature synchronized swimming, showcasing their distinctive black and white plumage.

Black and White Warbler

bird with striped plumage

Among the various black and white birds, the Black and White Warbler stands out with its distinctive striped plumage and unusual foraging habits.

This small songbird navigates tree trunks akin to a nuthatch, primarily in North America during breeding season and Central America in winter.

They meticulously feed on insects and spiders, accompanied by their high-pitched, musical song in forests and woodlands.

White-breasted Nuthatch

bird with black cap

Shifting focus to another avian species, the White-breasted Nuthatch exhibits a striking black cap and white face, distinguishing it as a memorable sight in North American forests.

This small songbird, with its white breast and belly contrasted against blue-gray back and wings, is renowned for descending tree trunks headfirst.

Their loud calls and feeder visits make them a favorite among birdwatchers.

Are Black and White Birds Similar to Parrot Birds in Any Way?

Yes, there are several types of parrot birds with pictures that come in black and white color variations. Some popular species, such as the black and white Cockatoo and the Black-capped Lory, share similar colors with other black and white birds. However, their overall features and behaviors make them distinct from each other. The black and white Cockatoo, for example, has a distinctive crest and loud vocalizations, while the Black-capped Lory is known for its vibrant red breast and playful demeanor. Both of these red breasted birds are unique in their own right, adding to the diversity and beauty of the avian world.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

endangered bird in danger

Distinguished by unique red markings above the eyes of males, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker thrives in the mature pine forests of the southeastern United States.

These birds are notable for excavating nesting cavities in living pines, a rare trait among woodpeckers.

Their presence is crucial in coastal areas, where conservation efforts are essential to counter habitat loss and guarantee their survival and cooperative breeding practices continue.