Top 15 Types Of Black Birds In South Africa (With Pictures)

Peek into the intriguing world of South Africa's black birds and discover species you've never seen before—click to see stunning images!

diverse black bird species

In South Africa, the diversity of black birds includes unique species such as the Amethyst Starling, notable for its iridescent plumage, and the Black Heron, recognized for its distinctive shade-hunting technique. The Fork-tailed Drongo impresses with its acrobatics and mimicry skills, while the Black Crake is often spotted secluded in marshy wetlands. Another species, the Southern Black Flycatcher, is seen in wooded areas performing agile aerial maneuvers to catch insects. These birds not only highlight the ecological variety but also the behavioral adaptations unique to the region's diverse habitats. Exploring these species further reveals a fascinating snapshot of nature's complexity in South Africa.

Amethyst Starling

vibrant purple bird species

Among the diverse avian species in South Africa, the Amethyst Starling stands out with its iridescent purple and green plumage. Distinctively marked by its bright yellow eye, this bird primarily inhabits woodland and savanna regions.

It plays a vital role in the ecosystem, feeding mainly on fruits, alongside insects and seeds, which further underscores its significance in maintaining ecological balance.

Black Heron

elegant bird with plumage

The Black Heron, a medium-sized bird distinguished by its all-black plumage, exhibits a remarkable hunting technique known as 'canopy feeding' in the wetlands of South Africa. This behavior involves creating shade over the water to lure fish, enhancing the heron's ability to see and catch prey.

They thrive in marshes, lakes, and rivers, blending seamlessly into their environment.

Fork-tailed Drongo

bird mimics other species

Fork-tailed Drongos are easily recognized by their striking black plumage and distinctive forked tails.

This intelligent black bird excels in mimicking sounds from other birds and even mammals.

They inhabit various environments, from woodlands to savannas, showcasing their acrobatic skills by catching insects mid-flight.

Known for their clever use of tools, these birds demonstrate remarkable adaptability and skill.

Black Crake

aquatic bird species africa

While the Fork-tailed Drongo thrives above ground, another fascinating species, the Black Crake, prefers the secluded life along the water's edge in South Africa's freshwater habitats.

Belonging to the Rallidae family, this bird displays striking black plumage contrasted with vivid red eyes. It thrives in marshes and wetlands, feeding on insects, small fish, and plant matter, while remaining mostly hidden in dense vegetation.

Southern Black Flycatcher

african bird with distinctive call

Soaring through the air with remarkable agility, the Southern Black Flycatcher captivates observers as it skillfully catches insects on the wing. This small bird, adorned in glossy black plumage with a distinctive white patch on its wings, performs agile aerial acrobatics.

Commonly found in South Africa's wooded and scrub habitats, its melodious song and striking appearance make it a favorite among local birdwatchers.

Cape Crow

mysterious cape cod crows

From the agile Southern Black Flycatcher, we turn our attention to another avian marvel, the Cape Crow, renowned for its sleek black appearance and notable intelligence.

This medium-sized bird thrives in both urban and suburban areas, demonstrating great adaptability.

Its diet is diverse, consisting of insects, small animals, and food scraps, showcasing its resourcefulness and survival skills in various environments.

Red-winged Starling

bird with red wings

The Red-winged Starling is a prevalent species in South Africa, captivating observers with its striking features. The males display pitch-black plumage and vivid red-brown wings, while females have blue-gray heads and necks. These birds are adaptable to various habitats and are often seen foraging in groups. Their glossy feathers and vibrant colors make them a distinct and visually striking part of South Africa's avian diversity.

The Red-winged Starling is known for its captivating appearance and adaptability in different environments. With males sporting pitch-black plumage and vivid red-brown wings, and females exhibiting blue-gray heads and necks, these birds stand out in the avian world. Often seen foraging in groups, their glossy feathers and vibrant colors add to the visual diversity of South Africa's birdlife.

African Black Swift

swift african bird species

African Black Swifts, recognized for their entirely black plumage, exhibit remarkable agility in flight. These medium-sized birds thrive in South Africa's mountainous regions, utilizing cliffs for nesting.

Renowned for their swift and agile flight, they skillfully capture flying insects mid-air. Their distinctive scythe-shaped wings and forked tail enhance their aerodynamic abilities, making them adept flyers in their rugged habitats.

Black Saw-wing

african bird with forked tail

Black Saw-wings, small and agile, are easily identified by their mostly black plumage and the distinctive saw-like edge on their outer tail feathers. This small passerine bird excels in swift flight patterns, skillfully maneuvering through South African forests and urban areas.

As cavity-nesters, they often choose tree holes or urban structures for nesting, thriving in their wooded environments.

Black Harrier

sky hunting raptor in africa

Moving from the agile Black Saw-wing, we next explore the Black Harrier, a striking raptor endemic to South Africa's diverse landscapes.

Characterized by its long wings and tail, this bird excels in aerial hunting within the fynbos and grasslands. Its graceful flight and ability to hover make it a formidable predator, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.

Black-headed Oriole

vibrant yellow and black

The Black-headed Oriole captivates nature enthusiasts with its vibrant appearance and melodious calls. This bird is easily recognizable by its black head and bright yellow body. Renowned for its flute-like whistling calls, it can be found in South Africa's wooded and riverine areas. As they gracefully navigate the canopy, feeding on insects, fruits, and nectar, they become a bright spectacle for those lucky enough to spot them.

This striking bird's presence adds a touch of color and melody to the natural landscape, making it a favorite among birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

Sooty Falcon

swift desert bird species

The Sooty Falcon, a striking bird of prey, exhibits a dark plumage that enhances its streamlined appearance, essential for its high-speed aerial hunts.

This medium-sized bird is a master of aerial hunting, targeting small birds and insects across South African skies.

Migratory in nature, it breeds in northern Africa and the Middle East, wintering in South Africa amidst ongoing conservation efforts.

African Black Duck

african duck with iridescent feathers

Shifting focus from the aerial prowess of the Sooty Falcon, we encounter the African Black Duck, a distinguished waterfowl inhabiting South Africa's freshwater systems.

This medium-sized bird thrives in rivers, lakes, and marshes across Southern Africa. It features distinctive black plumage with a lighter face and neck, and it dabbles for aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish, maintaining a typically secretive demeanor.

Black Sparrowhawk

asioninae bird of prey

South Africa's Black Sparrowhawk is a formidable raptor showcasing a striking black plumage complemented by yellow eyes and legs. This large raptor species thrives in forests and woodlands, where it hunts birds from perches with remarkable agility.

Recognized for its agile flight, the Black Sparrowhawk plays an important role in maintaining the balance of bird populations within its ecosystem.

What Are the Differences Between Black Birds in South Africa and Poultry Birds in Ghana?

Black birds in South Africa are predominantly wild, such as the African pied crow and the black-backed jackal. On the other hand, types of poultry birds in Ghana, like the local fowl and guinea fowl, are domesticated for meat and egg production. These two groups of birds have distinct habitats and behaviors.

Ant-eating Chat

anteater enjoys tasty meal

Distinguished by its striking black plumage with contrasting white wing patches, the Ant-eating Chat is a small, insectivorous bird native to South Africa.

Commonly found in open grasslands, this bird actively searches for insects, flipping leaves and twigs, with a preference for ants, thereby playing an important role in controlling insect populations within its ecosystem.