Birds with white stripes on their wings are an interesting group of avian species found worldwide. Their wings have unique stripe patterns, which can be different colors like black and white or brown and buff.
Some birds use the stripes on their wings to communicate, hide, or find a mate. There are many different kinds of birds with stripes on their wings. You might even be surprised that these birds exist in your neighborhood!
This guide will teach you more about birds with white stripes on their wings, their behavior, and their habitat. So, read on!
35 Birds With White Stripes on Their Wings
1. Northern Mockingbird
| Scientific Name: | Mimus polyglottos |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 8.3–10 in (21–26 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.6–1.8 oz (47–51 g) |
| Wingspan: | 12–15 in (30–38 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
The medium-sized Northern Mockingbird is native to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This bird has white wing stripes and gray-brown plumage.
A long tail, slender body, and straight beak make Northern Mockingbirds ideal for catching insects and other tiny animals. They also have a loud, melodious song that is often heard during the day and night.
As omnivorous birds, the Northern Mockingbirds feed on various foods, including insects, fruits, and seeds. They have been known to eat berries, beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and even small snakes and lizards.
Regarding personality, Northern Mockingbirds are highly territorial and are known to defend their nests aggressively against predators and other birds.
They are also intelligent and can mimic the songs of other birds and sounds, such as car alarms and ringing telephones.
2. Painted Redstart
| Scientific Name: | Myioborus pictus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.1–5.9 in (13–15 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.21–0.34 oz (5.9–9.6 g) |
| Wingspan: | 7.5–8.7 in (19–22 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 7 years |
The Painted Redstart is a small, brightly colored bird in the United States and Mexico. Males and females have vivid red sides and bellies and black and white stripes on their wings and tails.
Painted Redstarts are primarily insectivores, feeding on various insects like flies, beetles, and grasshoppers. These birds are also known to eat small fruits and seeds occasionally.
Painted Redstarts are known for their energetic personalities, often seen flitting from branch to branch and flashing their brightly colored wings with white stripes and tails.
They are also known for their distinctive vocalizations, including high-pitched songs and various calls.
3. Rose-breasted Grosbeak
| Scientific Name: | Pheucticus ludovicianus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 7.09–8.46 in (18–21.5cm) |
| Weight: | 1.37–1.73 oz (39–49 g) |
| Wingspan: | 11–13 in (27.9–33 cm) |
| Lifespan: | 13–24 years |
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a medium-sized bird native to North America.
Males of this species have a rose-colored chest patch and striking black and white stripes on their wings. This feature gives them a spot in our list of popular black and white birds.
Meanwhile, females have brownish-gray plumage with brown and white stripes. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks eat animals, fruits, and seeds.
They are known for their sweet and melodious songs, which they use to attract mates and defend their territory. They are also social birds often seen in small flocks during migration.
4. White-headed Woodpecker
| Scientific Name: | Picoides albolarvatus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 8.3–9.1 in (21–23 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.9–2.3 oz (55–65g) |
| Wingspan: | 16.9 in (43cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 4 years |
Western North America is home to the medium-sized white-headed Woodpecker. A white head and neck, black back, and white wing stripes distinguish these birds.
White-headed Woodpeckers are primarily granivores, feeding on various seeds and nuts, such as pine seeds, acorns, and juniper berries. They also consume insects, especially during the breeding season.
They are known for their distinctive calls and their unique drumming behavior. They use their bills to create a series of rapid taps on trees and other objects.
In terms of personality, white-headed Woodpeckers are generally shy and elusive birds, often remaining hidden in dense vegetation. However, they can also be bold and aggressive when defending their territories.
Fun Fact: True to their name, White-headed Woodpeckers are the only woodpeckers in the United States with heads that are all-white.
5. Loggerhead Shrike
| Scientific Name: | Lanius ludovicianus |
| Conservation Status: | Near Threatened |
| Length: | 8–10 in (20–25 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.2–1.8 oz (34–51 g) |
| Wingspan: | 11–12.6 in (28–32 cm) |
| Lifespan: | 7–8 years |
The Loggerhead Shrike is a medium-sized bird of prey native to North America.
This bird species has a distinctive black mask across its eyes, a gray head and back, and white stripes on its wings. They are also categorized as one of the types of gray birds.
My curiosity about how these birds hunt their food made me observe them closely in their natural habitat.
During one of my birdspotting sessions, I saw how a Loggerhead Shrike used its sharp nails and hooked bill to attack a lizard, repeatedly piercing its neck.
Known for being carnivorous and quite aggressive, I was not surprised anymore when it impaled its lizard prey in a thorny bush, earning them their “butcher bird” monicker.
Loggerhead Shrikes are also known for their territorial behavior, often chasing away other birds and animals from their territory. They are also known for their calls and songs, which they use to communicate.
6. Lark Bunting
| Scientific Name: | Calamospiza melanocorys |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 6.5–7.1 in (14–18cm) |
| Weight: | 1.3–1.5 oz (35.3–41.3 g) |
| Wingspan: | 10–11 in |
| Lifespan: | Up to 4–8 years (wild) |
The Lark Bunting is a small songbird native to North America. They are omnivores, feeding various seeds, insects, and fruits.
Male Lark Buntings have a distinctive breeding plumage that is almost entirely black, with white stripes on the wings and a white belly. This identifies them as one of the black birds with white wing stripes.
On the other hand, females have brownish-gray plumage with darker streaks.
Lark Buntings are known for their energetic and active personalities, often seen perched on top of shrubs or singing from the top of grass stalks. In addition, they have beautiful and complex songs they use to communicate.
During the breeding season, male Lark Buntings perform courtship displays by puffing out their feathers and singing while flying up and down in a circular pattern.
7. White-winged Crossbill
| Scientific Name: | Loxia leucoptera |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.7–6 in (14.5–16 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.8–1.9 oz (25–34 g) |
| Wingspan: | 10–11 in (26–29 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 4 years (captivity) |
The White-winged Crossbill is a small passerine bird native to North America. The bird’s most distinctive feature is its crossed mandibles, adapted for feeding conifer seeds.
Males of this species have red plumage, while females are yellow. However, both have dark-colored wings with white stripes on them.
White-winged Crossbills are known for their nomadic behavior, often wandering great distances for food. They move southward from their breeding grounds during periods of food scarcity in the north.
Regarding personality, white-winged Crossbills are social birds, often seen in small flocks or family groups. They are also known for their high-pitched musical calls, which can be heard from afar.
8. Belted Kingfisher
| Scientific Name: | Megaceryle alcyon |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 11–14 in (28–38cm) |
| Weight: | 4.0–6.3 0z (113–178 g) |
| Wingspan: | 19–23 in (48–58 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 2 years (wild) |
The Belted Kingfisher is a medium-sized bird native to North America. As a type of blue bird, they have a shaggy crest on their head, a blue-gray back, a white underbelly with a broad band across their chest, and white stripes on their wings.
Belted Kingfishers are specialized fish-eaters, using their sharp bills to catch and consume various fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic invertebrates.
They hunt by perching near the water’s edge and diving to catch their prey. These birds are native to many habitats, including rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal areas throughout North America.
Belted Kingfishers are known for their bold and territorial personalities. They are often heard before they are seen, with their distinctive rattling calls that sound like machine guns.
During the breeding season, they can be seen performing aerial displays and courtship rituals, such as feeding their mates and chasing other birds away from their territory.
9. American Avocet
| Scientific Name: | Recurvirostra americana |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 16–20 in (40–51cm) |
| Weight: | 9.7–14.8 oz (275–420 g) |
| Wingspan: | 27–30 in |
| Lifespan: | Up to 15 years |
The American Avocet has long, thin legs and a slender, upturned bill. During the breeding season, these birds’ heads and necks turn rust-colored, contrasting their white body and black wings with white stripes.
American Avocets, like other birds with long legs, use these features to forage in shallow water for small aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and insects. They are also known to consume small fish and amphibians.
They are also known for their social behavior, often foraging and breeding in groups. During the breeding season, male and female American Avocets make nests, incubate eggs, and raise their young.
Due to a sharp drop in numbers in the early 1900s, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712) has protected the American Avocet since 1918. However, toxins still threaten their homes.
10. Black-billed Magpie
| Scientific Name: | Pica hudsonia |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 17.72–23.62 in (45–60 cm) |
| Weight: | 5.0–6.3 oz (141–179 g) |
| Wingspan: | 8.1–8.6 in (20.5–21.8 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 20 years |
The Black-billed Magpie found in western North America has a long tail and black-and-white plumage with white stripes on the wings. They are omnivores and are also known for feeding on carrion and garbage.
Black-billed Magpies are also often seen searching for ticks on the backs of elk and deer. These bold birds often sit in groups that can be loud in trees or on fence posts.
These birds are known for their intelligence and curious personalities. They are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or small groups.
Their vocalizations include calls, songs, and bird mimics. Black-billed Magpies also habitually collect shiny objects, like jewelry or coins.
Fun Fact: Black-billed Magpies are so intelligent that they are able to recognize themselves when looking at a mirror.
11. Black-and-white Warbler
| Scientific Name: | Mniotilta varia |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 4.3–5.1 in (11–13 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.3–0.5 oz (8–15 g) |
| Wingspan: | 7–9 in |
| Lifespan: | Up to 11 years |
One of the many small songbirds in North and Central America is the Black-and-white Warbler.
Black-and-white striped wings and a thin, pointed beak characterize these birds. This gives them a spot in our list of small black and white birds.
Insects and spiders in trees are Black-and-white Warblers’ main diet. They are known for clinging to the sides of trees and crawling along branches.
Like all warblers, black-and-white Warblers are territorial and violent during the breeding season, attacking and fighting other species. They are known for their high-pitched, buzzy songs.
They use this to attract mates and defend their territory. They are also highly migratory birds, traveling long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.
Black-and-white Warblers are easy to spot, making them fine for beginners. These birds eat insects, larvae, beetles, ants, flies, bugs, and spiders.
12. Bullocks Oriole
| Scientific Name: | Icterus bullockii |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 6.7–7.5 in (17–19 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.0–1.5 oz (29–43 g) |
| Wingspan: | 6.5–7.5 in (16.51–19.05 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 9 years (wild) |
The Bullock’s Oriole is a brightly colored songbird in western North America. These birds are striking, with orange and black plumage, white stripes on wings, and a pointed bill. These features make them identifiable as yellow birds with black wings.
Bullock’s Orioles are omnivores, feeding on various insects, fruit, and nectar. They are also known for their skill in constructing elaborate hanging nests woven from plant fibers and suspended from branches.
They are known for their flute-like songs, which they use to attract mates and defend their territory. They are highly migratory birds, traveling long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.
13. Williamson’s Sapsucker
| Scientific Name: | Sphyrapicus thyroideus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 8.3–9.8 in (21–25 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.6–1.9 oz (44–55 g) |
| Wingspan: | 17 in (43cm) |
| Lifespan: | 6–8 years |
The Williamson’s Sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker found in western North America. Males of this species have black and white plumage and white stripes on the wings.
On the other hand, female Williamson’s Sapsuckers have brown heads with black and white barred bodies.
Williamson’s Sapsuckers are primarily insectivorous, feeding on various insects, including ants, beetles, and caterpillars, which they find by pecking holes in tree bark. They also provide sap and tree saplings.
They are known for their unique drumming and vocalizations and unusual nesting behavior, excavating multiple nesting cavities in trees but only using one.
14. Bobolink
| Scientific Name: | Dolichonyx oryzivorus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 7 in (17.78cm) |
| Weight: | 1.0–2.0 oz (28–57 g) |
| Wingspan: | 7 in (17.78cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 9 years (wild) |
The Bobolink is a small migratory songbird found in North America. These birds have a unique and striking appearance, with black, white, and buff-colored plumage and a distinctive cap of straw-colored feathers on their head.
Bobolinks are omnivorous, feeding on various insects, seeds, and grains, including rice and corn. During migration, they rely heavily on agricultural fields for food.
These birds are native to a variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural fields throughout North America.
Bobolinks are known for their distinctive bubbling and tinkling songs, which they use to attract mates and defend their territory. They also perform aerial displays and flutter their wings to impress potential mates.
15. Common Nighthawk
| Scientific Name: | Chordeiles minor |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 8.3–9.8 in (21–25 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.9–3.5 oz (55–98 g) |
| Wingspan: | 20–24 in (51–61 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 5 years |
The Common Nighthawk is a nocturnal bird species in North and South America. These birds have mottled brown and gray feathers, providing camouflage during the day when roosting on the ground.
They are also known for the white stripes on their wings, which are more prominent in flight.
Common Nighthawks are insectivorous, feeding on various flying insects, including moths, beetles, and flying ants, which they catch in mid-air during their acrobatic flights.
They create distinctive, nasal “peent” calls during aerial courtship displays. During these displays, males fly in looping, zigzag patterns while making calls to attract mates.
Further, being birds that are known for their nocturnal vocalizations, expect to possibly hear their calls even during the unlikely hours of the night.
16. Steller’s Sea Eagle
| Scientific Name: | Haliaeetus pelagicus |
| Conservation Status: | Vulnerable |
| Length: | 33.46–37.01 in (85–94cm) |
| Weight: | 218.69–335.10 oz (6200–9500 g) |
| Wingspan: | 78–98.4 in (198.12–249.9cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 20 years |
The Steller’s Sea Eagle is a large bird of prey found primarily in Russia and Japan. A dark brown color, which is almost black, and a white head and tail characterize these birds. They are also categorized under black birds with yellow beaks.
With a wingspan of 98 inches, they are huge eagles. Steller’s Sea Eagles swoop and grab fish like salmon, herring, and smelt. They also occasionally eat other birds and small mammals.
These birds are native to coastal regions in Russia and Japan, inhabiting various habitats, including rivers, lakes, and coastal wetlands.
Steller’s Sea Eagles are known for their solid and aggressive personalities, which make them formidable predators. They are also known for acrobatic flying and talon-grappling with other eagles during territorial disputes.
17. Lesser Nighthawk
| Scientific Name: | Chordeiles acutipennis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 7.8–9.0 in (20–23cm) |
| Weight: | 2.2–3.4 oz (65–98 g) |
| Wingspan: | 21.5 in |
| Lifespan: | 4–5 years |
The Lesser Nighthawk is a nocturnal bird species in the southwestern United States and Mexico. These birds have mottled brown and gray feathers and white stripes on their wings.
They feed on various flying insects which they catch in mid-air during their acrobatic flights. They are known for their silent flight caused by their specialized feathers that reduce noise.
These birds are native to various habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and open woodlands.
Like Common Nighthawks, these birds are also known for their nasal “peent” calls used during their aerial courtship displays, where the males fly in looping, zigzag patterns while making these sounds to attract mates.
18. Killdeer
| Scientific Name: | Charadrius vociferus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 9.05–10.6 in (23–27cm) |
| Weight: | 3.10 oz (88g) |
| Wingspan: | 18–25 in |
| Lifespan: | Up to 11 years |
The Killdeer is a medium-sized bird species found throughout North and Central America.
Grouped under small brown birds, they have distinctive plumage, brown backs and wings, white undersides, and two black bands on their necks and breasts.
They are one of the easiest birds to spot in their natural habitat. In fact, during one of my trips to Texas, I was able to encounter these birds closely, including their interesting manner of foraging for food.
I observed their unique feeding behavior, where they dashed along the ground and stopped suddenly to pick up food items, then ran again. Even when not foraging, they love to run, stop to look around, and then continue speeding off.
They are omnivorous, feeding on various insects, crustaceans, and seeds. These birds are also known for their loud, piercing calls, which they use to communicate with each other and to warn of potential predators.
Fun Fact: Killdeers are famous for their distinctive “broken-wing” display, where they fake injury to lure predators away from their nests.
19. Eurasian Magpie
| Scientific Name: | Pica pica |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 17–18 in (44–46cm) |
| Weight: | 7.4–9.6 oz (210–272 g) |
| Wingspan: | 20–24 in (52–62cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 15 years |
The Eurasian Magpie is a medium-sized bird species in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. These birds have black and white plumage.
They are known for their long tail and iridescent blue-green feathers on their wings and tail. Eurasian Magpies also have white stripes on their wings, which are more prominent while flying.
These birds are omnivorous, feeding on insects, small mammals, fruit, and carrion. They are known for their opportunistic feeding behavior and have adapted well to urban environments.
Eurasian Magpies are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or small groups. They are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities and have been observed using tools to obtain food.
20. Swamp Boubou
| Scientific Name: | Laniarius bicolor |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 58.42–63.5 in (23–25cm) |
| Weight: | 1.3–2.4 oz (38–70g) |
| Wingspan: | 9.8 in (25cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 16 years |
The Swamp Boubou is a striking bird found in sub-Saharan Africa. They belong to the family Malaconotidae, which includes Bush and Helmet Shrikes.
These birds have a black head, neck, white-striped wings, and white underparts. Their eyes are bright red, contrasting with their black and white plumage.
Swamp Boubous are typically found near wetlands, such as swamps, marshes, and riverbanks. They’re solitary birds known for their loud, melodious song, which they use to defend their territory and attract mates.
During the breeding season, male Swamp Boubous perform elaborate courtship displays, such as bowing and tail flicking, to attract females. Once the pair has mated, the females will construct cup-shaped nests.
Further, they eat insects like grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, although they may also occasionally feed on small vertebrates like lizards and frogs.
21. Black-capped Chikadee
| Scientific Name: | Poecile atricapillus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 4.7–5.9 in (12–15cm) |
| Weight: | 0.38 oz (11g) |
| Wingspan: | 6–8 in |
| Lifespan: | Up to 3 years |
The Black-capped Chickadee is a small bird species found throughout North America.
These birds have a distinctive black cap and bib, white cheeks, and gray wings with white stripes. Their facial features identify them as one of the birds with black and white heads.
Black-capped Chickadees are omnivorous. They feed on a variety of insects, seeds, and berries. They are known for caching food in the fall and winter and retrieving it later when food sources are scarce.
These birds are native to various habitats, including deciduous and coniferous forests and suburban and urban areas. Black-capped chickadees are highly social birds.
They are often seen in flocks of up to a dozen individuals. They are also known for their vocalizations, including a distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call for communication and establishing territory.
22. Evening Grosbeak
| Scientific Name: | Coccothraustes vespertinus |
| Conservation Status: | Vulnerable |
| Length: | 7.50 in (19.05 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.9–2.6 oz (53–74 g) |
| Wingspan: | 13 in (33.02 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 16 years |
The Evening Grosbeak is a bird species found in North America.
These birds have distinctive and colorful plumage, with a yellow forehead, black and white-striped wings, and a bright yellow, black, and white pattern on their tail. This makes them part of our list of small yellow birds.
Evening Grosbeaks are primarily seed-eaters. They feed on a variety of tree seeds and fruits. They are known for their powerful beaks, which allow them to crack hard open seeds, such as cherry pits and maple samaras.
These birds are native to various habitats, including coniferous and mixed forests and suburban and urban areas. They are also highly social birds.
Evening Grosbeaks are often seen in flocks of up to a dozen individuals. They are also known for their vocalizations, including a distinctive “cheer-up” call for communication and establishing territory.
23. White-winged Dove
| Scientific Name: | Zenaida asiatica |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 11.81 in (30cm) |
| Weight: | 3.38–5.99 oz (96.0–170.0 g) |
| Wingspan: | 18.9–22.8 in (48–58 cm) |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
The White-winged Dove is a bird species found in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Contrary to the belief that all doves are pure white, these species have distinctive gray-brown plumage, a white-tipped tail, and a broad white stripe on their wings.
White-winged Doves primarily feed on seeds and fruits, including those of mesquite, saguaro, and prickly pear cactus. They are known for their strong flying ability, which allows them to travel long distances.
These birds are generally solitary but can be seen in small flocks during migration and when feeding. They are also known for their soft cooing calls, which are used for communication and courtship.
24. Tricolored Blackbird
| Scientific Name: | Agelaius tricolor |
| Conservation Status: | Endangered |
| Length: | 8.74 in (22.2 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.4–2.6 oz (40–75 g) |
| Wingspan: | 10–13 in (25.4–33 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 13 years |
The tricolored Blackbird is a bird species found only in the western United States, primarily in California. They have distinctive black plumage, a bright red patch on their shoulder, and white stripes on their wing.
Tricolored blackbirds primarily feed on seeds, insects, and other invertebrates, which they find in wetland habitats such as marshes, rice fields, and grasslands.
They are native to various wetland habitats, including freshwater marshes and brackish estuaries, and breed in large colonial nesting sites, often numbering in the thousands of individuals.
They are known for their gregarious and social behavior, often nesting in large colonies and displaying synchronized behaviors during courtship and feeding.
However, habitat loss, fragmentation, and declines in food availability and agricultural practices pose significant threats to this species and their populations in some areas.
25. Anhinga
| Scientific Name: | Anhinga anhinga |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 35 in (89cm) |
| Weight: | 46.7–47.6 oz (1325–1350 g) |
| Wingspan: | 42.9 in (109 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 12 years |
The Anhinga, or the Snakebird, is a bird species found in the Americas, primarily in the southeastern United States, Central America, and South America.
These birds have a distinctive appearance: a long, slender neck, a sharp, pointed bill, and sleek black or dark brown plumage. They are also known for the white stripes on their wings.
Anhingas primarily feed on fish, which they catch by swimming underwater using their powerful legs and wings to propel themselves through the water.
They are often seen perched on tree branches or logs with their wings spread out, drying their feathers in the sun. Anhingas are also known for their exceptional swimming and diving abilities.
They are solitary birds, sometimes seen in small groups during nesting season. They are also known for their distinctive vocalizations, including a loud, guttural croaking sound.
26. American Goldfinch
| Scientific Name: | Spinus tristis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 4.33–5.12 in (11–13 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.39–0.70 oz (11–20 g) |
| Wingspan: | 7.48–8.66 in (19–22 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 13 years |
The American Goldfinch is a small songbird species found throughout North America, from Canada to Mexico.
These birds have bright yellow and black plumage, with a distinctive black cap and white stripes on their wings. Hence, they also belong to the group of black and yellow birds.
The American Goldfinch plumage is fascinating. Their bright yellow feathers change to olive-brown during winter. To attract a partner, males molt their dull feathers and grow bright yellow ones in spring and summer.
They primarily feed on seeds, especially those of plants in the aster family, and can often be seen perched on thistle plants and other tall weeds.
American Goldfinches are highly social and often form large flocks outside of the breeding season but are monogamous during the breeding season. They typically breed later in the season than other songbirds.
Here is a video about the American Goldfinch for more info!
27. White-browed Wagtail
| Scientific Name: | Motacilla maderaspatensis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 8.3 in (21 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.26 oz (36 g) |
| Wingspan: | 10.6 in (27 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 40 years |
The White-browed Wagtail is a species of bird found across South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. They have distinctive black and white plumage.
These birds are known for their wings’ white stripes, a white eyebrow stripe above the eye, and a long, slender tail. They primarily feed on insects and small invertebrates.
They are native to various habitats, including grasslands, forests, and agricultural fields, and are known for their distinctive, high-pitched call.
White-browed Wagtails are typically monogamous and build cup-shaped nests in trees or on buildings. They are known for their acrobatic courtship displays, which include fluttering flights and tail-wagging.
28. Willet
| Scientific Name: | Tringa semipalmata |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 12–16 in (31–41 cm) |
| Weight: | 7.1–11.6 oz (200–300 g) |
| Wingspan: | 27.6 in (70 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
The Willet is a species of shorebird found in North and South America. These birds has a distinctive, long, straight bill and a mottled brown and white plumage, with a black and white striped wing pattern visible in flight.
They are found in various coastal habitats, including beaches, marshes, and mudflats, where they feed on a range of prey, including small fish, crustaceans, and marine worms.
Willets find crabs, worms, and clams buried in the sand with their beak. They eat small fish, insects, and invertebrates. These birds are vital to the ecosystem.
Aside from controlling crab and invertebrate populations, they are also indicator species for coastal wetlands and estuaries.
Willets are also known for their distinctive call, a loud, ringing “pill-will-willet.” They typically nest on the ground, in open areas, and lay three to four eggs.
29. White-winged Triller
| Scientific Name: | Lalage tricolor |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 6.69–7.48 in (17–19 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.91 oz (26 g) |
| Wingspan: | 7.48 in (19 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 3 years |
The White-winged Triller is a small bird species in Asia and Australia. These birds have distinctive black and white plumage, with a bright blue-grey patch on the throat and white stripes on the wings.
White-winged Trillers inhabit various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and savannas. They are insectivorous and feed on various insects and other small invertebrates.
They are known for their melodious, trilling song, often heard in their breeding territories during the season. White-winged Trillers are generally monogamous and form long-term pair bonds.
They build small, cup-shaped nests of grasses and other materials often hidden in the foliage. Females lay two to three eggs per clutch, and both parents share in the incubation and feeding of the young.
While White-winged Trillers are not considered globally threatened, they are susceptible to habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation and land-use changes.
Conservation efforts are needed to protect the species and their habitats, including establishing protected areas and sustainable land-use practices.
30. Magpie-lark
| Scientific Name: | Grallina cyanoleuca |
| Length: | 9.8–11.8 in (30 cm) |
| Weight: | 2.25–4.16 oz (63.9–118 g) |
| Wingspan: | 22.4 in (57 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
The Magpie-lark or Mudlark is a small passerine bird in Australia. Their distinctive black and white plumage and long, slender tails distinguish this species.
Magpie-larks are omnivorous, feeding on insects, spiders, small vertebrates, and seeds. They are also known to feed on carrion and garbage in urban areas.
These birds are known for their melodious, caroling song, which they use to establish territories and attract mates. They are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds.
These birds build large mud nests with a cup-shaped interior, often placed on horizontal branches or other structures. Females lay two to four eggs per clutch, and both parents share in the incubation and feeding of the young.
31. Yellow-headed Blackbird
| Scientific Name: | Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 8.3–10.2 in (21–26 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.6–3.5 oz (44–100 g) |
| Wingspan: | 15 in (38 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 18 years |
The Yellow-headed Blackbird is found in North America. Males have striking yellow heads and necks, while females have a more subdued brown and black plumage.
Yellow-headed Blackbirds are known for their loud, harsh calls, often heard during the breeding season. These birds are polygynous, with males defending a territory and attracting multiple mates.
They build large, woven nests near water, where females lay three to five eggs per clutch. Both parents share in the incubation and feeding of the young.
Yellow-headed Blackbirds are considered a species of minor concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with stable populations across their range.
32. Magpie Shrike
| Scientific Name: | Urolestes melanoleucus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 8.9–13.8 in (22.5–35.0 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.9–3.4 oz (53–97 g) |
| Wingspan: | 1.9–3.4 oz (53–97 g) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
The Magpie Shrike or African long-tailed Shrike is a bird species in sub-Saharan Africa. They have striking black and white plumage, with a long tail tipped with white.
The species is found in various habitats, including savannah, woodlands, and shrublands. Magpie Shrikes are carnivorous and feed on various insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally small reptiles and amphibians.
They are known for their musical calls, which attract mates and defend territories.
Magpie Shrikes are monogamous, with males and females working together to build a cup-shaped nest made of twigs and grasses. Females typically lay two to four eggs per clutch, which both parents take turns incubating and feeding.
33. White-winged Widowbird
| Scientific Name: | Euplectes albonotatus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.9–7.5 in (15–19 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.81 oz (23 g) |
| Wingspan: | 5.9–7.5 in (15–19 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 9 years |
The White-winged Widowbird is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. Males have long black tails that can be over half a meter long during the breeding season.
Males have white wings with a distinctive red and yellow shoulder patch. Meanwhile, females are less colorful, with brown plumage and a short tail.
White-winged Widowbirds are omnivorous, feeding on various seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates.
Breeding season for White-winged Widowbirds occurs during the rainy season, typically from November to March. During this time, males establish territories and attract females with elaborate courtship displays.
Males use their long tails to perform acrobatic displays, twisting and turning mid-air to impress potential mates.
34. Greater Scaup
| Scientific Name: | Aythya marila |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 15.7–19.6 in (40–51 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.71 oz (48.7 g) |
| Wingspan: | 28.3–33.0 in (72–84 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 20 years |
The Greater Scaup is a medium-sized diving duck in North America and northern Eurasia. These ducks have black heads with bluish tints, rounded bodies, and pale blue-grey bills.
Males have more pronounced head shapes and black breasts, while females have browner plumage with a white patch at the base of their bills.
As diving ducks, Greater Scaups feed mainly on mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic plants, plunging up to six meters deep for food. They are also known to feed on insects during the breeding season.
These ducks breed in the tundra and boreal forests of Alaska and Canada and spend winter along the coasts of the United States, Mexico, and northern Europe.
Greater Scaups are known to be social birds and form large flocks during the non-breeding season. They are also known to be strong fliers and can travel long distances during migration.
35. Black-bellied Whistling Duck
| Scientific Name: | Dendrocygna autumnalis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 19–22 in (47–56 cm) |
| Weight: | 28.8 oz (816 g) |
| Wingspan: | 30–37 in (76–94 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 15 years |
The Black-bellied Whistling Duck is a species of duck found in parts of North, Central, and South America. They have reddish-brown heads and necks, grayish-brown bodies, black bellies under the tail, and long pink or red bills.
They are also known for their distinct whistling call, a characteristic sound of wetlands where they reside.
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks feed on various foods such as seeds, aquatic plants, insects, and small animals.
They breed in tree cavities, laying a clutch of 10 to 16 eggs, and both parents share the responsibilities of incubating and rearing the young. Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are not considered threatened.
Do you have experience or encounter with birds with white stripes on their wings? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section! You can also ask us any questions about any of these white-striped winged wonders!
