If you haven’t heard of black birds with white stripes on their wings before, then you probably don’t know what they look like. Most of these birds are covered in black and feature white streaks varying from one bird to another!
In addition, each of them has a unique practice that will amaze you. From the way they get food to their beautiful song to the way they court, these birds are truly a sight to behold.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at 33 of the most popular black birds with white stripes out there. These birds are not available everywhere, so here’s your chance to meet them!
33 Black Birds With White Stripes on Wings
1. White-winged Tern
| Scientific Name: | Chlidonias leucopterus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 8–9 in (20–23 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.2–2.8 oz (34–80 g) |
| Wingspan: | 24–28 in (60–70 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
The White-winged Tern is a medium-sized bird with dark plumage that glistens in the sunlight, contrasting with its bright white underparts.
These birds’ most distinctive feature is their white wing patches, which make them stand out even from a distance.
These black birds with white stripes on their wings are an expert flyer. They can hover over water, plunge into the water to catch small fish and insects, and twist and turn in the air to evade predators.
They are also migratory, breeding in Europe and Asia and wintering in Africa and southern Asia.
During the breeding season, male White-winged Terns display an all-black plumage with white stripes on their wings, while females have a brownish-gray plumage with white underparts.
2. American Black Vulture
| Scientific Name: | Coragyps atratus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 25–32 in (63–81 cm) |
| Weight: | 2.2–4.4 oz (1000–2000 g) |
| Wingspan: | 54–60 in (137–152 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 20 years |
The American Black Vulture is a fascinating and misunderstood bird that is often associated with death and decay.
These birds are scavengers that feed mainly on carrion. They use their powerful beaks to tear through tough hides and flesh, while their sharp eyesight helps them locate their next meal from high up in the air.
I once got the opportunity to observe these birds during one of my birdspotting journeys.
Using my binoculars, I saw a group of American Black Vultures from a distance gathering around the body of a dead bird and circling it for several minutes.
Upon researching this, I found out that this behavior is called “funeral circling.” While the reason for this behavior is not entirely understood, some scientists believe that it may be a way for the birds to pay their respects to the deceased.
3. Lark Bunting
| Scientific Name: | Calamospiza melanocorys |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.5–7.1 in (14–18 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.3–1.5 oz (38–42 g) |
| Wingspan: | 9.8–11 in (25–28 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 4 years |
The Lark Bunting is a small, striking bird native to the grasslands of North America.
With their black and white striped plumage, they stand out among the prairie grasses, making them a favorite among birdwatchers. This plumage also categorizes them as small black and white birds.
During the breeding season, male Lark Buntings sport a striking jet-black plumage with white stripes on their wings and a white belly. In contrast, females have a more subdued brownish-grey plumage with streaks of black.
These black birds with white-striped wings are also known for their beautiful and complex song, consisting of trills and whistles.
This melodious call can be heard throughout the day as the birds sing from the tops of grasses and shrubs, staking their territory and attracting mates.
4. White-winged Chough
| Scientific Name: | Corcorax melanorhamphos |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 18–20 in (45–50 cm) |
| Weight: | 8.8–12.3 oz (250–350 g) |
| Wingspan: | 28–31 in (70–80 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 15 years |
The White-winged Chough is a social and highly intelligent bird native to the forests and woodlands of Australia.
These birds are often found in large groups or family units. They communicate with a variety of calls, each with a different meaning, and even have a specific call used to alert the group to the presence of a predator.
The diet of White-winged Choughs is primarily made up of insects and other small invertebrates, which they forage for on the forest floor. They also eat seeds, fruits, and even small reptiles and mammals.
Fun Fact: One of the most interesting aspects of White-winged Choughs is their cooperative breeding system. Breeding pairs frequently receive support from other group members who assist with nest construction, hatchling feeding, and predator defense.
5. Northern Mockingbird
| Scientific Name: | Mimus polyglottos |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 8.2–10.2 in (20.8–25.9 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.4–2.0 oz (40–58 g) |
| Wingspan: | 12–13 in (30.5–33 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 20 years |
The Northern Mockingbird is a bird known for its exceptional singing abilities and charming personality, apart from its grayish black plumage and white stripes on its wings. They can also be identified under types of gray birds.
Despite their name, Northern Mockingbirds are not limited to just northern regions. They are found as far south as Mexico and Central America and have even been introduced to Hawaii.
They are master mimics, capable of imitating the songs of other birds and even sounds like car alarms and cell phone ringtones.
These birds are also known for their territorial behavior, with males defending their nesting territories aggressively against intruders.
They are omnivorous birds, feeding on insects, fruits, and seeds, and can be attracted to bird feeders with a variety of food offerings.
Fun Fact: Northern Mockingbirds are so adept at mimicry that they can incorporate over 200 different sounds into their repertoire.
6. Swallow-tailed Kite
| Scientific Name: | Elanoides forficatus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 19–24 in (48–61 cm) |
| Weight: | 10–20 oz (280–570 g) |
| Wingspan: | 54–60 in (137–152 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 15 years |
The Swallow-tailed Kite is a breathtaking bird of prey that is instantly recognizable by its long, deeply forked tail and black and white feathers.
These birds can be found in the southeastern United States, as well as in parts of Central and South America, where they feed on a variety of prey such as insects, reptiles, and small mammals.
In flight, Swallow-tailed Kites soar effortlessly high in the sky, with their wings spread wide and their tail feathers fluttering in the wind. This aerial prowess has earned them the nickname “the coolest bird in the sky.”
Known for their unique hunting behavior, I got interested in observing these birds while on a birdwatching trip in Costa Rica. In particular, I was able to experience how a Swallow-tailed Kite picked up a large snake for its prey.
Instead of devouring the snake right away, I noticed how it repeatedly dropped and picked the snake up to break their spines before gutting them.
7. White-winged Scoter
| Scientific Name: | Melanitta deglandi |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 19–23 in (48–58 cm) |
| Weight: | 41.6–59.2 oz (1180–1680 g) |
| Wingspan: | 32–38 in (81–97 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 12 years |
The White-winged Scoter is a magnificent sea duck that is native to the Northern Hemisphere. This stunning bird gets its name from the distinctive white wing patches that can be seen when it is in flight.
As scoters, these black birds with white stripes on their wings are diving ducks.
The bird’s diet consists mainly of crustaceans, mollusks, and other small aquatic creatures. When feeding, the White-winged Scoter will dive to depths of up to 100 feet in search of food.
In addition to its impressive diving abilities, the White-winged Scoter is also a skilled flier. The bird has a powerful wingspan of up to 3.5 feet, which allows it to fly at impressive speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
Take a look at this amazing video of a White-winged Scoter eating Zebra mussels:
Fun Fact: White-winged Scoters can hold their breath for up to a minute while searching for food underwater.
8. Eurasian Magpie
| Scientific Name: | Pica pica |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 17–21 in (44–54 cm) |
| Weight: | 7–8 oz (200–230 g) |
| Wingspan: | 22–26 in (55–65 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 21 years |
Belonging to the group of birds that eat dead animals, the Eurasian Magpie is a member of the crow family and is found throughout Europe and parts of Asia.
Their black and white plumage is one of their most distinctive features, with a glossy black head, wings, and tail and contrasting white belly and shoulder patches.
The white patches on their wings are particularly striking when in flight, making them easy to identify.
These Magpies are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods, including insects, small mammals, fruit, and carrion. They are also known for their habit of collecting shiny objects such as coins, jewelry, and other small trinkets.
Moreover, Eurasian Magpies are social birds, living in large groups, or “parliaments,” of up to 20 individuals.
Within these groups, they are known to engage in complex social behaviors, including cooperative breeding, vocal communication, and even grooming each other.
9. American Oystercatcher
| Scientific Name: | Haematopus palliatus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 17–21 in (43–53 cm) |
| Weight: | 22.4–33.6 oz (650–950 g) |
| Wingspan: | 35–45 in (89–114 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 35 years |
The American Oystercatcher is a charismatic bird species that can be found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America.
These striking birds have distinctive black and white plumage and a long, thick orange beak that is perfectly adapted for their feeding habits. These features give them a spot in our list of black and white birds.
American Oystercatchers are typically found along coastal beaches, tidal flats, and other coastal habitats where they can feed on a variety of shellfish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
They are particularly well adapted for feeding on oysters, using their powerful beaks to pry open the shells and extract the nutritious meat inside.
In addition to their unique feeding habits, American Oystercatchers are also known for their distinctive calls, which can be heard from great distances.
These calls are often used to communicate with other birds, establish territory, and locate mates.
10. California Condor
| Scientific Name: | Gymnogyps californianus |
| Conservation Status: | Critically Endangered |
| Length: | 46–56 in (117–142 cm) |
| Weight: | 288–496 oz (8200–14000 g) |
| Wingspan: | 109–136 in (277–345 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 60 years |
The California Condor is one of the largest in North America and can weigh up to 25 pounds, with a wingspan of up to 10 feet.
Despite their impressive size, California Condors are gentle birds that primarily feed on carrion. They are often seen soaring high in the sky, using their keen eyesight to locate their next meal.
California Condors are also known for their distinctive appearance, with their black feathers and white patches on the underside of their wings. They also belong to the group of birds known for their red heads.
Once on the brink of extinction, California Condors have made a remarkable comeback. In the 1980s, only a handful of these birds remained in the wild due to habitat loss, hunting, and poisoning from lead ammunition.
Today, thanks to captive breeding programs and habitat restoration efforts, the population has increased to around 500 individuals.
11. Turkey Vulture
| Scientific Name: | Cathartes aura |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 25–32 in (63–81 cm) |
| Weight: | 68–72 oz (1900–2040 g) |
| Wingspan: | 66–78 in (168–198 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 20 years |
The Turkey Vulture, also known as a buzzard or carrion crow, is a black bird with white stripes on its wings found throughout North and South America.
Turkey Vultures are scavengers that feed mainly on carrion or dead animals. Their keen sense of smell allows them to detect the scent of decaying flesh from miles away.
While they may not be the most glamorous of birds, they play a vital role in keeping our environment clean by disposing of dead animals that could otherwise spread disease.
Fun Fact: Turkey Vultures are known for their unique defense mechanism. When threatened or disturbed, they will vomit as a form of self-defense.
12. Golden Eagle
| Scientific Name: | Aquila chrysaetos |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 30–34 in (75–85 cm) |
| Weight: | 105.6–246.4 oz (2980–6970 g) |
| Wingspan: | 59–83 in (150–210 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 30 years |
The Golden Eagle is a majestic bird of prey and one of the most widely distributed eagles in the world. This eagle is commonly found throughout much of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Known for their powerful talons and impressive wingspan, these birds are formidable hunters and a symbol of strength and freedom.
Golden Eagles are dark brown with a golden head and neck, giving them their name. They also have a distinctive white patch at the base of their wings, which stands out against their dark plumage.
Their sharp, hooked beak and powerful legs make them well-equipped for hunting.
Although they are species of least concern to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), they also face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and poisoning from pesticides.
13. Black-crested Titmouse
| Scientific Name: | Baeolophus atricristatus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.5–6 in (14–15 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.3–0.4 oz (9–12 g) |
| Wingspan: | 8–9 in (20–23 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 17 years |
The Black-crested Titmouse is a small bird found in the southern United States, from Texas to Florida. They are easily recognizable with their jet-black feathers, white cheeks, and striking white stripes on their wings.
Despite their small size, Black-crested Titmice are vocal and active birds. Their sharp, high-pitched calls and songs are a familiar sound in the woodlands and savannas they inhabit.
Moreover, Black-crested Titmice are known for effortlessly flying through the trees in search of insects, seeds, and berries. While they are primarily seed-eaters, they occasionally catch small insects and other invertebrates to supplement their diet.
In the breeding season, male Black-crested Titmice sports a black crest on its head, which stands out against its white forehead and cheeks. This makes them proud members of birds with crests of North America.
Females lack the crest but have the same distinctive black-and-white coloring as males.
14. White-winged Widowbird
| Scientific Name: | Euplectes albonotatus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.9–7.5 in (15–19 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.5–1.4 oz (15–40 g) |
| Wingspan: | 11–12 in (28–30 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
As part of the group of birds with white stripes on their wings, the White-winged Widowbird is a black bird with long, white wing feathers that extend well beyond its body.
Native to Africa, White-winged Widowbirds are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and wetlands. These black birds with white stripes are known for their elaborate courtship displays.
Male birds will puff out their chest and hop around the female, flapping their wings and singing a complex song to attract a mate and establish dominance over other males in the area.
In addition to their impressive displays, White-winged Widowbirds play an important role in their ecosystem.
They primarily feed on seeds, helping to control the spread of weeds and invasive plant species. They also serve as prey for larger predators such as raptors and snakes.
15. Common Black Hawk
| Scientific Name: | Buteogallus anthracinus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 19–24 in (48–61 cm) |
| Weight: | 24–50 oz (680–1415 g) |
| Wingspan: | 43–55 in (110–140 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 25 years |
The Common Black Hawk is a raptor found throughout America. As its name suggests, it is predominantly black in color, but it also has white stripes on its wings, adding to its unique appearance.
They are also to belong to the group of black birds with yellow beaks.
With a wingspan of up to four feet, Common Black Hawks are impressive hunters. They are known for their stealth and agility, being able to swoop down from great heights to catch prey in their talons.
These birds’ sharp eyesight and powerful beaks make them a formidable predator.
In some cultures, Common Black Hawks are revered as a symbol of power and strength. Their striking appearance and hunting abilities have made them the subject of many legends and stories.
16. Blackpoll Warbler
| Scientific Name: | Setophaga striata |
| Conservation Status: | Near Threatened |
| Length: | 4.9–5.9 in (12.5–15 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.3–0.4 oz (9–12 g) |
| Wingspan: | 7.9–9.8 in (20–25 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 11 years |
The Blackpoll Warbler is a small, black-and-white, migratory songbird.
These birds are easily recognized by their distinctive black cap, white cheek stripes on their head, and some streaks of gray on their back and sides. Hence, they are also recognized as birds with black and white heads.
In breeding season, the black cap of males extends down to the nape of their neck, while females have a lighter cap and less distinct cheek stripes.
During migration, Blackpoll Warblers undertake one of the most remarkable journeys of any songbird. They fly nonstop over the open ocean for up to three days to reach their wintering grounds in South America.
In recent years, Blackpoll Warblers has experienced declines in its population due to habitat loss and climate change. Because of this, the IUCN classified this species as “near-threatened.”
17. Tufted Duck
| Scientific Name: | Aythya fuligula |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 16–20 in (40–50 cm) |
| Weight: | 19.2–38.4 oz (550–1100 g) |
| Wingspan: | 28–33 in (71–84 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 15 years |
The Tufted Duck, also known as the Tufted Pochard, is a medium-sized diving duck found in northern Eurasia.
They have distinctive black and white appearance, with a glossy black head and back, white sides, and a tuft of feathers on their head that give them their name.
During the breeding season, male Tufted Ducks have a bright blue beak and eyes and a distinctive white patch on their side. Females are more subdued in color, with a brownish head and a smaller tuft of feathers.
Tufted ducks can be found in a variety of wetland habitats, including lakes, rivers, and estuaries.
They are skilled divers that use their wings to swim underwater in search of food, such as mollusks and aquatic insects.
18. Oriental Magpie-Robin
| Scientific Name: | Copsychus saularis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 6.3–7.1 in (16–18 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.1–1.6 oz (32–45 g) |
| Wingspan: | 10.2–11.4 in (26–29 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
The Oriental Magpie-Robin is a beautiful bird with black and white coloration that is often found in India and Southeast Asia. These birds are members of the Old World flycatchers.
These black birds with white stripes on their wings can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests to gardens and urban areas.
Oriental Magpie-Robins are omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruits, and small animals like lizards and snails.
They are also known to be territorial birds, often defending their nesting sites and feeding areas. In some cultures, Oriental Magpie-Robins are considered symbols of good luck and are often kept as pets.
19. Black Guillemot
| Scientific Name: | Cepphus grylle |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 11.8–12.6 in (30–32 cm) |
| Weight: | 11.3–17.1 oz (320–485 g) |
| Wingspan: | 20.5–22.8 in (52–58 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 18 years |
The Black Guillemot, also known as the Tystie, is a seabird that inhabits the northern regions of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These medium-sized birds are predominantly black, with distinctive white wing patches and red feet.
During the breeding season, the males develop a white wing stripe that runs the length of the wing.
Black Guillemots are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. They nest in rocky crevices along coastal cliffs and islands.
The females lay 1 to 2 eggs, which both parents take turns incubating. Once hatched, the chicks are fed a diet of small fish, crustaceans, and insects.
These birds are excellent divers, capable of swimming and foraging underwater for up to a minute at a time.
20. Rose-breasted Grosbeak
| Scientific Name: | Pheucticus ludovicianus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 7–8.3 in (18–21 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.2–2.3 oz (35–65 g) |
| Wingspan: | 11–12.6 in (28–32 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a tri-colored bird that is closely related to the Cardinal family.
The species are known for their striking plumage, with males sporting bright rose-colored breasts and black and white wings, while females have a more subdued look with streaked brown and white feathers.
They are also identified as one of the black birds with white bellies.
These Grosbeaks are migratory birds, spending winters in Central and South America and summers in North America.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks frequently inhabit woodland areas, where one may frequently hear their melodious songs echoing throughout the forest.
Despite their striking appearance, they can be difficult to spot as they tend to keep to the treetops.
21. Carnaby Black Cockatoo
| Scientific Name: | Zanda latirostris |
| Conservation Status: | Endangered |
| Length: | 21–23 in (53–58 cm) |
| Weight: | 14–56 oz (400–1600 g) |
| Wingspan: | 31–43 in (80–110 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 50 years |
The Carnaby’s Black-cockatoo, also known as the Short-billed Black-cockatoo, is a large black bird with a distinctive white cheek patch and white stripes on its wings.
These beautiful birds are native to the southwestern region of Australia and are classified as endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Carnaby’s Black-cockatoos are highly social birds that live in flocks and communicate with various vocalizations. The males have a deeper call than the females, which helps them attract mates during the breeding season.
These birds are primarily found in woodland habitats, where they feed on the seeds of various plants, including banksias, hakeas, and eucalyptus.
They also nest in the hollows of large trees, making them vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation.
22. Yellow-headed Blackbird
| Scientific Name: | Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 9.8–11 in (25–28 cm) |
| Weight: | 3.1–4.6 oz (88–130 g) |
| Wingspan: | 18–20 in (46–51 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
The Yellow-headed Blackbird is a member of the Icterid family that is found in western North America.
These birds are primarily black with a bright yellow head and breast. The wings and tail are also black, with white patches on the wings.
Females are similar in appearance to males but with a more muted coloration. Generally, these birds also belong to the group of yellow and black birds.
During the breeding season, males can be heard singing a variety of songs. They breed in marshes and other wetland habitats, where they build nests out of cattails, reeds, and other marsh vegetation.
Yellow-headed Blackbirds are omnivores, feeding on a variety of insects, seeds, and other small animals. They often forage in flocks, moving through the marshes in search of food.
23. Crested Myna
| Scientific Name: | Acridotheres cristatellus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 9–10 in (23–25 cm) |
| Weight: | 3.2–3.5 oz (90–100 g) |
| Wingspan: | 14–16 in (36–41 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 12 years |
The Crested Myna, also known as the Chinese Starling, is a glossy black bird with distinct white wing patches. They earned their name from the distinctive crest of feathers on their head.
These black birds with white stripes on their wings are native to southeastern China and Indochina and are known for their lively and sociable behavior.
They are often found in urban areas, where they feed on a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and even human scraps.
Crested Mynas are known for their loud and varied calls, which can be heard from a distance. Some calls of this bird include a harsh “krrraa” or “kraak,” a sharp “cheep” or “chirrup,” and a whistling “pweee” or “pwit.”
In addition to their striking appearance and vocalizations, Crested Mynas are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They are quick learners and have been observed using tools to obtain food in the wild.
24. Bobolink
| Scientific Name: | Dolichonyx oryzivorus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 6.3–7.5 in (16–19 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.2–1.8 oz (34–51 g) |
| Wingspan: | 9.8–11.8 in (25–30 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 7 years |
The Bobolink is a medium-sized, highly migratory bird, breeding in the grasslands of North America and wintering in South America.
They have a unique song consisting of a series of bubbly and melodic notes, which can often be heard before these birds are seen.
During the breeding season, male Bobolinks sport a black nape and head, a white back, and a buff-colored breast. Female Bobolinks, on the other hand, have a less striking appearance, with brownish feathers and a paler breast.
Unfortunately, the population of these black birds with white wings has declined due to habitat loss caused by intensive farming practices and development.
25. Tricolored Blackbird
| Scientific Name: | Agelaius tricolor |
| Conservation Status: | Endangered |
| Length: | 7.1–9.4 in (18–24 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.4–2.6 oz (40–75 g) |
| Wingspan: | 10.2–13 in (26–33 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
The Tricolored Blackbird is a medium-sized songbird found exclusively in wetlands, fields, and other open habitats of California’s Central Valley.
These birds have black plumage with a bright red patch on the shoulder and a white stripe on the wings. The males have a distinctive yellow head and breast, while the females have a dark gray head and breast.
Furthermore, Tricolored Blackbirds are highly social birds, often nesting in large colonies that can number in the tens of thousands.
During the breeding season, the males will display and perform aerial acrobatics to attract a mate. The females will lay their eggs in a nest constructed of grass and twigs, usually in a marsh or wetland area.
Despite their impressive numbers during the breeding season, the Tricolored Blackbird population is facing significant threats to its survival. This includes habitat loss, pesticide use, and nest destruction.
26. Pied Oystercatcher
| Scientific Name: | Haematopus longirostris |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 17–21 in (43–53 cm) |
| Weight: | 24–36 oz (700–1050 g) |
| Wingspan: | 35–43 in (89–109 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 25 years |
The Pied Oystercatcher is a black and white wading bird found along the coasts of Australia and New Zealand.
Similar to American Oystercatchers, these birds have striking black and white plumage and a long, bright orange bill that they use to pry open oysters and other shellfish.
They also have black feathers with distinctive white stripes on their wings, which can be seen when they are in flight.
Pied Oystercatchers are highly territorial and will fiercely defend their nesting sites during the breeding season.
Moreover, Pied Oystercatchers are known for their unique vocalizations. They produce a distinctive, loud “wheep wheep” call that is often heard along the shorelines.
27. Little Pied Cormorant
| Scientific Name: | Microcarbo melanoleucos |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 22–23 in (56–58 cm) |
| Weight: | 15.9–22.9 oz (450–650 g) |
| Wingspan: | 30–34 in (75–85 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 17 years |
The Little Pied Cormorant is a small waterbird native to Australia and New Zealand. They are often found near freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
These small birds can be easily identified by their black body and white underparts, as well as the white patch on each of their wings.
Despite their small size, they are highly skilled hunters, using their sharp beaks and powerful legs to catch fish and other prey.
In addition to their impressive hunting skills, Little Pied Cormorants are also known for their distinctive calls, which include a range of grunts, squawks, and croaks.
28. Ivory-billed Woodpecker
| Scientific Name: | Campephilus principalis |
| Conservation Status: | Critically Endangered |
| Length: | 18–20 in (46–51 cm) |
| Weight: | 17–20 oz (480–570 g) |
| Wingspan: | 29–31.5 in (74–80 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 15 years |
The Ivory-billed Woodpecker, also known as the “Lord God Bird,” is a large, elusive bird that was once found in the southeastern United States.
These birds are known for their striking black and white plumage, white stripes on their wings, and distinctive ivory-colored bills.
Their bill is longer than that of any other woodpecker, allowing them to chisel deep into the bark of trees in search of insects and other food.
In the 1950s, it was believed that this species no longer existed. However, they are now considered to be critically endangered, with only a few potential sightings reported in the past few decades.
29. Anhinga
| Scientific Name: | Anhinga anhinga |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 32–37 in (81–94 cm) |
| Weight: | 40–70 oz (1134–1984 g) |
| Wingspan: | 43–47 in (109–119 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
The Anhinga, also known as the “water turkey” or “snakebird,” is a large waterbird with a long, slender neck and a sharp, pointed bill. They also belong to one of the birds with long necks.
Their body is black with white and silver feathers on their wings and tail, and they have a distinctive crest of feathers on their head.
Their call is a distinctive guttural croak, often heard in the early morning or evening hours.
Also, Anhinga are well-known for their ability to swim and hunt. They can dive to depths of up to four feet and remain underwater for several minutes while they search for prey.
These black birds with white stripes on their wings are found throughout the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. They prefer to live near water sources such as swamps, marshes, and lakes.
30. Killdeer
| Scientific Name: | Charadrius vociferus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 7.9–11 in (20–28 cm) |
| Weight: | 2.5–4.3 oz (72–121 g) |
| Wingspan: | 23–25 in (59–63 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
The Killdeer is a medium-sized member of the Plover family and is found throughout much of North America. They have a slender body with long legs and a long, thin tail.
Their wings are predominantly white, with a bold black stripe running down the length of each wing. The head and upper breast are brownish, with a white lower breast and belly. They can also be categorized as one of the small brown birds.
Killdeers are primarily found in open grasslands, fields, and agricultural areas. They feed on a variety of insects, crustaceans, and other small animals, which they hunt by running along the ground or digging with their bill.
They are also known for their distinctive call, which is a loud, shrill “kill-deer, kill-deer.” This call is often heard at night and can be quite startling.
Fun Fact: One of the most notable features of these white-winged black birds is their behavior when threatened. They play injured or distressed to distract predators from their nest or young.
31. Downy Woodpecker
| Scientific Name: | Dryobates pubescens |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.5–7.1 in (14–18 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.7–1 oz (20–28 g) |
| Wingspan: | 9.8–11.8 in (25–30 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
The Downy Woodpecker is a small and lively bird that can be found across North America, from Alaska to Florida.
Their black wings are accented with bold white stripes that run along their outer feathers, and their back is covered in a bold black-and-white checkered pattern.
These birds’ small size, just over six inches in length, makes them easy to overlook. However, their distinctive call and drumming sound make them a favorite of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Downy Woodpeckers are cavity nesters, meaning they excavate holes in trees for nesting and roosting. They primarily feed on insects and can often be seen probing bark and wood for their next meal.
32. Black Skimmer
| Scientific Name: | Rynchops niger |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 16–20 in (40–51 cm) |
| Weight: | 8–14 oz (230–400 g) |
| Wingspan: | 42–50 in (107–127 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 20 years |
The Black Skimmer is a seabird that can be found along the coasts of North and South America. These birds have a mostly black body with a distinctive white patch on their wings.
The most remarkable feature of these black birds with white wings is their elongated lower mandible, which is much longer than their upper mandible.
This unique beak adaptation allows these birds to skim over the surface of the water and capture fish with precision.
During the breeding season, Black Skimmers gather in large colonies on sandy beaches or spits.
They lay their eggs in shallow depressions in the sand, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young chicks.
Black Skimmers are also known for their distinctive vocalizations, which consist of sharp barks and grunts.
33. Common Hoopoe
| Scientific Name: | Upupa epops |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 9–12 in (25–32 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.4–3.4 oz (40–96 g) |
| Wingspan: | 17–19 in (44–49 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
The Common Hoopoe is a unique and fascinating bird known for its plumage of black, white, and cinnamon-brown.
One of the most interesting things about Hoopoes is their unusual behavior. They are known for their habit of “hooping” or repeatedly raising and lowering their crest.
These birds also have a distinctive call, which has been likened to a loud “hoop-hoop-hoop” or “oop-oop-oop.”
Common Hoopoes are found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, grasslands, and even urban parks and gardens. They are often seen perched on tree branches or fence posts or on the ground foraging for food.
In addition to their distinctive appearance and behavior, these black birds with white stripes on their wings are also known for their ecological role.
They are important pollinators, helping to spread pollen from plant to plant, and they also play a key role in controlling insect populations.
Have you seen any of the black birds with white stripes on the wings mentioned in this list? We’d love to hear about your experience with them in the comments section. You may also ask us any questions you may have about any of these birds!
