Earth is home to countless, easy-to-identify, and colorful avian species, but the ones that are harder to classify are small, black and white birds. It takes learning about their distinct appearance to spot these fowls.
This is due to their varying plumage patterns that only come in black and white, although some may have hints of other hues. If you see a few of these birds in your yard, you may want to know what bird species they are.
In this article, we’re featuring 40 small black and white birds, each accompanied by a beautiful picture to help you get to know them a little better.
40 Small Black and White Birds
1. Black Phoebe
| Scientific Name: | Sayornis nigricans |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 6–7 inches (15–17 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.5–0.8 oz (14–22 g) |
| Wingspan: | 10.6–11.02 in (27–28 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
The Black Phoebe is known for its crisp white belly and black-sooted feathers covering its head, neck, and wings, allowing them to join our list of black birds with white bellies.
These birds are seen mostly in the western United States, often described as small, plump songbirds.
They commonly rest on perches as they’re constantly looking for insects. That said, a Black Phoebe can be seen hanging out in your garden or backyard.
Surprisingly, these birds do well around humans. At any time of the day, their sharp chirp calls can be heard. This is either done to attract a potential mate or defend their territory.
When winter approaches, most birds start migrating to warmer climates. Meanwhile, Black Phoebes prefer staying in the same area all year round. Their ideal location is almost always near a water source, too.
Some areas where they can be seen are lakes, rivers, streams, and cattle tanks.
2. Black-and-white Warbler
| Scientific Name: | Mniotilta varia |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 4.33–5.11 in (11–13 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.3–0.5 oz (9–15 g) |
| Wingspan: | 7.1–8.7 in (18–22 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 11 years |
The Black-and-white Warbler is another small songbird with black and white stripes.
From their name alone, they fit another broad group of interesting black and white birds. They have long wings, a short tail, and a fairly long bill curved downwards at the tip.
They’re a common sight in northern Canada and northern South America. However, Black-and-white Warblers reside mainly in Florida and Colombia when winter strikes.
During one of my birdwatching journeys in North Carolina, I found it easy to track these birds, especially since they are a vocal species. Their song was penetrating, and they echoed throughout their forest habitat.
Further, I observed these birds to be bold and active as they seamlessly transferred from one tree limb to another.
What these birds feed on are mainly insects. Black-and-white Warblers forage high on the trees by creeping up and down on trunks and branches.
Unexpectedly, despite spending most of their time up high, these black and white birds prefer nesting on the ground, particularly on the base of a tree.
3. Black-Capped Chickadee
| Scientific Name: | Poecile atricapillus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 4–6 in (10–15 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.3–0.5 oz (9–14 g) |
| Wingspan: | 6–8 in (15–20 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 3 years |
The Black-capped Chickadee is a minute bird with an almost black head and a dash of white running from its cheek. This feature gives them a spot in our list of birds with black and white heads.
They are also popular for their oversized round head and spherical body. The underbelly is dirty white, and it contrasts the black wings well. The tail is in the same shade of black, with areas of gray displayed on the root of their wings.
These small black and white birds cover England and the West Coast all year round. They frequently visit feeders, but they don’t typically stay too long. Usually, Black-capped Chickadees take their collected seeds elsewhere.
With their bold nature, you may find Chickadees flying in open areas or across roads in groups. They also have a distinct flying manner described as a bouncy flight.
When these birds settle, their normal habitats are usually shrubs and trees in forests, woodlots, or parks.
4. Blackpoll Warbler
| Scientific Name: | Setophaga striata |
| Conservation Status: | Near Threatened |
| Length: | 4.9–5.9 in ( 12.5–15 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.4–0.5 oz (11–14 g) |
| Wingspan: | 8.2–9.4 in (21–24 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
A Blackpoll Warbler is a small black and white songbird known to dwell in the boreal forests of Canada. These warblers are distinguishable through their longer-than-tall body, short bill, short tail, and relatively long wings.
If the Blackpoll Warbler is all black and white, chances are it’s a male. However, if it has both colors, an additional gray hue on its body, and no black cap or white cheek, then it’s a female.
These birds also belong to the group of black birds with white stripes on their wings.
These avian species like to settle in willow thickets, alder, or stands of evergreen trees. They also feed themselves by picking insects off the foliage.
Take note that Blackpoll Warblers will display a different look when the summer starts. They’ll transition from black and white to greenish-yellow with white underparts. They will also have pale gray caps and black eye rims.
Unfortunately, despite being such a mesmerizing bird, the population of Blackpoll Warblers is currently declining due to climate change.
5. Carolina Chickadee
| Scientific Name: | Poecile carolinensis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 3.9–4.7 in (9–11 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.3–0.4 oz (8–11 g) |
| Wingspan: | 5.9–7.9 in (14–20 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
Carolina Chickadees are tiny, approachable birds described to have black-capped heads and chins with contrasting white cheeks and underbellies.
Meanwhile, the wings, tail, and back are pale black to grayish, which makes them identifiable as a type of gray bird, as well.
These little black and white birds tend to be seen in forests. They flock from west New Jersey to southern Kansas, Florida, and Texas during their breeding season.
They roam very large areas in groups along with other species. Despite them being collective, they still maintain their personal spaces, especially while they eat.
Meanwhile, Carolina Chickadees associate themselves with other birds in winter, generally making them a flock of eight fowls. This is their attempt to protect their territory.
When breeding season starts, Carolina Chickadee pairs usually remain intact for several years. However, this depends on the population; hence, this suggests that a number of these birds can be sexually promiscuous.
6. Downy Woodpecker
| Scientific Name: | Picoides pubescens |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.5–7 in (14–18 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.7–0.9 oz (21–28 g) |
| Wingspan: | 10–12 in (25–30 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 5 years |
The Downy Woodpecker exhibits a checkered black and white plumage with a white back, underbelly, and a small red dot at its head.
This bird is a slightly smaller version of your classic Woodpecker, but it doesn’t differ much in looks.
If you live in Canada, Alaska, Florida, and California, there’s a good chance you’d come across this small bird. Aside from living in deciduous trees and brushy, weedy edges, it flies around in city parks and orchards.
Downy Woodpeckers may also be seen residing in vacant lots and backyards. They make the most noise in spring and summer, as noted for their shrill, whiny calls and tree-drumming.
Naturally, for Woodpeckers, Downies also display a distinct rise-and-fall flight style. If feeders are around, they will certainly gather around them and share food with other birds, such as the Nuthatches and Chickadees.
Fun Fact: The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker species in North America.
7. Eastern Kingbird
| Scientific Name: | Tyrannus tyrannus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 7.5–9.1 in (19–23 cm) |
| Weight: | 1–2 oz (28–56 g) |
| Wingspan: | 12.9–14.9 in (33–38 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 11 years |
The Eastern Kingbird is as regal as its name. They display a black coat from their head down to their tail, and the rest is mainly white, including the tip of their tail and chin.
This bird’s ideal breeding locations are open habitats, such as grasslands, wetlands, fields, and pastures. It’s even more common to see Eastern Kingbirds near water sources and forest edges.
When winter approaches, these small black and white birds spend most of their time in South America’s forests. They go about catching insects midair or looking for fruits to feed on.
At least 85% of their diet comprises insects, especially around May to September. Since they’re visual hunters, catching their prey comes easy.
On another note, it’s observable how much Eastern Kingbirds like heights. This is because they usually rest atop trees, perches, or utility lines.
8. Hairy Woodpecker
| Scientific Name: | Leuconotopicus villosus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 7.1–10.2 in (18–25 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.5–3.5 oz (42–99 g) |
| Wingspan: | 13–16.1 in (33–40 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 15 years |
The Hairy Woodpecker is a remarkably black and white bird noted for its chiseled bill, a dash of red feathers behind its head, and a long tail, which helps it lean against the trunk.
The small red patch on their head also gives them a spot on our list of black birds with red heads.
Their plumage is striped with black and white on the head, too. Meanwhile, the pattern is significantly different on the wings since the background of black and white spots is horizontally lined.
Hairy Woodpeckers live mainly across North America. The height of their habitat can be at sea level, but they may also live in the mountains, particularly mature forests. Nowadays, they can be seen in suburbs, cemeteries, and parks.
They also gather around stands infested by beetles. They’re insectivores, so these are what mainly attract these birds.
On a different note, Hairy Woodpeckers have varying looks depending on the region. Those from the east have extensively spotted wings compared to the western birds.
9. White-breasted Nuthatch
| Scientific Name: | Sitta carolinensis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.11–5.5 in (13–14 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.6–1.05 oz (18–30 g) |
| Wingspan: | 7.9–10.6 in (20–26 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 2 years |
The White-Breasted Nuthatch comes in a unique plumage pattern. Its head is partially covered in black and reaches all the way to the back of its neck. A white portion from the upper eyelid to the underparts is also noted.
Grey and brown are two of their other colors, making these small birds easy to recognize. Further, the bluish-gray tone on their backs also makes them identifiable as a type of blue bird.
Meanwhile, their head is described to be large, the neck is almost non-existent, the bill is narrow, and the tail is short.
Visiting the coniferous forests of southern Mexico, I was able to spot White-breasted Nuthatches in action. With my binoculars, I was able to observe these birds eat insects and seeds.
It was fun seeing them turn sideways or upside down on vertical stands while they forage for their food. However, because of their short tails, I never saw them lean against trees as they gathered their food.
Aside from southern Mexico, these birds can also be found in northern Canada, southern America, and northern Florida.
10. Dark-eyed Junco
| Scientific Name: | Junco hyemalis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 4.7–6.2 in (12–16 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.6–1 oz (18–30 g) |
| Wingspan: | 7–9.8 in (18–25 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 11 years |
Dark-eyed Juncos are neat-looking small sparrows with crisp black heads and light-colored bodies.
Their colors will generally vary depending on the region, with some belonging to the group of brown birds. However, regardless of their hues, their appearances are the same.
These birds are round-headed and have short bills and elegant tails. They reproduce in coniferous and semi-coniferous forests of the western United States, Appalachians, and Canada.
Spotting them is less challenging during winter since their black and white plumage contrasts with the snow. That, plus, they swarm open woodlands, parks, fields, roadsides, and backyards.
This could explain why they’re labeled “snowbirds.” Currently, the number of Dark-eyed Juncos has increased exponentially. Although they live in coniferous forests, they’re not picky about their habitats.
That said, Dark-eyed Juncos are some of the most common birds in the United States.
Fun Fact: There are about 15 varieties of this species, making it plausible for its population to go over hundreds of millions.
11. Black-throated Gray Warbler
| Scientific Name: | Setophaga nigrescens |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 4.3–5.1 in (10–13 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.2–0.3 oz (7–10 g) |
| Wingspan: | 7.5–7.8 in (19–20 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
The Black-throated Gray Warbler is a small, mostly black, white, and gray bird with a white-striped face. While both sexes have similar appearances, females are generally paler in color than males.
These bird species may have a yellow dot above their eye. This is then matched by black and white streaks vertically lined across their body along with grey patches.
To spot Black-throated Gray Warblers, note that these small birds frequent pine forests or other places with pine trees. Their usual habitat is the Rocky Mountain Region of the United States.
Further, these compact black and white warblers would forage their food much slower than other birds while scouting pine forests.
Part of their behavior is to be extremely territorial. They dwell mainly on prominent perches and establish their grounds while chasing away other birds. This is done by singing a buzz song typically sung by a male.
12. White-headed Woodpecker
| Scientific Name: | Picoides albolarvatus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 8.2–9.1 in (21–23 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.9–2.3 oz (55–65 g) |
| Wingspan: | 15.7–16.9 in (40–43 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
A White-headed Woodpecker is instantly recognizable thanks to its white head and black overalls. A red crown patch and a small white area on the wings are also visible.
These black and white birds are restricted to pine forests in the mountainous regions in the west of the United States and in British Columbia. You can also expect White-headed Woodpeckers in burned forests.
When they’re foraging, these birds extract the seeds from pine cones by hammering them. Their usual behavior involves taking the seeds out and eating them somewhere else.
Unlike other Woodpeckers, White-headed varieties forage without making too much noise.
It’s also common for White-headed Woodpeckers to consume the seeds directly from the cones. They also feed on tree saps, which are done by digging shallow holes in the tree and sipping the fluid out of it.
13. Loggerhead Shrike
| Scientific Name: | Lanius ludovicianus |
| Conservation Status: | Near Threatened |
| Length: | 8–9 in (20–23 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.6–2.1 oz (45–60 g) |
| Wingspan: | 8–10 in (20–25 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
Another small black and white bird with a unique appearance is the Loggerhead Shrike. This bird features a black mask around its eyes, a white underbelly, and a pale gray coloring on the back and wings.
They also belong to the category of birds with white stripes on their wings. A combination of black and white covers some parts of their wings, while the tail is black but white underneath.
It’s highly likely for you to come across these birds when you live in the United States. They breed across various states of the country, especially in the southern parts.
Surprisingly, despite being such small black and white birds, Loggerhead Shrikes not only feed on insects but also mammals, such as rodents, goldfinches, and lizards.
Fun Fact: Loggerhead Shrikes have an undeniably brutal way of hunting. They would impale their prey, stick it on barbed wire or twigs, and return to their meal days after when the prey’s toxins subsided.
14. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
| Scientific Name: | Pheucticus ludovicianus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 7–8.7 in (18–22 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.4–1.7 oz (39–49 g) |
| Wingspan: | 11.4–13 in (30–33 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 7 years |
An adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeak fits the bill of a black and white bird. They have a significant red chevron from the black throat to their breast. They also show white patches on the wings and tails.
On the other hand, females and younger ones sport brown hues with a white stripe over the eyes and are typically heavily streaked.
These birds cover the North, Central, and northern South of America. When they migrate, they fly across the Gulf of Mexico, which only takes a night.
What keeps Rose-breasted Grosbeaks full are insects, wild fruit, and seeds. Their diet depends mostly on the season. During fall migration, berries are their staple food.
Meanwhile, these birds will feed on invertebrates and plant materials once the winter season starts. Their food source is collected from dense foliage and branches or midair when they’re out after insects.
15. Yellow-rumped Warbler
| Scientific Name: | Setophaga coronata |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 4.7–5.5 in (12–14 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.4–0.5 oz (12–13 g) |
| Wingspan: | 7.5–9.1 in (19–23 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 7 years |
The Yellow-rumped Warbler displays various colors in its plumage; two dominant hues are black and white.
As their name suggests, yellow stands out from their feathers, and they’re seen on top of their head, on the sides of their breast, and on their lower back right before their tail.
It’s during summer when these birds flash a more gray or brown appearance. In the case of male Yellow-rumped Warblers, the color is more striking and heavily shaded.
On a different note, Yellow-rumped Warblers ideally settle in conifer forests. Their habitats become varied during winter, however. Generally, they’ll temporarily populate thickets, gardens, beaches, and open woods.
They thrive by consuming plenty of fruits like bayberry and wax myrtle. In the summer, insects will comprise most of their diet. They also take advantage of the sweet honeydew liquid produced by aphids.
16. Acorn Woodpecker
| Scientific Name: | Melanerpes formicivorus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 7.5–9.1 in (19–23 cm) |
| Weight: | 2.3–3.2 oz (65–90 g) |
| Wingspan: | 13.8–16.9 in (35–43 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 17 years |
What stands out about the Acorn Woodpecker is its white and black feathers, red crown, and pale yellowish cheeks. A black patch around its bill is also visible.
Remarkably, female Acorn Woodpeckers will have less red on their heads than their male counterparts. Additionally, sexual dimorphism isn’t that significant as both sexes come in almost similar sizes.
Acorn Woodpeckers are typically found in Washington State through southern California and eastern Colorado. These birds are also present in New Mexico.
As the name suggests, Acorn Woodpeckers feed on acorns as well as insects. They harvest these acorns from oak trees and store them in drilled holes in granary trees.
They make holes in these trees during winter, and the acorns are stored too tightly for other fowls to remove.
Fun Fact: Acorn Woodpeckers can drill up to 50,000 holes in a single tree, accommodating almost the same number of acorns.
17. White Wagtail
| Scientific Name: | Motacilla alba |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 6.6–7.5 in (17–19 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.6–0.8 oz (18–23 g) |
| Wingspan: | 9.8–11.8 in (25–30 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 12 years |
The plumages of male and female White Wagtails have some bold combination of black and white. Females will be predominantly gray, especially on the nape, but this blends well with the black areas.
These birds have a white mask around their eyes and a black cap and chin, which partially reaches the breast. A few strokes of black are also scattered neatly on other parts of the body.
White Wagtails occur in open habitats like wetlands, grassy areas, and lawns. They’re also the most common birds in Asia and Europe. Additionally, they occasionally reside in Alaska.
Their way of foraging is worth noting, too. White Wagtails like to walk and pick up items they deem edible. They can also dash quickly to grab active insects or catch their prey in midair.
18. Bobolink
| Scientific Name: | Dolichonyx oryzivorus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.9–8.3 in (15–21 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.0–2.0 oz (29–56 g) |
| Wingspan: | 5.9–8.3 in (15–21 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 6 years |
The appearance of a Bobolink’s black and white plumage is often described as a backward tuxedo. This is because most of its head, all the way to the underparts, is black, while the back features white with hints of brown.
If the wings exhibited are browner, chances are that the Bobolink is a female. Aside from this characteristic, both sexes share similar physical traits, like having a short bill, a yellow cap, and brown feet.
Spotting these black and white small birds takes a good eye. However, if they fly around agricultural fields and native grasslands, their plumage contrasts the environment, making them stand out better.
They’re sighted mostly across the south of Canada and in various places in the United States. This includes the states of Washington, Oregon, and other northeastern states.
Bobolinks typically eat insects, seeds, spiders, and other arachnids when they settle on their breeding grounds.
19. Ladder-backed Woodpecker
| Scientific Name: | Dryobates scalaris |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 6.3–7.1 in (16–18 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.7–1.7 oz (21–48 g) |
| Wingspan: | 12–13 in (30–33 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 4 years |
The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is certainly a black-and-white bird, especially when you note its neat ladder rungs on the back. A checkered pattern on the back is also visible, and it’s contrasted by its underparts.
The white face of this bird is broken by black and white lines, too. Aside from these characteristics, another head-turning feature known to Ladder-backed Woodpeckers is their vibrant red crowns, earning them a spot in our list of birds with red heads.
These birds can be seen all year round in Nevada, Colorado, Mexico, Central America, and Nicaragua.
When they’re not in their breeding season, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers spend most of their time foraging. They go after adult insects, larvae, beetles, leaf worms, caterpillars, and ants.
Unlike other Woodpeckers, this variety doesn’t cache its food on trees. Further, males love to glean their food source from trunks and branches, while females do so on bushes and smaller plants.
20. Black-billed Magpie
| Scientific Name: | Pica hudsonia |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 17.7–23.6 in (45–60 cm) |
| Weight: | 5.1–7.4 oz (145–210 g) |
| Wingspan: | 22.1–24.0 in (56–61 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 6 years |
A Black-billed Magpie is an entirely black-and-white bird. That is unless they’re directly hit by sunlight. When it happens, their plumage instantly shows a bluish-green opalescence.
The heads, backs, tails, and some of their necks are descriptively black, while the white primaries are flashed in their underparts and in a small area of their wings. The patterns are symmetrical when they’re viewed with their wings spread wide.
Taking these features into account, spotting Black-billed Magpies will come easily. You’ll have a higher chance of seeing several birds of this species if you observe meadows, grasslands, and sagebrush plains.
Black-billed Magpies live in several parts of the United States, mainly Oregon, California, Arizona, Kansas, and Nebraska. These black and white birds are also present in Canada.
Regarding their diet, a variety is expected. They will feed on wild fruits and grains or hunt for beetles by flipping cow dung.
21. Barn Swallow
| Scientific Name: | Hirundo rustica |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.9–7.5 in (15–19 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.6–0.7 oz (17–20 g) |
| Wingspan: | 11.4–12.6 in (29–32 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 4 years |
From afar, Barn Swallows are easily seen as small black and white birds. They have steely blue-black plumage and white chin and underparts. Sometimes, these birds are also mistaken for blue woodpeckers.
Although there isn’t a huge difference in looks, the colors differ according to their sexes.
Females have less glossy breast bands and upper parts, plus they have paler underparts compared to males. They can perch on wires or feed above meadows, farmyards, and water.
Where there are food sources nearby, these Barn Swallows will live near or around it. This is why they’re almost everywhere. These birds nest across North America, North Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Since they consume a lot of insects, Barn Swallows help control the population of these pests. Unfortunately, the boon of having too many Barn Swallows around is that they can damage artificial structures.
As one of the birds that build mud nests, these structures can be seen virtually in any location, which may lead to sanitation concerns for the community.
22. White-headed Marsh Tyrant
| Scientific Name: | Arundinicola leucocephala |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 4.7–5.1 in (12–13 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.3–0.5 oz (10–16 g) |
| Wingspan: | 4.7–5.9 in (12–15 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 4 years |
Another small bird that’s black and white is called the White-headed Marsh Tyrant. True to its name, its head is remarkably white, and the rest is black. No other colors are exhibited except for a pale orange hue on their bill.
The color pattern is undeniably similar to American Eagles, only that White-headed Marsh Tyrants are smaller.
When it comes to its breeding locations, this small passerine bird loves to dwell in Colombia, Venezuela, South America, Argentina, and Trinidad, to name a few.
Small flycatchers like these are found near water sources like ponds, marshes, and lakes. They aren’t noisy like other birds and forage their food in marsh vegetation where insects are most abundant.
Aside from catching their prey midair, White-headed Marsh Tyrants are also adept at catching them from shallow water.
23. Pied Bushchat
| Scientific Name: | Saxicola caprata |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 4.7–5.1 in (12–13 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.4–0.6 oz (13–17 g) |
| Wingspan: | 8.2–9 in (21–23 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
The Pied Bushchat is a little black and white bird that bears black plumage with hints of white on its wings and underneath its tail. They’re small passerine birds you can instantly recognize thanks to their simple coat pattern.
You may have to visit southern Asia, the Middle East, or Indonesia for a higher chance of encountering these small black and white birds. They settle in open habitats, such as scrubs, grassland, and cultivation.
These areas are where they mostly feed on insects. They catch their prey from the ground as they hunt in prominent low perches.
Like other birds, Pied Bushchats are also territorial species, especially males. They sing out their melodious dawn chorus to establish that a certain area is exclusive for them.
However, it was also noted that bats and short-eared owls prey on these little birds.
24. White-browed Wagtail
| Scientific Name: | Motacilla maderaspatensis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 7.8–8.2 in (20–21 cm) |
| Weight: | 1–1.2 oz (30–36 g) |
| Wingspan: | 8.6–9.8 in (22–25 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 12 years |
The White-browed Wagtail is a bird with black and white streaks patterned horizontally across its body. A white dash above their eyes is displayed, and the same hue is featured at the slight edge of their wings.
White coloration is even more observable on the underparts. No other shades are present in this variety of Wagtails.
These birds are commonly seen in countries like India and Bangladesh. They mainly occupy areas near water sources, particularly freshwater wetland habitats.
They gather in groups when flying near open water and are just as active as other types of Wagtails. That means they make calls every morning, perch on the ground, and sing songs with many different notes.
As for their diet, White-browed Wagtails are insectivores. However, the food their nestlings consume is different. The young are fed with spiders, caterpillars, and even bugs.
25. Oriental Magpie Robin
| Scientific Name: | Copsychus saularis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 7.4–9 in (19–23 cm) |
| Weight: | 1–1.5 oz (31–42 g) |
| Wingspan: | 20.4–23.6 in (52–60 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 15 years |
The male Oriental Magpie Robin fits the bill as a black and white bird. They have black upper parts from the head down to the tail, except on the shoulders, where a white patch is present.
In contrast, females are greyish black on top and greyish white underneath. One noticeable feature of these birds is their tail, which stands upright.
Oriental Magpie Robins reside in the tropics of southern Asia. To specify, some of the countries they breed in are Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, India, and Nepal.
You can find them in open woodlands, wetlands, shrubs, and cultivated areas. It has also been observed that Oriental Magpie Robins can live in areas near human residents.
Should you observe these birds, note that they’re at their most active state late at dusk. They like to hop from one branch to another or fly close to the ground with cocked tails.
26. 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 (35–41 g) |
| Wingspan: | 9.8–11.0 in (25–28 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 5 years |
Another black and white sparrow you can’t miss is the Lark Bunting. Note, however, that only breeding males come in these color combinations. Non-breeding ones, females, and immatures come in brown.
Along these birds’ black coats are white upper wing coverts shown. A white-tipped tail is also noticeable in a close-up view.
Typically, Lark Buntings will breed in Canada and Texas, particularly in locations with open grasslands. When winter starts, they will migrate to a similar habitat found in New Mexico.
Like other sparrows, expect these birds to survive by feeding on fruits, invertebrates, and seeds. From spring to autumn, their diet will then be largely composed of insects, especially when it comes to young birds.
They’re highly versatile predators, but the females can move faster in catching an insect from the ground than their male counterparts.
27. Marsh Tit
| Scientific Name: | Poecile palustris |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 4.5–4.7 in (11–12 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.3–0.4 oz (10–12g) |
| Wingspan: | 7–7.4 in (18–19 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 5 years |
The Marsh Tit was often mistaken for Willow Tits. Still, it was not until 1897 that ornithologists found out that they were two different species. To identify these birds, you can take note of their black cap and white cheeks and throat.
This white pattern is called a bib. Brown hues all over are also evident for these birds. Also, despite their name, the Marsh Tit’s habitat isn’t the marshes. Instead, they prefer living in broadleaf woodlands, parks, and gardens.
They’re also seen commonly in England and Wales, with a few scattered across southern Scotland. These birds are not the friendliest of Tits, but they can tolerate being in a small group, especially in their juvenile stage.
Predominantly, birds of this species feed on insects, small snails, slugs, and spiders. During autumn and winter, their diet will change drastically to nuts, berries, seeds, and beechnuts.
28. White-browed Fantail
| Scientific Name: | Rhipidura aureola |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 6.6–7.1 in (17–18 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.3–0.4 oz (10–12 g) |
| Wingspan: | 2–3 in (5–8 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 5 years |
A White-browed Fantail is notable for its literal white brows contrasted by a black upper part and a white underpart. White plumage is underneath the tail, which is more evident when it’s spread out.
Such small black and white passerine birds frequent habitats like the tropical regions of the Indian Subcontinent. They are also a breeder in Southeast Asia.
Further, White-browed Fantails may inhabit biomes, including the savannah, forests, and shrublands.
Meanwhile, these birds are observed to be highly hyperactive, suggesting they rarely stay still.
White-browed Fantails love to fan their tails, a delightful sight for onlookers. When foraging, they go through every foliage around them and catch ants, termites, flies, spiders, and crickets.
On a different note, birds of these species generally aren’t bothered by the presence of humans. They are focused on their business, which is to catch insects regardless of whether someone is nearby them.
29. Willie Wagtail
| Scientific Name: | Rhipidura leucophrys |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 7.4–8.2 in (19–21 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.6–0.8 oz (17–24 g) |
| Wingspan: | 11.8–8.2 in (30–31 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 15 years |
The Willy or Willie Wagtail is a small black and white songbird identified through its white above, white below, and narrow white eyebrows.
They’re the usual sight in parks, grasslands, and farms, plus they can be seen perching while flicking their tail from side to side as they sing their distinct song.
The countries where the number of Willie Wagtails prevails are Australia, the Bismarck Archipelago, the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and the Moluccas.
These active feeders dart around lawns when foraging insects, chasing after every insect they spot. This includes butterflies, moths, bugs, flies, and centipedes.
It was also recorded that Willies feed on small geckos, lizards, and skinks. Notably, they can be spotted near residences, especially since they’re not that bothered by human presence.
However, approaching their nest would activate their territorial instinct and unhesitantly go after you.
30. Mountain Chickadee
| Scientific Name: | Poecile gambeli |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5–6 in (13–15 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.3–0.4 oz (8–11 g) |
| Wingspan: | 7–7.5 in (17–19 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
Like the Black-capped Chickadee, the Mountain Chickadee is another small bird bearing black and white plumage. Grey is also significantly shown on their coat.
Their white cheeks, black throat, and black cap make them easy to recognize. The rest above is light gray, and the underparts are pale.
If you’re wondering where Mountain Chickadees are widespread, it’s the United States, particularly in California and the Rocky Mountains. They also reside in the montane forests and plateau areas of British Columbia.
Behavior-wise, Mountain Chickadees are small white and black birds filled with energy. They’re also high in sociability as they can be seen mixed up in a group with other birds.
Generally, they’re described as curious birds that love hopping around as they look for insects and seeds. On a different note, hierarchies are established when they’re fed through feeders.
Lastly, males eat first before females unless it’s the breeding season.
31. Canada Jay
| Scientific Name: | Perisoreus canadensis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 9.8–12.9 in (25–33 cm) |
| Weight: | 2.1–2.8 oz (62–82 g) |
| Wingspan: | 6.9–17.7 in (43–45 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
The Canada Jay is technically grey, but this color comes off intensely, making its plumage appear black. This is matched by white areas around the forehead, throat, and tail tip.
Adult songbirds of these species are greyish-black and white overall, while juveniles have a combination of dark and pale grey.
These birds live in the boreal and subalpine forests during the summer. Further, they’re seen from Alaska to Newfoundland, New Hampshire, northern New York, and Minnesota.
Many of these birds are also spotted residing in the western mountains of Arizona and New Mexico.
As Canada Jays feed themselves with seeds throughout the day, they also look out for the game trapped or shot by hunters. They also learned to look for human food, but other than that, their diet is composed mainly of fungi.
Berries, arthropods, and nestling birds are also included in what they eat.
32. Cinereous Tit
| Scientific Name: | Parus cinereus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 4.7–5.9 in (12–15 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.3–0.7 oz (11–22 g) |
| Wingspan: | 8–10 in (20–25 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 15 years |
Like many of its genus in the family Paridae, the Cinereous Tit is an uncrested black and white small bird with a grey back and sometimes a spot of the same shade in the corner of its eyes.
Although they’re often confused with other bird species, you can identify them through their grey upper part, black hood, white cheek, and white wing-bar. Meanwhile, the underparts are white, and their feet are black.
The distribution of Cinereous Tits is spread through certain parts of West, South, and Southeast Asia. They prefer living in coniferous, deciduous, and secondary forests, including grasslands.
Also, they forage at any time of the day with other birds. What they feed on are insects like bugs, caterpillars, and beetles.
Fun Fact: Before devouring their prey, Cinereous Tits typically hold the insect using both feet. With a careful motion, the bird will tear apart the insect using its beak.
33. Snow Bunting
| Scientific Name: | Plectrophenax nivalis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 6.6–7.4 in (17–19 cm) |
| Weight: | 1.1–1.6 oz (31–46 g) |
| Wingspan: | 12.5–13.7 in (32–38 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 9 years |
The Snow Bunting is a fascinating bird showcasing a variety of plumages. However, they generally come with white inner wings and black wingtips if they’re males. Their tail is also a combination of black and white.
If there are random orange to brown spots neatly scattered on their cheeks and neck, this helps indicate they’re female Snow Buntings.
Meanwhile, the northern tundra is where these birds retire during summer. When it comes to breeding, though, many of them reproduce in the northernmost islands of Canada and the mountains of Greenland.
Further, those in arctic locations take advantage of birdhouses made and put out for them. These ground-dwelling small black and white birds usually eat insects, including grass, seeds, and spiders.
Currently, the global population size of Snow Buntings is 29 million, according to Partners in Flight.
34. White-winged Widowbird
| Scientific Name: | Euplectes albonotatus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 3.1–3.5 in (8–9 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.5–0.9 oz (16–27 g) |
| Wingspan: | 5–5.8 in (12–14 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
Native to Africa, the White-winged Widowbird is remarkably black with a white hue on its wing and bill. Yellow is also visible at the base of the wings, but other than that, no other colors are present.
As sexually dimorphic birds, male White-winged Widowbirds gain more white coloration in their bodies during the breeding season. In contrast, females will have paler areas in certain plumage regions.
These birds are easy to notice, especially since they perch atop trees in the savannah. They’re also an ordinary sight in the grasslands and swamps of Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, and other parts of Africa.
Behaviorally, these birds are observed to be extremely polygynous since males can breed with 3 to 4 females in a breeding season.
Concerning their diet and nutrition, they survive by consuming insects, grass seeds, and nectar.
35. Long-tailed Tyrant
| Scientific Name: | Colonia colonus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 9.1–11 in (23–28 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.5–0.6 oz (15–18 g) |
| Wingspan: | 4.7–5.9 in (12–15 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 4 years |
Known as a distinctive flycatcher, the Long-tailed Tyrant is a small black and white bird with long streamers after its tail. Not all females will have this feature, though.
To describe this bird’s appearance even more, they mostly have black plumage and a contrasting white crown. A narrow white line along their back’s spine is also displayed by these birds.
Bearing these details in mind, identifying Long-tailed Tyrants is easy. They usually occur in the evergreen and lowland forests of Honduras, Colombia, and Ecuador.
These birds are also seen in Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil. In these countries, it won’t take long to find these graceful-looking Long-tailed Tyrants.
They love perching from a certain height and hunting insects. They may also scout around tree holes and catch sweat bees.
36. Little Pied Flycatcher
| Scientific Name: | Ficedula westermanni |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 3.9–4.3 in (10–11 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.2–0.28 oz (7–8 g) |
| Wingspan: | 8.1–9 in (21–23 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 2 years |
The Pied Flycatcher is a strikingly unique-looking small bird in black and white patterns. Their white eyebrows extend to the back, and the same coloration is evident on the underparts and some areas of the wings.
Take note that these features are mainly seen in male Pied Flycatchers. On the other hand, females display grey plumages with paler underparts.
These birds can be found in broadleaf, mixed, and coniferous forests during the breeding seasons. They’re very common in Asian countries, too, like Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
As polygynous birds, males have costly consequences for having multiple partners. Mostly, they get cheated on or raise chicks that aren’t theirs.
On top of that, male Pied Flycatchers also have a high chance of having unhatched eggs. They may even prefer caring for their primary partners and sometimes totally abandon the secondary female birds.
37. Willow Tit
| Scientific Name: | Poecile montanus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 3.9–4.7 in (10–12 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.3–0.4 oz (10–13 g) |
| Wingspan: | 6.6–8.2 in (17–21 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 3 years |
The Willow Tit is known as a small bird with a sooty-black cap, white cheeks, underparts, and grey wings. Without a doubt, these birds look similar to Marsh Tits, but certain traits make them unique.
To distinguish them from the Marsh Tit variety, Willow Tits should have a lighter panel on their wings. On the other hand, to spot which one is a juvenile and an adult Willow, the former’s cap is duller, plus they are pale all over.
Willow Tits are common residents of England, Wales, and the South of Scotland. These small birds can lurk in thickets, scrubland in marshland areas, and around gravel pits.
Such common breeding birds consume a mixture of insects for their survival. They also include larvae and caterpillars in their diet, supplemented with various berries and seeds.
38. Long-tailed Tit
| Scientific Name: | Aegithalos caudatus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.1–5.9 in (13–15 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.2–0.3 oz (7–10 g) |
| Wingspan: | 6.2–7.4 in (16–19 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 3 years |
If you’re curious about what bird has a tail that’s longer than its body, you might want to know about the Long-tailed Tit. These birds feature a black and white body with pink undertones in various areas.
The black coloration is located in the back from their head down to their tail. The rest are a combination of white and pink, although both colors also appear in the upper base of their wings.
For a bird with a disproportionately long tail, onlookers can certainly see how small Long-tailed Tits really are. You can find these avian species across the United Kingdom except for the west and far north of Scotland.
On another note, their cute size is complemented by their sweet singing voice. Check the video below to hear how a Long-tailed Tit sounds:
39. Coal Tit
| Scientific Name: | Periparus ater |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.5–5.9 in (14–15 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.2–0.4 oz (7–12 g) |
| Wingspan: | 4.7–6.6 in (12–17 cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 2 years |
Although not as colorful as its relatives, the Coal Tit remains an attraction for people as it features a combination of black, white, and greyish-black plumage.
Their white patches are found on the cheeks, at the back of their head, and on the edges of their wings and tail feathers. The rest is predominantly grey, although black occurs in certain parts of this base color.
These small black and white passerine birds can be sighted in Pakistan, the Himalayas, Nepal, and Afghanistan. They dwell mainly in woodland, especially conifer woods, gardens, and parks.
Installing feeders in the distance would mean attracting Coal Tits nearby. This variety of birds will take in all the food they can carry and store them for later.
Meanwhile, when food is scarce in winter, Coal Tits will join other birds to forage.
40. Masked Water Tyrant
| Scientific Name: | Fluvicola nengeta |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Length: | 5.9–6.2 in (15–16 cm) |
| Weight: | 0.7–0.74 oz (20–21 g) |
| Wingspan: | 5.1–5.9 in (13–15cm) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 4 years |
The Masked Water Tyrant is a terrestrial flycatcher identified to have a white underpart and face contrasted by black wings, tail, and feet. Some birds of this species may have black lines across their eyes and white-tipped tails.
Practically, the plumage pattern of Masked Water Tyrants will not always be uniform. Others may have more white and less black in them, or it can be the other way around.
These birds can be seen occupying eastern Brazil’s scrublands and riparian thickets. Some of these small black and white birds are also spotted in Peru and Ecuador.
Further, they can also be found living in biomes of freshwater and wetlands. They find these places ideal since they usually forage insects near water sources. This is done either alone or in pairs.
With this comprehensive list of small black and white birds, identifying those that hang around your feeders or when you go birdwatching should be easier.
Comment below on what you have spotted so far! Also, feel free to ask any questions you may have about any of these birds!
