Birds of black are a remarkable species of bird found all across the globe. These birds exhibit a unique set of behaviors and characteristics that make them stand out among other birds.
From their distinct black feathers to their loud calls, birds of black are sure to turn heads when spotted in the wild.
In this article, we will explore the many fascinating facts about these beautiful creatures, from their diet and habitats to their physical features and behavior.
1. Common Blackbird
The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush with the scientific name Turdus merula. Found in Europe, Asiatic Russia, and North Africa it has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand.
The male bird has glossy black plumage while the female’s coloration is more brownish gray.
It is known for its melodious song that can be heard throughout much of the year; typically they are seen alone or in pairs but occasionally form large flocks when food sources become available or during migration periods.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, worms, berries, and other fruits as well as some human-provided foods such as bread crumbs or garbage scraps when available.
With its wide distribution range along with ease of adaptation to different habitats, this species will likely remain one our most common birds around us.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. merula |
2. Songbirds
Songbirds are a special suborder of perching birds found all over the world. These beautiful creatures have intricate vocal organs that allow them to produce elaborate bird songs, making them stand out from other species.
With around 5,000 different types of songbirds in existence, they come in various sizes and colors with complex feathers adding to their beauty.
Songbirds play an important role in ecosystems as they help disperse seeds by eating fruit and insects which act as agents for pollination.
Their presence also serves to attract more biodiversity into areas where these delicate animals live, creating vibrant habitats full of life.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Clade | Eupasseres |
| Suborder | Passeri Linnaeus, 1758 |
3. Icterids
Icterids are a family of small to medium-sized, often colorful New World passerine birds. They have black as their predominant plumage color with yellow, orange, or red adding vibrancy and life.
Their sizes range greatly in shape and behavior making them unique amongst other bird species.
The name Icterid comes from the Latin word ‘ictericus’ which means jaundiced ones – referring to the prominent yellow coloring found on some of these birds’ feathers.
These beautiful creatures can be seen flying around many different parts of South America where they live with their young for most of the year before migrating northwards during the fall season.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Emberizoidea |
| Family | Icteridae Vigors, 1825 |
4. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a beautiful bird found in most of North America and Central America.
Its distinct features include a glossy black body, with white shoulder patches and bright red wing coverts year round.
It prefers wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, lakeshores, and agricultural fields. During breeding season they inhabit grassy areas near water then move south for the winter months.
For food, they mainly eat insects but also consume wild fruit or grains.
They are very social birds often seen in large flocks during migration times when their unmistakable “conk-la-ree” call can be heard echoing across the sky.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
5. Passerine
Passerines are a vast order of birds, comprising more than half the species in existence. Many familiar garden and woodland species fall into this category such as sparrows, blackbirds, finches, and warblers.
They can be recognized by their arrangement of toes; three pointing forward with one back which helps them perch on branches or wires.
Passerines range from tiny wrens to large crows and have adapted to inhabit many environments around the world including forests, mountainsides, and deserts.
They feed mainly on insects but some also consume fruit and seeds depending on their diet preferences.
Their diversity is truly remarkable from vibrant colored tropical parrots to drab winter thrushes – making passerine birds an integral part of our natural heritage.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Psittacopasserae |
| Order | Passeriformes Linnaeus, 1758 |
6. Grackles
Grackles are a type of bird found in North and South America, belonging to the icterid family. 11 species make up this genus, with 7 being part of the Quiscalus group.
These birds have an overall iridescent black or blue-black coloration on their feathers and yellow eyes.
They usually form large flocks when foraging or roosting together during winter months – sometimes even comprising thousands of individuals.
Grackles can be heard from far away with their loud croaking calls which sound like “quak quak”.
It is thought that these birds may use vocalizations as a way to coordinate movement within huge flock groups too.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus Vieillot, 1816 |
7. Red-Winged Blackbirds
The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a species of blackbird found throughout North and South America.
This bird has distinctive red, yellow, and brown plumage on its wings which make it easily identifiable in the wild.
The male’s bright colors are used for territorial display during breeding season when they gather together in large colonies to breed.
They feed mainly on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, flies as well as grains from fields or yards where available.
These birds also have a loud melodic call that can be heard over long distances; making them one of the most common songbirds across their range.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius Vieillot, 1816 |
Also Featured In: Flocks Birds around Us, Spring Birds that Live around Us
8. Crow Family
The Crow family is a cosmopolitan group of birds that contains crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws, jays, magpies, and more.
Altogether there are 133 members in this bird family which all share similar characteristics such as large beaks and feet.
The genus Corvus alone makes up over a third of the entire crow family population with species like the common crow or blackbird being some of its most recognizable members.
All these birds have strong social bonds so they often travel in groups to find food sources or build nests together for protection against predators.
With their intelligence and adaptation skills, they can survive almost anywhere on Earth from mountains to cities making them one of the world’s most successful families of avian creatures.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Corvoidea |
| Family | Corvidae Leach, 1820 |
9. Common Starling
The Common Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird that belongs to the Starling family. It has glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen, and at certain times of the year, it can be speckled with white.
The bill and legs are typically pink or black depending on the season, while its length measures about 8 inches long.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes small fruits and seeds as well as some human food waste.
They live in large flocks which protects predators, although they can become quite aggressive when defending their nesting sites during breeding seasons.
Overall, this species is highly adaptable and widely distributed across many parts of Europe making them one of the most successful birds in the region today.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
10. Common Grackle
The Common Grackle is a large icterid bird commonly found in North America. It has an iridescent head and pale yellow eyes, which are framed by its long dark bill and long tail.
Males typically have more vivid colors on their heads than females do. These birds can be seen across much of the continent, in fields, forests, wetlands – even urban areas.
They form huge flocks to search for food such as grains or insects that they catch with their bills.
The grackles may also scavenge from human sources like garbage dumps or picnic tables if available. With its colorful plumage and distinct call it’s easy to spot this species amongst other birds.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
11. Yellow-Headed Blackbird
The yellow-headed blackbird is a medium-sized bird with striking features – its head and neck are bright yellow, while the rest of its body is black.
It has large eyes, a pointed bill, and long wings that help it to soar through the air.
The species gets its name from Greek words meaning ‘yellow’ (xanthous) and ‘head’ (cephalus).
This species can be found in wetlands across North America during summer months where they feed on insects and other invertebrates such as snails, earthworms, spiders, and crustaceans.
During winter months they migrate southward for food or when temperatures drop too low for their comfort.
They also form flocks which makes them more visible than solitary birds like hawks or owls. Yellow-headed Blackbirds make beautiful sounds that echo around wetland areas; these melodic calls bring joy to many nature lovers.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Xanthocephalus Bonaparte, 1850 |
| Species | X. xanthocephalus |
12. Black-Billed Magpie
The black-billed magpie is an iconic bird of the western half of North America and one of only four songbirds with a tail that makes up over half its body length.
With their glossy black feathers offset by white patches, they can be seen in open woodlands or near agricultural areas.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, carrion, and grains but they often scavenge human food as well.
They are highly social birds who live in large groups and communicate through loud calls, snaps, and rattles when defending their territory from other airborne predators like hawks or eagles.
Magpies have proven to be hardy survivors despite habitat loss due to urbanization so there’s hope these remarkable birds will remain part of our landscape for many years to come.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Pica |
| Species | P. hudsonia |
13. Crows
Crows are medium to large birds with a wide range of species belonging to the Corvidae family. They can be found in Europe, Asia, America and Australia.
Common crows include carrion crow, hooded crow, common raven, and rooks which differ mainly by size; crows are generally smaller than their counterparts.
Crows have distinctive black feathers that contrast against their white eyes while they possess an intelligence far beyond other birds as they will use tools for tasks like cracking open nuts or making nests out of twigs.
Their curious nature makes them great problem-solvers when faced with challenging situations such as finding food sources or navigating new terrain.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Subfamily | Corvinae |
| Genus | Corvus Linnaeus, 1758 |
14. American Crow
The American crow is a large bird of the Corvidae family, native to most parts of North America.
It is similar in size and structure to its European counterpart, the carrion crow, as well as Eurasia’s hooded crow.
The three species occupy the same ecological niche but are distinguishable by their differences in appearance.
American crows have black feathers covering their entire body with wingspan averaging between 17-21 inches wide for males and 16-19 inches for females.
They feed on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars; they also eat grains from fields or abandoned farms during winter months when food sources become scarcer.
In addition to feeding habits, American crows can be identified by their distinct call which resembles a “caw” sound that travels long distances over open terrain making them popular among birdwatchers.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. brachyrhynchos |
15. New World Orioles
New World orioles are a group of birds belonging to the blackbird family. They share many features with Old World orioles, including size, diet, and behavior; however, they differ in their striking plumage.
Males have bright yellow or orange bodies with contrasting black wings and white markings on the head and breast.
Females and immature birds tend to be duller colors such as browns and greys. These colorful songbirds feed primarily on fruit, insects, nectar from flowers or sap from trees – sometimes even raiding other nests for eggs.
Their cheerful chirps can often be heard throughout parks during summertime months.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus Brisson, 1760 |
16. Black-Capped Chickadee
The black-capped chickadee is a small and cheerful songbird found in deciduous and mixed forests across North America. It has an iconic black cap, white cheeks, gray back, and wings with whitish bars on them.
The underparts are usually light-colored or greyish-brown. This species is well adapted to cold winters as it can reduce its body temperature by up to 8°C while roosting at night; this helps save energy during the colder months of the year.
It feeds mainly on insects but also eats seeds, fruits, and suet from bird feeders when available.
Black-capped chickadees are popular birds among backyard visitors due to their sociable nature – they often establish lifelong partnerships with one another for breeding purposes.
Furthermore, they have been designated as state birds of Massachusetts and Maine in the USA plus New Brunswick in Canada – a testament to how beloved these little avian friends truly are.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. atricapillus |
17. Common Raven
The Common Raven is an iconic black bird found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It belongs to the Corvus corax species of passerines and has at least eight subspecies with little physical variation between them.
Recent research however suggests there are significant genetic differences among populations from various areas.
They have a large wingspan of up to 1m and their call can be heard over great distances due to its deep croaking sound; they also use mimicry for communication purposes like many other birds do.
The raven’s diet consists mostly of carrion, insects, and fruits but they will scavenge in human settlements as well when food sources become scarce.
Their nests require plenty of space so these birds prefer open habitats such as tundra or mountain regions- ideal conditions for their long-distance migrations.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. corax |
18. Black-And-White Warbler
The Black-and-white Warbler is a unique species of bird native to North America. It has striking black and white plumage and breeds in the northern part of the continent, wintering in Central America, Florida, the West Indies, and Peru.
This warbler is rarely seen as far west as Europe but it’s still being studied for its behavior and ecology.
Its diet consists mainly of insects which it catches by clinging on trees like a woodpecker before quickly darting away again when prey appears.
The population size remains stable although they are vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation or other human activities so their conservation status should be monitored closely over time.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Mniotilta Vieillot, 1816 |
| Species | M. varia |
19. Brown-Headed Cowbird
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a small, obligate brood parasitic icterid native to temperate and subtropical North America. It has a brown head with glossy black plumage on the body, wings, and tail feathers.
During summer months it can be found in prairies, grasslands as well as open wooded areas but during winter they migrate southwards towards the United States of Mexico for warmer climates.
They are mainly insectivorous birds that feed on insects like caterpillars or beetles but also consume some grains.
The female bird lays its eggs in nests of other species and then incubates them until hatching time thus leaving their chicks uncared for by themselves.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
20. Brewer’s Blackbird
Brewer’s blackbird is a medium-sized New World bird that can be easily identified by its glossy, iridescent purple head and neck.
The body of the male has bluish-green highlights while females have brownish-grey plumage with slight hints of the male’s iridescence.
Both sexes possess bright yellow eyes, black feet and legs, and dark wings. Brewer’s blackbirds are commonly found in open grasslands or shrubland habitats.
They prefer to eat insects but will also feed on grains such as wheat or corn if available during winter months when insect populations decline.
These birds often form large flocks which protect them from predators like hawks or owls looking for an easy meal.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Euphagus |
| Species | E. cyanocephalus |
21. Black Phoebe
The black phoebe is a beautiful passerine bird belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family. It breeds from southwest Oregon and California south through Central and South America, where it can be found year-round.
However, its northern populations tend to migrate seasonally in some areas. Six subspecies of this species have been identified so far: two are occasional visitors while the others are more common residents in their range.
The adult has mainly dark grey upperparts with a white belly; juveniles may show brownish tones instead of grey ones on their back.
Its main diet consists of insects which it catches by hovering over water or flying out after them from perches near rivers or streams – hence why they’re often seen around these places.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Sayornis |
| Species | S. nigricans |
22. Thrush
Thrushes are small to medium-sized birds belonging to the Turdidae family and are found all over the world. They live on or near the ground and feed on insects, other invertebrates, and fruit.
Their feathers range from greyish browns to deep blues in color with spotted wings that help them blend into their natural habitats such as forests, woodlands, and shrubs.
Thrushes have distinctive songs that they sing during spring mating season; many species also perform complex flight displays for courtship rituals.
These birds may be solitary creatures but can often be seen foraging together in groups or pairs when searching for food sources like worms, snails, or berries.
A healthy thrush population is an indication of a balanced environment since they require clean water sources as well as plenty of vegetation cover – making them important indicators of ecosystem health worldwide.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Suborder | Passeri |
| Family | Turdidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
23. Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole is a small, blackbird-like bird found in eastern North America. It’s named for the resemblance of its male colors to those on Lord Baltimore’s coat-of-arms from the 17th century.
These birds migrate and breed during springtime and are quite common in their habitats.
Studies have shown that this species interbreeds with western Bullock’s orioles, leading both to be classified as a single species – Icterus galbula.
The males typically have orange feathers along the chest, back, wings, and tail while females display tan or yellowish shades instead of bright orange ones like males do.
Both sexes share white wing bars and dark brown eyes which makes them easily distinguishable among other birds.
They can often be seen flitting around trees feeding off nectar buds or insects such as grasshoppers & caterpillars they catch while flying around.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | I. galbula |
24. Euphagus
Euphagus is a small genus of blackbirds found in North America. It contains two living species – the Brewer’s Blackbird and the Rusty Blackbird. Males are distinctively colored with black plumage, and yellow eyes, and grey-brown females.
A prehistoric relative, the large-billed blackbird has also been discovered from fossil records.
These birds tend to inhabit open areas such as grasslands or shrublands where they can find food such as insects, grains, and fruits easily.
They often form flocks when feeding or roosting together for protection at night time against predators like hawks or owls that prey on them during the daytime hours.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Euphagus Cassin, 1867 |
25. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird, belonging to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family.
It was named after its European counterpart due to the similar reddish-orange breast they both possess; however, they are not related closely.
This species can be seen through most of North America during winter months, as well as in parts of Mexico and Central America where it also breeds.
They have plump bodies with gray upperparts and white underparts that vary from yellow on their throats down to orange toward their bellies.
Robins feed on fruits such as berries or insects like worms which makes them an important part of ecosystems by helping disperse seeds naturally throughout these areas.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
26. Blackpoll Warbler
The Blackpoll Warbler is an impressive and beautiful bird. It has a black cap, white cheeks, and white wing bars.
During the breeding season, it can be found in forests of northern North America from Alaska through Canada to the mountains of New York and New England.
In fall they migrate south, sometimes traveling over 3,000 miles non-stop – one record was set for 75 hours.
They are very adaptable birds but their numbers have been declining due to habitat destruction so conservation efforts must remain ongoing if we want these amazing creatures around forevermore.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. striata |
27. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small North American bird in the finch family. Males are vibrant yellow with black wings and tails, while females are duller in coloration.
It migrates from mid-Alberta to North Carolina during the breeding season, south of Canada–United States border to Mexico for its wintering grounds.
The only finch that undergoes complete molt every year, displays sexual dichromatism where males have brighter colors than their female counterparts.
They feed mainly on seeds but also eat insects such as aphids and caterpillars when raising young; they often occur near thistles or other plants that produce viable seed heads.
Their call consists of an array of chirps and trills making them quite conspicuous.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
28. Tit
Tit birds are small passerine birds belonging to the family Paridae, found mainly in Northern Hemisphere and Africa.
These active little birds can be seen singing sweet songs throughout the day or scavenging for food at feeders.
They have short, stout bills which they use to crack open seeds and nuts with ease. Tit species range from chickadees to titmice; all of them sport a distinctive black head cap that stands out against their pale grey bodies.
Their bright eyes allow them excellent vision while searching for food – even on gloomy days when other predators may not see as well.
Tits are an important part of any healthy ecosystem and provide many ecological services such as insect control and seed dispersal.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Infraorder | Passerida |
| Family | Paridae Vigors, 1825 |
29. Great-Tailed Grackle
The Great-tailed Grackle is a medium-sized bird native to North and South America. It belongs to the family Icteridae, making it closely related to two other species of grackles – the Boat-tailed and Slender-billed.
They are highly social birds which often appear in large flocks or colonies.
Their plumage ranges from glossy black with blue or purple iridescence, through brownish-grey shades depending on location.
In some areas, they have been known as “blackbirds” due to their predominately dark coloring.
This adaptable species is also renowned for its distinctive long tail feathers – hence its name.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. mexicanus |
30. True Thrush
True thrushes are birds found in the Turdus genus of the Turdidae family. They range from medium-sized to larger and are mostly insectivorous or omnivorous, meaning they can eat insects as well as other food sources such as fruits and seeds.
True thrush species have a cosmopolitan distribution, with species located all over the world including America, Europe, and Asia.
Their diet consists of a variety of invertebrates like larvae, beetles, and snails along with small vertebrates like frogs lizards, etc.
They also feed on berries and other plant matter making them an important part of local ecosystems by controlling pest populations while helping plants spread their seed through dispersal.
Overall true thrushes provide many benefits to humanity.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus Linnaeus, 1758 |
31. Rusty Blackbird
The Rusty Blackbird is a medium-sized member of the New World blackbird family. It breeds in wet forested areas and boreal forests across northern Canada and then migrates southeast to winter in the United States.
Sadly, this species has suffered one of the most dramatic population declines ever recorded amongst North American bird species – their numbers have been reduced by 90% since 1970.
Fortunately, conservation efforts are underway to help reverse this trend and protect these birds for future generations.
They are now largely found around wetlands with thick vegetation cover that provides food sources such as berries, seeds, or insects during migration periods.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Euphagus |
| Species | E. carolinus |
32. Black Vulture
The black vulture is a widespread species of New World Vultures, found in the northeastern United States to Peru, Central Chile, and Uruguay.
Its distinctive appearance has earned it many nicknames such as zopilote, urubu, or gallinazo.
This medium-sized bird has mainly black plumage with some white markings on its wings and head; also featuring a long bill for scavenging carrion from carcasses.
Despite being able to fly up high due to its broad wingspan, it prefers keeping close to ground level when searching for food items like dead fish or small mammals that are available near human settlements.
As an apex predator, they play an important role in nature by helping keep their environment clean while providing other animals with sustenance through their leftovers.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Coragyps |
| Species | C. atratus |
33. Loons
Loons are an aquatic birds found in both North America and northern Eurasia. They can be identified by their size, which is similar to that of large ducks or small geese.
When swimming, loons resemble these birds in shape as well as movement.
Unlike other waterfowl however, they have pointed bills with serrated edges and feet set far back on their bodies; this makes them excellent swimmers but hinders the ability to walk on land properly.
Loons feed mainly on fish but also eat insects and crustaceans when available.
In addition to being a common sight around lakes during warmer months, many species migrate south for winter where they live near coastal waters until returning in springtime.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae Coues, 1903[1] |
| Genus | Gavia Forster, 1788 |
34. American Redstart
The American Redstart is a beautiful New World Warbler, first documented by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
It has an elegant black and orange plumage that sets it apart from other birds.
The genus name Setophaga comes from the Ancient Greek words ‘sēs’ meaning moth and ‘phagos’, which means eating – referencing its insect-eating habits.
Its song is one of joy, with short repeating phrases making up their melodic tune.
They are mostly found hopping around trees on their long legs during breeding season but migrate to Central America for winter months when food sources become scarce in North America.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. ruticilla |
35. Common Loon
The Common Loon is a beautiful bird found in North America. It has a large black head and neck, with a greenish to purple sheen that stands out against its dark grey upperparts.
The underparts are pure white except for some black on the undertail cover and vent.
During non-breeding season adults have brown plumage instead of the bright shades they show during breeding season.
They also exhibit unique behaviors such as diving underwater to catch fish or swimming along lakeshores while calling loudly, which is how they got their name “great northern diver”.
With their stunning colors and interesting behavior, it’s no wonder why these birds make up an iconic part of many landscapes across North America.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. immer |
36. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a large, brightly colored bird belonging to the Cardinal family. Males have black heads and wings, with white breasts boasting a bright rose patch.
Females are more muted in colouring being mostly buffy brown or greyish overall but still featuring the distinctive rose breast patch. The two sexes also exhibit marked sexual dimorphism.
These birds inhabit open woodlands across North America where they feed on seeds gleaned from foliage as well as fruits such as cherries and blueberries during their breeding season which runs from April through August each year.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Pheucticus |
| Species | P. ludovicianus |
37. Oystercatchers
Oystercatchers are a family of waders forming the Haematopodidae, with one genus; Haematopus.
They live in coastal regions around the world excluding both polar and some tropical areas of Africa & South East Asia.
Eurasian, South Island & Magellanic oystercatcher species also breed far inland – breeding grounds being found much deeper than other members of the family.
They have long beaks used to feed on molluscs such as mussels, clams, and oysters which they crack open using their strong bills.
Oystercatchers are usually quite vocal birds making various loud calls when disturbed or alarmed.
The males tend to display more brightly colored plumage compared to females who share similar brown/black hues for camouflage purposes during nesting season.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Charadrii |
| Family | Haematopodidae Bonaparte, 1838 |
| Genus | Haematopus Linnaeus, 1758 |
38. Typical Magpies
The typical magpie is a medium-sized bird with an unmistakable black and white plumage.
Its long tail gives it an elongated silhouette, while its bold markings of black patches on the wings, back, and head make it easily recognizable by even novice birdwatchers.
It usually lives in pairs or small groups and can be seen foraging through gardens searching for food such as insects, berries, fruits, and nuts.
Magpies are very vocal birds that produce a variety of calls including harsh chattering noises which they use to communicate with each other within their group.
They inhabit many different habitats from deserts to forests across Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa where they play an important role as scavengers cleaning up dead animals that may otherwise spread disease or rot away uneaten.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Pica Brisson, 1760 |
39. White Wagtail
The White Wagtail is a small passerine bird that belongs to the Motacillidae family, which includes pipits and long claws. This species breeds in Europe, Asia Palearctic, and North Africa.
It has also been seen as a scarce breeder in Alaska. Those living in mild climates are found year-round but others migrate south for winter months to Africa.
In Ireland and Great Britain, it’s known for its darker subspecies called Pied Wagtails with their distinctive white heads, grey backs, and yellow breasts.
They feed on insects such as flies, beetles, or spiders by wagging their tail up & down while they walk along surfaces like tree trunks or walls looking out for prey – hence receiving this name.
To attract mates they sing melodic songs from high perches too.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Motacilla |
| Species | M. alba |
40. Gulls
Gulls are a type of seabird in the family Laridae found worldwide. They are highly adaptable, often seen soaring above shorelines or near bodies of water.
Gulls have strong wings and long bills and vary greatly in size, coloration, and behavior from one species to another.
Some gull species feed on fish while others scavenge for food such as insects, small mammals or discarded human refuse.
Despite their different dietary habits they all share common traits including webbed feet which enable them to swim gracefully through the water after prey items like crabs or molluscs.
Gulls generally nest close to the shoreline where there is an abundance of available food sources making them excellent hunters that can live comfortably both on land and at sea.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Lari |
| Family | Laridae Rafinesque, 1815 |
41. Black-Headed Grosbeak
The Black-headed Grosbeak is a medium-sized bird that belongs to the Cardinalidae family. It has a black head and upperparts, while its underparts are bright yellow.
This striking contrast makes it easy to distinguish from other birds. The grosbeak typically measures 19 cm in length and weighs around 47 grams.
During summer months, they migrate northward up into southwestern British Columbia for nesting grounds where they can find plenty of seeds as food sources.
They also hybridize with Rose-breasted Grosbeaks on the Great Plains in America, creating even more colorful plumage variations amongst these species.
All in all, this beautiful songbird will make an excellent addition to any backyard or garden if you’re lucky enough to spot one.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Pheucticus |
| Species | P. melanocephalus |
42. Scott’s Oriole
The Scott’s oriole is a medium-sized icterid found in the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Baja California Sur. Named by American soldier and naturalist John Charles Frémont for his friend Robert F.
Scott, this beautiful bird has bright yellow underparts with an orange back and black wings.
Its song consists of a long series of whistles that are often likened to the sound of a flute or piccolo.
They feed mainly on insects but can also eat some fruits such as dates and figs from trees like mesquite, palo verde, live oak, sycamore, and cottonwood.
This species is common south of Sacramento in California making it easy to spot if you’re lucky enough to be near its habitat.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | I. parisorum |
43. Common Swift
The Common Swift is a medium-sized bird with an appearance similar to the barn swallow or house martin.
Its wings are larger, however, it is not related to these species but instead belongs in its order of Apodiformes.
The similarities between the two groups have come about due to convergent evolution and a shared environment.
As for relatives, they can be found among New World hummingbirds and South American swifts; whereas more distant cousins include nightjars as well as treeswifts from Asia/Africa and Australian swiftspecies.
These birds live up high in the air where they remain on constant flight even when sleeping or eating.
They usually migrate south during winter months then return each springtime bringing life back into our skies.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. apus |
44. Western Tanager
The Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) is a medium-sized songbird belonging to the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. It was illustrated and formally described by American ornithologist Alexander Wilson in 1811.
The species has distinctive plumage including yellow feathers on its wings and tail, red shoulders, a black head with a white forehead patch, and grayish underparts.
Its vocalizations are also very similar to other members of the cardinal family – they have a high-pitched ‘tsee’ note followed by several sweeter notes that come together as parts of complex songs.
They primarily feed on fruit but will also take insects when available for extra protein during the breeding season.
These beautiful birds can be found throughout western North America from Alaska down through Mexico making them an iconic part of many landscapes.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. ludoviciana |
45. Turkey Vulture
The turkey vulture is a large bird of prey that can be found in many parts of the world. It has a wingspan of up to 6 feet and its feathers are mostly black with brownish-red patches on the underside which give it an overall dark red appearance.
Its head is bald, which helps protect it from getting overheated when flying long distances looking for food.
The Turkey Vulture usually feeds off carrion but will also feed on fruit and insects.
Its keen eyesight allows them to spot potential meals from miles away while they soar through the sky using their broad wings and thermal air currents to stay aloft without expending much energy.
They are very important scavengers as they keep ecosystems healthy by consuming dead animals before the disease can spread amongst living creatures or contaminate local water sources like rivers or lakes.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Cathartes |
| Species | C. aura |
46. Black Rail
The Black Rail is a small species of bird belonging to the Rallidae family. It can be found in both North and South America and was formally described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789 as part of his revised edition of Carl Linnaeus’s Systema Naturae.
This tiny rail has dull black feathers on its back with white spots covering its sides, while the underside is completely grayish-white.
Its wings are short but powerful enough for it to take flight when threatened or disturbed.
The diet mainly consists of insects, crustaceans, and seeds which they search for amongst vegetation along wetlands habitats such as marshes, bogs, and swamps.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Laterallus |
| Species | L. jamaicensis |
Also Featured In: Birds You’ll Find in Night, Small Birds Of Illinois
47. Black Skimmer
The Black Skimmer is a seabird that belongs to the skimmer genus Rynchops and Laridae family.
It breeds in North and South America, while Northern populations migrate south for winter towards warmer climates such as the Caribbean or Pacific coasts.
The Southern American races have adapted to annual floods by making shorter migrations during this time.
These birds are easily identified by their unique long red bill that has an upper mandible longer than its lower mandible.
They feed mainly on small fish caught at night when they skim across shallow water using their beak like a knife cutting through waves of water.
Their dark grey back contrasts against white belly feathers creating beautiful patterns in flight, aiding them in catching prey easier due to their camouflage effect above and below the water’s surface.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Rynchops |
| Species | R. niger |
48. Orchard Oriole
The Orchard Oriole is a small species of icterid bird, with the subspecies I. s. fuertesi is sometimes considered its separate species are known as the Ochre or Fuertes’ Oriole.
The adult male of the nominate subspecies has chestnut upperparts and black wings and tail, while females are more yellowish-green in coloration on their back and wings.
Its bill is pointed, black with some blue-gray at the base of its lower mandible.
This beautiful bird can also be found across North America during migration season; they inhabit woodlands near streams or rivers to breed before migrating south for winter months.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | I. spurius |
49. Coragyps
Coragyps is a genus of New World vultures that consists of the black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and two extinct relatives. The western black vulture, Coragyps occidentalis, was an ancestral species to C.
atratus found throughout North America during much of the Pleistocene epoch. However, recent genetic evidence suggests it may not be its distinct species after all.
These birds are medium-sized with dark plumage on their backs and wings while having paler feathers underneath them; they have a bald head which helps keep them cool in hot climates by allowing heat to escape through evaporation off of their skin.
They typically feed on carrion or scavenge for food near human settlements due to reduced competition from other predators like eagles or hawks in those areas.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Coragyps Le Maout, 1853 |
Also Featured In: Scavengers Birds You Should Know,
50. Laterallus
Laterallus is a genus of railbirds found in the Neotropics, with one species also occurring in the United States. They are small and have short bills, typically inhabiting dense vegetation near water.
These terrestrial rails were first described by George Robert Gray in 1855 using the rufous-sided crake as its type specimen.
Laterallus species vary greatly from dark to light brown coloring on their backs and wings, along with lighter shades of white or yellow underparts which can help them blend into their environment for camouflage against predators.
Their diet consists mostly of insects but they will also eat fruit when available.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Laterallus Gray, G.R., 1855 |
To Recap
The world of black-colored birds is as intriguing and diverse as it is mysterious. From the sleek and glossy Common Raven to the striking plumage of the Black-crowned Night Heron
The stealthy presence of the Black Vulture, these 50 birds of black demonstrate the remarkable adaptability and evolution of avian species.
Their distinctive coloration serves various purposes, from camouflage to thermoregulation and mate attraction.
These birds contribute to the rich tapestry of ecosystems worldwide, playing vital roles in maintaining ecological balance.
As we explore and appreciate these black-feathered marvels, we gain a deeper understanding of the intricate and captivating world of avian life.