Welcome to the fascinating world of black and white birds in Alabama! Alabama is home to several species of black and white birds, including American crows, Fish crows, Black vultures, Turkey vultures, White Ibis, and Northern Cardinals.
Each of these species has unique characteristics and behaviors that are essential to the Alabama ecosystem. In this article, we will discuss the ecology, behavior, and conservation of these species that make up the black and white bird family in Alabama.
1. Downy woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is a species of woodpecker found in the United States and Canada. It is the smallest woodpecker in North America, with a length ranging from 14 to 18 cm. This species is usually found in forested areas, including deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests.
They can be found across the United States and Canada, with the exception of deserts in the southwest and the northern tundra. Downy Woodpeckers typically feed on insects and their larvae, which they find by tapping and probing into tree bark.
They will also feed on fruits, nuts, and berries. This species can be seen perched on trees, where they make their characteristic drumming sound while foraging for food. They also make their homes in tree cavities, which they create by chiseling into the bark.
The Downy Woodpecker is a beneficial species to have in a backyard or garden, as they help to control insect pests. They are also known to be quite social, often seen in groups of two to six individuals.
They make a great addition to any backyard bird watching spot and can be easily attracted with suet, nuts, and seeds..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
2. Northern mockingbird
The northern mockingbird is a species of mockingbird that is native to North America. This species is typically a permanent resident, but it is known to migrate further south in times of harsh weather.
This species of mockingbird is rarely seen in Europe, though there have been some observations of it on the continent. The northern mockingbird is an omnivorous species, eating both insects and fruits. It is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 25 cm in length.
The northern mockingbird is easily identified by its gray and white plumage, as well as its long tail and upright posture. It is a very vocal species, often singing a wide variety of songs and imitating the calls of other birds.
The northern mockingbird is an important species in North American ecosystems, as it helps to control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Mimus |
| Species | M. polyglottos |
3. Carolina chickadee
The Carolina chickadee is a small passerine bird native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the tit family (Paridae) which is a group of small, short-billed birds.
This species is one of the most colorful of all the chickadees found in the US, with a gray-brown body and a black cap and bib. The wings and tail are edged with white, while the underparts are white with buff flanks and sides.
The Carolina chickadee is a sociable bird that often gathers in flocks outside of the breeding season. During the summer months, they can be found foraging for insects among the trees and shrubs.
In the winter, they are often seen at bird feeders, where they will eat sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet, and other birdseed mixes. They are also known to store food for the winter in tree crevices or other hidden spots.
The Carolina chickadee is a common backyard bird that is a joy to watch and easy to attract with bird feeders.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. carolinensis |
4. White-breasted nuthatch
The white-breasted nuthatch is a species of bird that belongs to the family Sittidae, commonly known as nuthatches. It has a medium-sized body, measuring around 15.5 centimeters in length.
This species of bird has a very distinct appearance, with a white breast and belly, a grey back, and a black head and crown. Its wings and tail are also black but with a small white patch on the wings.
The white-breasted nuthatch is a very agile bird, able to climb trees and cling to their trunks, as well as fly between trees and branches. It is known to feed on insects, nuts, and seeds, and can often be found together in small flocks.
It is a common bird throughout much of North America and can be seen in many parks and gardens..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. carolinensis |
5. Tufted titmouse
The tufted titmouse is a small songbird that is native to North America. It belongs to the tit and chickadee family, which includes a number of small birds that are known for their melodious songs.
The tufted titmouse is easily recognizable, as it has a distinctive tuft of feathers on its head.
It is usually grey, with white underparts and a black forehead. In the past, the black-crested titmouse was considered a subspecies of the tufted titmouse, however, it is now considered a separate species altogether.
This species is found in central and southern Texas and is easily distinguished by its black crest.
It has a grey body and white underparts, just like the tufted titmouse, but its head is mostly black. Both the tufted titmouse and the black-crested titmouse are popular among bird-watchers, as they are both attractive and interesting to observe.
They are also important for the environment as they help to spread seeds and pollinate flowers, aiding in the health of ecosystems throughout North America..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. bicolor |
6. Eastern Kingbird
The eastern kingbird is a species of bird that is native to the Americas. It is a large tyrant flycatcher, with a body of predominantly dark gray feathers, and a white underbelly. Its wings are pointed, and they are known to be quite conspicuous in the open areas they inhabit.
These areas include ones with scattered trees and bushes, which provide them with suitable perching spots from which to forage for insects. Eastern kingbirds are found in many parts of North and South America and are a common sight in the open areas they inhabit.
They are also known to be territorial and will defend their territory against other birds. They are highly adapted to their environment, and their diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and small fruits.
They play an important role in their ecosystems, helping to keep insect populations in check..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Tyrannus |
| Species | T. tyrannus |
7. Eastern towhee
The eastern towhee is a large bird belonging to the New World sparrow family. It was previously classified as part of a single species named the rufous-sided towhee, along with the spotted towhee.
However, this classification has been disputed in recent decades.The eastern towhee prefers to live in dense brushy areas across the eastern parts of North America. This species is found in a wide range of habitats, from woodlands to suburban gardens.
The eastern towhee prefers to nest in thick vegetation, such as shrubs and tall grasses, and will often build its nest in a low shrub or tree. The eastern towhee has a brown back, wings, and tail, with a white belly and a white throat.
The wings and tail are marked with white and black stripes, and the head has a distinctive black and white pattern.
The bird’s call is a loud “drink-your-tea” song. The eastern towhee is an important part of the avian population in the United States, as its presence helps to keep insect populations in check.
It is also an important part of the ecology, providing a food source for larger predators such as hawks and owls.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Pipilo |
| Species | P. erythrophthalmus |
8. White-throated sparrow
The white-throated sparrow is a small bird belonging to the family Passerellidae. This family of birds is native to the New World, meaning it is found in North and South America.
The white-throated sparrow is a passerine, which means it is a perching bird and is usually seen flitting from branch to branch in wooded areas. It has a distinctive white throat and yellow or white stripes on its head.
Its upper parts are grey-brown, while its underparts are a yellowish-white. Its wings and tail are tipped with white. The white-throated sparrow is an omnivore, meaning it eats both plants and animals, and its diet consists of seeds, fruits, and insects.
It builds its nest in trees and shrubs, and the female usually lays three to five eggs each time. The white-throated sparrow is a common sight in backyards and parks, and its loud, melodious song is a favorite of birdwatchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. albicollis |
9. Yellow-bellied sapsucker
The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a species of woodpecker found in North America. It is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring between 6 and 8 inches long, with a wingspan of up to 12 inches.
It is characterized by its predominantly black plumage, with reddish-brown wings and tail, and a yellow underside.
The head is also yellow, with a white line running down the neck. The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a migratory species, breeding in parts of Canada and the northeastern United States.
During the winter months, they can be found in parts of the southern United States and Central America.
They prefer to inhabit coniferous and deciduous forests, as well as parks and suburban areas. The yellow-bellied sapsucker feeds on sap from trees, as well as insects, fruits, and berries.
To access the sap, they use their strong beaks to create small, shallow holes in the bark of trees. This then attracts other insects, which provide an additional food source for the woodpecker. The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a social bird, often seen in pairs or small groups.
During the breeding season, these birds establish territorial boundaries and defend themselves aggressively. Their vocalizations are a loud, ringing “pee-yew” or “peeh-eet” sound. The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a fascinating bird that plays an important role in its ecosystem.
It provides food for other animals, helps to control insect populations, and helps to spread seeds through the distribution of its droppings. Therefore, it is important to protect its habitat and support its conservation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Sphyrapicus |
| Species | S. varius |
10. Common loon
The common loon, or great northern diver, is a large species of bird that belongs to the loon, or diver, family of birds. Breeding adults have a distinct plumage that includes a broad black head and neck, and a greenish, purplish, or iridescent back and wings.
The body is grayish-black, with white underparts and a white colored patch near the neck. The bill is often black, and the eyes are usually yellow or red.
The head of the common loon is also distinctive, as it is usually adorned with a crest of black feathers that may have white tips. During the breeding season, the common loon performs an elaborate courtship ritual involving singing, dancing, and displaying its bright feathers.
It is an excellent swimmer and can dive underwater to catch its prey. The common loon is also an excellent flyer and can travel long distances in search of food. It typically inhabits freshwater lakes and rivers, as well as coastal areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. immer |
11. Ross’s goose
The Ross’s Goose is a small white goose that is native to North America. It is distinguished by its black wingtips and short neck.
It is the smallest of the three white geese that breed in North America and is similar in appearance to a white-phase snow goose but is about 40% smaller. This species of goose is usually found in shallow wetlands and grassy areas.
It forages mainly on grasses and sedges, as well as other vegetation, and occasionally on waste grain. The Ross’s Goose is considered to be a vulnerable species, as its population has been declining in recent years due to habitat loss and hunting.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anser |
| Species | A. rossii |
12. Rose-breasted grosbeak
The rose-breasted grosbeak is a large, seed-eating bird in the cardinal family. It is most commonly known as the ‘cut-throat’ due to its distinctive coloration.
The male rose-breasted grosbeak is easily identified by its black head, wings, back, and tail, and the bright rose-colored patch on its white breast. The bird is primarily a foliage gleaner, meaning it searches for food in the foliage of trees and shrubs.
They are a common sight in many backyards and parks throughout the United States and Canada. The rose-breasted grosbeak is also an important part of the avian food web, providing food for predators such as hawks, owls, and other birds of prey.
They are also important pollinators, as they help to spread seeds and pollen from plant to plant..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Pheucticus |
| Species | P. ludovicianus |
13. Turkey vulture
The turkey vulture is a species of vulture found in the New World. It belongs to the genus Cathartes, which is part of the family Cathartidae. This species is found in a wide range of areas, from the southern parts of Canada all the way to the southernmost tip of South America.
It is the most widespread species of New World vulture, making it a very adaptable species. The turkey vulture is an important species in the environment. It is a scavenger, feeding on carrion such as the carcasses of dead animals.
They help to keep the environment clean and healthy by consuming carcasses, reducing the risk of disease caused by a buildup of decaying animal matter.
Additionally, they provide a valuable food source for other animals, including predators like foxes and coyotes.The turkey vulture is an impressive bird, with a wingspan of up to six feet. It is mostly black in color, with pale-colored feathers on its head and neck.
Its distinctive red head helps to distinguish it from other vultures. It is a social bird, often seen in groups of up to several dozen individuals soaring in the sky. The turkey vulture is an important species that is vital to the health of the environment.
It is a species that can be found throughout the New World, playing a vital role in the ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Cathartes |
| Species | C. aura |
14. Dark-eyed junco
The dark-eyed junco is a species of junco, a group of small grayish birds commonly found in North America. It is widely distributed across much of temperate North America and in summer migrates to the Arctic. This bird species is highly variable, just like the fox sparrow.
Its taxonomy is yet to be fully understood. This species of junco is characterized by its grayish plumage, small size, and distinctive dark eyes. It is a year-round resident of North America and is quite common in urban and suburban areas.
It has a wide variety of habitats, from woodlands and grasslands to mountains and arid scrublands.
During the summer, they migrate to the Arctic region, where they are found in open tundra and alpine habitats. The dark-eyed junco is an important species in the North American avifauna, providing an important food source for other animals.
It is also an important seed disperser, helping to spread native plant species. The taxonomy of the dark-eyed junco is still being studied, as there is a great deal of variation within the species.
It is believed to be closely related to the fox sparrow, and this similarity is seen in their variability. The two species can be hybridized in captivity, demonstrating just how closely related they are.
It is possible that further research could lead to changes in the taxonomy of this species..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Junco |
| Species | J. hyemalis |
15. American Coot
The American coot is a bird from the family Rallidae, which is also known as a mud hen or pouldeau. It is easy to mistake it for a duck since they look similar, however American coots are not closely related to ducks. They actually belong to a different order of birds.
This means that they are only distantly related to ducks, and have evolved in different ways. The American coot has a few distinguishing features that set it apart from ducks.
For example, its feet are lobed rather than webbed, and it has a white bill with a yellow spot near the tip. Additionally, unlike ducks, the American coot does not have an oil gland that helps waterproof its feathers.
This is why it is often seen preening its feathers, which helps to keep them in good condition. The American coot is found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes throughout North America. It feeds on aquatic vegetation, insects, and mollusks.
Its loud, distinctive call is often heard during the day.
It is also a strong and graceful swimmer and can dive underwater for up to 30 seconds at a time. The American coot is an important species in the ecosystem of North America, providing food for larger predators such as foxes and hawks.
It is also a popular species among bird watchers, as it is easily spotted and identified. In fact, it is one of the most commonly seen birds in North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Fulica |
| Species | F. americana |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, black and white birds are a common sight in Alabama. They can be found in many different habitats such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands.
These birds are important to the environment as they help to maintain the balance of nature, providing food for other animals and controlling insect populations.
They also provide an important aesthetic value to the state, and can be enjoyed year-round by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.