When it comes to the world of birds, black feathers can be just as stunning as any vibrant hue. From sleek and shiny to subtly iridescent, black birds come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
These black birds prove elegance isn’t limited to bright colors. Have you spotted one of them?
1. American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Native to North America, the American Crow is a highly adaptable bird found across the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico. It is known for its all-black plumage, large size, and distinctive cawing call. Crows are intelligent and social, often seen in large groups.
2. Common Raven (Corvus corax)
The Common Raven is native to a wide range of regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It has a sleek, all-black coat and is recognized by its deep, resonant croak. Ravens are known for their problem-solving skills and complex social behaviors.
3. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Originally from Europe, the European Starling has become widespread in North America. It features iridescent black feathers with a metallic sheen, and during breeding season, its plumage displays striking white spots.
This bird is known for its impressive murmurations and adaptability to urban environments.
4. Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America, the Great-tailed Grackle is a large, iridescent black bird with a long, tapering tail. Its bold, noisy behavior and striking appearance make it a common sight in urban and rural areas alike.
5. Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)
The Brown-headed Cowbird is native to North America and is recognized by its black body and brown head. It is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species, which then raise the cowbird’s young. This bird is commonly found in open areas and woodlands.
6. Blackbird (Turdus merula)
The Blackbird is native to Europe, parts of North Africa, and western Asia. The male is entirely black with a bright yellow eye ring, while the female is brown. This bird is known for its melodious song and preference for gardens and woodlands.
7. Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
Native to North America, the Red-winged Blackbird is easily identified by its glossy black body and striking red and yellow shoulder patches. It is commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and grassy fields, where it nests in dense vegetation and is known for its territorial calls.
8. House Crow (Corvus splendens)
The House Crow is native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. This medium-sized crow is all black with a slightly glossy appearance and is often found in urban and rural areas.
It is highly adaptable and is known for its loud calls and scavenging behavior.
9. Rook (Corvus frugilegus)
Native to Europe and parts of Asia, the Rook is a large, all-black bird with a distinctive bare, grayish-white face and shaggy throat feathers.
It is commonly seen in large colonies and is known for its social behavior and distinctive, raucous calls.
10. White-winged Black Tit (Melaniparus leucomelas)
Native to the Indian subcontinent, including India and Sri Lanka, the White-winged Black Tit is a small, striking bird characterized by its black head and body, contrasted with white wing patches.
It is typically found in forested areas and is known for its energetic foraging behavior and distinctive calls.
11. Sinaloa Crow (Corvus sinaloae)
The Sinaloa Crow is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, particularly the Sinaloa region. It is a medium-sized, all-black crow that is distinguished by its slightly smaller size compared to other crows and its distinctive, harsh call.
12. Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis)
The Shiny Cowbird is native to South America, particularly in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. It is a striking black bird with a glossy, iridescent sheen and is known for its brood parasitism, laying eggs in the nests of other bird species.
13. Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
Native to Europe and parts of Asia, the Black Woodpecker is a large, all-black woodpecker with a striking red patch on the back of its head, visible in males.
It inhabits mature forests and is known for its deep drumming sounds, which it uses to find insects and communicate with other woodpeckers.
14. Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus)
The Black Drongo is native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. This bird is entirely black with a long, forked tail and is known for its aggressive behavior and aerial acrobatics as it catches insects in flight.
It is commonly found in open fields, gardens, and woodlands.
15. Black-collared Starling (Sturnus nigricollis)
Native to East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, the Black-collared Starling is a striking bird with a predominantly black body with white plumage and a distinctive black collar around its neck. It is commonly found in open woodlands and savannas and is known for its social behavior and varied vocalizations.
As we’ve seen, black birds are more than just dark and mysterious—they’re incredibly beautiful in their own way.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.