There are several species of birds that are primarily black and white in coloration. Some of the most well-known black and white birds include:
Magpies
Magpies are medium-sized birds that belong to the Corvidae family, which includes crows, ravens, and jays. There are several species of magpies found around the world, and many of them have distinctive black and white plumage.
Some examples of black and white magpies include:
- Eurasian Magpie – Common in Europe, Asia and northwest Africa. It has black plumage with white belly, shoulders and undertail.
- Yellow-billed Magpie – Found in California. It has black plumage with white shoulders, belly and undertail coverts.
- Korean Magpie – Native to eastern Asia. It is mostly black with areas of white on the belly, shoulder, undertail coverts and wing patches.
- Iberian Magpie – Native to the Iberian Peninsula. It has black plumage with white belly, shoulder patches and undertail coverts.
Magpies are highly intelligent birds that live in family groups. They build large, domed nests high up in trees. Magpies are omnivorous and eat a variety of insects, small mammals, eggs, grains and fruit.
Pied Butcherbird
The pied butcherbird is a songbird native to Australia. As its name suggests, it has black and white plumage in a piebald pattern.
The adult pied butcherbird has a black head, neck, wings and back. Its underparts are white from the lower breast downwards. There are also large white patches on its wings and shoulders.
The pied butcherbird got its name because it impales its prey on thorns or crevices before feeding. It eats small vertebrates like lizards, frogs and mice as well as insects and some fruits.
These birds are talented mimics and their loud, musical calls are a common sound in urban parks and gardens in Australia.
Skimmers
Skimmers are tropical and subtropical seabirds characterized by their uniquely shaped beaks. There are three main species of skimmers: African, Indian and Black skimmers.
In all three species, adults have black upperparts (back, wings, cap and nape of neck). Their underparts are white. They also have white stripes on their face and neck.
Some key features of the three skimmer species:
| Species | Range | Identifying Features |
|---|---|---|
| African Skimmer | Sub-Saharan Africa | – Red legs – Red bill with black tip |
| Indian Skimmer | South and Southeast Asia | – Yellow legs – Yellow bill with black tip |
| Black Skimmer | Americas | – Black legs – Black bill with red base |
Skimmers use their uniquely shaped beaks to skim the water’s surface while flying to catch small fish.
Slaty-backed Gull
The slaty-backed gull is a large gull species found across northeast Asia. In summer, adults of this species have slate-grey upperparts and wings. Their head, tail, neck and undersides are white.
In winter, their plumage is similar but their head and neck streak grey-brown. Juveniles are mottled brown and take several years to reach full adult plumage.
Slaty-backed gulls breed in coastal areas of Siberia, Alaska, Japan and China. They migrate south for the winter. These omnivorous gulls feed on fish, insects, eggs, small animals and scraps.
Crested Caracara
The crested caracara is a unique raptor found in Central and South America as well as southern areas of the United States. It has striking black and white plumage.
Adults have a black body, wings and cap contrasting with a white neck, throat, undersides and wing patches. Their face is reddish-orange. Juveniles are brownish-black and white until they mature.
Unlike most raptors, the crested caracara mainly scavenges for carrion instead of hunting live prey. It also eats insects, eggs and small animals. This social bird builds large stick nests in trees and on structures.
Ruffed Grouse
The ruffed grouse is a popular game bird found in wooded areas of Canada and the northern United States. In appearance, it is a medium-sized, chicken-like bird with black and white barring.
Their most prominent plumage feature is the ruff – a collar of black feathers around their neck which can be raised. Males also have a fan-like tail of black-and-white barring. Their underparts are white with faint barring.
Ruffed grouse spend most of their time on the ground where they forage for seeds, buds, fruits and insects. Males perform an elaborate drumming display by rapidly beating their wings to attract females.
Eurasian Jay
The Eurasian jay is a common songbird species found throughout many parts of Europe and Asia. It has blue upperparts and white underparts with black streaking on the head and underparts.
Their most striking feature is the black moustachial stripe outlined in white that runs along the side of their face by the beak. Eurasian jays are highly territorial birds that defend their nesting and feeding areas aggressively.
They live in woodlands and feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, eggs and small animals. Eurasian jays are also known for their intelligence and mimicry skills.
Conclusion
In summary, some of the most common black and white birds include magpies, pied butcherbirds, skimmers, gulls, caracaras, grouse and jays. Their contrasting coloration serves important purposes like camouflage, signaling and display.
The specific amount of black versus white plumage varies between species and geographic populations. While the striking black and white appearance helps distinguish these birds, scientists also identify them based on more subtle features like size, shape, behavior, calls and range.
Understanding what species have distinct black and white plumage can aid birdwatchers and ornithologists in identification. But it is also important to look beyond coloration to appreciate the diversity and adaptations of birds across different habitats.
Birds display an amazing array of colors and patterns in their feathers. The prevalence of black and white plumage among certain species is the result of evolutionary factors like natural selection and geographic isolation. Continued study of how plumage varies and functions provides insight into bird evolution and ecology.
Beyond their ornamental appearance, black and white birds play important roles in ecosystems, culture and human society. Their beauty and behaviors inspire artists, writers, conservationists and casual observers alike. Protecting vital bird habitats ensures we can continue appreciating both the aesthetic and utilitarian value of birds for generations to come.
Whether spotted perched conspicuously along a fence, glimpsed flying over a marsh, or heard calling from a hidden perch, black and white birds add an iconic element to landscapes. So next time you come across a distinctly patterned magpie or boldly colored skimmer, take a moment to admire the unique beauty of birds.
