Birds with glossy black plumage come in many different species. The most well-known glossy black birds include crows, ravens, blackbirds, grackles, and starlings. These birds all share the common trait of having feathers that appear black with a shiny or iridescent sheen when sunlight hits them just right. This glossy black coloration serves important purposes for the birds’ survival.
Crows and Ravens
Crows and ravens are arguably the most recognizable glossy black birds. There are several species in the Corvus genus that have all-black plumage with blue or purple iridescence. The most widespread glossy black crow species in North America is the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Slightly larger and less common, the Common Raven (Corvus corax) shares the same black plumage. The raven’s feathers have a more pronounced glossy or oily appearance.
The sheen to crows’ and ravens’ feathers comes from light refracting off the microscopic structure of the feathers. Tiny pockets of air in the feathers scatter incoming light waves, making the feathers appear darker with a glossy wet look. This structural coloration acts as camouflage, helping crows and ravens blend into their surroundings when perched in trees. It also makes them appear larger and more intimidating to potential predators.
Crows vs. Ravens
While crows and ravens may look similar, there are a few key differences between them:
- Size: Ravens are significantly larger with thicker bills and shaggier throat feathers.
- Tail shape: Crows have fan-shaped tails when spread open, while ravens have wedge-shaped tails.
- Flight: Ravens soar more and crows flap with quicker wingbeats.
- Voice: Crows give a distinctive “caw caw” while ravens have a lower croaking voice.
- Range: Crows are found everywhere except the high Arctic, while ravens have a more limited range.
Blackbirds
Several species of blackbirds in North America also display glossy black plumage. Some examples include:
- The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), identified by red and yellow shoulder patches on breeding males.
- The Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) of the Pacific states.
- The Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) with distinctive yellow markings.
- The Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus) that parasitizes other birds’ nests.
- The Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) common in parks and backyards.
The black plumage of these birds is also iridescent, showing deep purple and blue hues. The Melanins and structural coloration help camouflage the birds in wetlands filled with dark vegetation.
Difference Between Male and Female Blackbirds
There are subtle differences between male and female blackbirds of most species:
- Males have more vibrant black coloring while females are dark brown.
- Females tend to be smaller in size.
- Only males have the bright shoulder patches and wing markings.
- Females have streakier underparts while males are solid colored.
- Juvenile birds resemble adult females until getting their black plumage.
Grackles
Grackles are another group of long-tailed blackbirds found across North America. Species like the Common Grackle have black feathers with a distinctive bronzy iridescence. The Great-tailed and Boat-tailed grackles also have glossy black plumage that looks blue-tinted in bright light. The melanin pigments absorb most wavelengths of light, making the feathers appear blacker.
Some key facts about grackles include:
- Males have blacker plumage than females.
- They form large noisy flocks, especially in migration and winter.
- Grackles forage on the ground for insects, grains, and other food scraps.
- Their conical bills are adapted for an omnivorous diet.
- Grackles nest colonially allowing joint defense from predators.
Starlings
European Starlings are another all-black bird with glossy iridescent feathers common across North America. The tiny crystals in their feathers produce an oil-spill like purplish-green sheen. Starlings exhibit blacker plumage during the breeding season and grayer tips in winter.
Some key facts about starlings include:
- They have short tails and triangular wings in flight.
- Their bills are long and pointed for probing into the ground.
- Starlings are cavity nesters and will use man-made structures.
- They gather in large noisy flocks called murmurations.
- Starlings are accomplished vocal mimics.
Shiny Feather Adaptations
The glossy black plumage shared by these bird species serves several important purposes:
- Camouflage – In low light, black feathers help birds blend into vegetation to avoid predators.
- Signaling – A glossy black male signals his fitness to females of the species.
- Weather resistance – Melanin strengthens and protects feathers from sun, rain, and abrasion.
- Temperature regulation – Black feathers absorb heat from sunlight to keep birds warm.
Conclusion
In summary, the major glossy black birds found across North America are crows, ravens, blackbirds, grackles, and starlings. Their dark iridescent plumage serves key purposes for camouflage, signaling, weatherproofing, and thermoregulation. The microscopic structure of the feathers, along with melanin pigments, make them appear black with a glossy sheen when reflecting light. So next time you see a shiny black bird, look for key identification features to determine which common species it belongs to.