There are many different species of birds that are black and white in coloration. To identify a little black and white bird, it is important to pay attention to key features such as size, beak shape, distinguishing markings, song, behavior, habitat, and range. With some sleuthing and reference to bird guidebooks or online resources, you can zero in on the species. This article explores some of the most common types of little black and white birds and provides tips for making a positive identification.
Common Black and White Birds
Here are some of the most widespread and familiar small black and white birds in North America:
Black-and-White Warbler
The black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia) is a common sight during spring and fall migration throughout the eastern United States. As the name suggests, the plumage is strikingly black and white. The bird has a thin pointed bill and is an active forager, creeping along branches and trunks looking for insects. Distinctive field marks include a white belly, white wing bars, and white tail spots. Black streaks adorn the crown. Males and females look alike. Their song is a high-pitched series of “weesa” notes.
Downy Woodpecker
The downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is the smallest woodpecker in North America. It is a common permanent resident across much of the United States and southern Canada. True to its name, this woodpecker has extensive white spotting on its black wings and back. The outer tail feathers are white with black bars. Other identification features include a broad white stripe down the center of the back, white underparts, and a short chisel-like bill. Males have a small red patch on the back of the head. These woodpeckers drum softly on tree trunks and branches. Their call is a sharp “pik.”
Black-and-White Chickadee
The black-and-white chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) lives across the southern half of the United States. As a non-migratory species, it is present year-round within its range. This small songbird has a round body, short neck, and tiny bill. It is mostly black and white in color, with a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and white undersides. It is active and acrobatic, flitting through trees looking for insects and seeds. Its namesake call is a whistled “chick-a-dee-dee.”
Black-and-White Becard
The black-and-white becard (Pachyramphus albogriseus) is a tropical species found in Mexico, Central America, and parts of Arizona and Texas in the U.S. It prefers open woodland habitat. Most of the body is black, with a distinctive large white patch on the wings. The tail is black with white outer tail feathers. The becard is shy but will occasionally emerge from dense foliage to hawk for insects. Its song is a melodious warbled trill.
Black-and-White Creeper
The black-and-white creeper (Saptornis fischeri) is an African species found in woodland and forest habitats. As the name indicates, its plumage is strongly patterned in black and white. It has a long downcurved bill for probing into bark crevices for insects and spiders. This species forages in a distinctive upright posture on the trunks of trees. Its vocalizations include a whistled “speeoo” call.
Distinguishing Features of Black and White Birds
When trying to identify a little black and white bird, pay attention to the following distinguishing features:
Size
Take note of the bird’s overall size and dimensions. Many black and white birds such as chickadees and warblers are small in stature. Larger birds like magpies tend to show more white in the wings when in flight.
Beak Shape
The shape and size of the beak offers clues to the bird’s diet. Short conical bills are common among seedeaters like doves. Long slender bills indicate nectar-feeders such as hummingbirds. Pointed bills are found on insect-eating birds.
Plumage Patterns
Look closely at the distribution of black, white, and gray. Note any stripes, spots, patches, or bars. For instance, the black-capped chickadee has a distinctive black cap and bib. A black-and-white warbler shows white wing bars.
Behavior
Watch how the bird moves and acts. Does it hop along the ground or flit through foliage while foraging? Angry scolding calls may indicate a common grackle or black-capped chickadee. Woodpeckers climb up trunks. Swallows swoop gracefully in flight.
Habitat Preference
Note if the bird is associated with a particular setting such as near water, in woodlands, grasslands, backyards, or farms. This can provide helpful context. For example, American dippers occupy rocky streams.
Range Maps
To confirm the identification of a black and white bird, cross-reference the location where it was observed with known range maps for the species. Even if a bird perfectly matches expectations in terms of appearance, it simply may not occur in that geographic area. Many bird field guides and digital resources such as Cornell’s All About Birds provide helpful range maps.
Conclusion
Identifying black and white birds takes practice. Look for key identification markers such as beak shape, plumage patterns, tail shape, wing bars, and other distinctive field marks. Take note of birdsong, behavior, habitat, and location. With so many possible look-alike species, it pays to cross-check field guides or online bird references. But the reward of a positive ID is very satisfying for any birder. With attention to detail, you can learn to differentiate the many species of little black and white birds that inhabit North America and beyond.
Species | Size | Beak Shape | Plumage Pattern | Behavior | Habitat | Range |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black-and-White Warbler | 4.5-5.5 inches | Pointed, thin | Black streaks on white belly and undertail | Forages by creeping along branches | Deciduous and mixed woodlands | Eastern US and Canada |
Downy Woodpecker | 5.5-7 inches | Short, chisel-shaped | Black back with white spotting | Drums on trees, hitches up trunks | Woodlands, parks, backyards | US and southern Canada |
Black-and-White Chickadee | 4.5-5.5 inches | Short, conical | Black cap and bib, white cheeks | Acrobatic foraging in trees | Dry open woodlands | Southern US |
Black-and-White Becard | 6.5-7 inches | Hooked-tipped | Black body, large white wing patch | Catches insects in flight | Open woodlands | Mexico, Central America, Southwestern US |
Black-and-White Creeper | 5-5.5 inches | Long, downcurved | Striped black-and-white pattern | Forages upright on tree trunks | African forests and woodlands | Sub-Saharan Africa |