Black Birds

Black Birds

Looking for birds dressed in black? From jet-black crows to glossy blackbirds, here’s a complete guide to types of black birds you might spot in the wild.

Among the many types of animals, birds stand out as some of the most fascinating. With over 18,000 types of birds ranging from hummingbirds to perching birds, these colorful birds captivate with their dazzling feathers and vivid hues.

On this page, a certain group of blackbirds has been explored due to eumelanin deposition in the plumage or iridescent feathers. Some birds can jump, run, and swim, and many birds can fly. Others of them are quite strange.

Let’s explore certain fascinating facts about these black birds.

Types of Black Birds

American Crow

Species Name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
The American Crow is a large, glossy black bird recognized by its distinctive “caw” and confident walk. Common throughout North America, it thrives in a variety of habitats including forests, fields, towns, and cities. These birds are highly social, often living in family groups and gathering in large communal roosts during winter. American Crows are omnivorous and opportunistic, eating insects, seeds, small animals, carrion, and human food scraps. Notably intelligent, they are skilled problem solvers and quick learners. American Crows are curious, cooperative breeders, and adapt well to both urban and rural environments.

Anhinga

Species Name: Anhinga anhinga
The Anhinga, also called the “snake bird” for its long, slender neck, is a large, mostly black water bird with a pointed yellow bill and silvery wing patches. Males have darker, glossy plumage, while females show a paler head and neck. Found in freshwater swamps, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers from the southeastern U.S. to South America, Anhingas are expert divers, swimming underwater with only their head and neck exposed. Unlike most birds, they lack waterproofing oils, so they must spread their wings to dry after diving. Anhingas spear fish with their sharp bills and swallow them headfirst.

Black Scoter

Species Name: Melanitta nigra
The Black Scoter is a chunky sea duck, with males easily recognized by their all-black plumage and a distinctive swollen yellow knob at the base of the bill. Females are dark brown with pale cheeks and throat. They breed in remote northern lakes and wetlands, mostly in Alaska and northern Canada, and winter along both Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America. Black Scoters dive for food, feeding mainly on aquatic insects in freshwater and mollusks like clams and mussels in marine habitats. Black Scoters are monogamous, and their winter flocks can number in the thousands.

Black Vulture

Species Name: Coragyps atratus
The Black Vulture is a large, stocky bird with sooty black plumage, a bare black head, and striking white patches near the wingtips. Found year-round in the eastern and southern U.S. through Central and South America, it thrives in open areas, woodlands, and even around towns. Black Vultures are highly social, often roosting and foraging in large flocks. They feed mainly on carrion, using keen eyesight to locate food, and sometimes follow Turkey Vultures to carcasses. Black Vultures mate for life, care for their young for months, and help clean the environment by consuming dead animals.

Black-billed Magpie

Species Name: Pica hudsonia
The Black-billed Magpie is a striking, medium-sized bird with a long iridescent tail, black head and back, and bold white patches on its wings and belly. Found in western North America, it thrives in open habitats like meadows, grasslands, and near human settlements. Magpies are highly social and intelligent, often seen in noisy flocks and known for their complex social displays. They build large, domed nests and mate for life. Notably, magpies sometimes gather around deceased companions in a behavior likened to a “funeral.” Black-billed Magpies can recognize themselves in mirrors, a rare trait among birds.

Brandt’s Cormorant

Species Name: Urile penicillatus
Brandt’s Cormorant is a large, black seabird found along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Baja California. It is recognized by its thick neck, long body, and, during breeding season, a striking cobalt-blue throat patch and wispy white facial plumes. These dark-feathered birds nest in colonies on rocky islands and coastal cliffs, often building large nests from seaweed and debris. Brandt’s Cormorants are excellent divers, capable of reaching depths over 200 feet to catch fish such as anchovies and herring. These black birds often forage in groups, working together to herd schools of fish for easier hunting.

Cape Crow

Species Name: Corvus capensis
The Cape crow is a glossy black, intelligent bird native to eastern and southern Africa. Known for its large curved bill and deep "krrah" call, this corvid thrives in open grasslands, savannas, and farmlands. It plays a vital role in the ecosystem as both a predator and scavenger, helping control pests and recycle nutrients. Though sometimes viewed as a pest, it demonstrates advanced problem-solving, tool use, and social intelligence, making it a fascinating species among Africa’s many types of birds.

Carrion Crow

Species Name: Corvuscorone
The Carrion Crow is a medium-sized, glossy black bird native to Europe and Asia, recognized for its deep, guttural “kraa” call and solitary habits. Adaptable to a wide range of habitats-including woodlands, farmland, moors, coastal cliffs, and urban areas-it often perches in high places to survey its surroundings. Highly intelligent, Carrion Crows use tools, recognize human faces, and even cooperate with each other to hunt or defend territory. Their diet is varied, consisting of carrion, insects, seeds, fruit, and small animals. Offspring from previous years sometimes help parents feed new chicks.

Chihuahuan Raven

The Chihuahuan raven (Corvus cryptoleucus) is an intelligent desert-dwelling bird found in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Slightly smaller than the common raven, it features all-black plumage and hidden white neck feathers. Adapted to arid grasslands and scrub, it thrives as both a predator and scavenger. Known for its deep "kraaa" call and playful flight displays, this raven plays a vital ecological role and demonstrates impressive social behavior and adaptability in harsh environments.

Common Grackle

Species Name: Quiscalus quiscula
The Common Grackle is a large, long-tailed blackbird with striking iridescent plumage-males shimmer with purple, green, or blue gloss, while females are duller and browner. Found across eastern North America, grackles thrive in a wide range of habitats, from wetlands and fields to suburbs and city parks. Highly social, they often gather in massive flocks outside the breeding season. Their varied diet includes insects, seeds, grains, and even small animals. Grackles are known for their harsh, rusty-gate calls, and their communal roosts can number in the millions.

Common Raven

Species Name: Corvus corax
The Common Raven is one of the largest and most widespread black songbirds, easily recognized by its all-black plumage, thick neck, shaggy throat feathers, and wedge-shaped tail. Found across the Northern Hemisphere, it thrives in diverse habitats-from forests and mountains to deserts and coastlines, and even near human settlements. Ravens are highly intelligent, known for problem-solving, tool use, and playful behaviors like aerial acrobatics and object games. They are omnivorous, eating everything from carrion and small animals to grains and human food scraps. Ravens can mimic sounds, including human speech, and often cache food for later use.

Crowned Eagle

Species Name: Stephanoaetus coronatus
The Crowned Eagle, also known as the African Crowned Eagle, is a powerful raptor native to sub-Saharan Africa, favoring dense forests and woodlands. Recognizable by its striking dark crest and intense yellow eyes, this eagle boasts a wingspan of 5–6 feet and is considered Africa’s most powerful eagle pound for pound. Its massive talons and strong legs allow it to hunt large prey, primarily monkeys, small antelope, and hyraxes, though it occasionally takes birds and reptiles. Crowned Eagles build enormous nests high in emergent trees, sometimes reusing them for over a decade. Their courtship includes dramatic aerial displays and prey offerings.

Double-Crested Cormorant

Species Name: Nannopterum auritum
The Double-Crested Cormorant is a large, black waterbird with a long neck and orange-yellow facial skin. During breeding season, adults display two curly black or white crests on their heads. Found across North America in both freshwater and coastal habitats, they are highly adaptable, nesting in trees, on the ground, or even on artificial structures. These social birds often gather in colonies and are expert divers, feeding mainly on fish but also taking insects, crustaceans, and amphibians. After diving, cormorants are often seen perched with wings outstretched to dry, as their feathers are not fully waterproof.

Eurasian Jackdaw

Species Name: Corvus monedula
The Eurasian Jackdaw is a small, social member of the crow family, instantly recognized by its charcoal-black plumage, silvery-gray nape, and striking pale eyes. Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, it thrives in a variety of habitats, from woodlands and farmland to cities and coastal cliffs. Jackdaws are highly gregarious, often seen in flocks performing acrobatic flights or gathering at communal roosts. They nest in cavities, chimneys, or cliffs and are known for their intelligence and curiosity, sometimes collecting shiny objects. Their varied diet includes insects, seeds, fruit, carrion, and even human refuse.

European Starling

Species Name: Sturnus vulgaris
The European Starling is a medium-sized, black songbird with short, triangular wings, a short tail, and striking iridescent plumage speckled with white, especially in winter. During breeding season, adults display a yellow bill and a purple-green sheen. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, starlings were introduced to North America in the 1890s and now number over 200 million. Highly social, they form enormous flocks and perform mesmerizing aerial displays called murmurations. Starlings are accomplished mimics, able to imitate other birds and even human sounds. They are aggressive cavity nesters, often outcompeting native species for nesting sites.

Fish Crow

Species Name: Corvus ossifragus
The Fish Crow is a medium-sized, all-black bird with a subtle green-purple sheen, nearly identical in appearance to the American Crow but best distinguished by its nasal "uh-uh" call. Native to the eastern United States, Fish Crows are most often found near water-coasts, rivers, lakes, and marshes-but have expanded inland along river systems. Highly adaptable, they thrive in urban, suburban, and agricultural areas. Omnivorous and opportunistic, Fish Crows eat everything from carrion and garbage to bird eggs, fruit, and small animals. These black birds often cache surplus food and are known for mobbing predators in groups.

Great Cormorant

Species Name: Phalacrocorax carbo
The Great Cormorant is a large, heavyset waterbird with glossy black plumage, a thick neck, and a stout, hooked bill. Adults display a yellow throat patch and, during breeding season, develop white thigh patches and short white plumes on the head and neck. Found across Europe, Asia, Africa, and coastal North America, they inhabit rocky sea coasts, islands, and large inland lakes and rivers. Great Cormorants are expert divers, propelling themselves underwater with their feet to catch fish. After diving, they’re often seen perched with wings spread to dry. They nest in dense colonies, sometimes numbering thousands of pairs.

Great-tailed Grackle

Species Name: Quiscalus mexicanus
The Great-tailed Grackle is a large, striking blackbird known for its glossy, iridescent males with long, keel-shaped tails and bright yellow eyes. Females are noticeably smaller and brown with darker wings and tails. Native to the Americas, these highly social birds thrive in open areas near water, including farmland, city parks, and suburban lawns, and have rapidly expanded their range across North America in recent decades. Great-tailed Grackles are famous for their raucous flocks and wide variety of vocalizations, from whistles to harsh rattles. They are highly flexible and persistent problem-solvers, able to adapt quickly to new environments and even solve complex puzzles.

Greater Antillean Grackle

Species Name: Quiscalus niger
The Greater Antillean Grackle is a glossy black songbird native to the Caribbean’s Greater Antilles, including Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico. Males reach about 27 cm (11 in) with a distinctive keel-shaped, "rudder-like" tail, while females are slightly smaller and less glossy. Its most striking feature is its bright yellow eye, the only non-black part of its body. These bold, noisy black birds thrive in open habitats near humans-towns, farms, mangroves, and pastures-and often form large, social flocks. Opportunistic eaters, they consume insects, fruit, seeds, small animals, and even human scraps.

Hawaiian Crow

Species Name: Corvus hawaiiensis
The Hawaiian Crow, or ʻAlalā, is a critically endangered bird endemic to Hawaii, now extinct in the wild but surviving in captive breeding programs. About 19–20 inches (48–50 cm) long, it sports soft, brownish-black plumage, a thick bill, and bristly throat feathers. ʻAlalā once inhabited dry and mesic forests on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualālai, playing a vital role in seed dispersal and pest control. Highly intelligent, Hawaiian Crows use sticks as tools-a rare trait among birds-and have a complex repertoire of over 20 vocalizations. In Hawaiian culture, the ʻAlalā is revered as an ‘aumakua, or family guardian spirit.

Hooded Crow

Species Name: Corvux cornix
The Hooded Crow is a medium-sized, two-toned corvid with a pale grey body and contrasting black head, wings, tail, and thigh feathers. Found across northern and eastern Europe and parts of the Middle East, it adapts well to woodlands, farmland, coasts, and cities. Hooded Crows are highly intelligent, known for using tools and dropping shells or nuts from heights to crack them open. Their omnivorous diet includes insects, small animals, grains, carrion, and human scraps. Hooded Crows often pair for life, and their harsh "kraa" call is a familiar sound in their range.

Little Cormorant

Species Name: Microcarbo niger
The Little Cormorant is a compact, all-black waterbird, typically 50–55 cm long, found across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In breeding season, adults have glossy black plumage, sometimes with white facial spots and a small crest; in non-breeding season, plumage is browner with a white throat patch. This species thrives in wetlands, lakes, rivers, and estuaries, where it’s often seen diving for fish-its main food. Little Cormorants are highly social, roosting and nesting in colonies, sometimes alongside herons and egrets. After diving, Little Cormorants often perch with wings spread to dry.

Northwestern Crow

Species Name: Corvus caurinus
The Northwestern Crow is a mid-sized, all-black bird native to the Pacific coast from southern Alaska to northern Washington. It thrives in coastal habitats, intertidal zones, forest edges, and even urban areas, often foraging on beaches for clams, invertebrates, eggs, and carrion. Known for their intelligence, these crows use tools-dropping clams on rocks to break them open-and perform aerial acrobatics. They are highly social, forming large flocks in winter and engaging in noisy mobbing of predators. Northwestern Crows mate for life, nest in trees or shrubs, and young remain dependent on parents for several weeks.

Pelagic Cormorant

Species Name: Urile pelagicus
The Pelagic Cormorant is the smallest and most slender cormorant along the Pacific Coast, recognized by its long, thin neck and all-black plumage, with breeding adults showing white flank patches and short crests on the crown. Found from Alaska to Baja California and the Asian Pacific coast, it inhabits rocky shorelines, bays, and coastal cliffs, rarely venturing far from land. This species dives to depths over 130 feet to catch small fish and invertebrates, often foraging alone. Nests are built on narrow cliff ledges and reused for years.

Pied Crow

Species Name: Corvus albus
The Pied Crow is a striking black-and-white corvid native to sub-Saharan Africa and nearby islands. Easily recognized by its glossy black head, wings, and tail contrasted with a broad white chest and belly, it is slightly larger than the Carrion Crow and has a robust, slightly hooked bill. Highly adaptable, Pied Crows thrive in open savannas, grasslands, farmlands, and urban areas, often seen in pairs or small groups but sometimes gathering in large flocks. Exceptionally intelligent, they use tools, cache food, and mimic sounds. Their omnivorous diet includes insects, small animals, fruit, carrion, and human scraps.
Puerto Rican Bullfinch

Puerto Rican Bullfinch

Species Name: Melopyrrha portoricensis
The Puerto Rican Bullfinch, or comeñame, is a stocky, black songbird with bright orange patches above the eyes, around the throat, and under the tail. Endemic to Puerto Rico, it inhabits dense forests and coffee plantations, foraging for fruit, seeds, insects, and spiders. Measuring 17–19 cm, it’s often heard before seen, thanks to its loud whistles and trills. Nests are spherical with a side entrance, usually placed low in trees or shrubs; clutches contain two to three greenish eggs.

Puerto Rican Oriole

Species Name: Icterus portoricensis
The Puerto Rican Oriole is a striking black songbird with bold yellow patches on its lower belly and shoulders. Endemic to Puerto Rico, it inhabits forests, mangroves, plantations, and especially areas with palm trees, where it weaves hanging basket nests beneath palm leaves. Both sexes look alike and sing, producing complex songs made of up to 27 different notes. Omnivorous, it forages for insects, fruit, lizards, nuts, and grains in dense vegetation. Family groups often remain together after breeding. Threats include habitat loss and nest parasitism by shiny cowbirds, but the species is still classified as Least Concern.
Puerto Rican Woodpecker

Puerto Rican Woodpecker

Species Name: Melanerpes portoricensis
The Puerto Rican Woodpecker is the only woodpecker endemic to Puerto Rico, easily recognized by its glossy black body, bright red throat and breast, and a white band across the forehead. Males are slightly larger and have more vivid red coloring than females. This species thrives in forests, mangroves, coffee plantations, parks, and gardens across the main island, feeding mainly on insects but also enjoying fruit and occasionally small vertebrates. Its loud "wek-wek-wek" call is a common sound in Puerto Rican woodlands. Old nest cavities are often reused by other native birds.

Red-billed Oxpecker

Species Name: Buphagus erythrorynchus
The Red-billed Oxpecker is a medium-sized, olive-brown bird easily recognized by its vivid red bill and yellow eye-ring. Native to the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, it forms a remarkable mutualistic relationship with large mammals like buffalo, giraffe, and rhino, feeding on ticks and other parasites from their skin. Specialized claws and stiff tail feathers help it cling to moving hosts. Highly social, oxpeckers communicate with sharp, hissing calls and may even alert hosts to predators. Their diet also includes earwax and blood from wounds, sparking debate over whether they are always helpful. Nests are built in tree cavities lined with animal hair.

Rook

Species Name: Corvus frugilegus
The Rook is a large, sociable black bird native to Europe and Asia, easily recognized by its bare, pale-grey face and cone-shaped head. It forms noisy colonies called rookeries, nesting high in tall trees near farmland, villages, or parks. Rooks forage in flocks, probing fields for grubs, worms, seeds, and grain, but also eat insects, small mammals, and carrion. Highly intelligent, they use tools and have excellent memories. Unlike crows, adult rooks show a whitish patch at the bill’s base. Some rookeries have been used for over a century.

Sooty Tern

Species Name: Onychoprion fuscatus
The Sooty Tern is a large, striking seabird with black upperparts, white underparts, a white forehead, and a deeply forked tail. Found across tropical oceans worldwide, it spends most of its life at sea, sometimes remaining airborne for 3 to 10 years without landing, as it cannot float due to a lack of waterproofing oil in its feathers. Sooty Terns feed by skimming fish and squid from the ocean’s surface and rarely come to land except to breed in dense colonies on remote islands. Their loud, piercing calls and aerial courtship displays are characteristic of their nesting grounds.

Torresian Crow

The Torresian crow (Corvus orru) is a smart, adaptable bird native to northern and western Australia, as well as nearby regions in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Known for its glossy black feathers and white eyes, it thrives in rainforests, farmlands, and cities. An opportunistic omnivore, it feeds on everything from insects to carrion. Remarkably, it has learned to eat toxic cane toads safely—a skill passed down culturally within crow populations.

Types of Crows

The Corvidae family, renowned for its intelligence and adaptability, includes crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws, magpies, and jays. Within this family, the genus Corvus encompasses the "true crows" - a group of 43 recognized crow species found on every continent except South America and Antarctica. These birds are characterized by their robust build, all-black or mostly black plumage, strong bills, and remarkable problem-solving abilities. Crows occupy diverse habitats, from forests and grasslands to cities and islands. Many species are highly social, form complex social structures, and display advanced tool use and vocal mimicry. Their ecological roles range from scavengers to seed dispersers, making them vital to many ecosystems.

White-necked Raven

Species Name: Corvus albicollis
The white-necked raven is a large, intelligent bird native to the highlands of eastern and southern Africa. Recognizable by its white nape and glossy black plumage, this adaptable corvid thrives in mountainous terrain, open savannas, and even urban settings. It feeds on everything from insects and carrion to human scraps, often displaying clever foraging tactics like dropping nuts on rocks. Monogamous pairs build sturdy nests on cliffs or tall trees. As both scavenger and predator, it plays a vital ecological role while showcasing striking social and problem-solving behaviors.

Yellow-billed Magpie

Species Name: Pica nutalli
The Yellow-billed Magpie is a striking, large black-and-white bird with shimmering blue-green wings and tail, and a distinctive bright yellow bill and eye ring. Endemic to California’s Central Valley and nearby foothills, it thrives in open oak woodlands, farmlands, and orchards. Highly social, these magpies nest in loose colonies and build dome-shaped nests high in trees. Their varied diet includes insects, acorns, grains, fruit, carrion, and even garbage. Known for their intelligence, they can mimic sounds and sometimes hold "funerals" for dead flockmates. The species is vulnerable due to habitat loss and West Nile virus.
Yellow-shouldered Blackbird

Yellow-shouldered Blackbird

Species Name: Agelaius xanthomus
The Yellow-shouldered Blackbird is a glossy black songbird with a distinctive yellow patch on its "shoulders" outlined by a narrow white margin. Endemic and endangered in Puerto Rico, it inhabits mangroves, arid scrublands, and coastal forests. Males and females look alike, though males are slightly larger. These birds are primarily insectivorous but also eat some plant material, like cactus fruits. Nests are built in tree cavities, palm fronds, or cliff crevices, often in small colonies. Habitat loss and nest parasitism threaten the species. Their bright yellow epaulets set them apart from the similar red-winged blackbird.

Yellow-winged Blackbird

Species Name: Agelasticus thilius
The Yellow-winged Blackbird is a striking, stocky bird found in wetlands and reed beds across South America. Males are glossy black with bold yellow shoulder patches that are most visible in flight, while females are brown and streaked with a pale eyebrow. These blackbirds are rarely far from water, often forming small flocks and breeding colonially in reeds. They forage mainly on the ground for seeds, fruits, and insects, sometimes following livestock or farm machinery to catch disturbed prey. Fun fact: males perform acrobatic display flights and flocks will mob predators to drive them away.

What makes black birds black?

The coloration of black plumage in various bird species, including blackbirds, grackles, starlings, and birds of paradise, is influenced by several biochemical elements. Here are some key factors:

What makes black birds black?

  • Copper and Other Elements: Copper, along with zinc, iron, and manganese, is commonly present in feather pigments and plays a vital role in physiological functions.
  • Carotenoids and Feather Color: Not all red, orange, and yellow bird feathers contain carotenoids, as revealed by biochemical studies[1].
  • Melanin Pigmentation: Melanin, a widespread component of plumage coloration[2], exhibits diverse patterns in bird species[3].
  • Systemic Glutathione (GSH) Levels: The development of eumelanin-based plumage coloration requires low GSH levels, although maintaining such levels can pose risks to the organism.
  • The Complexity of Metal, Melanin, and Fitness Relationship: The interplay between metals, melanin, and fitness in birds is more intricate than initially anticipated, with melanin-based coloration influencing the effects of lead on fitness parameters.
  • Unique Feather Nanostructure: Birds of paradise possess the blackest feathers, which have distinct nanostructures at the microscopic level. These structures enhance light scattering and absorption, resulting in a dull black appearance.

These factors contribute to black-plumaged birds’ fascinating diversity, encompassing biological aspects and cultural perceptions.

Suggested Reading: Explore African Birds here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common blackbird?

What is the most common blackbird?

The most common blackbird is the Common Blackbird (Turdus merula), found throughout most of Europe, North Africa, India, and southern China. The adult male of this species is all black except for a yellow eye-ring and bill and has a rich, melodious song; the adult female and juvenile have mainly dark brown plumage.

What does a blackbird signify?

What does a blackbird signify?

The blackbird is a powerful symbol with many spiritual meanings and symbolism across different cultures and faith traditions. In ancient Egypt, blackbirds symbolized the cycle of life, representing rebirth and regeneration. In Japanese culture, the blackbird is associated with the God Izanagi.

What is the difference between blackbirds, crows, and ravens?

What is the difference between blackbirds, crows, and ravens?

Blackbirds, crows, and ravens are all black-colored birds, but they belong to different families of birds. Here are the main differences between them based on some important features:

Blackbirds:

  • Blackbirds are part of the thrush family and have a solid but small bill.
  • They are relatively smaller than crows and ravens, with a grey-colored neck.
  • Black birds often have yellow eyes or bright yellow markings around their eyes.
  • Blackbirds’ calls are much more melodious than crows and ravens.

Crows:

  • Crows are part of the Corvidae family and have a dainty beak.
  • They are smaller than ravens and have a rounded or squared-off tail.
  • Crows are not glossy black but give off a violet-colored hue when seen from the right perspective.
  • Crows tend to live in larger groups known as murderers and are more aggressive than ravens.

Ravens:

  • Ravens are also part of the Corvidae family and have a much thicker and heavier beak than crows.
  • They are larger than crows and have a wedge-shaped tail which is more obvious during flight.
  • Ravens are glossy black and give out an iridescence in blue, green, or purple colors.
  • Ravens travel alone or in pairs, producing a croaking and/or rattling sound.

In summary, the main differences between blackbirds, crows, and ravens are their size, bill shape, tail shape, glossiness of their black color, and the sound they produce.

What bird looks like a blackbird?

What bird looks like a blackbird?

Many birds look like blackbirds, and it can be difficult to distinguish them from one another. Some birds that look like blackbirds include crows, ravens, grackles, cowbirds, starlings, and red-winged blackbirds. While these birds may have predominantly black plumage, they may also have other colors or markings that can help with identification. For example, red-winged blackbirds have red and yellow patches on their wings, while grackles have iridescent feathers that can appear blue or purple in the sunlight.

What birds are mostly black?

What birds are mostly black?

Many birds are mostly black, and some of the most common ones include:

  • American Crow
  • Common Raven
  • European Starling
  • Common Grackle
  • Brown-headed Cowbird
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • Brewer’s Blackbird
  • Rusty Blackbird
  • Boat-tailed Grackle
  • Yellow-headed Blackbird
  • Black-billed Magpie
  • American Redstart

These birds belong to different families with different sizes, shapes, and markings. Some have glossy black feathers, while others have black feathers with other colors or speckles. Some are more common in urban or suburban areas, while others are more likely to be found in fields and open spaces.

What are the blackbirds called?

What are the blackbirds called?

There are many birds that are mostly black, and they belong to different families of birds. Some of the most common black birds include American Crow, Common Raven, European Starling, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer’s Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Boat-tailed Grackle, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Black-billed Magpie, and American Redstart. These birds have different sizes, shapes, and markings; some have glossy black feathers, while others have black feathers with other colors or speckles.

What is the black bird similar to a crow?

There are many birds that look like crows but aren’t. Here are some of the most common ones:

What is the black bird similar to a crow?

  • Common Raven
  • European Starling
  • Common Grackle
  • Brown-headed Cowbird
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • Brewer’s Blackbird
  • Rusty Blackbird
  • Boat-tailed Grackle
  • Yellow-headed Blackbird
  • Black-billed Magpie
  • American Redstart
  • Tricolored Blackbird
  • Bobolink
  • Great-tailed Grackle
  • Black Swift
  • Black-headed Grosbeak
  • Shiny Cowbird
  • Bronzed Cowbird
  • Black Rail
  • Common Gallinule
  • Chihuahuan Raven
  • Western Jackdaw
  • Pied Currawong
  • Western Rook
  • Alpine Chough

These black birds belong to different families with different sizes, shapes, and markings. Some have glossy black feathers, while others have black feathers with other colors or speckles. Some are more common in urban or suburban areas, while others are more likely to be found in fields and open spaces.

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BioExplorer.net. (2025, May 14). Black Birds. Bio Explorer. https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/birds/black/.
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BioExplorer.net. "Black Birds" Bio Explorer, May 14 2025. https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/birds/black/.
Key References
  • [1]“Oxidative stress and information content of black and yellow plumage coloration: an experiment with greenfinches – PubMed”. Accessed June 08, 2023. Link.
  • [2]“The adaptive significance of dark plumage for birds in desert environments”. Accessed June 08, 2023. Link.
  • [3]“Diversity, physiology, and evolution of avian plumage carotenoids and the role of carotenoid-protein interactions in plumage color appearance – ScienceDirect”. Accessed June 08, 2023. Link.
  • [4]“Identifying Black Birds – K-12 Education”. Accessed June 16, 2023. Link.

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