Many North American bird species display primarily black plumage pigmentation. However, a few striking varieties stand out thanks to bold white stripes contrasting their dark feathers. Typically these white markings occur on the wings, tail or body. When noticed on fast-moving or stationary birds, these white stripes capture attention and help observers identify special species. Keep reading to discover some of the most notable black birds boasting crisp white racing stripes.
Birds With White-Striped Wings
Several common larger black corvids and smaller songbirds feature obvious white wing stripes useful in identification:
Steller’s Jays
Cresting blue-black heads and piercing cyan eyes, Steller’s Jays common along the US West Coast frequently showcase conspicuous white wing patches thanks to white-tipped feathers. Watch for these markedly loud jays occupying mixed flocks near mountain pine forests.
Red-Winged Blackbirds
One of the most abundant and recognizable black birds thanks to male Red-winged blackbirds’ distinctive scarlet-red shoulder epaulettes contrasting jet black elsewhere, migrating flocks also display crisp median white stripes on otherwise dark wings in flight. Females appear more frosted streaky brown.
Black-Throated Blue Warblers
Among spring and summer-visiting eastern US warblers, the small yet savvy Black-throated Blue males offer white wing bars framing brilliant azure blue patches contrasting sooty black heads through bellies. Their lovely lyrical signature “zoo-zee zoo-zoo zee” calls ring through deciduous understories.
Birds With White-Striped Tails
Besides wings, white tail stripes also typify certain species occupying various habitats:
Northern Flicker
Easily identified thanks to unique black spotted plumage, the Northern Flicker woodpecker common across forests of western and eastern US sports flashy white rump patches easily visible during fly-bys. Plus this largest woodpecker blends brown barred wings below with a handsome black or red mustached face depending on regional variety.
Western Meadowlark
Oft heard before seen thanks to exuberantly flute-clear whistling permeating prairie landscapes, the Western Meadowlark displays a vibrant yellow underbelly with contrasting black V necklace, white outer tail feathers and a striped head certain to captivate birders and outdoorsmen alike.
Birds With White Body Stripes
Rarer but no less dramatic, a few species bear piercing white body stripes:
White-Breasted Nuthatch
Descending tree trunks head first unlike other small birds, the agile White-Breasted Nuthatch lives up to its descriptive name with snowy throats abruptly separated from blue-gray backs capped with signature black nape racing stripes.
Brown-Headed Cowbird
Parasitically laying eggs in other host nests, female Brown-headed Cowbirds present uniformly gray-brown plumages distinctly striped white at the throat while males appear glossy oil-slick black save for pale brown napes.
Spotting sharp white accents on common black birds helps bird enthusiasts swiftly identify flashy Steller Jays, ubiquitous Red-winged Blackbirds, acrobatic Black-capped Chickadees and more backyard species instantly livening landscapes continent-wide with activity thanks to these eye-catching white embellishments!
Noteworthy Black and White-Striped Birds
| Name | Stripe Location | Key Habitats |
|---|---|---|
| Steller’s Jay | White wing patches | Western mountain pine forests |
| Red-winged Blackbird | White median wings | Wetlands and fields countrywide |
| Black-throated Blue Warbler | White wing bars | Eastern deciduous forests |
| Northern Flicker | White rump | Forests across western and eastern US |
| Western Meadowlark | White outer tail feathers | Western prairies and grasslands |
| White-breasted Nuthatch | White throat stripe | Mixed deciduous forests |
Table: Summary of Common Black and White-Striped Birds, Key Markings and Favorite Habitats
Conclusion
Many North American birds display black feathering for female cryptic camouflage amid nests or male visual dominance flashing iridescence. Smart birders realize spotting sharp white tail stripes, wing bars or teardrop eye lines offers handy identification clues amid sometimes chaotic and fast-moving backyard mixed flocks. Watching for these high contrast black and white accents helps afford observers better chances keeping tabs on tricky species that may otherwise vanish from view and memory quickly as so many birds tend. Look sharp and focus on flashy black and white signals to discover who exactly just dropped by!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some black colored birds display white stripes?
High visual contrast serves both camouflage functions for vulnerable sooty females incubating dark nests but also as ornamentation helping light-catching flashy males attract more mates by accentuating movements dramatically during competitive breeding rituals at leks when every opportunity must be exploited fully.
Where are white stripes most commonly found on black birds?
White spots frequently occur on wings, tails or bellies though some species like the Black-capped Chickadee display striking white racing stripes above and behind eyes perhaps offering fellow flock members easy follow focal points while others don excellently mustached faces courtesy of white-outlined black feathers befitting tuxedoed gentlemen about town.
What are some black and white striped birds outside North America?
Examples of black birds with crisp white patterns found in other world regions include the African Pied Crow showing white feather edging throughout, Madagascar’s spectacular Sickle-billed Vanga sporting bold white facial stripes, and New Zealand’s fierce White-faced Heron identified easily by namesake white plumes around otherwise dark head and neck.
Can birds other than black in color still display white stripes?
Yes, contrast remains effective even on paler canvas. Examples include brightly-plumed tanagers of the neotropics, the Galapagos hawk in Pacific islands or crested Northern Cardinals closer by displaying prominent superciliums arching above masked black faces toward napes in show-stopping Vaughn Monroe fashion. Creamy bars, spots and streaks abound worldwide!
