south Dakota birds black and white habitats host attention-grabbing black-and-white birds like chickadees, woodpeckers, juncos, nuthatches, loons, and goldeneye. South Dakota is home to striking black and white colored birds like the Black-capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Dark-eyed Junco, White-breasted Nuthatch, Common Loon, and male Common Goldeneye. Their conspicuous plumage stands out across the state’s varied habitats.
Boasting a diverse landscape spanning the Missouri River valley, rolling prairies and Black Hills, South Dakota provides prime habitat for over 400 bird species. From songbirds and waterfowl to birds of prey and shorebirds, vibrant flashes of color dart across skies, fields, and wetlands. Yet among the rainbow, black and white colored birds stand out for their conspicuously contrasting plumage.
In this extensive guide, we cover where to spot various black and white birds in South Dakota and discuss identification tips, behaviors, calls, feeding preferences, and conservation status. Equipping yourself with helpful facts prepares you to recognize these eye-catching species. Supporting habitat conservation helps ensure future generations can appreciate South Dakota’s incredible bird diversity.
BLACK AND WHITE BIRDS IN SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota hosts a variety of birds with striking black and white plumage. Some species sport all black and white feathers like Magpies and Loons. While others reveal flashy white patches across black wings during flight such as Pelicans and Goldeneyes.
Songbirds like Chickadees and Juncos display modest black-and-white patterns compared to shorebirds like Avocets and Stilts that flaunt bold contrasting colors. Woodpeckers showcase black and white dotted plumage. Swans and Egrets appear elegantly all white.
This extensive guide discusses key identification features to tell similar-looking black and white birds apart. Discover field marks, calls, behavior hints, and ideal sites across South Dakota to add these showy species to your life list.
Downy Woodpecker
South Dakota’s smallest woodpecker displays artful black and white patterns. Downies exhibit white bellies and black wings spotted white. Males sport a red hindcrown patch.
Identification:
- 5-7 inches tall
- Black back barred white
- White face stripes surround the black crown
- White underparts with black spots
- Outer tail feathers are white
- Male red hind crown patch
Behavior:
Year-round residents across South Dakota frequent forests, parks, and backyard feeders. Climb tree trunks and branches pecking for insects. Fond of suet.
Listen for:
- Whinnying call
- Rapid drumroll knocking
Conservation:
Common and increasing across the range. Provide nest boxes and protect forests.
Black-capped Chickadee
Tiny and hyperactive, this songbird displays a cute black “cap” and throat bib against soft grey-beige plumage.
Identification:
- 4-6 inches
- Gray back, wings, and tail
- Blackcap, throat, and “necklace”
- White cheeks and underparts
- Buff colored sides
Behavior:
Gregarious and flocking, active in treetop canopies searching for insects and seeds. Year-round nuthatch mimic.
Listen for:
- “Chick-a-dee-dee” calls
- Whistled “fee-bee” song
Conservation:
Abundant. Provide suitable nesting cavities and urban greenspaces.
Dark-eyed Junco
A plump sparrow marked with dark gray plumage that flashes white outer tail feathers. Females and juveniles appear pale brown.
Identification:
- 6-7 inches
- Dark gray hood, back and breast
- White belly
- Pink bill with black eyes
- White outer tail feathers
Behavior:
Forage in flocks on open ground scratching leaf litter and searching for seeds and insects. Ubiquitous winter visitor retreating north by April.
Listen for:
- Short tic calls
- Sweet rising trills
- Buzzing chips
Conservation:
Still common though populations decline in parts of the breeding range out west. Maintain proper habitat.
White-breasted Nuthatch
An agile climber named for its preferred food source of nuts and seeds. It sports a namesake black “bandit’s mask” stripe running across its face over white cheeks and underparts.
Identification:
- 5-6 inches
- Blue-gray upperparts
- Long black face stripe
- The black cap extends to the nape
- Sturdy dagger-shaped bill
Behavior:
Forages headfirst down tree trunks probing bark crevices for hidden insects and spiders. Also visits feeders.
Listen for:
- Loud raspy calls
- Repeating a tin-horn-like song
Conservation:
Still widespread. Protect mature woods and plant nut and seed-producing trees.
Common Loon
A migratory waterbird sporting snazzy black-and-white checkerboard plumage in summer with iridescent head sheen and striking red eyes. Named for its loud, eerie wailing calls.
Identification:
- 31-40 inches
- Checkered black-and-white back
- Black head and neck collar
- White underparts
- Red eyes
- Straight black bill
Behavior:
Summers on northern lakes diving underwater to spearfish with dagger-like bills. Winters along Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
Listen for:
- Haunting wails
- Yodeling calls
- Tremolo laughs
Conservation:
South Dakota populations are healthy and stable though mercury contamination poses threats.
Common goldeneye
A chunky diving duck sporting a bright golden eye against glossy black heads decorating white necks and bodies. Females boast warmer chocolate brown heads.
Identification:
- 17-21 inches
- Dark green head with golden eyes (male)
- Whitesides and belly
- Black back with white spotting
- Rounded head shape
Behavior:
Winters on lakes and rivers diving for mollusks, aquatic plants, and small fish. Breeds inside tree cavities or nest boxes. Fast erratic flight.
Listen for:
- Male whistling call
- Thrashing wings
Conservation:
South Dakota populations increasing. Protect wetland habitat areas and reduce underwater pollution.
Rose-breasted grosbeak
A beautifully marked songbird sporting a bright red triangle across a white breast and underparts. Black wings reveal white patches in flight.
Identification:
- 8 inches
- Black head, back wings
- White rump patch
- Red triangle breast patch (male)
- Large conical bill
Behavior:
Breeds in woodland edges stop at backyard feeders during migrations. Makes 2,000-mile journeys to and from South America.
Listen for:
- Harmonious warbles
- Sweet whistles
- Robin-like calls
Conservation:
Still common, provides a suitable nesting habitat with mixed native plants. Reduce threats to South American wintering grounds.
Black-and-White Warbler
true to its name, this tiny songbird shows off bold black and white stripes lending superb camouflage as it nimbly creeps up and down tree trunks behaving more like a nuthatch or woodpecker.
Identification:
- 4.5-5.5 inches
- Black and white striped back
- Bold white eyebrow stripe
- White belly with black streaks
- Small sharp bill
- Long tail
Behavior:
Probes bark crevices for insects. Flicks wings and wags tail. Breeds in northern forests and migrates to the southern US and Caribbean.
Listen for:
- Emphatic, buzzy “wee-see” song
Conservation:
Populations generally increase, and provide stopover habitat during migration.
Black-billed Magpie
A brash relative of crows and jays displaying iridescent black plumage with contrasting white bellies, shoulder patches, and wing stripes. Noted for noisy squawking and its sizable dome-shaped nests.
Identification (cont.):
- White shoulders, belly, and wing patches
- Blue-green glossy feathers
- Long black tail with white tips
- Large black bill
Behavior:
Gregarious and territorial, magpies strut across open country in small groups foraging for carrion, rodents, eggs, insects, and grain. They winter in large flocks.
Listen for:
- Harsh gabbling calls
- Rapid shrieks
Conservation:
Common and increasing in western states. Protect varied habitat mosaics.
Loggerhead Shrike
A predatory songbird is also known as a “ butcherbird” featuring gray and white plumage with black wings, eye stripes, and hooked bill.
Identification:
- 8-11 inches
- Gray back and shoulders
- Black wings with white patches
- Black stripe through the eye
- White underparts
- Hooked black bill
Behavior:
Perches in the open country watch for prey such as insects, lizards, and small mammals to impale on thorns or barbed wire. Nests in dense shrubs.
Listen for:
- Harsh scrunch calls
- Chattering trills
Conservation:
Populations declining nationwide. Reduce pesticides, and properly manage grasslands.
Northern Mockingbird
A clever mimic famed for imitating calls of other bird species and being able to recognize over 200 songs. Gray-brown upperparts contrast with white undersides revealed in flight.
Identification:
- 8.5-10.5 inches
- Gray-brown upperparts
- Darker black wings with white patches
- White undersides and outer tail feathers
- Long tail base
Behavior:
Year-round residents of towns, suburbs, and open country with scattered bushes. Sings day and night, especially on moonlit nights.
Listen for:
- Variable songs and calls mimicking other birds
- Harsh chattering
Conservation:
Still widespread, protects varied brush habitats.
Common starling
An aggressive European import known for elaborate aerial displays during winter and its remarkable ability to mimic calls. In winter its plumage becomes peppered with bright white spots.
Identification:
- 7-8.5 inches
- Glossy black plumage with iridescent sheen
- Yellow beak coloration
- White spots in winter fade by spring
Behavior:
Gregarious, aggressive, and noisy birds traveling in gigantic flocks zig-zagging in flight. Perch on wires and rooftops.
Listen for:
- A variety of harsh, mechanical whistles
- Superb mimic abilities
Conservation:
Overly abundant exotic species displacing many native cavity nesters. Limit feeding and exclude them from nest sites.
Snowy egret
A medium-sized heron cloaked in immaculate white plumage that emerges with elegant feathery ornamentation during the breeding season. Bright yellow feet and black bill add bold contrast.
Identification:
- 22-30 inches
- All white plumage
- Long white breeding plumes
- Black legs with bright yellow feet
- Slim black bill
Behavior:
Wades through wetlands plunging bill into water to stab small fish. Nests in small colonies called heronries.
Listen for:
- Raspy croaking
Conservation:
Stable populations after overcoming historical hunting for plumes. Protect wetlands and shallow foraging areas.
Ring-billed gull
One of North America’s most familiar gulls sporting clean white underparts and wings with bold black wingtips circled by a subtle gray ring around a yellow bill.
Identification:
- 18-20 inches
- Whitehead, belly, tail, and back
- Gray upper wings
- Yellow bill with black ring
- Black wingtips with white spots
Behavior:
Coastal species expanding inland. Patrols waterways plunging to snatch fish. Scavenges scraps in parking lots and urban areas.
Listen for:
- Noisy cackling calls
Conservation:
Abundant and still expanding its range across the continent.
Trumpeter swan
One of the world’s heaviest flying birds, this elegant waterfowl sports pure snowy white plumage matching its preferred wintering habitat. Black facial skin and immense size aid identification.
Identification:
- 4-5 feet long
- All white plumage
- Black facial skin with a sloping bill
- Very large with a thick neck
Behavior:
Nests across northern wetlands and ponds. Powerful wingbeats propel these 25+ pound birds capable of reaching 40 mph despite their bulk.
Listen for:
- Loud honking calls
Conservation:
Making an incredible recovery after over-hunting and lead poisoning caused serious declines. Continued habitat protection is vital.
Snow goose
Medium-sized waterfowl sporting pristine white head, neck, and underparts with black wingtips. Some darker plumaged or “Blue Geese” morphs occur.
Identification:
- 24-31 inches
- All white head, neck, and belly
- Dark gray back wings and rump
- Black wingtips
- Orange legs and bill
Behavior:
Nest in huge colonies across the arctic tundra then migrate in tremendous flocks to wintering grounds across the Great Plains down into Mexico.
Listen for:
- High-pitched yapping calls
Conservation:
Booming populations provoke extensive damage to Arctic breeding habitats.
Ross’s Goose
A miniature all-white goose named after its discoverer. It is easily overlooked hidden among immense flocks of Snow Geese. Around a third the size with a higher-pitched call.
Identification:
- 23 inches
- All white plumage
- Black wingtips
- Small rounded head
Behavior:
Nests in arctic colonies then migrate in giant flocks mixed among Snow Geese across the Great Plains headed south.
Listen for:
- High-pitched yelping
Conservation:
Increasing exponentially across North America since the 1960s as it expanded range.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
One of the most cold-hardy warblers, it migrates vast distances sporting a namesake bright yellow rump patch plainly visible when it flits through bare trees. Confusingly variable plumage between seasons and genders.
Identification:
- 4.5-5.5 inches
- Blue-gray back with black streaks
- White throat and belly
- Yellow shoulders and rump
- Dark cap and eyeline
- White wing bars
Behavior:
Forages actively eat insects and berries. Migrates astonishing distances wintering down to South America.
Listen for:
- A loud “chip” call
Conservation:
Still, abundant species adapting readily to bird feeders and non-native plants.
Yellow-headed Blackbird
A large striking member of the songbird family instantly identifiable thanks to its namesake bright yellow head and breast contrasting sharply against glossy black plumage.
Identification:
- 8-10 inches
- All black body
- Bright yellow head and breast
- White wing patches visible during flight
- Large cone-shaped bill
Behavior:
Nests in tidy colonies over water. Migrates in huge noisy flocks swirling in flight. Dominant at bird feeders.
Listen for:
- Harsh “church” calls
- Gurgling squeaks
Conservation:
Still common though populations fluctuate based on prairie wetland quality.
Turkey vulture
An iconic vulture soaring on widespread wings sporting handsome black plumage contrasting stark white flight feathers revealed in flight. Famed for its brilliant sense of smell allowing it to detect dead animals.
Identification:
- 25-32 inches
- All black plumage with brown sheen
- Bald redhead adults
- White flight feathers only
Behavior:
Soars gracefully on widespread wings using air currents to search for carrion. Roosts communally. Spectacular aerial courtship displays.
Listen for:
- Hissing, grunting sounds at roosts
Conservation:
Still common and adapting readily to human areas. Help track migration and reduce lead contamination.
Lark Bunting
A medium-sized songbird that migrates in gigantic flocks across Great Plains grasslands in summer. Males look black from afar and then reveal colorful plumage up close while females appear mostly white.
Identification:
- 6-7 inches
- Male black with white wing patches and belly
- Blue head and orange breastband
- Female light brown and white
Behavior:
Breeds in loose colonies on open prairies with ample ground cover. Travels over 5,000 miles to winter in Mexico.
Listen for:
- Harsh “she-shot” flight calls
Conservation:
Populations declining likely due to habitat loss. Protect native shortgrass prairies.
Lark Sparrow
A vibrant songbird flaunting a bold white breast with a black central spot crowned by a chestnut head. Gray-brown wings reveal flashy white corners in flight.
Identification:
- 5.5-6.5 inches
- Gray-brown upperparts
- Chestnut head with white crown stripes
- White breast with a dark central spot
- White belly and outer tail feathers
Behavior:
Breeds in grasslands are scattered with shrubs and small trees. Winter range concentrated in Mexico. Hops between branches singing a loud musical song.
Listen for:
- Crisp trills and chatters
Conservation:
Decreasing likely due to habitat loss, maintain native shortgrass prairies and scrublands.
Bobolink
Named for its bubbling song, this iconic grassland bird sports a handsome black summer coat that molts to pale brown plumage streaked white in winter. Females and juveniles always appear light brown.
Identification:
- 5.5-7 inches
- Male black with light nape
- Female light brown-streaked white
- Long pointed wings in flight
- Small conical bill
Behavior:
Male defends nesting territory then migrates south leaving female and young behind to make their 2,000-mile journey.
Listen for:
- Bubbling metallic song
Conservation:
Grassland specialists declining due to habitat loss, and maintaining native prairies.
Eastern Kingbird
A slender aggressive songbird earning its name through fiercely defending nesting territories from much larger birds including crows, jays, and raptors. White throat and wing bars stand out across dark gray plumage.
Identification:
- 7-9 inches
- Gray upperparts
- Blacker flight and tail feathers
- White throat and wing bars
- Pale yellow belly
Behavior:
Waiting on open perches to sally out and catch flying insects, sometimes hovering to glean prey from foliage.
Listen for:
- Harsh stuttering “zeet”
Conservation:
Still widespread across much of eastern North America.
Cedar Waxwing
A silky gray songbird named for red waxy secretions on wing feathers. It shows off soft yellow bellies, vivid red tail bands, and striking masks across black faces decorating soft brown plumage.
Identification:
- 6-7 inches
- Pale silky brown coloring
- Black mask with white border
- Yellow band at end of the tail
- Red wax-like wing tips
Behavior:
Gregarious birds travel in flocks between fruit trees. Will occasionally hawk insects in flight. Unique social courtship ritual when mating.
Listen for:
- High thin whistles and buzzy trills
Conservation:
Abundant species adapted readily to human settlement.
Small South Dakota Birds Black and White
Many smaller birds less than 5-6 inches long call South Dakota home that also reveal contrasting black and white patterns including:
Black-and-White Warbler: True to the name, bold stripes cloak this tiny bird as it nimbly creeps tree trunks.
Black-capped Chickadee: A beloved tiny songbird with a cute namesake black cap and throat patch.
Downy Woodpecker: The smallest woodpecker displays artful black and white dotted plumage.
Dark-eyed Junco: Sparrow species flashing white outer tail feathers readily visible in flight over mostly dark gray body.
Magnolia Warbler: Colorful yellow and black with bold white tail spots.
American Tree Sparrow: Warm reddish-brown cap over gray face with crisp black spot central on its breast.
South Dakota Birds Black And White Identification
Identifying black and white birds starts with noting size, bill shape, wing shape, and behavior clues. Use these identification tips:
- Size: Note total length compared to common birds. Is it sparrow, warbler, goose, or hawk-sized?
- Plumage patterns: Note back/wing colors, facial markings, patches of white, and belly/throat colors.
- Bill shape: Study bill size, shape, and color for clues. Warblers have thin pointed bills for catching insects while waterfowl have thicker bills adapted for grabbing vegetation.
- Wing shape: Long broad wings indicate soaring while short rounded wings suggest songbirds. White markings seen when folded while perched or in flight help distinguish species.
- Behavior: How does the mystery bird move? Hopping on the ground like a sparrow or woodpecker climbing a tree trunk and searching for food provides helpful hints.
- Sounds: Learning the common vocalizations aids identification. Listen for chickadees “chick-a-dee-dee”, nuthatch “yank-yank”, gull laughing “ha-ha-ha”.
Once you narrow identification by process of elimination, use a reputable field guide or birding app to match field marks and confirm the identity of black and white birds spotted in South Dakota.
Conclusion
South Dakota provides prime opportunities to spot a remarkable diversity of bird species with conspicuous black and white plumage that stand out against more subtly colored birds in the field. From tiny Downy Woodpeckers and Black-capped Chickadees to Great Egrets stalking marshes and Trumpeter Swans winging overhead, familiarizing yourself with identification tips prepares you to recognize showy black and white birds gracing skies, forests and, wetlands. Providing suitable food sources, nest boxes where needed and protecting essential habitats helps ensure healthy bird populations that we can continue to appreciate for generations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the name of the bird that is black and white?
Some all black and white birds found in South Dakota include:
- Black-billed Magpie
- Black-capped Chickadee
- Common Loon (in breeding plumage)
- Dark-eyed Junco
- Downy Woodpecker
- White-breasted Nuthatch
The male Common Goldeneye duck also has black and white plumage.
What is the bird of South Dakota?
The Ring-necked Pheasant is the official state bird of South Dakota. Male pheasants exhibit colorful plumage with iridescent copper bodies, red face wattles, green-glossed black heads and distinctive white ringed necks.
What kind of bird is black and white with a red head in South Dakota?
If seen in South Dakota, a black and white bird with red hindcrown patching is likely the male Downy Woodpecker. At just 5-7 inches tall, Downies are small forest woodpeckers with black-and-white barred backs, spotted wing plumage and white tail feathers. Females lack the red coloring.
What are the big white birds in South Dakota?
Some of the large white birds found in South Dakota include:
- Trumpeter Swan: Massive waterbirds over 25 pounds with all white plumage and black facial skin. They have an 8-foot wingspan.
- Snow Goose: Weighing 4-6 pounds with white heads, necks, wings and bellies contrasting black wingtips. Some darker morph individuals occur.
What kind of bird is black and white spots?
Several South Dakota birds display black and white spots or striping:
- Woodpeckers: Downy, Hairy and Red-headed woodpeckers feature black and white barred wings, spotted flight feathers and white tail bands.
- Warblers: Magnolia, Black-and-White, Blackburnian, Blackpoll and others have black streaking or spots over white underparts.
- Sparrows: White-crowned, White-throated and Harris’s sparrows reveal flashy white tail corners over darker wings when flying.
- Shorebirds: Ruddy Turnstones sport zebra-like patterning along necks, wings and backs mixed with white bellies and faces.
What is a large black and white bird?
Some larger birds are black with white patches including:
- American White Pelican: Massive waterbirds 15+ pounds that are mostly white except for black wingtips and hindwings.
- Bald Eagle: Iconic raptors over 6 pounds with brown bodies, white heads and tails and yellow beaks as adults. Immatures are mottled brown and white.
- Sandhill Crane: Graceful birds standing over 4 feet tall with red foreheads and predominantly grey plumage except bright white cheeks.
How rare is a white black bird?
An all-white blackbird is extremely rare. White or “leucistic” birds result from genetic mutations causing a loss of melanin pigment. They are spotted intermittently mixed among regularly colored flocks. Sightings are unusual enough to draw attention from birders when reported. Several white blackbirds have been documented in South Dakota.
What is a large black bird with white wings?
Some large black South Dakota birds with bold white patches include:
- American White Pelican: Weighing up to 20 pounds, pelicans are mostly bright white except for conspicuous black primary wing feathers.
- Great Blue Heron: Standing over 4 feet tall, these elegant waders appear blue-gray except for a bright white head and lengthy plume feathers during breeding season.
