Black Birds
From iridescent starlings to bold grackles, identify the black-colored birds in your area. Many 'black' birds reveal stunning colors in the right light.
13 species
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
One of the most recognizable backyard birds in North America. The male Northern Cardinal is a brilliant red with a pointed crest and black face mask. Females are warm brown with reddish tinges on the wings, tail, and crest.
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
A bold, intelligent, and strikingly beautiful bird with bright blue plumage, a white chest, and a distinctive crest. Blue Jays are known for their loud calls and complex social behavior.
Black-capped Chickadee
Poecile atricapillus
A small, friendly, and curious bird easily recognized by its black cap and bib, white cheeks, and cheerful 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call. One of the most beloved backyard birds.
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
A small, delightful finch known for its bright yellow breeding plumage. Males in summer are vivid lemon-yellow with black wings and forehead. In winter, both sexes become dull olive-brown.
Downy Woodpecker
Dryobates pubescens
The smallest and most common woodpecker in North America. A frequent backyard visitor known for its gentle tapping on trees and suet feeders.
White-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta carolinensis
A compact, active bird often seen creeping headfirst down tree trunks — a feat unique among birds. Known for its nasal 'yank-yank' call.
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
An introduced species from Europe, now one of the most widespread birds in the world. Males have a gray crown, black bib, and chestnut nape. Extremely adaptable to urban environments.
European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
An introduced but striking bird. In breeding plumage, starlings are glossy black with iridescent purple and green sheens. In winter, they are covered in white speckles.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus
Despite its name, the most visible red is on its head, not its belly. A common and vocal woodpecker of eastern woodlands and backyards.
Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
One of the most abundant birds in North America. Males are jet black with brilliant red and yellow shoulder patches. Their 'conk-la-ree' song is a quintessential sound of marshes.
Northern Flicker
Colaptes auratus
A large, colorful woodpecker that spends much of its time on the ground, unlike most woodpeckers. Two color forms exist: yellow-shafted in the East and red-shafted in the West.
Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
A large, iridescent blackbird with a long keel-shaped tail and piercing yellow eyes. In good light, their plumage shimmers with purple, green, and bronze hues.
Brown-headed Cowbird
Molothrus ater
A brood parasite — females lay their eggs in other birds' nests, letting the host species raise their young. Males have glossy black bodies with chocolate-brown heads.