Did you latterly see a thriller BLACK and WHITE hen in the USA?
In that case, I’m guessing you are attempting to determine the species appropriately!
Properly, you’re in the appropriate place. Beneath, you’ll study concerning the completely different BLACK and WHITE hens present in the USA. I’ve included high-quality photos and vary maps that will help you!
Fortuitously, most of the black and white birds listed under go to hen feeders, so you’ve gotten a terrific probability of attracting them to your yard. If you happen to’re extremely lucky, you might even see one at my hen feeding station proper now! I’ve a LIVE high-definition digital camera watching my hen feeders 24/7. ?
22 BLACK and WHITE birds that stay in the USA:
#1. White-breasted Nuthatch
Identifying Traits:
- Each sexes look nearly the identical.
- Males have a black cap on the highest of their heads.
- Females show a lighter, extra grey crown.
White-breasted Nuthatches are compact birds with no neck, a brief tail, and an extended pointy invoice. Colorwise, they’ve distinctive white cheeks and chest, a black again and stripes, and a grey again.
White-breasted Nuthatch Vary Map
Search for these gray, black, and white birds in the USA in deciduous forests. However they adapt nicely to the presence of people and are sometimes seen at parks, cemeteries, and wooded backyards visiting hen feeders. Use sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet, safflower seeds, and mealworms to draw nuthatches.
These birds are extremely vocal AND make distinctive noises which might be comparatively straightforward to determine! You might be most certainly to listen to a “yank” name, which is given at any time of 12 months. This loud and distinctive noise is usually repeated a number of instances in a row. (Press PLAY to hear under)
#2. Darkish-eyed Junco
Figuring out traits:
- Easy and soft-looking slate grey with a white stomach.
- Small pale invoice, lengthy tail with white outer feathers.
Darkish-eyed Juncos are in all probability the most typical black and white birds in the USA. A latest estimate units their inhabitants round 630 million.
You may simply determine these sparrows by how easy their feathers look. It seems like they’d be as gentle as a chinchilla to the touch. ?
Darkish-eyed Junco Vary Map
This species is present in pine and mixed-coniferous forests once they breed, however in winter, they’re in fields, parks, woodlands, and backyards. Darkish-eyed Juncos like to go to feeders within the winter, however ONLY ON THE GROUND, the place they eat fallen seeds.
#3. Black-capped Chickadee
These black and white birds are some of the beloved species in the USA, and it’s straightforward to see why! Black-capped Chickadees are sometimes described as “cute.” They’re tiny, with an outsized head that encompasses a black cap and bib.
Naturally, search for them in open deciduous forests, thickets, and cottonwood groves. In addition they adapt simply to the presence of individuals and are widespread to see in backyards and parks.
Black-capped Chickadee Vary Map
The truth is, when you arrange a brand new hen feeder, chickadees will possible be the primary birds to go to, as they’re interested by something new of their territory. One of the best meals to make use of are sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet. Their small measurement and athletic potential imply these birds can use nearly any kind of feeder!
#4. Carolina Chickadee
Carolina Chickadees are small birds with a particular black cap and bib, pale white cheeks, a grey again, and white underparts. Each men and women look the identical.
You need to be capable to spot these black and white birds in the USA in deciduous and blended woodlands and swampy areas. Carolina Chickadees additionally adapt nicely to people and are extraordinarily widespread in parks and suburban and concrete backyards!
Carolina Chickadee Vary Map
Like most chickadees, they’re intensely curious and clever. Attempt attracting them to your yard by providing a mix of sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet. Due to their small measurement and acrobatic skills, they’ll use nearly each kind of hen feeder.
#5. Northern Mockingbird
Figuring out Traits:
- Medium-sized songbird with a LONG, slender tail.
- Distinctive white wing patches which might be seen when in flight.
These black and white birds are laborious to overlook in the USA!
First, Northern Mockingbirds LOVE to sing, and so they hardly ever cease. Generally they may even sing by means of the complete night time. If this occurs to you, it’s suggested to maintain your home windows closed if you wish to get any sleep. ?
Northern Mockingbird Vary Map
As well as, Northern Mockingbirds have daring personalities. For instance, it’s widespread for them to harass different birds by flying slowly round them after which approaching with their wings up, exhibiting off their white wing patches.
They’re widespread in backyards however hardly ever eat from hen feeders. Nonetheless, I’ve heard from many individuals complaining that mockingbirds are scaring away the opposite birds from their feeders, though mockingbirds don’t eat from feeders themselves!
#6. Downy Woodpecker
Figuring out Traits:
- A shorter invoice that’s comparatively small in comparison with different woodpecker species.
- White bellies, with a principally black again that options streaks and spots of white.
- Male birds have a particular purple spot on the again of their head.
Downy Woodpeckers are some of the widespread black and white birds in the USA!
Naturally, they’re seen in deciduous woods which have a water supply close by. However these birds have tailored nicely to human improvement and are generally noticed in suburban backyards, parks, orchards, and cemeteries.
Downy Woodpecker Vary Map
Fortunately, this black and white species is straightforward to attract to your yard. One of the best meals to make use of are suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts (together with peanut butter). You could even spot them ingesting sugar water out of your hummingbird feeders! If you happen to use suet merchandise to draw woodpeckers, use a specialised suet hen feeder.
#7. Bushy Woodpecker
Figuring out Traits:
- Their our bodies are black and white general with an extended, chisel-like invoice.
- Male birds might be recognized by a purple patch on their heads, which females lack.
These black and white birds are widespread in the USA in mature forests, suburban backyards, city parks, swamps, orchards, and even cemeteries. Look-wise, Bushy Woodpeckers have been in comparison with troopers, as they’ve cleanly striped heads and an erect, straight-backed posture whereas on bushes.
Bushy Woodpecker Vary Map
Bushy Woodpeckers might be tough to determine as a result of they appear nearly similar to Downy Woodpeckers! These two birds are complicated to many individuals and current an issue when determining the right species.
Listed below are 3 methods to distinguish Bushy vs. Downy Woodpeckers:
Measurement:
- Bushy Woodpeckers are bigger and measure 9 – 11 inches lengthy, which is about the identical measurement as an American Robin. A Downy is smaller and solely measures 6 – 7 inches in size, barely greater than a Home Sparrow.
Invoice:
- Trying on the measurement of their payments in relation to their head is my FAVORITE option to inform these woodpeckers aside. Downys have a tiny invoice, which measures a bit lower than half the size of their head, whereas Hairys have a invoice nearly the identical size as their head.
Outer tail feathers:
- If all else fails, attempt to get a superb have a look at their outer tail feathers. Hairys will likely be fully white, whereas Downys are noticed black.
*Only a warning that the majority species of woodpeckers are black and white. So if the hen you noticed was a woodpecker however NOT a Downy or Bushy, take a look at the under article for extra assist.* ?
#8. Snow Bunting
Identifying Traits:
- Spherical bodied with a brief thick conical invoice.
- Breeding males are nearly all white, with black on the again.
- Females and non-breeding males are white however have brown-streaked backs and brownish heads.
These charming black and white birds are a delight to see in the USA!
However since Snow Buntings select frigid places excessive within the Arctic to breed, your finest probability to search out them is in winter in open fields alongside the roadside.
Snow Bunting Vary Map
Even in summer time, Snow Buntings must work laborious to maintain their hatchlings heat sufficient to outlive. They construct their nests within the deep cracks of rocks and use a thick fur lining to guard the eggs. They by no means actually go away the nest, guaranteeing it stays heat, and the male comes and feeds the mom each fifteen minutes.
#9. Frequent Loon
Figuring out Traits:
- Lengthy our bodies with a powerful, thick, dagger-like invoice. They sit low within the water.
- Breeding adults have a black head and a black and white checkerboard again.
- Non-breeding adults are a lot duller and have a uniformly grayish again and head.
Frequent Loons are one among my FAVORITE black and white birds in the USA.
These attractive waterbirds are robust and quick swimmers and routinely catch fish in high-speed underwater chases. The truth is, they’ve even tailored strong bones (most hen bones are hole), which makes it simpler to dive since they’re much less buoyant.
Frequent Loon Vary Map
To assist stop different birds from stealing their meals, Frequent Loons usually swallow their prize whereas nonetheless underwater. And to make sure the slippery fish doesn’t escape as soon as caught, loons have rear-facing projections inside their mouth that sink in and supply a decent grip.
One among my favourite issues about these black and white birds is the great, eerie sounds they make. Pay attention for a repertoire of vocalizations, which all signify one thing. LISTEN BELOW!
For instance, their tremolo calls are used when alarmed. Yodeling is given by males to announce their territories. And their well-known haunting wail calls assist mated pairs find one another.
#10. Frequent Goldeneye
How you can determine:
- Males have a darkish inexperienced head, a vivid yellow eye, and a particular white cheek patch. The physique is generally white with a black again and rump.
- Females have a brown head, a brief darkish invoice with a yellow tip on the finish, and a pale yellow eye. Search for their white neck collar and grayish our bodies.
Frequent Goldeneyes are knowledgeable diving geese. These birds can keep underwater for as much as a minute as they seek for their prey, which incorporates aquatic invertebrates, fish, fish eggs, together with seeds and tubers from submerged vegetation.
Fortunately, their inhabitants has remained robust and secure. One among their greatest threats is that they’re cavity nesters and depend on forestry practices that don’t minimize down lifeless bushes. Many devoted folks have put up nest containers of their breeding vary to assist present extra good nesting spots.
Frequent Goldeneye Vary Map
Hunters generally consult with the Frequent Goldeneye because the “whistler” due to their wings’ distinctive whistling noises when flying.
*Only a warning that numerous different geese in the USA are black and white, however the Frequent Goldeneye is the one one on this checklist. So if the hen you noticed was a duck however NOT a Frequent Goldeneye, take a look at the under article for extra assist.* ?
#11. Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Figuring out Traits:
- Stocky birds with a big, triangular invoice. Concerning the measurement of an American Robin.
- Males have black backs and wings, with a particular purple mark on their white breast.
- Females are closely streaked with white eyebrows and a pale invoice.
These black and white birds are widespread guests to feeders in the USA!
It’s straightforward to see how these lovely birds bought their title. One have a look at the males, and also you’ll instantly discover the brilliant purple plumage topping their white breasts. Then again, females might be troublesome to determine, as they appear just like many different brown birds.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks use their big triangular invoice to crack open sunflower seeds in backyards. I’ve by no means seen one among them use a tube feeder; I don’t suppose the perches present sufficient area. So as an alternative, the most effective feeders to draw them are hoppers, platforms, or trays.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Vary Map
Rose-breasted Grosbeak males sing to determine territories and entice females. Sadly, when the feminine exhibits up, the male typically performs hard-to-get, rejecting her for a day or two earlier than lastly accepting her as a mate! However to make up for this habits, they provide the females a break and assist sit on the nest to maintain the eggs heat.
#12. Black-and-White Warbler
Figuring out Traits:
- The physique coloring is streaked black and white, with black wings and two white wing bars.
Black-and-White Warblers are some of the hanging birds in the USA!
Their contrasting black and white streaks make them seem like they’ve been painted in zebra print. Each men and women have black and white streaks on their heads and white eyebrows with a black bar beneath.
Search for them in mature forests with a mixture of deciduous and coniferous bushes. Black-and-White Warblers have additionally been identified to stay in swampy forests within the southern a part of their vary.
Like most different warblers, they eat bugs and spiders, however they’re distinctive in how they forage. As a substitute of choosing by means of leaf litter on the bottom, these gifted birds stroll up and down tree trunks trying to find tasty bites within the bark!
#13. Blackpoll Warbler
Figuring out Traits:
- Their coloring is black, white, and grey.
- A black cap, white cheeks, and gray-barred wings are typical.
The Blackpoll Warbler’s track is so high-pitched it’s typically referred to as nature’s listening to check! The quick, chipping track can simply be confused for an insect. It lasts about three seconds and seems like “tsit tsit TSIT TSIT tsit tsit.”
Blackpoll Warblers journey big distances between their breeding grounds and their winter habitat for such small birds. They’ll fly nonstop for as much as three days over the ocean to their winter house in South America! 
This migration takes a mix of endurance, meals shops, and prevailing wind that pushes them towards their vacation spot. It’s really an unbelievable feat!
To assist this little black and white hen with its annual journey, think about planting native bushes or bushes that the warblers can use as a resting and foraging cease.
#14. Lark Bunting
Identifying Traits:
- A big sparrow that has a round-shaped and thick conical invoice.
- Males are black with a white patch on their wing and a bluish-gray invoice.
- Females and immature males are brown, black, and white, speckled with thick mild brown streaks on the breast and a pale white stripe over the attention.
Males are straightforward to determine as a result of they’re nearly all black, aside from the white feathers on their wings.
Lark Buntings stroll or hop whereas trying to find meals in open areas. However the fascinating factor they may do is gallop on the bottom when chasing a fast-running insect. Females have been discovered to run quicker than males. ?
Lark Bunting Vary Map
Each sexes might be aggressive when different birds come into their territory. Males flick their wings, transfer their our bodies, and ruffle their feathers. On the similar time, females will chase different birds away from their nests.
#15. Loggerhead Shrike
Figuring out Traits:
- Gray songbird with a chunky black masks.
- Black wings. Outstanding white flashes seem throughout flight.
- Search for their distinctive hooked invoice.
Don’t let their small measurement idiot you.
These white, black, and gray birds are deadly predators in the USA!
Loggerhead Shrikes eat quite a lot of prey gadgets, together with birds, bugs, lizards, and small mammals. They’re usually present in grasslands, the place they hunt by perching themselves on a fence, utility put up, or one other distinguished perch.
Loggerhead Shrike Vary Map
They’ve even tailored to searching meals that’s toxic to different species. A Monarch Butterfly is a good instance, which is poisonous to most animals because of the milkweed it consumes. However Loggerhead Shrikes don’t care. They’ll impale the butterfly, then let it sit for just a few days earlier than consuming it, which gives time for the poisons to interrupt down!
#16. Swallow-tailed Kite
Figuring out Traits:
- Search for the deeply forked black tail and pointed wings flying within the sky.
- Lengthy and slender.
- The white head and underparts distinction with the black again and tail.
These black and white birds are unmistakable when flying over the southern United States!
First, seeing the massive forked tail is a lifeless giveaway that you simply’re watching a Swallow-tailed Kite. As well as, these raptors are extremely acrobatic and carry out all types of aerial turns, rolls, and dives!
Sadly, Swallow-tailed Kites should not in the USA lengthy. After just a few months of elevating their younger throughout summer time, they migrate again to South America for the winter.
Swallow-tailed Kite Vary Map
Apparently, these black and white birds generally eat bugs that sting! They’re identified to deliver complete wasps’ nests again to their nest for a feast.
#17. Jap Kingbird
Figuring out Traits:
- Medium-sized hen with black head and again.
- White underparts.
- Distinct white-tipped tail.
Search for these black and white birds in the USA in open areas.
Sadly, Jap Kingbirds aren’t in North America lengthy. In the direction of the top of summer time, these long-distance migrants fly again to South America to spend the winter.
Jap Kingbird Vary Map
Jap Kingbirds are sometimes noticed perching on fence posts, wires, or uncovered vegetation as they watch and watch for bugs to fly previous. As soon as their prey is seen, they fly out to seize their meal. To swallow massive bugs entire, kingbirds usually must beat them towards their perch to melt them up!
Jap Kingbirds might be VERY aggressive in direction of one another and different species when defending their nests and territories. They’re identified to assault animals a lot bigger than themselves, reminiscent of squirrels, hawks, eagles, and crows! The truth is, their scientific title Tyrannus means “king or tyrant,” which is how these birds are inclined to act!
#18. Black-billed Magpie
Figuring out Traits:
- A big black and white hen with an extended tail.
- In the appropriate mild, you may see lovely blue iridescent feathers on the wings and tail.
It’s laborious to overlook these black and white birds in the USA!
Black-billed Magpies demand your consideration. They’re very social, noisy, and comfy residing amongst folks and are generally seen in smaller cities. Naturally, they stay in open grasslands and plains and have a tendency to keep away from dense forests.
Black-billed Magpie Vary Map
Being a part of the corvid household, which additionally contains jays and crows, Black-billed Magpies are extremely clever. One fascinating habits is that they appear to have funerals once they uncover a deceased magpie. Particular person birds will start calling loudly to draw extra magpies, ultimately having as many as 40 birds gathered for 10-Quarter-hour earlier than flying away silently.
#19. Black-necked Stilt
Figuring out Traits:
- Adults are black above and white under with white across the eyes.
- They’ve needle-like payments and rosy pink legs.
These delicate-looking black and white birds favor open habitats in the USA with restricted vegetation and shallow water. Black-necked Stilts forage by wading in shallow waters. They usually seize meals off the water’s floor with their invoice, however additionally they catch flying bugs or chase small fish into the shallows.
Throughout the breeding season, Black-necked Stilts have interaction in animated courtship shows. Simply earlier than mating, the pair will dip their payments within the water after which preen whereas dealing with one another. This motion turns into very frenzied and entails lots of splashing. It’s fairly a vigorous show and unmistakable if you happen to spot it!
Nesting stilts typically type a hoop round an approaching predator, calling loudly, flapping their wings, and leaping up and down in what researchers consult with as a “popcorn show.” This species is even identified to behave aggressively towards people, hanging from behind with their legs.
#20. Crested Caracara
Figuring out Traits:
- Giant, long-legged, and the looks of a flat head.
- Black physique and cap. White neck and cheeks.
- Orangish pores and skin round their face. Yellow legs.
Crested Caracaras are extremely distinctive. Whereas they’re technically falcons, most individuals suppose they seem like hawks. However to make issues extra complicated, they act like vultures, as their major meals supply is carrion. Because of this, they are sometimes seen scavenging on carcasses subsequent to vultures.
As if you’re not already confused about Crested Caracaras, among the finest locations to search out these black and white birds within the southern United States is ON THE GROUND, as they spend lots of time right here strolling round. It’s additionally pretty widespread for these falcons to run down stay prey, which incorporates reptiles, bugs, and small mammals.
Crested Caracaras should not that widespread in the USA and are seen extra usually in Mexico and South America. However if you happen to come throughout one, there isn’t a different hen that appears related!
#21. Western Grebe
- Aechmophorus occidentalis
Figuring out Traits:
- A slender water hen with an extended neck and lengthy dagger-like invoice.
- Black upperparts and a black cap on their head.
- White neck and cheeks. Purple eyes.
Western Grebes are usually present in deep inland lakes with marshy edges in the course of the summer time breeding season, then they migrate to the Pacific Ocean for the rest of the 12 months. It’s uncommon to ever see these black and white birds ashore in the USA.
Western Grebe Vary Map
One have a look at their invoice, and you may inform that Western Grebes are specialists at catching fish. They take lengthy, deep dives on the lookout for their prey. Apparently, whereas preening themselves, they have an inclination to eat their feathers, that are thought to assist defend their abdomen from sharp fish bones!
Western Grebes are identified for his or her elaborate courtship show, which it’s a must to SEE to consider. (Press PLAY under to observe) The female and male raise themselves out of the water and run throughout it collectively, ending with a dive. This “speeding ceremony” usually signifies that two people will quickly be breeding collectively.
#22. Clark’s Grebe
Figuring out Traits:
- A slender water hen with an extended neck and lengthy dagger-like invoice.
- Black upperparts and a black cap on their head.
- White neck and cheeks. Purple eyes.
Clark’s Grebes are nearly similar to Western Grebes. The truth is, they have been thought of the identical species till 1985, when it was discovered they’ve variations of their DNA, make completely different calls, and nearly by no means interbreed.
Clark’s Grebe Vary Map
There are two methods to distinguish a Clark’s Grebe from a Western Grebe:
- First, the invoice of a Clark’s Grebe tends to be a extra vivid orange-yellow colour.
- Second, the black cap doesn’t attain right down to the attention in a Clark’s Grebe. Black plumage surrounds the purple eyes of a Western Grebe.
Clark’s Grebes even carry out the identical “speeding ceremony,” which you’ll be able to watch above, that Western Grebes use to solidify their mating associate.
Which of those BLACK and WHITE birds have you ever seen earlier than in the USA?
Depart a COMMENT under. Be sure you inform us WHERE you noticed the hen. ?