23 Notable Black Birds with White Stripe on Wings [Photo and ID Guide]

Get ready to be amazed as we explore the world of 23 black birds with white stripes on their wings in this exciting blog post. From the stunning Tricolored Blackbird to the majestic Eurasian Magpie, we’ve got you covered with gorgeous photos and helpful quick identification tips.

Not only will this post deepen your appreciation for these striking avian species, but it will also equip you with the knowledge to spot them in the wild. 

And, some of the bird species coming under this category appear as Black and White birds at a glance due to having white stripes on their wings.

Whether you’re a bird-watching enthusiast or just starting out, this guide is the perfect way to expand your birding horizons. So, let’s soar into this wonderful world of black birds with white stripes!

Black Birds with White Stripe on Wings in the USA

1 – Yellow-headed Blackbird

Quick Identification Guide of Yellow-headed Blackbird

• Medium-sized bird with a length of about 9-10 inches and a wingspan of 14-16 inches.
• Its body color is mostly black with a bright yellow head and breast.
• The male has a white patch on its wings which is visible when in flight, while the female has a less prominent yellow coloration.
• It has a conical bill that is thick and pointed, and its legs and feet are dark in color.
• This bird’s most distinctive feature is its bright yellow head which can help identify it from other blackbirds or finches.

The Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) is a native bird of North America. It is commonly found in parklands, mountain meadows, arid regions, marshy areas,, and grasslands across the western half of the continent, from Canada To Central America. 

This bird’s preferred habitat includes cattails and bulrushes where it can find food, nesting sites, and cover.

The diet of the Yellow-headed Blackbird consists of insects, seeds, and grains, and it is known to feed on rice crops as well. 

During the breeding season, males establish territories in marshes and wetlands and display their bright yellow heads to attract females. Females build their nests close to the water surface and lay eggs in clutches of 4-6.

The Yellow-headed Blackbird is an important bird species for wetland conservation and management, as it is an indicator of healthy wetland ecosystems. 

Its unique plumage and vocalizations make it a popular species among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

2 – Tricolored Blackbird

Quick Identification Guide of Tricolored Blackbird

• Medium-sized bird with a length of about 8-9 inches and a wingspan of 14-16 inches.
• Its body color is mostly black with a bright red patch on its shoulder and a white patch on its wing.
• Both males and females have a white stripe on their wings, but the male’s stripe is longer and more prominent.
• It has a short and sturdy bill, and its legs and feet are dark in color.
• This bird’s red shoulder patch and white wing patch can help identify it from other blackbirds.

The Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) is a native bird of California in the United States. It is commonly found in wetland areas and grasslands, especially in the Central Valley of California. 

This bird’s preferred habitat includes freshwater marshes, flooded fields, and irrigated pastures where it can find food, nesting sites, and cover.

The diet of the Tricolored Blackbird consists of insects, seeds, and grains, and it is known to feed on rice crops as well. 

During breeding season, males form large colonies and display their red shoulder patches to attract females. Females build their nests in dense colonies and lay eggs in clutches of 3-5.

The Tricolored Blackbird is a bird of conservation concern, as its population has declined by more than 80% in the past century due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other factors, thus considered as an endangered species. Efforts are being made to protect and restore this species and its habitat, making it an important bird species for conservation and management.

3 – White-headed Woodpecker

Quick Identification Guide of White-headed Woodpecker

• Medium-sized bird, about 8.5-10 inches in length.
• It has a distinctive black-and-white striped body, with a white head and neck, and a black back and wings.
• The male and female both have a white stripe on their wings, which is visible in flight.
• The bill is long and chisel-like, used for pecking and drilling into trees to find food.
• The legs and feet are grayish in color.
• This woodpecker has a unique red patch on the nape of its neck, which is visible when the head is turned.

The White-headed Woodpecker (Dryobates albolarvatus) is a striking bird that is native to the western regions of North America. 

These woodpeckers can be found in pine forests, oak woodlands, and mixed coniferous forests. 

They are known for their distinctive black-and-white striped bodies and white heads, which make them easy to identify in flight. The male and female both have a white stripe on their wings, and they also have a unique red patch on the back of their necks. 

These woodpeckers use their long, chisel-like bills to peck and drill into trees in search of insects and larvae. They are also known to eat seeds, berries, and nuts. 

Despite their beautiful appearance, the White-headed Woodpecker is facing threats from habitat loss and degradation, and shrinking of breeding range making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.

4 – Hairy Woodpecker

Quick Identification Guide of Hairy Woodpecker

• Size: Hairy Woodpeckers are medium-sized woodpeckers, measuring around 9-10 inches in length.
• Body color: The body is predominantly black and white, with a solid black back and wings, and white undersides.
• Unique distinguishable colors or patterns of other body parts: The head is black with a distinctive white patch on the neck, red front crown, and the white outer tail feathers have black bars.
• Bill: The bill is long, straight, and chisel-like, black color,  enabling the woodpecker to drill into wood to find food and create nest cavities.
• Legs and feet: The legs and feet are sturdy and adapted for clinging onto vertical surfaces like trees.
• White stripe on wings: Both male and female Hairy Woodpeckers have a white stripe on their wings that is visible in flight.

The Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) is a common woodpecker species that mainly looks like a black and white bird, found throughout much of North America. 

These birds are primarily resident birds, meaning they stay in one place year-round. They are typically found in mature deciduous and mixed forests, but can also be found in parks, orchards, and suburban areas with suitable trees. 

Hairy Woodpeckers have a varied diet, consisting mainly of insects, but also including fruits, nuts, and seeds. 

They use their long, chisel-like bill to excavate wood and find hidden insects, and will also create nest cavities in dead or decaying trees. 

Despite their abundance, Hairy Woodpeckers are still a joy to observe with their distinctive black and white plumage and acrobatic tree-climbing abilities.

5 – Lark Bunting

Quick Identification Guide of Lark Bunting

• Size: Lark Buntings are small to medium-sized sparrows, measuring around 5.5-6.5 inches in length.
• Body color: The male Lark Bunting is mostly black with white wing patches, while the female is brownish-gray with streaks and a pale eyebrow stripe.
• Unique distinguishable colors or patterns of other body parts: The male has a distinctive white patch on the back and white edges on the wings, while the female has a pale eyebrow stripe and streaks on the breast and sides.
• Bill: The bill is short and conical, adapted for cracking open seeds.
• Legs and feet: The legs and feet are strong and adapted for walking and hopping on the ground.
• White stripe on wings: Only the male Lark Bunting has prominent white wing patches, female also has but not prominent.

The Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) is a small songbird species that breeds in the Great Plains region of North America. 

During the breeding season, they can be found in grasslands, prairies, and open fields, where they forage on the ground for seeds and insects. 

In the winter, Lark Buntings migrate to Mexico and the southwestern United States, where they inhabit similar habitats. 

These birds are known for their striking black and white plumage in the breeding season, with the males displaying a bold black coloration and the females a more subdued brownish-gray. 

The male’s white wing patches are also a distinctive feature which makes them appear as a black and white bird, visible in flight or when perched on a fence post or shrub. 

Despite being a common sight in their breeding range, Lark Buntings are declining due to various reasons, making their conservation a priority for bird conservation efforts.

6 – Black-billed Magpie

Quick Identification Guide of Black-billed Magpie

• Medium-sized birds, measuring around 18-24 inches in length, including their long tail.
• Body color: The body is mostly black and white, with a black head, wings, and tail, and a white belly and shoulders.
• Unique distinguishable colors or patterns of other body parts: The wings have distinctive white markings that are visible in flight, and the long tail is black. 
• Bill: black, adapted for probing and picking up insects, small animals, and carrion.
• Legs and feet: The legs and feet are black and strong, adapted for perching and walking on the ground.
• White stripe on wings: Both male and female Black-billed Magpies have white markings on their wings.

The Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) is a striking bird species found throughout much of western North America. Both males and females are black and white birds.  

They are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from open grasslands and riparian woodlands to suburban parks and gardens. 

Black-billed Magpies are known for their striking black and white plumage, with a black head, wings, and tail, and a white belly and shoulders. They also have a distinctive long tail and white markings on their wings. 

These birds are omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of food items including insects, small animals, seeds, and carrion. 

Black-billed Magpies are also known for their intelligence and social behavior, often forming large communal roosts during the winter months. 

7 – Downy Woodpecker

Quick Identification Guide of Downy Woodpecker

• Size: Small birds, measuring around 5-7 inches in length, including their short tail.
• Body color: The body is mostly black and white, with black wings and tail, a white belly, and a white stripe down the center of the back.
• Unique distinguishable colors or patterns of other body parts: The head has a distinctive black and white striped pattern, and males have a small red patch on the back of their heads.
• Bill: The bill is short and straight, adapted for drilling into wood to find insects and sap.
• Legs and feet: The legs and feet are black and strong, adapted for perching and climbing on trees.
• White stripe on wings: Both male and female Downy Woodpeckers have white stripes on their wings.

The Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is a small black and white bird. These charismatic bird species are found throughout much of North America. It is considered the most common woodpecker in eastern North America.

They are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, parks, and gardens. 

Downy Woodpeckers are known for their striking black and white plumage, with a white belly and back, black wings and tail, and a distinctive black and white striped pattern on their head. Males also have a small red patch on the back of their heads. 

These birds are primarily insectivorous, using their short, straight bills to drill into wood to find insects and sap. They are also known for their drumming behavior, which is used to establish territory and communicate with other woodpeckers. 

Despite being a common sight in many parts of their range, Downy Woodpeckers face threats from habitat alteration, making their conservation a concern among conservationists. 

8 – Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Quick Identification Guide of Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

• Size: Small to medium-sized woodpecker, about 7 to 9 inches in length.
• Body color: Mostly black and white, with a yellowish white belly and white wing patches.
• Unique distinguishable colors or patterns of other body parts: Black head with a red forehead and white stripes on the face. White underparts with black spots on the breast and flanks. White stripes on the wings of both males and females.
• Bill: Straight, sturdy, and chisel-like.
• Legs and feet: Grayish or bluish-gray in color.

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) is a small woodpecker found in North America. 

This bird species is commonly found in deciduous forests, especially those with birch and maple trees. 

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is known for drilling rows of holes in trees and feeding on the sap that oozes out. It also feeds on insects, fruits, and nuts. 

The bird’s range includes Canada and the United States, with the species breeding in northern regions and migrating southward during the winter. 

The male and female Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have similar plumage, with both having white stripes on their wings. This bird is a fascinating species to observe in the wild, with its unique drilling behavior and striking black and white plumage.

9 – Black-and-white Warbler

Quick Identification Guide of Black-and-white Warbler

• Size: Small, about 4.5 to 5 inches in length.
• Body color: Black and white striped, with a white belly and black wings.
• Unique distinguishable colors or patterns of other body parts: Bold black and white stripes on the head, back, and sides. The wings have white stripes that form a crescent shape.
• Bill: Thin and pointed, slightly curved downwards.
• Legs and feet: Thin and pale, almost gray in color.

The Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) is a small songbird that is found in North America. 

This species can be identified by its distinctive black and white striped plumage, with bold stripes on the head, back, and sides. The wings have white stripes that form a crescent shape. 

Both males and females have this distinct plumage, and they can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests. 

They are insectivorous, and their diet includes spiders, caterpillars, and other insects. This black and white bird is a migratory bird that breeds in northern regions of North America and spends the winter in the southern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.

The Black-and-white Warbler is a fascinating bird to observe in the wild, with its distinctive striped plumage and unique foraging behavior. 

This small bird is known for its ability to cling to trees and move upside-down along branches, much like a nuthatch. 

Its thin and pointed bill is ideal for probing into crevices to find insects, and its pale legs and feet are adapted for clinging to rough surfaces. The Black-and-white Warbler is a beautiful and unique species that adds to the diversity of North America’s avian fauna.

10 – Anhinga

Quick Identification Guide of Anhinga

• Size: About 35 inches in length, with a wingspan of around 47 inches.
• Body color: Dark brown or black, with a glossy greenish sheen.
• Unique distinguishable features: A long, pointed yellow bill and a long, snake-like neck.
• Bill: Yellow, straight and sharply pointed, used for spearing fish.
• Legs and feet: Long and slender, with sharp claws for perching on trees.
• Male and female: Similar in appearance, but males have slightly longer bills and thicker necks. 
• Both sexes have a white stripe on their wings, visible during flight.

Anhingas (Anhinga anhinga), also known as snakebird or darter, is an aquatic bird found throughout much of the South Americas and breed in southern USA. 

These birds prefer warm, freshwater habitats such as swamps, marshes, and lakes, and can often be seen perched on branches or logs near the water’s edge. 

They are skilled swimmers and divers, using their long, streamlined bodies to propel themselves underwater in search of fish, their primary food source. 

Unlike many other waterbirds, anhingas do not have waterproof feathers, allowing them to dive deeper and stay underwater longer. 

They capture fish by spearing with the rapid thrust of partially opened bill. With their striking appearance and unique behaviors, anhingas are a fascinating species to observe in the wild.

11 – Black Phoebe

Quick Identification Guide of Black Phoebe

• Size: About 6-7 inches in length, with a wingspan of around 10-11 inches.
• Body color: Solid blackish-gray above and white below.
• Unique distinguishable features: A black bill and legs, and a white patch on the belly.
• Bill: Short and stout, ideal for catching insects.
• Legs and feet: Short and strong, with sharp claws for perching and hunting.
• Male and female: Similar in appearance, with no discernible differences. Both have a white patch on the belly.

The Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) is a small, sleek bird found in western North America, from British Columbia down to South America. 

They are commonly found near bodies of water, such as streams, ponds, and marshes, where they perch on low branches or rocks and hunt for insects. 

Black Phoebes are highly territorial and will defend their breeding and feeding areas vigorously. 

Their diet consists mainly of insects, which they catch in mid-air or by perching and darting out to grab them. 

With their distinctive black and white coloring and active behavior, Black Phoebes are a delight to observe in their natural habitats. Continued destruction of riparian habitat and water use practices that divert water from natural drainages are major concerns for their long term survival.

12 – Common Nighthawk

Quick Identification Guide of Common Nighthawk

• Size: About 9-10 inches in length, with a wingspan of around 22-24 inches.
• Body color: Mottled brown and gray, with a distinctive white throat patch and bold black and white bars on the wings.
• Unique distinguishable features: Large eyes and a short, wide bill.
• Bill: Short and wide, with a slightly curved tip.
• Legs and feet: Short and weak, with small claws for perching.
• Male and female: Similar in appearance, with no discernible differences. Both have bold black and white bars on the wings and a white throat patch.

The Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) is a fascinating bird found throughout much of North and South America. 

These birds are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, and can often be seen flying over open areas such as fields, forests, and urban areas. 

They are skilled hunters, catching insects on the wing with their wide mouths and agile flight. 

Common Nighthawks are also known for their unique nesting behavior, laying their eggs directly on the ground or on flat surfaces such as gravel roofs or rocky outcrops. 

With their distinctive markings and unusual habits, Common Nighthawks are a fascinating species to observe in the wild.

Must See Black Birds with White Stripe on Wings in Other Regions (Outside USA)

13 – White-browed Wagtail

Quick Identification Guide of White-browed Wagtail

• Size: About 7 inches in length, with a wingspan of around 11 inches.
• Body color: Mostly black above and white below, with a distinctive white eyebrow stripe.
• Unique distinguishable features: Long, slender tail that is often wagged up and down.
• Bill: Thin and pointed, ideal for catching insects.
• Legs and feet: Long and slender, with sharp claws for perching and hunting.
• Male and female: Similar in appearance, with no discernible differences. Both have a white eyebrow stripe.

The White-browed Wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis) is a small, graceful bird found in Asia and parts of Europe and Africa. This is a black and white bird that always wags its tail.

These birds are typically found near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds, where they hunt for insects and small invertebrates. 

White-browed Wagtails are highly active and are often seen wagging their long tails up and down as they move about. 

They are also known for their distinctive vocalizations, which include a high-pitched, whistling call. 

With their striking black and white plumage and lively behavior, White-browed Wagtails are a delight to observe in their natural habitats.

14 – Gabon Boubou/ Swamp Boubou

Quick Identification Guide of Swamp Boubou

• Size: Medium-sized bird, approximately 9-10 inches (23-25 cm) in length.
• Body color: Glossy black with a purplish-blue sheen.
• Unique distinguishable colors or patterns: White streaks on the underparts and a distinctive white eyebrow that contrasts with the dark plumage.
• Bill: Stout, dark grayish-black bill with a slightly hooked tip.
• Legs and feet: Blackish-brown legs and feet.
• Male and female: Similar in appearance, but the male has a white stripe on its wings, while the female’s wings lack this feature.

The Swamp Boubou (Laniarius bicolor), also known as the Southern Swamp Boubou or Gabon Boubou, is a medium-sized bird that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. 

This black and white bird inhabits swampy areas, riverbanks, and dense forests throughout its range, which extends from Nigeria to Angola and south to South Africa. 

The Swamp Boubou has a distinctive glossy black plumage with a purplish-blue sheen, white streaks on the underparts, and a striking white eyebrow that contrasts with its dark head. 

Its stout, dark grayish-black bill is slightly hooked at the tip, and its legs and feet are blackish-brown. 

The male Swamp Boubou can be distinguished from the female by the presence of a white stripe on its wings. 

These birds are omnivores and feed on a variety of insects, small vertebrates, and fruits. Despite their striking appearance and vocalizations, Swamp Boubous are often inconspicuous and difficult to spot in the dense undergrowth where they reside.

15 – Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike

Quick Identification Guide of Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike

• Size: Small bird, approximately 6-7.5 inches (16-19 cm) in length.
• Body color: Dark grayish-brown upperparts, lighter grayish-brown underparts.
• Unique distinguishable colors or patterns: White patch on the forehead, black face mask, and distinctive white bars on the wings.
• Bill: Black, short and slightly hooked.
• Legs and feet: Blackish-brown legs and feet.
• Male and female: Similar in appearance, but the male has a slightly larger bill and is slightly more colorful, with a darker face mask and a more contrasting white patch on the forehead.

The Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike (Hemipus picatus) is a small bird that is native to the Asian continent. 

This bird can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodland, savanna, and scrub, across a range that extends from Sri Lanka to South eastern Borneo.  

The Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike has a distinctive dark grayish-brown plumage on the upperparts, with lighter grayish-brown underparts. Its face is marked with a black mask and a white patch on the forehead. 

One of the most striking features of this bird is the distinctive white bars on the wings, which are visible in flight. 

Both males and females have these white bars, but the male is slightly more colorful, with a darker face mask and a more contrasting white patch on the forehead. 

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrikes are insectivores and primarily feed on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, which they catch on the wing.

And, this is one of the few black and white birds that live in Asian forests and I have closely observed this bird in Sri Lanka.

16 – White-winged Triller

Quick Identification Guide of White-winged Triller

• Size: Small bird, approximately 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) in length.
• Body color: Grayish-brown upperparts, lighter grayish-brown underparts.
• Unique distinguishable colors or patterns: White wing patches and a distinctive black face mask.
• Bill: Short and black, slightly curved downward.
• Legs and feet: Blackish-brown legs and feet.
• Male and female: Different in appearance, with the male having a black face mask that extends down to the throat and white wing patches, while the female lacks the black face mask and has grayish-brown wings without white patches.

The White-winged Triller (Lalage tricolor) is a small bird that is native to a wide range of habitats across Australia and the islands of the western Pacific. 

This bird can be found in woodlands, forests, and even gardens, and is known for its distinctive grayish-brown plumage, short black bill, and black face mask. 

The male has white wing patches that contrast with its dark wings, while the female lacks these patches and has plain grayish-brown wings. 

White-winged Trillers primarily feed on insects, which they catch on the wing, but will also eat fruit and nectar. Despite their small size, these birds are known for their clear, musical trills, which they use to communicate with other members of their species. 

White-winged Trillers are considered to be widespread and common throughout their range, and are not currently considered to be at risk of extinction.

17 – Magpie-lark

Quick Identification Guide of Magpie-lark

• Size: Medium-sized bird, approximately 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in length.
• Body color: Black and white plumage, with a black head, white throat, and white underparts.
• Unique distinguishable colors or patterns: The white underparts have a distinct black V-shaped throat patch, while the wings have white patches.
• Bill: Long, slender, and black.
• Legs and feet: Long, thin, and black.
• Male and female: Similar in appearance, with both having black and white plumage, although the male is slightly larger and has a longer bill.

The Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) is a medium-sized Black and white bird that is native to Australia and a few areas in New Guinea. 

Also known as the “Mudlark” or “Peewee,” this bird can be found in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and urban areas. 

Magpie-larks are known for their striking black and white plumage, which features a black head, white throat, and distinctive V-shaped bib. They are also known for their clear, musical calls, which are a common sound in many parts of Australia. 

Magpie-larks are omnivores, feeding on a variety of insects, worms, and small vertebrates, as well as seeds and fruits. 

These birds are highly adaptable and can often be seen in urban parks and gardens, where they build their mud nests on tree branches or man-made structures. 

Despite their abundance, Magpie-larks are still considered to be a valuable and beloved part of the Australian birdlife.

18 – Dot-winged Antwren

Quick Identification Guide of Dot-winged Antwren

• Size: Small-sized bird, approximately 3.5-4 inches (9-10 cm) in length.
• Body color: Grayish-brown plumage with black wings and tail. Males have distinctive white spots on their wings, while females have reddish-brown underparts.
• Unique distinguishable colors or patterns: Male dot-winged antwren have white spots on their wings, while both males and females have a white patch on their throat.
• Bill: Short and pointed, with a black upper mandible and a pale lower mandible.
• Legs and feet: Short and black.
• Male and female: The male and female dot-winged antwren have different coloration, with the male having white spots on the wings and the female having reddish-brown underparts.

The Dot-winged Antwren (Microrhopias quixensis) is a small bird that is native to the Amazon Basin in South America and several central American countries.. 

These birds can be found in a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, woodlands, and secondary growth. 

Despite their small size, dot-winged antwren is known for their distinctive plumage, with grayish-brown feathers, black wings and tail, and white spots on the wings of males. Females have reddish-brown underparts and a white patch on their throat. 

Dot-winged antwren are insectivores, feeding on a variety of small insects and spiders. They are often seen flitting through the underbrush, gleaning insects from leaves and twigs. 

These birds are known for their high-pitched calls, which are often heard in the forest understory. Dot-winged antwren are an important part of the Amazonian birdlife, and their presence is an indicator of a healthy, diverse ecosystem.

19 – White-shouldered Fire-eye

Quick Identification Guide of White-shouldered Fire-eye

• Small songbird measuring around 4.3 inches (11 cm) in length
• Male has a black body and the female has Rusty brown upperparts and grayish-brown underparts.
• White stripe on wings, visible in both males and females
• Reddish-orange eye.
• Short, stout bill with a black upper mandible and pale lower mandible
• Black legs and feet

The White-shouldered Fire-eye (Pyriglena leucoptera) is a small, neotropical songbird found in the understory of forests from Honduras to western Ecuador. 

They have a diet primarily consisting of insects, which they forage for in the dense vegetation of the forest floor. 

While they may be difficult to spot due to their small size and shy behavior, their distinctive white stripe on the wings makes them easily identifiable when seen. 

These birds are also known for their beautiful and complex vocalizations, which can often be heard echoing through the forest understory. 

Despite being relatively common in their range, these birds are still considered to be a species of least concern by the IUCN.

20 – Eurasian Magpie

Quick Identification Guide of Eurasian Magpie

• Medium-sized bird measuring around 18-19.6 inches (46 – 50 cm) in length.
• Black and white plumage with iridescent blue and green tones in the wings and tail.
• Long, graduated black tail.
• Black bill and legs
• Both males and females have similar plumage
• Often seen in pairs or small groups up to 7

The Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) is a familiar black and white bird across much of Europe and Asia, with a range spanning from Portugal to China. 

They can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, farmland, and urban areas. 

These birds are omnivorous, with a diet that includes insects, small mammals, fruits, and carrion. 

While they may be considered pests by some due to their habit of raiding crops or stealing eggs from other birds’ nests, they are also valued for their intelligence and social behavior. 

In terms of identification, the Eurasian Magpie’s distinctive black and white plumage and long, graduated tail make them easy to recognize, even from a distance.

21 – White-winged Becard

Quick Identification Guide of White-winged Becard

• Size: Small to medium-sized songbird, about 6 inches (15 cm) long
• Body color: Blackish-gray upperparts and whitish underparts
• Unique distinguishable colors or patterns: White stripe on wings of male and female, contrasting with the blackish-gray color of the rest of the wings
• Bill: Short and stout, blackish in color
• Legs and feet: Blackish in color

The White-winged Becard (Pachyramphus polychopterus) is a small to medium-sized bird found in parts of Central and South America. 

It is most commonly found in forested habitats, including both deciduous and evergreen forests. These birds primarily feed on insects and fruits, which they forage for in the foliage of trees and bushes.

One of the most distinctive features of the White-winged Becard is the white stripe on its wings, which can be seen in both males and females. 

This stripe contrasts sharply with the blackish-gray color of the rest of the wings, making it easy to identify in the field. 

Additionally, the short and stout blackish bill is another helpful feature to look for when trying to identify this species. 

While the White-winged Becard may not be as well-known as some other species of songbirds, its unique appearance and presence in Central and South America make it a fascinating bird to watch and study.

22 – Mountain Wheatear

Quick Identification Guide of Mountain Wheatear

• Size: Mountain Wheatears are small to medium-sized birds, measuring about 6.7 to 7.8 inches (17-20 cm) in length.
• Body Color: The upperparts of both males and females are predominantly gray or gray-brown, while the underparts are pale or buffy.
• Unique Distinguishing Colors or Patterns: Males have a striking black throat and breast, forming a sharp contrast with the rest of their plumage. Females lack the black throat and breast but may show some streaking on the breast and sides.
• Bill: The bill is slender and pointed, typically black in color.
• Legs and Feet: The legs and feet are black or dark gray.

Notably, both male and female Mountain Wheatears exhibit a distinct white wing stripe, which is a key identifying feature.

The Mountain Wheatear (Myrmecocichla monticola) is a charming little black and white bird known for its captivating appearance and delightful behaviors. 

This species is native to the rugged mountainous regions of Eurasia, particularly found in the grassland, escarpments, outcrops and kopjes in grassveld and Karoo semi-desert, in Southern regions of the African continents. 

Feeding primarily on insects and other small invertebrates, these agile birds employ their slender bills to probe the ground or catch prey in mid-air. 

Their plumage showcases a subtle beauty, with the males featuring a striking black throat and prominent white wing patch. Both sexes display a distinctive white wing stripe, which adds an elegant touch to their overall appearance. 

The Mountain Wheatear’s presence in its native habitats brings joy to birdwatchers, as they flutter and hop about, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of nature.

23 – Arnot’s Chat

Quick Identification Guide of Arnot’s Chat

• Size: Arnot’s Chat is a small-sized bird, measuring approximately 6 inches (15-16 cm) in length.
• Body Color: The upperparts of both males and females are predominantly dark gray or blackish, while the underparts are pale gray or whitish.
• Unique Distinguishing Colors or Patterns: Males exhibit a distinctive white forehead, contrasting with the dark crown and nape. Both male and female have white wing patch and the female has a white patch on the side of the neck and lack the white forehead and have a more subdued appearance overall.
• Bill: The bill is slender and dark in color.
• Legs and Feet: The legs and feet are typically dark gray or black.

Arnot’s Chat (Myrmecocichla arnotti), a charming bird species that graces the landscapes of southern Africa. 

Endemic to the subcontinent, Arnot’s Chats can be found in the grasslands, savannas, and scrublands of countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. 

With their preferred habitats ranging from dry, open areas to acacia-studded plains, these delightful birds have adapted to thrive in a variety of environments.

These birds wield their slender, dark bills with precision as they forage for insects and other invertebrates on the ground. With their agile movements and endearing presence, Arnot’s Chats make for a delightful encounter amidst the African wilderness.

Summary of Information about black birds with white stripes on wings in general!

The following table summarizes the region and the measurements to see the above-listed black birds. And, for actual sightings and range data of all the listed birds, you can refer to valuable resources such as eBird, birdsoftheworld, and All About Birds for USA species. 

In addition, you can refer to this table to get information on these birds such as food preferences as well.

Black birds with white stripes on wings	grains and weed seeds, insects during the breeding	Length	Wingspan	Food
Yellow-headed Blackbird	Canada, USA	9-10 inches	14-16 inches	California, Oregon, Central Washington, western Nevada, and northwestern Baja California
Tricolored Blackbird	grasshopper, grains, and other insects	8-9 inches	14-16 inches	Invertebrates, conifer seeds
White-headed Woodpecker	Western USA	8.5-10 inches	NA	arthropods, fruits, and seeds
Hairy Woodpecker	North America	9-10 inches	13.0-16.1 inches	Canada, Eastern USA, Mexico up to Central America
Lark Bunting	Southern Canada, Central USA up to Mexico	5.5-6.5 inches	9.8-11.0 inches	seeds, grain, insects, cactus fruits
Black-billed Magpie	Southern Alaska, Canada, USA	18-24 inches	22.1-24.0 inches	arthropods, seeds, and carrion
Downy Woodpecker	Canada and USA	5-7 inches	9.8-11.8 inches	Insects, other arthropods, fruits, seeds
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	caterpillars, ants, flies, bugs, and other insects	7 – 9 inches	13.4-15.8 inches	Sap, fruit, and arthropods
Black-and-white Warbler	South and Central America and the southernmost parts of the USA	4.5 – 5 inches	7.1-8.7 inches	Canada, Eastern USA, Mexico up to Central America
Anhinga	South and Southeast Asia up to Borneo	35 inches	47 inches	mall to medium-sized wetland fishes
Black Phoebe	California through the southwestern USA to Middle and South America	6-7 inches	10-11 inches	Wild bees and wasps, other insects and spiders
Common Nighthawk	North and South America	9-10 inches	22-24 inches	Flying arthropods
White-browed Wagtail	Predominantly in India and Sri Lanka	7 inches	11 inches	Insects, small snails
Gabon Boubou/ Swamp Boubou	Cameroon, Angola, Zambia	9-10 inches	NA	Invertebrates, small fruits, worms
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike	Insects, spiders, fruits, seeds, nectar.	6-7.5 inches	NA	Insects, Termites, and other small arthropods
White-winged Triller	Australia	5-6 inches	NA	Entire Europe, Central Asia to Eastern China, introduced to Japan (Kyushu)
Magpie-lark	Australia	8-10 inches	NA	Invertebrates, worms, small frogs. And seeds
Dot-winged Antwren	Central America, Brazil, Colombia, Peru	3.5-4 inches	NA	Insects, spiders,
White-shouldered Fire-eye	Eastern Brazil, Paraguay, and extreme north-east Argentina	4.3 inches	NA	Namibia, South Africa, West Swaziland and Lesotho.
Eurasian Magpie	Insects, ants, spiders, and occasionally small Geckos.	18-19.6 inches	22.1-24.0 inches	arthropods, seeds, and carrion
White-winged Becard	Central America to South America	6 inches	NA	Caterpillars, large insects, spiders, and berries
Mountain Wheatear	Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and northeastern South Africa	6.7 – 7.8 inches	NA	Mainly arthropods
Arnot’s Chat	Namibia, South Africa, West Swaziland, and Lesotho.	6 inches	NA	Mainly insects

Now, it’s time to explore!

I am sure you have added several of the listed 23 black birds to your list and hopefully, the guide provided in this article will help you to ID them in your next birding adventure. 

Let us know how many listed black birds you have already seen before.  

And, If you had rare sightings of any other black bird in Minnesota, please share details with other birders in the comment section. 

Happy birding! 

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