Michigan is home to many types of birds, and some of the most striking are black and white birds. You can spot them in forests, near lakes, and even in your backyard. These birds come in different sizes and have distinct black and white feather patterns. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or just interested, learning about these birds is enjoyable. This guide will introduce you to some of the most common black and white birds you can find in Michigan.
List of 15 Black and White Birds in Michigan
| No. | Bird Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Downy Woodpecker | Small woodpecker with black and white spotted wings. |
| 2 | Hairy Woodpecker | Similar to the Downy, but larger with a longer beak. |
| 3 | Black-capped Chickadee | Tiny bird with a black cap and bib, and white cheeks. |
| 4 | White-breasted Nuthatch | Small bird with a white face and belly, black cap, and blue-gray back. |
| 5 | Dark-eyed Junco | Small bird with a black hood and white belly, often seen on the ground. |
| 6 | Black-and-white Warbler | Small, striped bird that creeps along tree trunks and branches. |
| 7 | Eastern Kingbird | Medium-sized bird with black upperparts and white underparts, often seen perching openly. |
| 8 | Northern Flicker | Large woodpecker with black spots on its white belly and a black bib. |
| 9 | Pied-billed Grebe | Small water bird with a black ring around its stout bill. |
| 10 | Snow Bunting | Small bird with mostly white feathers and black wingtips, often seen in winter. |
| 11 | Common Loon | Large water bird with a black head and checkered black-and-white back. |
| 12 | Ring-billed Gull | Medium-sized gull with a white body, gray wings, and a black ring around its yellow bill. |
| 13 | European Starling | Medium-sized bird with iridescent black feathers speckled with white. |
| 14 | Common Grackle | Medium-sized bird with black, iridescent feathers and a long tail. |
| 15 | American Crow | Large bird with all-black feathers, often seen in groups. |
Details of 15 Black and White Birds in Michigan
Michigan is home to a variety of black and white birds. These birds can be found in different habitats across the state, from forests to wetlands and even urban areas. This guide will introduce you to 15 black and white birds commonly seen in Michigan, providing detailed information about their appearance, lifespan, habitat, diet, and more.
1. Downy Woodpecker
Picoides pubescens
Black and White Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Male vs. Female: Males have a small red spot on the back of their heads, but females don’t have this red spot.
- Size: They are small birds with a short bill.
- Color Pattern: They have a black and white spotted back, a white belly, and black wings with white spots.
Habitat and Behavior
Downy Woodpeckers are often seen quickly moving up and down tree trunks, looking for insects to eat. Unlike larger woodpeckers, their tapping on the trees is soft and quiet. These woodpeckers are also common visitors to bird feeders, where they love to eat suet and seeds, making them easy to spot in backyards.
Distinctive Sounds
You can easily identify Downy Woodpeckers by their sharp “pik” call, which they often repeat several times. They also drum on tree trunks, but their drumming is short, fast, and much quieter than bigger woodpeckers, especially in the spring. This sound is a helpful clue to know they are nearby, even if you can’t see them.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Small woodpecker with black and white spotted wings and a white belly. |
| Lifespan | 2 to 5 years |
| Habitat | Forests, woodlands, and urban areas |
| Diet | Insects, seeds, and berries |
2. Hairy Woodpecker
Picoides villosus
Black and White Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Male vs. Female: Males have a small red spot on the back of their heads, while females do not.
- Size: Hairy Woodpeckers are larger than Downy Woodpeckers, with a longer bill.
- Color Pattern: They have a black and white spotted back, white belly, and black wings with white spots, similar to the Downy Woodpecker but with a more robust build.
Habitat and Behavior
Hairy Woodpeckers are often seen climbing up and down tree trunks, using their long bill to tap into the bark and find insects. They are larger and more powerful than Downy Woodpeckers, so their tapping is louder and stronger. These birds are usually found in forests but can also visit bird feeders, where they prefer suet and large seeds.
Distinctive Sounds
Hairy Woodpeckers make a sharp, high-pitched “peek” sound, which is louder and clearer than the Downy’s “pik” call. They also drum on tree trunks, and their drumming is longer and stronger than the Downy Woodpecker’s. This powerful drumming helps them communicate and is often heard during the spring. Their loud calls and drumming make them easy to hear, even from a distance.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Similar to the Downy Woodpecker, but larger with a longer beak. |
| Lifespan | 4 to 7 years |
| Habitat | Mature forests and woodlands |
| Diet | Insects, seeds, and nuts |
3. Black-capped Chickadee
Poecile atricapillus
Small Black and White Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Size: Black-capped Chickadees are small birds with a round body and a large head.
- Color Pattern: They have a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and soft gray wings and back. Their underparts are light with a buff-colored side.
- Male vs. Female: Both males and females look the same, making it hard to tell them apart.
Habitat and Behavior
Black-capped Chickadees are commonly found in forests, parks, and backyards, where they are often seen hopping between branches looking for insects and seeds. They are curious and bold birds that frequently visit bird feeders, especially in the winter. Chickadees are known for their ability to remember where they’ve hidden food, which helps them survive colder months.
Distinctive Sounds
These birds are famous for their “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, which is where they get their name. The number of “dee” notes at the end of the call can change, often indicating the presence of a predator. They also make a clear “fee-bee” whistle, which is most often heard during the breeding season. Their calls are easy to recognize and are a familiar sound in many wooded areas.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Tiny bird with a black cap and bib, and white cheeks. |
| Lifespan | 2 to 3 years |
| Habitat | Deciduous and mixed forests, as well as suburban areas |
| Diet | Insects, seeds, berries, and small fruits |
4. White-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta carolinensis
Small Black and White Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Size: White-breasted Nuthatches are small, stocky birds with no visible neck, a short tail, and a long, sharp beak.
- Color Pattern: They have a white face and chest, a gray back, and black stripes on their wings. Males have a black cap on their heads, while females have a lighter, gray crown.
- Male vs. Female: Both sexes look similar, but females have a lighter gray head compared to the males’ black cap.
Habitat and Behavior
White-breasted Nuthatches are often seen climbing up and down tree trunks and branches, sometimes moving headfirst down the tree, a unique behavior among birds. They use their long beak to pry insects from bark and also eat seeds, especially at bird feeders. These birds prefer wooded areas but can easily be attracted to backyards with feeders.
Distinctive Sounds
These birds are very vocal and make a loud, easily recognizable “yank-yank” call, which they repeat several times. This call is often heard throughout the year, making it one of the most noticeable sounds in the woods. The White-breasted Nuthatch’s distinctive call, along with its acrobatic behavior on tree trunks, makes it easy to spot even in dense forests.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Small bird with a white face and belly, black cap, and blue-gray back. |
| Lifespan | 2 to 5 years |
| Habitat | Mature deciduous and mixed forests, often seen at feeders |
| Diet | Insects, seeds, and nuts |
5. Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis
Small Black and White Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Size: Dark-eyed Juncos are small, sparrow-like birds with round bodies and long tails.
- Color Pattern: They have dark gray or black heads and upper bodies, with white underparts. Their tails have noticeable white outer feathers, which are easy to see in flight.
- Male vs. Female: Males tend to have darker, slate-gray coloring, while females are usually lighter and more brownish-gray.
Habitat and Behavior
Dark-eyed Juncos are often seen hopping along the ground in search of seeds, especially during the winter months. They are commonly found in forests, parks, and backyards, where they feed on the ground or at feeders. Juncos migrate in large numbers and are more visible in Michigan during the colder months when they gather in flocks.
Distinctive Sounds
These birds make a soft, high-pitched “chip” sound and a rapid, musical trill, especially during the spring. Their calls are gentle but can often be heard when they are foraging in flocks. The Dark-eyed Junco’s sweet trill and its habit of foraging on the ground make it a delightful winter visitor in many backyards across Michigan.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Small bird with a black hood and white belly. |
| Lifespan | 3 to 11 years |
| Habitat | Forest edges, fields, and gardens |
| Diet | Seeds, insects, and berries |
6. Black-and-white Warbler
Mniotilta varia
Small Black and White Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Size: Black-and-white Warblers are small, slender birds with a long, slightly curved beak.
- Color Pattern: They have striking black-and-white striped patterns all over their bodies, including their heads, backs, and wings. Their underside is mostly white with some black streaks.
- Male vs. Female: Males have bolder black stripes, while females tend to have slightly duller coloring.
Habitat and Behavior
Black-and-white Warblers are often found in forests and woodlands, where they move quickly along tree trunks and branches, resembling a nuthatch in their foraging behavior. These birds are skilled at creeping along tree bark, searching for insects, making them unique among warblers. They prefer mature forests during the breeding season but can be spotted in various wooded habitats during migration.
Distinctive Sounds
Their song is a thin, high-pitched “wee-see, wee-see, wee-see,” which is often repeated several times. The Black-and-white Warbler’s distinctive call and its unique behavior of climbing up and down tree trunks make it easier to identify, even among the dense trees of their habitat. Their presence is most often noted in the spring and fall during migration through Michigan.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Small, striped bird that creeps along tree trunks and branches. |
| Lifespan | 5 to 6 years |
| Habitat | Deciduous and mixed forests, especially during migration |
| Diet | Insects and spiders |
7. Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
Medium-Sized Black and White Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Size: Eastern Kingbirds are medium-sized birds with a stout build and broad shoulders.
- Color Pattern: They have a striking black head and back, with white underparts and a distinctive white-tipped tail. Their black cap sometimes hides a small red crown, which is rarely visible.
- Male vs. Female: Males and females look almost identical, making it hard to tell them apart by appearance alone.
Habitat and Behavior
Eastern Kingbirds are often seen perched high on trees or fence posts, scanning for insects to catch mid-flight. They are aggressive defenders of their territory, frequently chasing away larger birds that enter their space. These birds are commonly found in open areas, like fields, orchards, and near water, during the breeding season.
Distinctive Sounds
Eastern Kingbirds have a sharp, chattering “kit-kit-kit” call, which they use frequently, especially when defending their territory. Their vocalizations are fast and harsh, but they also have a quieter, high-pitched song during the breeding season. Their combination of bold behavior, distinctive tail markings, and sharp calls makes them easy to spot, especially in open spaces.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Medium-sized bird with black upperparts and white underparts. |
| Lifespan | 10 years |
| Habitat | Open fields, orchards, and along forest edges |
| Diet | Insects and fruits |
8. Northern Flicker
Colaptes auratus
Large Black and White Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Size: Northern Flickers are large woodpeckers with a slender, slightly curved bill.
- Color Pattern: They have a brownish-gray body with black spots on their belly, a black crescent-shaped mark on their chest, and a white rump patch visible in flight. In Michigan, the Eastern variety shows bright yellow under the wings and tail (called the “yellow-shafted” form).
- Male vs. Female: Males have a black or red mustache-like marking on their faces, while females lack this feature.
Habitat and Behavior
Unlike many other woodpeckers, Northern Flickers spend a lot of time on the ground, where they dig for ants and beetles, their favorite food. You’ll often see them in open woodlands, parks, and even suburban areas. They also drum on trees but are more frequently seen foraging on the ground. Their white rump patch is a key identification feature when they take off in flight.
Distinctive Sounds
Northern Flickers have a loud, rolling “wick-a-wick-a-wick” call, often repeated several times. They also produce a distinct drumming sound on trees or other surfaces during the breeding season. Their calls and drumming are loud and can be heard from a distance, helping to locate them even when they’re hidden among trees or on the ground. Their unique combination of size, ground-feeding behavior, and bright wing flashes make them a standout among Michigan’s bird species.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Large woodpecker with black spots on its white belly and a black bib. |
| Lifespan | 6 to 9 years |
| Habitat | Forest edges, open woodlands, and suburban areas |
| Diet | Insects, especially ants, as well as fruits and seeds |
9. Pied-billed Grebe
Podilymbus podiceps
Small Aquatic Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Size: Pied-billed Grebes are small, stocky waterbirds with a rounded body and a short, thick neck.
- Color Pattern: They are mostly brown, with darker upper parts and paler underparts. Their most distinctive feature is their stout, whitish bill, which has a black band (or “pied”) across it, especially visible during the breeding season.
- Male vs. Female: Males and females look very similar, with no obvious visual differences.
Habitat and Behavior
Pied-billed Grebes are often found in freshwater ponds, marshes, and lakes. They are excellent swimmers and divers, using their ability to sink below the water’s surface to catch fish, insects, and crustaceans. These birds rarely fly and are more likely to dive under the water if they feel threatened. They also have lobed feet, which help them move swiftly through the water.
Distinctive Sounds
Pied-billed Grebes make a distinctive, low-pitched “kuk-kuk-kuk” call, followed by a louder, more drawn-out sound. Their calls are most often heard during the breeding season and are used to establish territories. Though these birds are shy and often hidden among dense aquatic vegetation, their unique calls and diving behavior make them easier to identify on quiet ponds and marshes.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Small water bird with a black ring around its stout bill. |
| Lifespan | 10 to 12 years |
| Habitat | Ponds, lakes, and marshes |
| Diet | Fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects |
10. Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalis
Small Black and White Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Size: Snow Buntings are small, sturdy birds with a round body and a short tail.
- Color Pattern: In winter, they are mostly white with black wingtips and a bit of brown on their back. During the breeding season, males become almost entirely white with striking black wingtips. Females and non-breeding males show more brown on their back and sides.
- Male vs. Female: Males are brighter white, while females have more brown mixed in their plumage.
Habitat and Behavior
Snow Buntings are often found in open, snowy fields and along shorelines, especially during the winter months. These birds migrate to Michigan in winter from their breeding grounds in the Arctic. They are well-adapted to cold climates, and their white winter plumage helps them blend in with snowy landscapes. Snow Buntings forage on the ground, often in large flocks, searching for seeds and grains.
Distinctive Sounds
Snow Buntings make a soft, musical “chit-chit” call, often heard as they fly in flocks. Their songs are sweet and warbling, especially during the breeding season, but in Michigan, their calls are more commonly heard in winter. These vocalizations, combined with their beautiful white plumage, make them easy to spot against a snowy backdrop, even in large, open fields.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Small bird with mostly white feathers and black wingtips. |
| Lifespan | 3 to 4 years |
| Habitat | Open fields, tundra, and shorelines during winter |
| Diet | Seeds and insects |
11. Common Loon
Gavia immer
Large Aquatic Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Size: Common Loons are large, heavy-bodied waterbirds with a sharp, pointed bill.
- Color Pattern: During the breeding season, they have a striking black head and neck with a white collar, checkered black-and-white back, and white underparts. In the non-breeding season, their plumage is more grayish-brown with a pale face and neck.
- Male vs. Female: Males and females look alike, but males are slightly larger.
Habitat and Behavior
Common Loons are often found on large lakes and deep ponds in Michigan, especially during the summer months when they breed. These expert divers are well-adapted to catching fish underwater, using their strong legs and large webbed feet for propulsion. Loons spend much of their time on the water, and they need a long runway of water to take off when flying. Outside of the breeding season, they can be found along coastal waters.
Distinctive Sounds
Common Loons are known for their haunting, eerie calls, especially during the breeding season. Their vocalizations include a long, wailing sound, a yodeling call, and a tremolo, often heard echoing across lakes. These calls are used to communicate with mates and to defend their territory. The iconic sounds of the Common Loon are often associated with the wilderness of northern Michigan, making it a symbol of serene lakes and open water.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Large water bird with a black head and checkered black-and-white back. |
| Lifespan | 20 to 30 years |
| Habitat | Northern lakes and large ponds |
| Diet | Fish and aquatic invertebrates |
12. Ring-billed Gull
Larus delawarensis
Medium-Sized Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Size: Ring-billed Gulls are medium-sized gulls with a slender body and long wings.
- Color Pattern: Adults have a white body, pale gray wings, and a yellow bill with a distinctive black ring near the tip. Their legs are also yellow. Juveniles are mottled brown and gradually acquire adult plumage over a few years.
- Male vs. Female: Males and females look identical, with no noticeable differences in size or color.
Habitat and Behavior
Ring-billed Gulls are commonly found around lakes, rivers, and coastlines, as well as in urban areas like parking lots and landfills. These gulls are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments. They are opportunistic feeders, eating anything from fish and insects to human food scraps. Their ability to scavenge makes them one of the most common gull species in North America.
Distinctive Sounds
Ring-billed Gulls are very vocal birds, often making loud, high-pitched “kee-ow” or “kah” calls, especially in large flocks. Their noisy squawks are a familiar sound near lakes, beaches, and urban areas. These gulls are social and often gather in large groups, especially around food sources, making their presence well-known through both sight and sound.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Medium-sized gull with a white body, gray wings, and a black ring around its yellow bill. |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
| Habitat | Coastal areas, inland lakes, rivers, and urban areas |
| Diet | Fish, insects, and human food scraps |
13. European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
Medium-Sized Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Size: European Starlings are medium-sized birds with a stout body and a short tail.
- Color Pattern: In breeding season, their glossy black feathers have a purplish-green sheen with bright yellow beaks. In the winter, their plumage is speckled with white spots, and their beaks turn darker.
- Male vs. Female: Males and females look very similar, but males tend to have slightly more iridescence in their feathers during the breeding season.
Habitat and Behavior
European Starlings are highly adaptable birds found in a wide range of habitats, from urban areas to farmlands and woodlands. They are known for their ability to mimic sounds and often travel in large, noisy flocks. Starlings feed on insects, fruits, and seeds and are frequently seen foraging on the ground. These birds are also known for their striking “murmurations,” where they form large, coordinated flocks that perform aerial displays at dusk.
Distinctive Sounds
European Starlings are excellent mimics and can imitate the sounds of other birds, mechanical noises, and even human speech. They produce a wide variety of whistles, clicks, and warbles, making their vocalizations complex and varied. Their chattering and mimicking abilities, along with their bold and noisy behavior, make them easy to identify in urban and suburban environments.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Medium-sized bird with iridescent black feathers speckled with white. |
| Lifespan | 2 to 3 years |
| Habitat | Urban areas, farmlands, and open fields |
| Diet | Insects, fruits, and seeds |
14. Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
Large Black Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Size: Common Grackles are large, long-tailed blackbirds with a tall, slender body and long, pointed bill.
- Color Pattern: They have glossy black plumage with iridescent blue, green, and purple highlights on their heads and bodies, especially noticeable in the sunlight. Their eyes are bright yellow, making them stand out.
- Male vs. Female: Males tend to be slightly larger and more iridescent than females, but both sexes look quite similar.
Habitat and Behavior
Common Grackles are often seen in open areas like fields, parks, and suburban neighborhoods, where they feed on insects, grains, and sometimes small animals like frogs or mice. They are highly adaptable and can often be found foraging on the ground or in trees. Grackles are social birds and typically gather in large flocks, especially in the fall when they migrate in groups. They are known for their bold behavior, often dominating bird feeders and other food sources.
Distinctive Sounds
Common Grackles are noisy birds, producing a variety of harsh, squeaky, and metallic-sounding calls. Their typical call is a loud, sharp “chack” or “kree-del,” often repeated several times. These sounds are often heard when they are in large flocks, filling the air with their raucous chatter. Their loud calls and bold presence make them easy to notice in both rural and urban settings.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Medium-sized bird with black, iridescent feathers and a long tail. |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years |
| Habitat | Woodlands, marshes, and urban areas |
| Diet | Insects, fruits, and seeds |
15. American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Large Black Birds in Michigan
Identifying Characteristics
- Size: American Crows are large birds with a thick neck, sturdy build, and rounded wings. They have a strong, straight bill.
- Color Pattern: They are entirely black, from their feathers to their legs and beak, with a slight gloss that can appear purplish in bright light.
- Male vs. Female: Males and females look alike, with no noticeable differences in appearance.
Habitat and Behavior
American Crows are highly intelligent birds found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and urban areas. They are often seen in family groups, foraging for food on the ground or perched in trees. Crows are omnivores and eat almost anything, from insects and fruits to carrion and garbage. Their intelligence is well-known; they use tools, work together to solve problems, and have complex social behaviors.
American Crows are also known for their cooperative breeding behavior, where young crows from previous years help their parents raise new chicks.
Distinctive Sounds
The American Crow is famous for its loud, distinctive “caw-caw” call, often repeated several times. They are very vocal birds, using different calls to communicate with each other. In addition to their “caw,” they produce a variety of other sounds, including rattles, clicks, and coos. Their loud, persistent calls, combined with their large presence in both rural and urban areas, make them easy to spot and hear.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Large bird with all-black feathers. |
| Lifespan | 7 to 8 years |
| Habitat | Various habitats, including forests, fields, and urban areas |
| Diet | Omnivorous, including insects, fruits, seeds, and small animals |
These black and white birds can be spotted throughout Michigan. Look for them in different habitats such as forests, lakes, and even city parks. Birdwatching in Michigan is a great way to enjoy nature and see these beautiful birds up close.
Conclusion
Michigan is a wonderful place for birdwatching, especially if you enjoy spotting black and white birds. From the tiny Black-capped Chickadee to the large Common Loon, these birds can be found in various habitats across the state. Each bird has unique features and behaviors that make them interesting to watch. Whether you’re exploring forests, visiting lakes, or just looking in your backyard, keep an eye out for these beautiful black and white birds. Birdwatching is a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the diverse wildlife Michigan has to offer.
FAQs About Black and White Birds in Michigan
1. What black and white birds are common in Michigan?
- Black-capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Towhee.
2. Where do they live?
- Woodlands, forests, parks, and suburban areas.
3. What do they eat?
- Seeds, insects, berries, and tree sap.
4. When can I see them?
- Year-round, with peak activity during spring and fall migrations.
5. How can I attract them?
- Use bird feeders with seeds and suet, provide birdhouses, and create bird-friendly gardens.
6. Are any endangered?
- Most are common, but check local wildlife resources for conservation status.
7. How to identify them?
- Look for specific markings, size, and listen for their calls.
8. Can they be found in cities?
- Yes, especially in parks and green spaces.
9. Do they migrate?
- Some, like the White-throated Sparrow, migrate; others, like the Black-capped Chickadee, stay year-round.
10. Any interesting facts?
- Black-capped Chickadees are known for their bold behavior, and woodpeckers help control insect populations.
4 thoughts on “15 Black and White Birds in Michigan: Information, List and Photos”