20 Types Of Black Birds in Michigan (With Photos)

Michigan is home to many beautiful birds, and among them, black birds are some of the most striking. From the shores of the Great Lakes to the deep forests, these birds can be found in various habitats across the state. Black birds come in many shapes and sizes, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just someone who enjoys nature, spotting these birds can be a delightful experience. In this article, we will explore 20 types of black birds that you might see in Michigan, providing a glimpse into their fascinating world. So, grab your binoculars and let’s discover these wonderful black-feathered friends!

20 Types Of Black Birds in Michigan

No.	Bird Name	Description
1	American Crow	Large black bird, known for its intelligence and loud cawing.
2	Common Grackle	Iridescent black feathers with a long tail and bright yellow eyes.
3	Red-winged Blackbird	Black with bright red and yellow shoulder patches, often found in wetlands.
4	European Starling	Glossy black with purple and green sheen, often seen in large flocks.
5	Brewer’s Blackbird	Glossy black feathers, slender body, often seen in fields and open areas.
6	Brown-headed Cowbird	Black body with a brown head, known for laying eggs in other birds’ nests.
7	Rusty Blackbird	Black with a hint of rusty color, often found near water in winter.
8	Eastern Kingbird	Black and white bird, known for its aggressive behavior towards larger birds.
9	Common Raven	Very large black bird, known for its deep croaking call.
10	Black-capped Chickadee	Small bird with a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a fluffy appearance.
11	Dark-eyed Junco	Small black and white bird, often seen hopping on the ground.
12	Fish Crow	Smaller than the American Crow, with a distinctive nasal call.
13	Bobolink	Black with white back and yellow cap, known for its bubbly song.
14	White-winged Crossbill	Black bird with distinctive white wing bars and crossed bill.
15	Purple Martin	Large swallow with iridescent blackish-blue feathers, often seen in colonies.
16	Tree Swallow	Iridescent blue-black above and white below, often seen around water.
17	Chimney Swift	Sooty black bird with a cigar-shaped body, often seen flying in groups.
18	Black-throated Blue Warbler	Small bird with black throat and blue back, found in forests.
19	Black-and-white Warbler	Small bird with distinctive black and white stripes, often seen climbing tree trunks.
20	Yellow-headed Blackbird	Black body with a bright yellow head, often found in marshes.

20 Types of Black Birds in Michigan

Michigan is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting a diverse array of bird species. Among these, black birds stand out with their striking appearances and intriguing behaviors. From the dense forests to the serene wetlands, these birds inhabit various environments across the state. In this comprehensive guide, we explore 20 types of black birds found in Michigan, providing detailed information on their characteristics, lifespan, diet, and habitats. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just beginning to explore the avian world, this guide will help you identify and appreciate these remarkable birds.

1. American Crow

The American Crow is a large, intelligent bird known for its adaptability and loud cawing. Found throughout Michigan, these birds are highly social and can often be seen in large groups.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Corvus brachyrhynchos
Average Lifespan	7-8 years (up to 14 years in the wild)
Diet	Omnivorous (fruits, seeds, insects, small animals, carrion, human food waste)
Location	Statewide, in forests, fields, urban areas
Description	Large black bird known for its intelligence, social behavior, and loud cawing.

2. Common Grackle

The Common Grackle is recognized for its iridescent black feathers and long tail. These birds are often seen foraging on the ground or in shallow water.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Quiscalus quiscula
Average Lifespan	17 years in the wild
Diet	Omnivorous (insects, small fish, fruits, seeds, garbage)
Location	Open fields, marshes, urban areas
Description	Iridescent black feathers with a long tail and bright yellow eyes.

3. Red-winged Blackbird

The Red-winged Blackbird is one of Michigan’s most abundant birds, easily identifiable by the bright red and yellow patches on the males’ wings.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Agelaius phoeniceus
Average Lifespan	2 years on average (up to 15 years)
Diet	Omnivorous (insects, seeds, grains)
Location	Wetlands, marshes, meadows
Description	Black with bright red and yellow shoulder patches, often found in wetlands.

4. European Starling

European Starlings, introduced to North America in the 19th century, have become one of the most common birds across the continent. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in urban areas.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Sturnus vulgaris
Average Lifespan	2-3 years (up to 15 years)
Diet	Omnivorous (insects, fruits, seeds, nectar)
Location	Urban areas, farmlands, open woodlands
Description	Glossy black with a purple and green sheen, often seen in large flocks.

5. Brewer’s Blackbird

Brewer’s Blackbirds are known for their glossy black feathers and slender bodies. They are often seen in fields and open areas.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Euphagus cyanocephalus
Average Lifespan	12 years
Diet	Omnivorous (insects, seeds, grains)
Location	Fields, meadows, near water bodies
Description	Glossy black feathers, slender body, often seen in fields and open areas.

6. Brown-headed Cowbird

The Brown-headed Cowbird is known for its unique behavior of laying eggs in other birds’ nests. They are common in grasslands and farmlands.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Molothrus ater
Average Lifespan	16 years
Diet	Omnivorous (seeds, insects)
Location	Grasslands, farmlands, forest edges
Description	Black body with a brown head, known for laying eggs in other birds’ nests.

7. Rusty Blackbird

Rusty Blackbirds are often found near water during the winter. They are identifiable by their black feathers with a hint of rusty color.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Euphagus carolinus
Average Lifespan	8 years
Diet	Insectivorous (insects, crustaceans, small fish)
Location	Wetlands, swamps, forests (in winter)
Description	Black with a hint of rusty color, often found near water in winter.

8. Eastern Kingbird

The Eastern Kingbird is known for its aggressive behavior towards larger birds. They are often found in open fields and along waterways.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Tyrannus tyrannus
Average Lifespan	10 years
Diet	Insectivorous (insects, berries)
Location	Open fields, farmlands, along waterways
Description	Black and white bird, known for its aggressive behavior towards larger birds.

9. Common Raven

The Common Raven is a very large black bird known for its deep croaking call. They are highly intelligent and can be found in a variety of habitats.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Corvus corax
Average Lifespan	10-15 years (up to 40 years in captivity)
Diet	Omnivorous (insects, small animals, fruits, seeds, carrion)
Location	Forests, mountains, coastal areas
Description	Very large black bird, known for its deep croaking call.

10. Black-capped Chickadee

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small bird with a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a fluffy appearance. They are common in deciduous and mixed forests.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Poecile atricapillus
Average Lifespan	2-3 years (up to 12 years)
Diet	Omnivorous (insects, seeds, berries)
Location	Deciduous and mixed forests, suburban areas
Description	Small bird with a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a fluffy appearance.

11. Dark-eyed Junco

The Dark-eyed Junco is a small black and white bird often seen hopping on the ground. They are common in forests and woodland edges.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Junco hyemalis
Average Lifespan	3-11 years
Diet	Omnivorous (seeds, insects)
Location	Forests, woodland edges, gardens
Description	Small black and white bird, often seen hopping on the ground.

12. Fish Crow

The Fish Crow is smaller than the American Crow and has a distinctive nasal call. They are often found near water bodies.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Corvus ossifragus
Average Lifespan	14 years
Diet	Omnivorous (fish, crustaceans, insects, fruits)
Location	Coastal areas, wetlands, riverbanks
Description	Smaller than the American Crow, with a distinctive nasal call.

13. Bobolink

The Bobolink is known for its bubbly song and distinctive black, white, and yellow plumage. They are often found in grasslands and meadows.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Average Lifespan	5-9 years
Diet	Insectivorous (insects, seeds, grains)
Location	Grasslands, meadows
Description	Black with white back and yellow cap

14. White-winged Crossbill

The White-winged Crossbill is notable for its distinctive white wing bars and crossed bill. They are typically found in coniferous forests.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Loxia leucoptera
Average Lifespan	4-8 years
Diet	Granivorous (conifer seeds, insects)
Location	Coniferous forests
Description	Black bird with distinctive white wing bars and crossed bill.

15. Purple Martin

The Purple Martin is the largest swallow in North America, known for its iridescent blackish-blue feathers. They are often seen in colonies near water.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Progne subis
Average Lifespan	5-7 years
Diet	Insectivorous (flying insects)
Location	Near water bodies, open areas, often seen in colonies
Description	Large swallow with iridescent blackish-blue feathers.

16. Tree Swallow

Tree Swallows have iridescent blue-black upperparts and white underparts. They are commonly found near water and open fields.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Tachycineta bicolor
Average Lifespan	2.7 years (up to 12 years)
Diet	Insectivorous (flying insects)
Location	Near water, open fields
Description	Iridescent blue-black above and white below, often seen around water.

17. Chimney Swift

Chimney Swifts are sooty black birds with a cigar-shaped body, often seen flying in groups. They are common in urban areas.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Chaetura pelagica
Average Lifespan	4.6 years (up to 14 years)
Diet	Insectivorous (flying insects)
Location	Urban areas, near chimneys, open skies
Description	Sooty black bird with a cigar-shaped body, often seen flying in groups.

18. Black-throated Blue Warbler

The Black-throated Blue Warbler is a small bird with a black throat and blue back. They are often found in deciduous and mixed forests.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Setophaga caerulescens
Average Lifespan	2-4 years
Diet	Insectivorous (insects, spiders)
Location	Deciduous and mixed forests
Description	Small bird with black throat and blue back, found in forests.

19. Black-and-white Warbler

The Black-and-white Warbler is known for its distinctive black and white stripes. They are often seen climbing tree trunks in search of insects.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Mniotilta varia
Average Lifespan	4-5 years
Diet	Insectivorous (insects, spiders)
Location	Deciduous forests, woodland edges
Description	Small bird with distinctive black and white stripes, often seen climbing tree trunks.

20. Yellow-headed Blackbird

The Yellow-headed Blackbird is a striking bird with a black body and bright yellow head. They are often found in marshes and wetlands.

Attribute	Description
Scientific Name	Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
Average Lifespan	11 years
Diet	Omnivorous (insects, seeds, grains)
Location	Marshes, wetlands, open fields
Description	Black body with a bright yellow head, often found in marshes.

Conclusion

Michigan is home to a wonderful variety of black birds, each with its own unique characteristics. From the intelligent American Crow to the striking Yellow-headed Blackbird, these birds can be found in different habitats across the state. Whether you’re exploring forests, wetlands, or urban areas, keep an eye out for these remarkable birds. Birdwatching in Michigan offers endless opportunities to appreciate the beauty and diversity of black birds. Happy birdwatching!

FAQs

Q: What is the most common black bird in Michigan?
A: The American Crow is one of the most common black birds found throughout Michigan.

Q: Where can I find Red-winged Blackbirds in Michigan?
A: Red-winged Blackbirds are commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and meadows across the state.

Q: Are there any black birds that are not native to Michigan?
A: Yes, the European Starling is not native to Michigan; it was introduced to North America in the 19th century.

Q: What do Common Grackles eat?
A: Common Grackles have an omnivorous diet that includes insects, small fish, fruits, seeds, and garbage.

Q: How can I identify a Yellow-headed Blackbird?
A: Yellow-headed Blackbirds have a black body with a bright yellow head and are often found in marshes and wetlands.