Many small black and white birds stand out for their bold patterns, energetic behavior, and charming songs. From forest dwellers to backyard visitors, these birds are not only easy to spot but also fascinating to observe. This guide introduces 15 eye-catching black and white bird species, helping you identify and learn more about their habitats, behaviors, and diets.
1. Black-capped Chickadee
The Black-capped Chickadee is a cheerful little songbird known for its curiosity and bold personality. It is easy to recognize by its black cap and bib, contrasted with white cheeks and soft gray feathers. These birds are commonly seen flitting through trees or visiting backyard feeders year-round.
Identification
- Small, round body measuring 12–15 cm
- Black cap and throat with bright white cheeks
- Pale gray back with lighter underparts
- Short neck, long tail, and stubby bill
Habitat
Black-capped Chickadees live in forests, woodlands, parks, and gardens. They prefer deciduous or mixed woodlands and are frequently spotted in suburban areas, especially where bird feeders are present.
Behavior
These birds are very active and often move quickly from branch to branch. They are highly social, forming flocks in winter and frequently seen hanging upside down while foraging. Their friendly nature often brings them close to people.
Diet
Their diet consists of insects, seeds, berries, and spiders. In colder months, they rely heavily on seeds and are common visitors to bird feeders. They’re also known to store food in bark crevices to eat later.
2. Pied Wagtail
The Pied Wagtail is a slender black-and-white bird commonly seen walking or running with quick, jerky movements, often wagging its long tail up and down. It is widespread across the UK and parts of Europe and Asia, especially in open spaces and near water.
Identification
- Medium-long tail that constantly wags
- Black head, back, and throat (males more striking)
- White face, belly, and wing edges
- Slender body and thin pointed bill
Habitat
Pied Wagtails thrive in urban areas, farmland, riverbanks, and open countryside. They’re often seen on roads, rooftops, or parking lots and prefer open areas where they can catch insects.
Behavior
They are highly active and constantly on the move, frequently running rather than hopping. Pied Wagtails are also known to gather in large flocks to roost in towns and cities, especially in winter.
Diet
Their diet mainly includes insects such as flies and beetles. They also eat small worms and aquatic invertebrates. Occasionally, they visit feeders for crumbs or seeds.
3. Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored Form)
The Dark-eyed Junco is a common North American sparrow that varies in color depending on region. The slate-colored form is especially known for its neat black-and-white contrast. These birds are often seen on the ground in forests, gardens, and snowy backyards during winter.
Identification
- Slate-gray head, back, and chest
- White belly and outer tail feathers
- Pinkish bill stands out against dark face
- Small, round body and short neck
Habitat
They breed in coniferous or mixed forests but migrate to more open woodlands, parks, and residential areas in winter. Juncos prefer areas with ground cover and brush for foraging.
Behavior
Dark-eyed Juncos are ground feeders that often scratch the soil with their feet to uncover seeds. They form flocks in colder months and often feed under bird feeders where seeds have spilled.
Diet
Their diet mainly includes seeds from grasses and weeds. They also consume insects during the breeding season. In winter, they are frequent visitors to backyard feeders.
4. White Wagtail
The White Wagtail is a graceful bird known for its elegant black, white, and gray plumage and constant tail-wagging motion. It is widespread across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa and often seen near water, open fields, or human settlements.
Identification
- White face and underparts
- Black throat patch and crown (varies by subspecies)
- Gray back with black and white wings
- Long tail often wagging up and down
Habitat
White Wagtails prefer open habitats such as riverbanks, farmland, lawns, and parking lots. They’re frequently seen foraging near water or walking across open ground in towns and countryside.
Behavior
They are active foragers that walk or run while searching for insects. Their constant tail-wagging is a distinctive behavior. During migration or cold weather, they may roost communally in large numbers.
Diet
Mainly insectivorous, they eat flies, beetles, caterpillars, and other small invertebrates. Near human areas, they may also consume crumbs and food scraps.
5. Black-and-white Warbler
The Black-and-white Warbler is a small, striking songbird with bold zebra-like stripes. Unlike most warblers, it creeps along tree trunks and branches like a nuthatch, making it easy to recognize in forests across North America.
Identification
- Black-and-white striped head and body
- White belly with streaked sides
- Thin, slightly curved bill
- Small size and agile movements
Habitat
They breed in deciduous and mixed forests, especially with mature trees. During migration, they’re seen in a wide range of habitats, including parks, gardens, and scrublands.
Behavior
This warbler is unique among its family for its tree-creeping habits. It often climbs up and around trunks and limbs in search of insects, showing more nuthatch-like behavior than typical warblers.
Diet
Their diet consists mostly of insects, spiders, and larvae. They pick prey from bark crevices and branches, making them efficient insect hunters during the breeding season and migration.
6. Willie Wagtail
The Willie Wagtail is a cheerful, bold little bird native to Australia and parts of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. With its long fanned tail and constant wagging, it is easy to spot in open areas and backyards.
Identification
- Black upperparts with white underparts
- Broad white eyebrows
- Long, fanned black tail constantly wagged
- Slightly rounded wings and slender legs
Habitat
Willie Wagtails are adaptable and live in open woodlands, farmland, gardens, and parks. They avoid dense forests but thrive around human activity and water sources.
Behavior
Very active and fearless, they often chase away larger birds to protect their territory. Their constant tail-wagging and energetic foraging make them easy to observe.
Diet
Mainly insectivorous, feeding on flies, moths, grasshoppers, and beetles. They catch prey mid-air or pick from the ground. They often follow livestock or humans to catch disturbed insects.
7. Magpie-lark (Peewee)
The Magpie-lark, also called Peewee, is a familiar bird in Australia, known for its bold black and white plumage and loud, melodious call. It’s often seen foraging on the ground in urban and rural settings.
Identification
- Glossy black head, throat, and back
- White face, belly, and wing patches
- Medium-sized with slender build
- Males and females have slightly different face markings
Habitat
Magpie-larks are widespread across Australia in urban parks, farmland, wetlands, and bushlands. They prefer open areas with access to water and mud for nesting.
Behavior
They are highly territorial and often seen chasing away rivals or calling loudly in pairs. They build mud nests on tree branches or man-made structures like light poles.
Diet
Feeds on insects, worms, spiders, and occasionally seeds. Forages mainly on the ground, using a bobbing motion and quick steps to spot prey.
8. Eastern Kingbird
The Eastern Kingbird is a bold and aggressive songbird found across North America. Its striking black-and-white appearance and fearless nature—especially when defending its nest—make it easy to recognize.
Identification
- Black head, back, and tail with a slight glossy sheen
- White underparts and white tail tip
- Large head and broad shoulders
- Hidden red crown patch (seen when agitated)
Habitat
Eastern Kingbirds prefer open spaces like fields, orchards, grasslands, and the edges of forests. They’re often seen perched on fences, wires, or treetops scanning for flying insects.
Behavior
Highly territorial during breeding season, they’re known to chase away much larger birds. They often sit still before darting out to catch insects mid-air in a style called “sallying.”
Diet
Mainly feeds on flying insects such as bees, wasps, and dragonflies. In late summer, they also eat berries and other small fruits.
9. Black Phoebe
The Black Phoebe is a small flycatcher found near water in the western U.S., Central America, and parts of South America. Its contrasting dark body and white belly give it a sleek, elegant look.
Identification
- Black head, back, and chest
- Bright white belly and undertail
- Medium-length tail often wagged
- Thin black bill and long legs
Habitat
Black Phoebes are strongly associated with water. They’re found near rivers, ponds, fountains, and coastal areas, often perched on low branches or fences.
Behavior
They often perch low and flick their tails while waiting to catch insects. Their flight is direct and purposeful, often returning to the same perch repeatedly after hunting.
Diet
Feeds primarily on flying insects like flies, mosquitoes, and gnats. Sometimes eats small fish or aquatic insects near the water’s surface.
10. Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America, recognized by its black-and-white plumage and cheerful tapping sounds. Despite its small size, it’s often seen climbing trees and branches in search of food.
Identification
- Black and white spotted wings and striped head
- White belly and back
- Males have a small red patch on the back of the head
- Short bill and compact body
Habitat
They inhabit woodlands, orchards, suburban yards, and parks. They’re common near dead trees and branches where they can drill for insects or create nests.
Behavior
Downy Woodpeckers move up and down tree trunks and branches using their stiff tails for balance. They’re known for drumming on wood and metal surfaces during spring.
Diet
Feeds on insects, larvae, and spiders hidden in bark. Also eats seeds, berries, and frequently visits suet feeders in winter.
11. Lesser Whitethroat
The Lesser Whitethroat is a shy and secretive small warbler found across Europe and western Asia. It’s known for its quick movements through shrubs and its sharp, rattling song.
Identification
- Gray head and nape
- Blackish face mask and white throat
- Pale grayish-white underparts
- Slender body with short wings and tail
Habitat
Prefers scrublands, hedgerows, thickets, and woodland edges. It often stays hidden in dense foliage but is heard more often than seen.
Behavior
Often seen flitting through bushes or hopping between low branches. They are migratory and travel long distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
Diet
Eats insects, spiders, and small caterpillars. During migration, it also consumes berries and soft fruits for energy.
12. European Pied Flycatcher
The European Pied Flycatcher is a small, energetic bird known for its crisp black-and-white appearance during the breeding season. Males are especially striking, while females appear browner and more subdued.
Identification
- Males: black upperparts, white underparts, and white wing patch
- Females: brownish-gray with paler underparts
- Short bill and upright posture
- Small and agile in flight
Habitat
Found in woodlands, especially those with oak or beech trees. They prefer open forests and parklands for breeding, often nesting in tree holes or bird boxes.
Behavior
Highly active and alert, they frequently flick their wings and tails. Males sing from perches during the breeding season and may compete for multiple nesting sites.
Diet
Feeds mainly on flying insects such as flies, moths, and beetles. Will also take spiders and occasionally berries, especially in late summer.
13. Oriental Magpie-Robin (Male)
The Oriental Magpie-Robin is a charming songbird known for its rich whistling calls. Males have a sharp black-and-white contrast, while females are more grayish. They are commonly found in South and Southeast Asia.
Identification
- Males: glossy black head, back, and chest with white belly and wing bars
- Long, upright tail often cocked upward
- Slender legs and a sharp, narrow bill
- Females: similar but duller, more gray than black
Habitat
Inhabits gardens, woodlands, plantations, and urban areas. Often seen perched on fences, rooftops, or low branches, especially in early morning.
Behavior
Known for melodious singing, especially by males during the breeding season. They often bob their tails and hop around while foraging.
Diet
Primarily insectivorous—eats ants, beetles, caterpillars, and flies. Occasionally eats small fruits and kitchen scraps near human dwellings.
14. White-crowned Sparrow
The White-crowned Sparrow is a striking and melodious bird found across North America. Its bold black-and-white striped head makes it one of the easiest sparrows to identify.
Identification
- Distinctive black and white stripes on the crown
- Gray face and breast
- Brown-streaked back and wings
- Pink or yellowish bill depending on region
Habitat
Found in open woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and tundra. In winter, they are common in backyards, parks, and roadsides, often seen foraging on the ground.
Behavior
White-crowned Sparrows are ground foragers that hop and scratch for seeds and insects. They migrate long distances between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas.
Diet
Feeds on seeds, berries, and insects. Often visits feeders for sunflower seeds and can be seen scratching leaves or soil to uncover food.
15. Horned Lark
The Horned Lark is a small, ground-dwelling songbird known for the tiny feather “horns” on its head. Its soft colors and black-and-white facial markings make it unique among open-country birds.
Identification
- Pale brown back with white underparts
- Black chest band and facial markings
- Yellowish face with black “horns” (feather tufts)
- Long, slender body with a short tail
Habitat
Prefers wide open areas such as fields, grasslands, dunes, and airfields. Rarely seen in forested environments—loves flat, open spaces with short vegetation.
Behavior
Often seen walking or running on the ground rather than hopping. It flushes low and fast when disturbed and nests directly on the ground, well-camouflaged.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds and grains, especially in winter. During breeding season, consumes a wide variety of insects including beetles and caterpillars.
