Black and White Birds in Michigan - Complete Guide

In Michigan, where diverse ecosystems flourish from lush forests to expansive wetlands, birdwatchers are treated to an array of avian wonders. Among these are several striking black and white birds that adorn the landscape with their distinctive plumage.

The Black-capped Chickadee, known for its bold black cap and bib contrasting against a white belly, flits among the branches with cheerful energy. The White-breasted Nuthatch, with its sleek black cap and clean white underparts, skillfully navigates tree trunks in search of insects and seeds.

Meanwhile, the Downy Woodpecker and its larger relative, the Hairy Woodpecker, both sport black and white patterns that make them easy to spot as they hammer away at tree bark. Adding to the monochrome spectacle are the Black-and-white Warbler and the Black-throated Green Warbler, each contributing their unique charm to Michigan's vibrant birdlife.

19 Black and White Birds in Michigan

Downy Woodpecker

Scientific Name: Picoides pubescens.

Weight: The weight of a Downy Woodpecker typically ranges from about 20 to 33 grams (0.7 to 1.2 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Downy Woodpecker in the wild is typically around 4 to 6 years. However, some individuals may live longer, with records of up to 11 years.

The Downy Woodpecker is a small and common woodpecker species found across North America. Recognized for its distinctive black and white plumage, the Downy Woodpecker also features a red patch on the back of its head in males.

With a preference for wooded habitats, including parks, gardens, and forests, these birds forage for insects by tapping on tree trunks and branches with their chisel-like bills. They are skilled climbers and can often be observed clinging to vertical surfaces while searching for food. Despite their small size, Downy Woodpeckers play a vital role in ecosystem health by controlling insect populations and creating nesting cavities in trees.

Hairy Woodpecker

Scientific Name: Leuconotopicus villosus.

Weight: The weight of a Hairy Woodpecker typically ranges from about 40 to 95 grams (1.4 to 3.4 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Hairy Woodpecker in the wild is typically around 4 to 6 years. However, some individuals may live longer, with records of up to 15 years.

The Hairy Woodpecker, similar in appearance to the Downy Woodpecker, is another common species found across North America. Larger than the Downy, it has similar black and white plumage with striking white spots on its wings. Like other woodpeckers, the Hairy Woodpecker uses its long, chisel-like bill to drum on trees while foraging for insects and larvae beneath the bark.

They also eat seeds and berries and are frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders. Their distinctive call is often heard in forested areas, where they nest in tree cavities excavated by both males and females. Despite some habitat loss, Hairy Woodpecker populations remain stable throughout their range.

Black-capped Chickadee

Scientific Name: Leuconotopicus villosus.

Weight: The weight of a Hairy Woodpecker typically ranges from about 40 to 95 grams (1.4 to 3.4 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Hairy Woodpecker in the wild is typically around 4 to 6 years. However, some individuals may live longer, with records of up to 15 years.

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small, non-migratory bird found in North America. Known for its distinctive black cap and bib, white cheeks, and greyish wings, it is a common sight in wooded areas, parks, and suburban gardens. These lively birds are highly vocal and have a signature "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call, which varies in intensity depending on the situation.

They primarily feed on insects, seeds, and berries, often caching food for later consumption. Black-capped Chickadees are cavity nesters, utilising natural or abandoned tree holes and bird boxes for breeding. They are adaptable birds, capable of surviving harsh winters by fluffing up their feathers for insulation and forming mixed-species foraging flocks with other small birds.

White-breasted Nuthatch

Scientific Name: Sitta carolinensis.

Weight: The weight of a White-breasted Nuthatch typically ranges from about 18 to 30 grams (0.6 to 1.1 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a White-breasted Nuthatch in the wild is typically around 2 to 3 years. However, some individuals may live longer, with records of up to 11 years.

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small songbird known for its distinctive appearance and behaviour. With a striking black cap, white face, and chestnut-coloured underparts, it has a unique upside-down foraging habit, often seen crawling headfirst down tree trunks in search of insects and seeds.

Found across much of North America, these birds inhabit deciduous forests, woodlands, and suburban areas with mature trees. They are agile climbers, using their strong feet and sharp bills to probe crevices for food.

White-breasted Nuthatches are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds, often remaining together year-round. They build nests in tree cavities, sometimes using old woodpecker holes, and line them with fur, grass, and bark flakes.

Common Loon

Scientific Name: Gavia immer.

Weight: The weight of a Common Loon typically ranges from about 2.5 to 6 kilograms (5.5 to 13.2 pounds).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Common Loon in the wild is typically around 20 to 30 years. However, they can potentially live longer, with some individuals reaching up to 35 years or more.

The Common Loon, known for its haunting calls and striking appearance, is a large aquatic bird found in North America's freshwater lakes and ponds. Recognized by its black head and neck, bold striping on the back, and distinctive white underparts, it possesses webbed feet positioned far back on its body, making it an excellent swimmer but somewhat awkward on land.

Common Loons are skilled divers, capable of descending to considerable depths in pursuit of fish, their primary food source. During the breeding season, they establish territories on remote lakeshores, constructing nests near the water's edge. Conservation efforts aim to protect these iconic birds, as they face threats such as habitat loss and pollution.

Pileated Woodpecker

Scientific Name: Dryocopus pileatus.

Weight: The weight of a Pileated Woodpecker typically ranges from about 250 to 400 grams (8.8 to 14.1 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Pileated Woodpecker in the wild is typically around 10 to 12 years. However, they can potentially live longer, with some individuals reaching up to 20 years or more.

The Pileated Woodpecker is one of North America's largest woodpecker species, recognizable by its striking appearance and distinctive drumming sounds. With a black body, red crest, and white stripes on its face and neck, it cuts a striking figure in wooded habitats across the continent.

Known for its loud calls and powerful drumming on trees, the Pileated Woodpecker is an adept forager, using its chisel-like bill to excavate large cavities in search of insects and larvae. Despite its size, it is a skilled flier, often spotted gracefully navigating through forested areas. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable habitats and protecting old-growth forests, which are crucial for the Pileated Woodpecker's survival.

Black-and-white Warbler

Scientific Name: Mniotilta varia.

Weight: The weight of a Black-and-white Warbler typically ranges from about 8 to 14 grams (0.3 to 0.5 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Black-and-white Warbler in the wild is typically around 4 to 8 years. However, some individuals may live longer, with records of up to 10 years.

The Black-and-white Warbler, a small but striking bird, sports a distinctive black-and-white striped pattern reminiscent of a zebra. Found primarily in forests across North America during the breeding season, these agile birds forage along tree trunks and branches, gleaning insects from the bark with their pointed bills.

During migration, they traverse a broad range, from Canada to Central America, often making stops in diverse habitats along the way. Their high-pitched song, reminiscent of a squeaky wheel, adds to the allure of springtime birding. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their forested habitats and protecting them from threats such as habitat loss and climate change, which could disrupt their migration patterns and breeding success.

American Oystercatcher

Scientific Name: Haematopus palliatus.

Weight: The weight of an American Oystercatcher typically ranges from about 360 to 550 grams (12.7 to 19.4 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of an American Oystercatcher in the wild is typically around 10 to 15 years. However, they can potentially live longer, with some individuals reaching up to 20 years.

The American Oystercatcher is a charismatic shorebird known for its distinctive appearance and behaviour. Sporting a striking black and white plumage with a long, bright orange bill, they are often found along coastal beaches, mudflats, and rocky shores across North and South America. Their diet primarily consists of bivalve mollusks like oysters and clams, which they pry open using their powerful bills.

Nesting on sandy or gravelly beaches, they lay well-camouflaged eggs in shallow scrapes in the sand. However, their coastal habitats face threats from human disturbance, habitat loss, and pollution. Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting sites, managing human activities in their habitat, and raising awareness about the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems for these unique birds.

Bobolink

Scientific Name: Dolichonyx oryzivorus.

Weight: The weight of a Bobolink typically ranges from about 30 to 40 grams (1.1 to 1.4 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Bobolink in the wild is typically around 4 to 7 years. However, some individuals may live longer, with records of up to 9 years.

The Bobolink is a small, migratory songbird known for its unique breeding plumage and melodious song. During the breeding season, males display striking black and white plumage with a buff-coloured nape and a distinctive straw-coloured patch on their backs. Found in grasslands and meadows across North America during the breeding season, they undertake long migrations to wintering grounds in South America.

Bobolinks are highly social birds, often forming large flocks during migration and foraging together in grassy habitats. However, habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices have led to population declines in some areas, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect their grassland habitats and breeding sites.

Eastern Kingbird

Scientific Name: Tyrannus tyrannus.

Weight: The weight of an Eastern Kingbird typically ranges from about 33 to 55 grams (1.2 to 1.9 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of an Eastern Kingbird in the wild is typically around 7 to 10 years. However, they can potentially live longer, with some individuals reaching up to 15 years.

The Eastern Kingbird is a striking bird characterised by its sleek black and white plumage, with a distinctive white band across its tail. These medium-sized flycatchers are known for their aggressive defence of territory, often engaging in dramatic aerial displays to ward off intruders.

Found throughout much of North America during the breeding season, Eastern Kingbirds inhabit open woodlands, farmlands, and urban areas where they prey on flying insects. They are known for their characteristic "sallying" behaviour, darting out from perches to catch passing insects mid-air.

During migration, Eastern Kingbirds undertake long journeys to wintering grounds in Central and South America, where they inhabit a variety of wooded and open habitats.

Loggerhead Shrike

Scientific Name: Lanius ludovicianus.

Weight: The weight of a Loggerhead Shrike typically ranges from about 50 to 60 grams (1.8 to 2.1 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Loggerhead Shrike in the wild is typically around 2 to 3 years. However, some individuals may live longer, with records of up to 6 years.

The Loggerhead Shrike is a distinctive songbird known for its predatory habits and unique behaviour. With a striking black mask across its eyes and a greyish-white underbelly, this bird of prey resembles a small raptor despite being classified as a passerine.

Loggerhead Shrikes are adept hunters, preying on insects, small birds, and even small mammals. They are known for impaling their prey on thorns or barbed wire, creating a "larder" of food for later consumption.

Found in open habitats across North America, Loggerhead Shrikes are often associated with shrubby grasslands, agricultural fields, and scrubby areas. Conservation efforts aim to protect their habitats and raise awareness about the importance of preserving these unique birds and their ecosystem roles.

Northern Flicker

Scientific Name: Colaptes auratus.

Weight: The weight of a Northern Flicker typically ranges from about 85 to 165 grams (3 to 5.8 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Northern Flicker in the wild is typically around 6 to 8 years. However, some individuals may live longer, with records of up to 9 to 12 years.

The Northern Flicker is a striking woodpecker species known for its colourful plumage and distinct behaviours. With a combination of brown, black, and white feathers, these birds exhibit a striking appearance. They are commonly found across North America, often residing in forests, woodlands, and urban areas with sufficient tree cover.

Northern Flickers primarily feed on insects, especially ants, which they locate by drumming on trees or probing the ground with their long, barbed tongues. They are also known for their distinctive "flickering" flight pattern, characterised by a series of rapid wing beats interspersed with short glides.

Mourning Warbler

Scientific Name: Geothlypis philadelphia.

Weight: The weight of a Mourning Warbler typically ranges from about 9 to 14 grams (0.3 to 0.5 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Mourning Warbler in the wild is typically around 2 to 5 years. However, some individuals may live longer, with records of up to 8 years.

The Mourning Warbler is a small, migratory bird known for its subtle beauty and melodic songs. With a greyish-olive back and yellow underparts, it possesses a distinctive appearance. These warblers breed in dense thickets and shrubby habitats across North America, particularly in boreal forests and wetlands.

During migration, they traverse long distances, often stopping in wooded areas and gardens to rest and refuel. Mourning Warblers primarily feed on insects and spiders, foraging low in vegetation and occasionally hovering to catch prey mid-air.

Their song is a series of whistled notes, often described as mournful or plaintive. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their breeding and stopover habitats, including maintaining healthy forest ecosystems and protecting critical migration routes.

Blackburnian Warbler

Scientific Name: Setophaga fusca.

Weight: The weight of a Blackburnian Warbler typically ranges from about 8 to 12 grams (0.3 to 0.4 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Blackburnian Warbler in the wild is typically around 4 to 8 years. However, some individuals may live longer, with records of up to 10 years.

The Blackburnian Warbler, a strikingly vibrant bird, is a member of the New World warbler family. Recognizable by its fiery orange throat and bold black and white plumage, it stands out in its woodland habitat. During the breeding season, these warblers inhabit coniferous and mixed forests across North America, where they build cup-shaped nests in the canopy.

Their diet consists mainly of insects, which they catch by gleaning from foliage or aerial sallies. Blackburnian Warblers undertake long migrations, travelling thousands of miles between their breeding grounds in North America and their wintering areas in Central and South America.

Bufflehead

Scientific Name: Bucephala albeola.

Weight: The weight of a Bufflehead typically ranges from about 270 to 550 grams (9.5 to 19.4 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Bufflehead in the wild is typically around 5 to 10 years. However, they can potentially live longer, with some individuals reaching up to 15 years.

The Bufflehead, a small and distinctive diving duck, is found in North America. Named for its large, bulbous head, it boasts striking black and white plumage, with the males featuring iridescent green patches on their heads. These ducks prefer freshwater habitats, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes, where they dive to forage for aquatic invertebrates and small fish.

During the breeding season, Buffleheads nest in tree cavities, often taking advantage of old woodpecker holes. They undertake long migrations, with some populations traveling from their breeding grounds in Canada and Alaska to wintering areas along the coasts of the United States and Mexico.

Clark's Nutcracker

Scientific Name: Nucifraga columbiana

Weight: The weight of a Clark's Nutcracker typically ranges from about 80 to 140 grams (2.8 to 4.9 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of animals can vary significantly depending on species. For example, smaller birds may have life spans of just a few years, while larger mammals can live for several decades or even centuries.

The Clark's Nutcracker is a highly intelligent bird found in western North America, often associated with coniferous forests and alpine habitats. Named after the American explorer William Clark, these birds are known for their remarkable memory and ability to cache thousands of seeds across vast territories, helping to ensure their survival during harsh winter months.

With their strong bills, they crack open pine cones to access the seeds, which they then store in underground caches or crevices in trees. This behaviour also inadvertently aids in the dispersal of tree seeds, contributing to forest regeneration.

Black-legged Kittiwake

Scientific Name: Rissa tridactyla.

Weight: The weight of a Black-legged Kittiwake typically ranges from about 325 to 525 grams (11.5 to 18.5 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Black-legged Kittiwake in the wild is typically around 12 to 20 years. However, they can potentially live longer, with some individuals reaching up to 25 years.

The Black-legged Kittiwake is a medium-sized gull species found in the northern parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. These birds have distinctive black legs and a grey back, with white plumage on their underside. They nest in colonies on cliffs, ledges, and rocky shores, often in close proximity to other seabirds.

Black-legged Kittiwakes primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates, which they catch by plunge-diving from the air or by picking food from the water's surface. They are well adapted to life at sea, spending most of their time over open water except during the breeding season. Climate change and disturbances to marine ecosystems pose significant challenges to the population of Black-legged Kittiwakes.

Black-throated Sparrow

Scientific Name: Amphispiza bilineata.

Weight: The weight of a Black-throated Sparrow typically ranges from about 11 to 14 grams (0.4 to 0.5 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Black-throated Sparrow in the wild is typically around 3 to 5 years. However, some individuals may live longer, with records of up to 7 years.

The Black-throated Sparrow is a small bird species found in arid and semi-arid regions of southwestern North America, including parts of the United States and Mexico. Recognized by its distinctive black throat patch and bold facial markings, this sparrow inhabits desert scrub, grasslands, and open woodlands. Its diet primarily consists of seeds, insects, and occasionally fruits.

The Black-throated Sparrow is known for its melodious song, often heard during the breeding season. These birds build cup-shaped nests low to the ground, concealed among vegetation. While they are generally common and widespread within their range, habitat loss and fragmentation threaten their populations, particularly in areas experiencing urbanisation and agricultural development.

Horned Grebe

Scientific Name: Podiceps auritus.

Weight: The weight of a Horned Grebe typically ranges from about 300 to 600 grams (10.6 to 21.2 ounces).

Lifespan: The lifespan of a Horned Grebe in the wild is typically around 5 to 10 years. However, they can potentially live longer, with some individuals reaching up to 15 years.

The Horned Grebe, also known as the Slavonian Grebe in Eurasia, is a small waterbird found in freshwater lakes and ponds across the Northern Hemisphere during the breeding season. Recognizable by its distinctive black and rust-coloured plumage, the Horned Grebe gets its name from the prominent tufts of golden feathers behind its eyes, resembling horns.

During the non-breeding season, it migrates to coastal waters and estuaries. These grebes are adept divers, feeding mainly on small fish, insects, and crustaceans. They build floating nests among emergent vegetation, often in shallow water. While widespread, habitat degradation and pollution pose threats to their populations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the diverse avifauna discussed here showcases the rich tapestry of bird species found across different habitats and regions. From majestic raptors like the Red-tailed Hawk to small passerines like the Black-capped Chickadee, each bird plays a unique role in its ecosystem.

Understanding their behaviours, habitats, and conservation status is vital for preserving biodiversity and ensuring the survival of these feathered creatures. By appreciating and protecting birds, we contribute to the health of ecosystems worldwide.

Whether soaring high in the sky or foraging in the underbrush, birds captivate us with their beauty, songs, and remarkable adaptations. Let us continue to cherish and safeguard these avian wonders for generations to come.