By The black bird with an orange stripe on its wing is likely the Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula). These striking birds are known for their glossy black plumage and vibrant orange markings, including a distinct stripe on their wings. Male Baltimore Orioles sport bright orange plumage on their underparts, rump, and shoulders, while females have more subdued yellow-orange hues.
These birds are commonly found in deciduous forests, woodlands, and parks across North America during the breeding season. Their diet primarily consists of insects, fruits, and nectar, and they are often attracted to backyard feeders offering oranges, jelly, and sugar water. The Baltimore Orioles melodious song and vivid appearance make it a welcome sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
21 Black birds with Orange Stripe on Wing
Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole, a vibrant songbird, is renowned for its striking appearance and melodic calls. With its bright orange plumage accented by black wings and tail, the male Baltimore Oriole stands out amidst foliage. Females possess a more subdued coloration, with yellowish-orange underparts and olive-green upperparts. These birds predominantly inhabit open woodlands, deciduous forests, and suburban areas across North America during the breeding season.
Baltimore Orioles primarily feed on insects, nectar, and fruit, utilising their unique brush-tipped tongues to extract nectar from flowers. Their elaborate hanging nests, intricately woven from grass, bark, and plant fibres, are suspended from tree branches.
Blackburnian Warbler:
The Blackburnian Warbler, a neotropical migrant, is characterised by its striking plumage and distinctive markings. Sporting vibrant orange throat and breast feathers, contrasting with black and white streaks on its head and back, this small songbird is a sight to behold during its breeding season. Found primarily in mature coniferous and mixed forests of North America, the Blackburnian Warbler forages actively in the tree canopy, gleaning insects and spiders from foliage and branches.
During migration, it traverses vast distances, often stopping to refuel in wooded habitats along its route. Despite its diminutive size, the Blackburnian Warbler emits a high-pitched, buzzy song that resonates through the forest canopy.
Flame-coloured Tanager
The Flame-coloured Tanager, native to the cloud forests of Central and South America, is renowned for its vibrant plumage and striking appearance. Sporting a fiery orange-red body with contrasting black wings and tail, this tanager is a sight to behold amidst the lush green foliage of its montane habitat. Its slender bill is adapted for feeding on a varied diet of fruits, insects, and nectar found in the forest canopy.
These tanagers are often observed in small flocks, foraging actively in the upper levels of the forest, where they contribute to seed dispersal and pollination. Their melodious songs, characterised by clear whistles and trills, add to the enchantment of the cloud forest environment.
Flame Robin
The Flame Robin, native to Australia, is characterised by its striking appearance and charming behaviour. With a vibrant orange-red breast and throat contrasting against a slate-grey back and wings, it is easily recognizable, especially among the eucalypt forests and woodlands it inhabits. These small, insectivorous birds are often observed perched on exposed branches or hopping along the forest floor, where they forage for prey such as insects and spiders.
During breeding season, male Flame Robins display their fiery plumage prominently as they defend territories and court females with melodious songs and aerial displays.
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker, a member of the woodpecker family, is known for its unique markings and behaviour. Sporting a striking plumage pattern of brown, black, and white, with distinctive markings on its face and underparts, it’s easily recognizable. These birds are commonly found in open woodlands, forest edges, and suburban areas throughout North America. Northern Flickers are adept foragers, often seen probing the ground for ants, beetles, and other insects with their slightly curved bill.
They also feed on fruits and seeds, making them adaptable to various habitats. Unlike other woodpeckers, Northern Flickers often forage on the ground rather than drilling into trees. During breeding season, they excavate nest cavities in dead trees or sometimes even in buildings. Their loud, drumming calls and distinctive flight patterns make them a familiar sight and sound in many North American habitats.
Orchard Oriole
The Orchard Oriole is a small, vibrant bird known for its striking appearance and unique habitat preferences. With a vibrant flame-orange plumage punctuated by black wings and tail, the male Orchard Oriole is a sight to behold during the breeding season. In contrast, the female and immature birds have a more subdued olive-green coloration. These orioles prefer open woodlands, forest edges, and orchards, hence their name.
They are commonly found in eastern and central parts of North America during the breeding season, where they nest in deciduous trees. Orchard Orioles primarily feed on insects, fruits, and nectar, making them important pollinators. Their melodious songs and distinctive calls are often heard amidst the foliage of fruit trees and shrubs.
Hooded Oriole
The Hooded Oriole stands out with its vibrant plumage and distinct behaviour. Male Hooded Orioles boast striking yellow and black colouring, with a bold black hood extending from the head to the upper back, while females exhibit a more subdued yellow-green hue.
Their habitat preferences include open woodlands, scrublands, and parks, primarily in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. These orioles are skilled nest builders, often constructing intricate hanging nests from palm fronds or other vegetation.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, nectar, and fruits, which they glean from flowers and foliage. Hooded Orioles are also known for their melodious songs and distinctive calls, often heard echoing through their arid habitats.
American Redstart
The American Redstart, known for its striking appearance and unique behaviour, is a small migratory songbird found across North America.
Both males and females display distinctive plumage, with males exhibiting bright orange patches on their wings, tail, and sides, while females have more subdued yellow tones. They inhabit various forested habitats during their breeding season, including deciduous and mixed woodlands.
Known for their energetic foraging style, American Redstarts actively hunt for insects by rapidly flicking their wings and spreading their tails to startle prey. Their diet primarily consists of insects, spiders, and occasionally fruits and berries. During the breeding season, they build cup-shaped nests in dense vegetation, often near water sources.
Bullock’s Oriole
Bullock’s Oriole, a striking bird of the American West, boasts vibrant plumage and distinctive behaviours. The male sports a bold black mask over its eyes, contrasting with bright orange underparts and a black back.
Females and juveniles display more muted colours, with yellowish-orange bellies and greyish-brown backs. These orioles inhabit a variety of semi-open habitats, including woodlands, scrublands, and parks, preferring areas with tall trees for nesting and open spaces for foraging.
They primarily feed on insects, spiders, fruits, and nectar, making them versatile foragers. During the breeding season, males sing melodious songs to attract mates and defend territories. Bullock’s Orioles construct intricate hanging nests woven from plant fibres, often suspended from the outer branches of trees.
Scarlet Tanager
The Scarlet Tanager is a striking bird known for its vibrant plumage and distinctively melodious song.
The male sports brilliant scarlet feathers with black wings and tail, while the female exhibits more subdued yellow-green plumage. These tanagers primarily inhabit mature deciduous forests during the breeding season, where they forage for insects, spiders, and fruits among the tree canopy.
During migration and winter, they may also frequent more open habitats such as parks and gardens with ample vegetation cover. Scarlet Tanagers are often found high in the trees, where they flit among the branches in search of food.
Altamira Oriole
The Altamira Oriole, a species native to Central America and parts of Mexico, is recognized for its striking appearance and distinctive vocalisations. Sporting vibrant orange plumage, black wings, and tail, along with a prominent black bib, this oriole stands out in its habitat. It primarily resides in dense riparian woodlands, thorn forests, and semi-open habitats with tall trees and shrubs.
Found in regions such as southern Texas and along the Gulf Coast of Mexico, the Altamira Oriole is known for its preference for nesting in palm trees, particularly palms with dense foliage and suitable nesting cavities.
Western Tanager
The Western Tanager, a vibrant bird found across western North America, is characterised by its striking appearance and distinctive song. It boasts a bright yellow body with black wings and tail, along with a red-orange head in males and a yellowish head in females. This species typically inhabits coniferous and mixed woodlands during the breeding season, favouring high-altitude forests with ample coniferous trees for nesting.
In winter, it migrates to lower elevations and may be spotted in a variety of habitats, including parks and gardens. Western Tanagers primarily feed on insects during the breeding season, but they also consume fruits and berries, making them essential seed dispersers.
Black-and-orange Flycatcher
The Western Tanager, a brightly coloured bird native to western North America, is known for its striking appearance and melodious song.
Males feature vibrant yellow bodies with black wings and tails, complemented by a fiery red-orange head, while females exhibit a more subdued yellowish hue on the head. These tanagers prefer coniferous and mixed woodlands for breeding, particularly favouring habitats with ample coniferous trees at higher elevations.
During the winter, they migrate to lower altitudes and can be found in various environments, including parks and gardens. Western Tanagers primarily feed on insects during the breeding season but also consume fruits and berries, contributing to seed dispersal.
Their song is reminiscent of a robin’s but carries a distinct burry quality. Overall, the Western Tanager’s vibrant plumage and delightful song make it a cherished sight and sound in its native habitats.
Flame Bowerbird
The Flame Bowerbird, native to the rainforests of New Guinea, is renowned for its vibrant plumage and unique courtship behaviour. Male Flame Bowerbirds exhibit striking fiery plumage, featuring bright orange-red feathers on the back and wings, contrasting with black wings and tail.
They also boast a distinctive bower-building behaviour, constructing intricate bowers adorned with colourful objects like flowers, fruits, and feathers to attract females during mating rituals. These bowers serve as stages for elaborate courtship displays, where males dance and vocalise to impress potential mates. Female Flame Bowerbirds, on the other hand, have more subdued plumage, with olive-brown feathers for camouflage while nesting.
Vermilion Flycatcher
The Vermilion Flycatcher, a striking bird found in the Americas, is recognized for its vibrant plumage and distinctive hunting behaviour. Males display a brilliant vermilion coloration on their underparts and crown, contrasting with dark brown wings and tail.
Females and juveniles have a more subdued appearance, with greyish-brown plumage and hints of red on the underparts. Their habitat includes open woodlands, savannas, and scrublands across the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Vermilion Flycatchers primarily feed on insects, employing a sit-and-wait hunting strategy, perching on exposed branches or wires to catch flying prey in mid-air.
Flamecrest
The Flamecrest, also known as the Taiwan Firecrest, is a small songbird endemic to the high mountain forests of Taiwan. Renowned for its vibrant plumage and distinct crest, it sports a fiery orange crown contrasting with olive-green upperparts and pale underparts.
Males typically exhibit longer crests than females. These birds primarily forage for insects and spiders in the dense foliage of coniferous forests, often found in mixed-species flocks alongside other songbirds.
Despite their small size, Flame Crests are highly active and agile, flitting among branches and foliage in search of prey. They are also known for their melodious songs, often heard during the breeding season.
Flame-rumped Tanager
The Flame-rumped Tanager, scientifically known as Ramphocelus flammigerus, is a striking bird species found in Central and South America, particularly in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
It is characterised by its vibrant plumage, featuring a fiery red or orange rump contrasting with black wings and a black mask across its eyes. The rest of its body is typically dark blue or black. This tanager species inhabits a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, forest edges, and shrubby areas near water sources.
It primarily feeds on fruits and insects, foraging in the canopy and mid-level foliage. During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females.
Flame-throated Warbler
The Flame-throated Warbler, scientifically known as Oreothlypis gutturalis, is a small songbird native to the highlands of Central America, particularly Costa Rica and Panama.
It derives its name from the vibrant flame-like orange plumage on its throat, which contrasts with its yellow underparts and olive-green back. This warbler species primarily inhabits montane cloud forests and pine-oak forests, where it forages for insects and spiders in the canopy and understory.
It is known for its melodious song, which consists of high-pitched trills and warbles. The Flame-throated Warbler is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), owing to its relatively stable population and extensive range across its preferred habitat.
Orange-headed Thrush
The Orange-headed Thrush, scientifically referred to as Geokichla citrina, is a medium-sized songbird found in various parts of Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Its name is derived from the striking orange hue of its head and underparts, which contrasts with its brown wings and back. This thrush species typically inhabits dense forests, wooded areas, and gardens, where it forages for insects, earthworms, and fruits on the forest floor and in low vegetation.
It is known for its melodious and varied song, consisting of fluting whistles and musical trills. The Orange-headed Thrush is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), owing to its widespread distribution and stable population trends.
Fiery-browed Starling
The Fiery-browed Starling, scientifically known as Nodes erythrophris, is a species of starling found in parts of Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
It is named for the distinctive fiery-orange patch of feathers on its forehead and brow, which contrasts with its glossy black plumage. This starling typically inhabits forested areas, including tropical and subtropical moist forests, where it feeds primarily on fruits, berries, and insects.
It is often observed in small flocks, foraging in the canopy and understory of the forest. The Fiery-browed Starling is known for its melodious and varied vocalisations, including whistles, trills, and mimicry of other bird species’ calls.
While population data for this species is limited, it is believed to have stable populations across its range and is not currently considered threatened. However, habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation remain potential threats to its long-term survival.
Orange-bellied Trogon
The Orange-bellied Trogon is a captivating bird species renowned for its vibrant plumage and distinct features. With a striking orange belly contrasting against a deep blue-green body, it is a sight to behold in its natural habitat.
This trogon species typically measures around 25 to 30 centimetres in length and weighs approximately 70 to 80 grams. Its habitat primarily includes tropical and subtropical forests, where it can be found perched on branches or flying gracefully amidst the foliage.
The Orange-bellied Trogon is known for its melodious calls, which echo through the forest canopy. It feeds on a diet consisting mainly of insects and small fruits.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the diverse array of avian species discussed showcases the richness of our natural world and the remarkable adaptations of birds to various environments. From the vibrant plumage of the Flame-rumped Tanager to the melodious calls of the Orange-bellied Trogon, each bird species contributes to the intricate tapestry of biodiversity.
By delving into the facts and figures surrounding these birds, we gain a deeper appreciation for their unique characteristics and ecological significance. As stewards of the planet, it’s essential to recognize the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard these species and their habitats for future generations.
Through continued research, education, and conservation initiatives, we can ensure that these magnificent birds continue to thrive in their natural environments, enriching our lives with their beauty and enhancing the ecological balance of our planet.