There are a few different birds that have predominantly white feathers with black tips. This distinctive coloration serves important functions for these birds, helping them camouflage, signal and display. When identifying a mystery bird with this description, looking at the pattern and extent of black tips along with other features can help narrow down the possibilities. With some detective work, bird watchers can figure out what specific species they’ve spotted based on white plumage marked by black.
Birds With White and Black Feathers
Here are some of the main bird species that are known for having white feathers tipped or accented with black:
Herring Gull
One of the most widespread and recognizable seabirds across the northern hemisphere, the herring gull sports a white body and wings marked by black wingtips. The black tips contrast against the pale plumage and make the wings appear darker when silhouetted against the sky.
Ring-billed Gull
Very similar to the herring gull, the ring-billed gull can be distinguished by its namesake black ring around the bill and more restricted range in North America. It also has black wingtips.
Laughing Gull
Found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, the laughing gull has a dark grey “hood” during the breeding season and black tips on its primary wing feathers like other white-headed gulls.
Franklin’s Gull
This medium-sized gull species nests in the prairie wetlands of North America. In addition to black wingtips, adults have a distinctive black head during breeding season. Their black hoods are smaller and less pronounced than on the laughing gull.
Ring-necked Pheasant
The male ring-necked pheasant shows white plumage on the body, wings and tail, boldly accentuated by iridescent black-green heads and necks. Females are less showy overall with duller brown plumage instead of white.
Eurasian Magpie
Widespread across Europe, Asia and northwest Africa, the striking Eurasian magpie has glossy black plumage with contrasting white shoulder patches, belly and wing markings. It has a long black tail distinguished by wide white tips.
Spotted Towhee
In western North America, the spotted towhee is a large sparrow with black wings, back, head and breast contrasting with white belly and wing spots. Females are brown instead of black. Only the males show white with black markings.
Black Skimmer
As their name indicates, black skimmers have uniquely contrasting color patterns. Their backs and most wings are black while their bellies, foreheads and neck sides are white. The white extends up in a striking stripe up the neck and face.
Eurasian Oystercatcher
This large shorebird lives along the coasts of Europe, Asia and parts of Africa. True to its name, it uses its long red bill to pry open oysters and other shellfish. Its black head, wings and back contrast with white plumage on the breast, belly, neck sides and wing stripes.
Identifying the Mystery Bird
When trying to identify an unknown bird that is mostly white with black tips or accents, considering the following key points can help narrow it down:
- Where is the bird found? Note habitat like coastal, wetland, forest etc.
- How much black is there? Just on wingtips and tail or on the head and back too?
- How is the black distributed? In patches, stripes, hood or wingtips?
- How large is the bird? Estimate size compared to common birds.
- Does it have any other distinctive markings besides black and white?
- Is the black iridescent like on a pheasant?
- Are there differences between males and females?
Paying attention to these kinds of details along with behavior and movement style will help point towards a particular species or family. It’s useful to have field guides and other resources available for reference and comparison. Once you’ve noted all the clues, you can match them against pictures and descriptions to conclude what bird you spotted.
Why White With Black Tips?
For the various birds that sport white plumage accented with black tips, markings or sections, this coloration serves important functions:
Camouflage
Countershading provides camouflage from above and below. The white belly blends with bright sky and hides the bird’s outline when seen from below. The darker back and wings blend with the ground or water when seen from above. This makes the bird harder to spot for potential prey or predators. Patterns like stripes and patches can also help break up the bird’s outline.
Signaling
High contrast colors like white and black are easy to see and recognize at a distance. The bold patterns act like visual signals for communication between members of the same species. For instance, the black hoods and markings on gulls signal their breeding status.
Display
Males of species like pheasants and towhees use the sharp black and white patterns to stand out and attract female attention during courtship. The conspicuous colors advertise the male’s fitness. Males of these species may devote more energy to growing showy plumage when testosterone levels peak for breeding season.
Mimics and Exceptions
There are always exceptions when identifying birds based on field marks. Some all dark bird species may still show pale wingtips in flight that could resemble white with black tips. And there are a number of copycat species that mimic the distinctive black and white patterns:
- Some female orioles can appear similar to spotted towhees
- The mountain bluebird shares the colors of male towhees
- Clark’s nutcracker has white outer tail feathers like a magpie
- The white-winged dove has black accents at the wingtips
Being aware of potential lookalike species in the local area helps avoid jumping to the wrong conclusion. It pays to be patient and use multiple clues, not just plumage, when zeroing in on a bird’s identity.
Conclusion
While several species share the trait of white feathers tipped or marked with black, considering the extent of black, overall size and shape, behavior and other characteristics can verify exactly which bird you’ve observed. Whether they use black and white for camouflage, signaling or display, this high contrast pattern serves essential functions in the lives of birds ranging from gulls and pheasants to magpies and towhees. Paying careful attention to field marks while also drawing on field guides and location can help deduce what species is showing off its stylish black and white plumage. With some perceptive detective birding skills, you can confidently determine “what bird has white feathers with black tips.”