Birds with black heads are common throughout North America. You’re apt to find a wide range of birds with this kind of coloration, anything from songbirds to scavengers can have black feathers on their heads. Some birds are completely black, while others just have black patches on their head and cheeks.
They can be found anywhere from the southwestern deserts to the chilly coasts off New England, and even in your backyard.
25 Species of Birds with Black Heads
Black is a fairly common color in the bird world, and there are many more than just 25 species with black on their heads! We chose a variety of different types of birds for our list to give you a sample of the many species you may see in North America.
1. American Oystercatcher
Scientific name: Haematopus palliatus
The American oystercatcher is a distinguished and easily-spotted shorebird. Found along the Gulf and East coast, this shellfish-eater stalks along the beach at low tide, where it can find the best oysters and clams stranded by the waves.
Both sexes share golden eyes, a red beak, and a black head. Some juveniles have a black tip on their otherwise orange beak.
2. Arctic Tern
Scientific name: Sterna paradisaea
This small tern is entirely white and gray except for the black patch of feathers on its face and head. This hood, which just covers its eyes, is present on both males and females.
Arctic terns spend the breeding season in northern Canada and Alaska. They migrate south to Antarctica in one of the longest migrations known to spend the winter. Unusually long-lived, some have lived to be over 30 years old.
3. Acorn Woodpecker
