Black Birds In Florida: 22 Species In Abundance

As you move deeper into the state of Florida – be that out in the open beside the coast or deep inside woods, you’ll come across a wide variety of bird species.

They’re different in color and trait from one another as each of them have been able to establish a safe habitat due to the state’s strict policies.

Out of them, black birds in Florida are often sighted by natives and visitors simultaneously at different locations.

The bird observers require some prior knowledge in order to tell apart one from the other as they’re all draped in shades of black.

Thus, my article contributes to highlighting each of their defining characteristics to render your identification absolutely spot on!

Types of Black Birds Observed in Florida

This section uncovers all the black birds you have a good chance of running into in the US state of Florida. All of these species are distinctly different from one another with some common traits due to a shared habitat.

Bobolink

Source: @paulhettenhaus

• Scientific Name: Dolichonyx oryzivorus
• Size: 16 to 18 cm (6.3 to 7.1 in)
• Locality: Parts of North & South America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: March to August

200 years ago, Bobolinks witnessed a huge decline in number due to being a prime choice for meat trade related slaughtering. Often regarded as “Rice Birds”, this species takes refuge in Florida during migration in large groups. Their name derives from their rice-eating habits during winter times from cultivation lands.

Recognition

With the original feathering of black, Bobolinks display a magnificent mixture of white and gray on their surrounding body. Mostly their face, abdomen and back are draped in black with shades of white and gray on the lower back and wing edges. A light golden mane renders identifying it in the wilderness very easy!

Habitat

From the American midwestern areas to the Canadian maritimes, these birds are found in abundance. These landbirds prefer to nest at open fields, beside cultivation fields or around grassy lands. Their migrations take them in the heart of South America and even to parts of Europe in unusual cases.

Boat-Tailed Grackle

Source: @colleenpollackphotography

• Scientific Name: Quiscalus major
• Size: 37 to 43 cm (15 to 17 in)
• Locality: Florida & other United States gulf coasts
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Throughout May

In Florida and the adjacent southeastern region of America, Boat-tailed Grackles can be observed in large numbers. The four subspecies can differ in color and shape but there are many resemblances with their other grackle cousins in terms of appearance and nature.

Recognition

As the name suggests, this species is signified by the supermassive tail that’s shaped like a wide row. The male birds are usually completely black with a shiny deep blue effect embedded on the back, abdomen and wings. Female birds are usually brown and it’s very easy to separate one from the other.

Habitat

This species is mostly located around the salty coastal marshes in parts of Florida. Their nests are hidden in tree-cups or within shrubs beside a water-body. Such omnivorous birds prefer to stay close to the ground in their hunt for food and are known thieves to steal food from other birds.

Common Starling

Source: @king_lee_navywolf

• Scientific Name: Sturnus vulgaris
• Size: 20 cm (8 in)
• Locality: Almost every part of the world
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: March

Common Starling has around 12 subspecies spreaded across the world. They originated in parts of Europe but later on introduced to the USA, Australia and South Africa. Out of these places, Florida seems to be one of the localities where this species has been able to find a comfortable habitat zone.

Recognition

Common Starling has a very distinct way of appearance as opposed to grackles. The basic black colored body plays host to short, white & separated lines on the bottom half while the top half continues a similar pattern but in orange. Apart from these speckles, the glossy-black plumage stands as the defining aspect for these birds.

Habitat

This species prefers to make a habitat zone out of the urban and suburban territories. The usual feeding place for these birds are usually grassy fields, farmlands and other urban locations with shorter grasses. It makes their foraging easier in search of food, but the nestings are usually done in tree cavities nearby.

American Crow

Source: @seumas326

• Scientific Name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
• Size: 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in)
• Locality: USA and parts of Canada
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Early April to June

Among all of the black birds in Florida, American Crow is probably the most common and highly located bird in this US state. The five subspecies are spreaded across all parts of the USA and southern region of Canada. This species is different from common ravens or other crows in terms of their smaller size and unique traits.

Recognition

This highly intelligent species with many symbolic meanings are concisely shaped and of course, fully black in color. The black on the back is usually shiny and reflects any sort of light that falls upon them. Abdomen feathers are matte and short legs limit their height even more.

Habitat

American Crows are found in every part of mainland Florida – in the forests, city-centers, streetsides or farmhouses. But when it comes to their habitat in this state, woods beside water bodies seem to be among their favorites. They form colonies outside of nesting season and the tree planting expansion in Florida has helped them grow in number

Fish Crow

Source: @mybackyard4244

• Scientific Name: Corvus ossifragus
• Size: 36 to 40 cm (14 to 16 in)
• Locality: Northwestern & southeastern parts of North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Late March to mid-June

The name Fish Crow is associated with this species due to its habit of roaming around wetlands. They don’t only rely on fishes, but are also known to consume every sort of creature that they can pick up from the water using their claws. There used to be a misconception tying Fish Crows with American Crows, but DNA analysis has classified them as distinct species.

Recognition

To be honest, you might mistake a Fish Crow for an American Crow any day if you don’t know the minor visible differences between the two. Firstly, Fish Crows are quite large in size and have tall legs. Their beak is somewhat blunt and the abdomen shows some textured feathers on the all-black body.

Habitat

As mentioned earlier, Fish Crows are native to Florida sea-side territories that extend to the entire southeastern coastline of the USA. Marshes, sea-beaches, rivers, lakes – these are the native grounds for this species to live and collect food from. However, their nests are usually formed high up in trees.

American Coot

Source: @roberttacito

• Scientific Name: Fulica americana
• Size: 34 to 43 cm (13 to 17 in)
• Locality: North and Central America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: May and June

American Coots are probably one of the most interesting black birds in Florida. They are known to lay eggs on other bird’s nests of the same species and the host mother has the intellect to tell her child apart from the parasitic one. Despite their distant relation with ducks, this species isn’t usually hunted for meat due to the lack of taste for humans.

Recognition

As many mistake American Coots to be descendants of duck species, it’s a misconception because they are separated from the order. Thus, this species has yellow feet resembling chickens and not flaps like ducks. A fully black body with a faded orange, sharp beak distinguishes this bird, and not to mention the scarlet eyes.

Habitat

Floridan marsh areas are a common place to locate American Coots in large numbers. You’ll be made aware of their presence by their loud noises that can be heard from miles away. Also known as mud hens, this species plant their nests hidden out of sight inside tall grasses.

Smooth-billed Ani

Source: @olexsanderbb

• Scientific Name: Crotophaga ani
• Size: 35 cm (14 in)
• Locality: South Florida, Caribbean Islands, parts of South America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Year round

The “el pijul” from the Venezuelan folklore, Smooth-billed Ani isn’t famous for its flying capabilities, rather it’s known to run remarkably well. Belonging to the cuckoo family, the number of this species in Florida was in decline once, until the state decided to take measures for their preservation and safety.

Recognition

The head of this bird gives away its identity with a wide & blunt beak, which will tell you exactly the reason for naming it in such a way. Entirely covered in black, the head portion contains short spikes to the lower neck embodying a fish-scale pattern, the wings are fine and accented with mixes of blue & brown. The tail is also quite long for its size.

Habitat

In Florida, Smooth-billed Anis place themselves around water bodies and the subsiding grassy fields. They forage in such plainlands to collect food like insects or fruits. This species prefers to form colonies where they live in couples. These birds are very noisy and quite straightforward to locate.

Shiny Cowbird

Source: @marcos_verdecia_diaz

• Scientific Name: Molothrus bonariensis
• Size: 22 cm (8.6 in)
• Locality: South America, Caribbean Islands & southern Florida
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: October to January

The name itself is suggestive enough to tell you that this passerine species is shiny and it’s one of their distinguishing features. It has 7 subspecies spreaded across South America toward Central, with only 1 out of them finding a permanent habitat in the state of Florida.

Recognition

These birds are very tiny in size and generate an oily reflection when light bounces off their black feathers. During broad daylight, the wings and crown seem to highlight a deep shade of blue. The chest’s reflection is prone toward a dark violet accent with fine lines on the wings.

Habitat

In 1985, this species arrived in Florida and set their natural roaming zone around agricultural lands and open spaces. Although it’s known to breed in Florida, researchers are yet to find a nest with younglings to identify their breeding pattern. Their adaptive nature is shown with the tendency to flourish in deforested territories.

Bronzed Cowbird

Source: @avesdecddelcarmen

• Scientific Name: Molothrus aeneus
• Size: 20 cm (7.9 in)
• Locality: Southern North America and Central America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: May and June

Bronzed Cowbirds are among the red-eyed black birds in Florida that contain 3 subspecies in the mentioned habitat areas. They are renowned for their brood parasitic trait of laying eggs in other birds’ nests, especially in sparrow and finch homes. This species shows unique characteristics than their other Cowbird family members.

Recognition

While other black birds reflect shades of blue or violet, Brown Cowbirds show a hint of golden-brown on their back and abdomen. The red eyes are striking and can be observed through binoculars for recognition. However, their wings remain restricted to blue-tone reflection like most other shiny black birds.

Habitat

The Hialeah locality of Miami, Florida is the home ground for this species apart from some particular parts between Key Largo and West Palm Beach. Urban areas are their favorite zones for food collection because they prefer open lands in this regard, apart from their nesting habit inside thick woods.

Double-crested Cormorant

Source: @sheri.douse.photography

• Scientific Name: Nannopterum auritum
• Size: 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 in)
• Locality: North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April to August

Double-crested Cormorants are waterbirds in black. Five subspecies are identified under their main species and all of them seem to be fond of swimming and feasting on fishes. Due to DDT chemicals, this species saw a huge decline in the 1960s, but the numbers are growing back due to strict policies.

Recognition

This species looks like a merger between a duck and a hunter due to the long neck with an orange, sharp beak and the flappers for feet. Apart from the beak and blue pair of eyes, the rest of their body consists of a solid black. During mating season, they generate white crests on their wings, thus the name is attached to them.

Habitat

From Alaska to Florida – this is the extent of this species in North America. Florida’s coastal areas and lakes are ranked among their hotspots for habituation and breeding. They are known to form colonies in these coastal zones on trees or inland grounds where they plant their breeding nests.

Black Vulture

Source: @bejothom

• Scientific Name: Coragyps atratus
• Size: 56 to 74 cm (22 to 29 in)
• Locality: Southern North America, Central America and South America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: June to September

Black Vultures are probably the most known death omen induced by a bird and it dates back many hundred years. Mayan hieroglyphs are in sync with such symbolism and deem this species as a threat to human beings. Notorious for feasting on decaying bodies, young cattles aren’t safe from their prey as well.

Recognition

Black Vultures can spread their black wings very wide and it allows them to glide for miles high up in the air. From their neck to upward, the entire portion is naked and harsh skin texture can be made out. Their sharp beak with a rounded pointy end marks them as hunters and allows them to tear apart dead corpses.

Habitat

This species is a year-round habitat in the state of Florida that extends to a few midwestern US states. Mostly, open areas with patches of woods are their comfort zone for breeding and praying. Their love for lowland is evidenced with their nesting on ground of wooden areas where they find cavities to lay eggs.

Common Gallinule

Source: @birdsnbuddies

• Scientific Name: Gallinula galeata
• Size: 12.6 to 13.8 in (32 to 35 cm)
• Locality: Parts of the Americas
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Late April to late September

Common Gallinule is probably one of the most highly sighted birds in all of Florida. Out of the 7 subspecies in the Americas, only one is native to the state. Known to be territorial as well as secretive, this species has been tamed by humans many times. Some of them migrate to a warmer locality during winter times.

Recognition

This species flaunts an alluring color all across its feathers. Based on a black canvas, the highlights display a tint toward navy blue under broad light. Yellow feet and white accents are their unique parts but the most standout aspect is the red beak with yellow tip, extending to the forehead.

Habitat

This particular black bird in Florida prefers ponds with lily pads, on which they forage to collect vegetation as well as smaller fishes. Any sort of water bodies will play host to this species in their natural habitats. It’s so common in southern Florida that the locals used to call it by “Florida gallinule” back in the days.

Pileated Woodpecker

Source: @briankeenanphotography

• Scientific Name: Dryocopus pileatus
• Size: 21.4 to 25.3 cm (8.4 to 10.0 in)
• Locality: Parts of North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Late March to early April

The name ‘pileated’ was associated with Pileated Woodpecker due to the red crown on top of their head. It’s the third largest woodpecker species in the world that’s native to North America, with a significant concentration in parts of Florida. It has only two recognized subspecies divided in northern and southern regions.

Recognition

The birds of this species are easily recognized with their black feathers with white textures and a red cap proudly placed on the head. The face is patterned with black and white colors with a short beak able to produce drumming noises during mating season. Male birds are known to show a hint of red on their cheek.

Habitat

Forests of Florida with habituation of Pileated Woodpeckers can be made heard from a long distance. From smaller to larger woods, this species make their homes inside tall tree cavities. Although they prefer foraging on low grounds, dense bushes prevent their movements to a certain extent.

Black Skimmer

Source: @fitz_michael

• Scientific Name: Rynchops niger
• Size: 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in)
• Locality: Southeastern USA and South America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: May to early September

Black Skimmers are basically sea-birds resembling the traits of Terns. They tend to migrate during winter toward warmer places. This practice is mostly observed in North America because their movements are quite limited in South America due to heavy floods.

Recognition

You’ll need to observe a Black Skimmer while it’s stationary to paint the whole picture because seeing them in full flight from underneath only shows their white abdomen, making it look like a long-beaked white bird of Florida. The top half is draped in black which extends to their face as well. Orange legs are matched with orange bills with the latter half burnt in black.

Habitat

As they show traits like seabirds, their comfort zones lie around coastal regions, lagoons and similar water bodies. Coastal Florida ranks among their breeding territories and localities like estuaries, beaches, and sandbars are where you’ll find them in large numbers.

Magnificent Frigatebird

Source: @jungle_savannah_ocean

• Scientific Name: Fregata magnificens
• Size: 89 to 114 cm (2 ft 11 in to 3 ft 9 in)
• Locality: Americas
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Mid-December to early April

It’s another seabird that can be traced in the coastal areas of Florida in large quantities. Their sight of flying and diving in to catch fish from the ocean water is a remarkable view for bird lovers! This bird dates back many hundred years with references on sailors’ log books and writers of different countries.

Recognition

If you find a Magnificent Frigatebird stationary in its natural habitat, you’ll realize why it’s called ‘magnificent’. Their posture radiates such vibes with solid black feathers and a white patch on the chest. However, it’s often listed with red-chested black birds as the male species contain a red sac that can be inflated.

Habitat

Mostly, the tropical and subtropical parts of the USA are the most defined habitat zones for this species. They range up to Florida as the last end of the Pacific coast. In the state, they form breeding colonies inland, very close to the coasts. A platform nest forged with sticks and twigs lets them plant their eggs.

American Robin

Source: @thatmikekwan

• Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
• Size: 23 to 28 cm (9.1 to 11.0 in)
• Locality: North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April to July

American Robin is named after the European variant of Robins despite not sharing the same family, rather due to their resemblance in looks. 7 subspecies have been recognized up to now by the bird experts, one of which resides in Florida permanently while the others are known to breed in the state.

Recognition

As per the shape and size, American Robin matches with most other Robins you’ll find in nature. The top part of this bird is black with a reddish-orange covering the abdomen. Lower parts of the belly ranges between white to gray, but the chest color remains as the most highlighting factor of appearance.

Habitat

Northern Florida is the part where you’ll find this species in their natural habitat, from feeding to breeding. Woodlands, farm houses and open areas are their foraging zones and urban settlements surrounding their habitats allow the local people to locate these without much effort.

Yellow-throated Warbler

Source: @larryhokie

• Scientific Name: Setophaga dominica
• Size: 13 to 14 cm (5.1 to 5.5 in)
• Locality: Temperate North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Mid-April to late July

As many people debate between songbirds, they usually refer to catbirds or mockingbirds. A lot of the observers fail to recognize Yellow-throated Warbler’s existence as a songbird. These Warblers are native to the higher temperature areas of North America, including Florida.

Recognition

Out of the black birds in Florida, this one might be the most challenging one to identify because of the spreaded, white abdomen. If you look at it up close however, you’ll find the throat region to be a sparkle of yellow, thus the name. The back is black with accents of white, which continues on the wings as well as around the fringes.

Habitat

One of the subspecies from this bird group resides in Florida all year long while the other subspecies visit the state during winter migrations. Coniferous areas and swamplands are among their comfort zones, where they create their nests in cup shapes up in trees for breeding purposes.

Anhinga

Source: @diane_elmore_photo

• Scientific Name: Anhinga anhinga
• Size: 89 cm (35 in)
• Locality: South America, parts of Central and North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: February

Anhinga is one of the most majestic birds to be found in parts of Florida and it’s referred to as a snakebird because they resemble the reptile while swimming with only their neck and above visible. These waterbirds are quite historic as their fossils have been found in the mainlands of Australia, despite it being native to the Americas.

Recognition

Anhinga displays a furry black-colored feathery body that’s extended to the starting lines of the wings. When spreaded open, you’ll notice silver or golden accents graciously planted on the wings and at the edges of the tail. A few orange manes are generated from the neck that pushes out a yellow bill.

Habitat

These birds live off of fishes while habituating in Florida. Warm shallow water bodies are where you can hope to find these birds while you’re in the state. They are known to migrate toward warmer places based on the availability of sunlight. Two subspecies are divided based on their habitational preferences.

Blackbirds in Florida: 4 Species Identified

As there are many symbolisms surrounding Blackbirds, 4 of their species can be found in the US state of Florida!

Rusty Blackbird

Source: @dan.gerstman

• Scientific Name: Euphagus carolinus
• Size: 22 to 25 cm (8.5 to 9.8 in)
• Locality: North America
• Status: Apparently Secure
• Breeding Season: Late April to early May

Rusty Blackbirds are traced in Florida between December to February. These birds are currently undergoing a massive loss in numbers due to unidentified reasons, but experts suggest that it’s happening because of habitat loss. They’ve been categorized as ‘apparently secure’ due to this fragile state.

Recognition

You can presume a lot from the name of the bird itself, and such is definitely the case for our species in hand. It’s a black-colored Blackbird with a mixture of rusty feathers. This tone is mostly concentrated around the head and chest portions while the rest doesn’t uphold this color with such aggression.

Habitat

Since this species prefers to live in wet forestlands, you’ll be able to locate them around swamps and marshes in Florida. A cup-shaped nest is formed beside a pond or a similar water body. There, they capture small fishes or insects for food. During winter, this species is known to migrate toward Florida or even beyond, to Mexico.

Brewer’s Blackbird

Source: @pfesko

• Scientific Name: Euphagus cyanocephalus
• Size: 20 to 26 cm (8 to 10.3 in)
• Locality: Central and Western North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April to early May

This species of Blackbirds is named after revered ornithologist Thomas Mayo Brewer and are very close cousins of Rusty Blackbirds. While the majority of this species live on insects by standing on aquatic plants over water, a few of them capture small mammals or feast on other birds’ younglings.

Recognition

It won’t be a crime to miss recognize a Brewer’s Blackbird with a Common Grackle due to their many similarities. However, Brewer’s Blackbird has a much shorter beak and bluish-black feathers are more puffy. The tail is also shorter than similar-looking birds. Female birds show a completely different color: faded to deep brown chest with black back.

Habitat

If you’re living in Florida, you’ll easily be able to locate these birds in your backyard or garden as they’re not known for being afraid of humans. In the wilderness, however, they find comfort in swamps or open lands nearby water bodies. They build nests on treetops in colonies of around 60 birds.

Red-Winged Blackbird

Source: @rawnaturecaptured

• Scientific Name: Agelaius phoeniceus
• Size: 17 to 18 cm (6.7 to 7.1 in)
• Locality: North and Central America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Early Spring to mid-Summer

In the American localities, Red-winged Blackbirds carry much significance in terms of spirituality and symbolism. Defined by their red wings, these blackbirds are completely native to Florida and are easily found around local settlements.

Recognition

For the male bird, there are two defining characteristics that’ll immediately tell you it’s a Red-winged Blackbird. Firstly, the base feathering in black and secondly, the red patches on each wing standing on top of a minor golden accent. However, female birds are brown and oddly resemble sparrows.

Habitat

Between the 20 to 24 subspecies of this bird, only 4 are found in Florida but in large numbers. In the marshlands of this state, you’ll easily be able to listen to these birds’ calling. Other than these watery areas, they forage around grasslands or similar open areas. Their nests are built in similar areas inside bushes and in loose colonies.

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Source: @richhoeg

• Scientific Name: Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
• Size: 21 to 26 cm (8.3 to 10.2 in)
• Locality: USA and Mexico
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: May and June

Out of all the yellow-headed birds with black color, this species is probably one of the most magnificent ones found in Florida. This bird is the only species under the genus and thus, separates it from other Blackbirds in terms of characteristics. Bird preservation groups deem this species stable in the US.

Recognition

On first sight, you’ll think of a puffy black bird due to the fluffed out feathers all across the body. The most significant thing you can find is the orange-ish yellow head that extends up to the upper chest region. The face remains black and the chest hosts some white notches that totals up the magnificence of this bird.

Habitat

These too show similar habits of finding comfort around wetlands and swamps in Florida. In their quest for food, they forage around the surrounding plainlands to feed themselves with insects. They move further southeast during winter in groups to find shelter and food resources.

Thoughts

So we’ve reached the concluding mark of our article concerning ‘black birds in Florida’. In our journey, we’ve traced different bird families with their unique nature and appearance.

Also, it’s very important that we store their natural habitats in the back of our minds so that we know better to avoid disrupting their natural patterns.

Let me tell you, the colors, the chirping and the overall ambience is cleansing for the soul as long as you maintain the minimum safe distance from these species.

Florida and California are two of the safest states for bird habitation and safe migratory due to the acts placed in order by the states’ governing bodies.

As good citizens and bird lovers, we must abide by these rules and encourage any measures to preserve natural habitats for the avian-kinds!

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Audio Credits: xeno-canto, wikimedia