Venture into the captivating world of black birds with orange beaks, a group of avian species showcasing remarkable beauty and diversity. Found in an array of habitats worldwide, these striking birds intrigue bird lovers with their vibrant colors and fascinating behaviors.
Black birds with orange beaks are characterized by their striking contrast in colors, making them particularly interesting to bird enthusiasts. Their diverse sizes, plumage patterns, and distinct calls set them apart in the avian world.
These birds can be found in a wide range of habitats and geographic locations, from tropical rainforests and savannas to coastal areas and temperate woodlands. As we explore each species in detail, we’ll discuss their distribution, preferred habitats, and interesting facts about their behavior and biology.
So, lets take a look at these beautiful black birds with orange beaks. Here is the list of the 20 birds we are covering today:
- Common Blackbird
- Dusky Lory
- Abyssinian Scimitarbill
- American Oystercatcher
- Toco Toucan
- Atlantic Puffin
- Eurasian Oystercatcher
- Black Skimmer
- Hill Myna
- Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver
- Montezuma Oropendola
- Chestnut-headed Oropendola
- Scarlet-rumped Cacique
- Yellow-rumped Cacique
- African Pied Wagtail
- Black Heron
- Keel-billed Toucan
- South Island Pied Oystercatcher
- African Black Oystercatcher
- Saddle Oystercatcher
20 Black Birds with Orange Beaks!
1. Common Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Aside from their striking beak color, Common Blackbirds are recognized by their rounded bodies, long tails, and relatively short wings. Males have a glossy sheen to their plumage, while females have a more mottled appearance.
Size
The Common Blackbird is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 24-27 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 34-38 centimeters. Males generally weigh between 80-110 grams, while females weigh slightly less, ranging from 70-100 grams.
Plumage
Males are predominantly black, while females exhibit a brownish-grey coloration. The males’ vibrant orange-yellow beaks and eye rings make them easily distinguishable from the females, who have dark brown beaks.
Habitat & Facts
Common Blackbirds are native to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. They inhabit woodlands, gardens, parks, and farmlands. These birds are known for their melodious songs, especially during the breeding season, which takes place from March to July. They are omnivorous and consume a diet of insects, earthworms, berries, and fruits.
2. Dusky Lory (Pseudeos fuscata)
Dusky Lories are incredible looking birds that can be recognized by their stocky bodies, short tails, and strong, curved beaks. The vibrant orange coloration of their beaks, combined with their dark brown and black plumage, makes them easy to distinguish from other lory species.
Size
Dusky Lories measure 25 centimeters in length and weigh around 200 grams. Their wingspan is relatively short, measuring about 15 centimeters.
Plumage
These parrots have predominantly black plumage, with striking orange-red beaks. Their heads and necks are dark brown, while the underparts and underwings are a lighter shade of brown.
Habitat & Facts
Dusky Lories are found in the forests and woodlands of New Guinea and the surrounding islands. They are social birds, often forming large, noisy flocks. These lories feed on nectar, pollen, fruits, and seeds. Their brush-tipped tongues are well-adapted for extracting nectar from flowers.
3. Abyssinian Scimitarbill (Rhinopomastus minor)
Aside from their distinctive bill shape, Abyssinian Scimitarbills have long tails and a streamlined body. Their black plumage has a bluish sheen, especially on the wings and tail.
Size
The Abyssinian Scimitarbill is a small bird, measuring around 25-30 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 26-28 centimeters. They typically weigh between 50-60 grams.
Plumage
Males and females both have black plumage, with a glossy blue sheen. The most striking feature is their long, curved, orange-red bills, which resemble a scimitar sword.
Habitat & Facts
This bird species is found in eastern and northeastern Africa, inhabiting savannas, dry woodlands, and scrublands. They are insectivores, using their long, curved bills to extract insects from tree bark and crevices. Abyssinian Scimitarbills are monogamous and usually nest in tree cavities.
4. American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)
In addition to their striking bill color, American Oystercatchers have a distinctive black and white plumage pattern. They also have large, bright yellow eyes with an orange eye ring, which further sets them apart from other shorebirds.
Size
American Oystercatchers are large shorebirds, measuring 40-44 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 80-85 centimeters. They weigh between 400-700 grams.
Plumage
These birds have black upper parts and white under parts. Their most prominent feature is their long, bright orange-red bill, which they use to pry open oysters and other shellfish.
Habitat & Facts
American Oystercatchers inhabit coastal areas throughout North and South America, from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to the Gulf of Mexico. They are usually found on sandy beaches, rocky shores, and mudflats. Their diet consists primarily of mollusks, but they also consume crustaceans and small fish.
5. Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)
Toco Toucans are easily identified by their large size, striking bill, and contrasting black and white plumage. They have blue, bare skin around their eyes, and their feet are blue-grey in color. These are probably one of the most incredible birds to look at. Their strikingly huge bill to their black body is a spectacle to witness!
Size
The Toco Toucan is the largest of the toucan species, measuring 56-63 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 100-130 centimeters. They weigh between 500-860 grams.
Plumage
Toco Toucans have predominantly black plumage, with white on the throat and upper breast. Their most notable feature is their massive, orange-yellow bill, which has a black tip and a blue base.
Habitat & Facts
These birds inhabit the forests and woodlands of South America, from the eastern Amazon to the Pantanal. They are social, noisy birds, often living in small groups. Toco Toucans are omnivorous, eating a wide variety of fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and bird eggs.
6. Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica)
In addition to their distinctive bill, Atlantic Puffins have a black cap, white cheeks, and red-orange legs and feet. They are excellent swimmers and divers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater.
Size
Atlantic Puffins are small seabirds, measuring 26-29 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 47-63 centimeters. They weigh between 300-500 grams.
Plumage
These birds have black upperparts and white underparts. Their heads are black, with a large, triangular orange-yellow bill marked with blue and red. During the non-breeding season, their bills are smaller and duller in color.
Habitat & Facts
Atlantic Puffins inhabit the North Atlantic Ocean, breeding on rocky cliffs and islands in the United States, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Europe. They spend most of their lives at sea, only coming to land during the breeding season. Their diet consists primarily of fish, which they catch by diving underwater.
7. Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
In addition to their colorful bill, Eurasian Oystercatchers have a black and white plumage pattern, with a distinctive white wing stripe visible in flight. Their eyes are bright red, surrounded by a red eye ring.
Size
The Eurasian Oystercatcher is a large wading bird, measuring 40-45 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 80-88 centimeters. They weigh between 500-800 grams.
Plumage
These birds have black upperparts, white underparts, and a long, straight, bright orange-red bill. Some individuals exhibit a dark chest band, while others have a white collar.
Habitat & Facts
Eurasian Oystercatchers are found along the coasts and estuaries of Europe, Asia, and Africa. They prefer rocky shores, sandy beaches, and mudflats. Their diet consists mainly of mollusks, which they open using their strong, chisel-like bills.
8. Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger)
Aside from their striking bill, Black Skimmers have a black cap, white forehead, and long, pointed wings. Their legs and feet are red-orange, providing another clue to their identification.
Size
Black Skimmers are medium-sized birds, measuring 40-50 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 107-127 centimeters. They weigh between 212-447 grams.
Plumage
These birds have black upper parts and white under parts. Their most distinguishing feature is their large, brightly colored orange-red and black bill, which is uniquely adapted for their feeding behavior.
Habitat & Facts
Black Skimmers inhabit coastal regions, marshes, and riverbanks in North and South America. They are known for their unique feeding technique, in which they skim the water’s surface with their lower bill to catch small fish. They are mostly active during dawn and dusk, making them crepuscular feeders.
9. Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa)
In addition to their distinctive wattles and bill color, Hill Mynas have a sleek body shape, with a long, fan-shaped tail and strong, zygodactyl feet, which help them cling to branches.
Size
Hill Mynas measure 25-30 centimeters in length and weigh between 200-265 grams.
Plumage
These birds have glossy black plumage with bright orange-yellow wattles on the sides of their head. Their strong, curved beaks are orange-yellow with a black tip.
Habitat & Facts
Hill Mynas inhabit the forests and woodlands of South and Southeast Asia. They are known for their incredible vocal abilities, able to mimic a wide range of sounds, including human speech. These social birds are usually found in small groups, feeding on fruits, insects, and nectar.
10. Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver (Bubalornis niger)
Apart from their striking bill color, Red-billed Buffalo-Weavers have a long, graduated tail and a strong, stout body shape. Males have a white patch on the wing, which is visible in flight.
Size
Red-billed Buffalo-Weavers are medium-sized birds, measuring 24-27 centimeters in length and weighing between 65-95 grams.
Plumage
These birds have black plumage with a slight glossy sheen. Their most notable feature is their bright orange-red bill, which contrasts sharply with their dark feathers.
Habitat & Facts
Red-billed Buffalo-Weavers inhabit the savannas and grasslands of eastern and southern Africa. They are social birds, living in large, noisy colonies. They build communal nests out of thorny branches, which can house multiple pairs. Their diet consists of insects, seeds, and fruits.
11. Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma)
In addition to their orange bill, Montezuma Oropendolas have a distinctive chestnut-colored patch on their rump, which contrasts with their otherwise black plumage. Males are larger than females and have a yellow tail tip, while females have a brownish tail tip.
Size
Montezuma Oropendolas are large birds, measuring 43-50 centimeters in length and weighing between 225-520 grams.
Plumage
These birds have black plumage with a chestnut patch on the rump and a blue facial patch around the eyes. Their large, curved bills are bright orange.
Habitat & Facts
Montezuma Oropendolas are found in the tropical forests and lowland rainforests of Central America. They are known for their hanging, pendulous nests, which they build in colonies, often in tall trees. Their diet is varied, consisting of fruits, nectar, insects, and small vertebrates.
12. Chestnut-headed Oropendola (Psarocolius wagleri)
In addition to their distinctive bill color and chestnut-colored head, Chestnut-headed Oropendolas have a dark eye patch and a relatively short tail. Males are larger than females and have more extensive chestnut coloration.
Size
Chestnut-headed Oropendolas measure 35-40 centimeters in length and weigh between 180-240 grams.
Plumage
These birds have primarily black plumage, with a chestnut-colored head and nape. Their large, curved bills are a pale orange with a black tip.
Habitat & Facts
Chestnut-headed Oropendolas inhabit the forests and rainforests of Central and South America. Like other oropendolas, they build hanging nests in colonies, often in tall trees. Their diet consists of fruits, insects, and nectar.
13. Scarlet-rumped Cacique (Cacicus uropygialis)
Aside from their vibrant scarlet rump and orange bill, Scarlet-rumped Caciques have a sleek, black body and a short, square tail. Their eyes are pale blue, adding another distinctive feature to their appearance.
Size
Scarlet-rumped Caciques are medium-sized birds, measuring 25-28 centimeters in length and weighing between 70-90 grams.
Plumage
These birds have black plumage with a striking scarlet patch on their lower back and rump. Their bills are large and straight, with a bright orange color that stands out against their dark feathers.
Habitat & Facts
Scarlet-rumped Caciques inhabit the lowland rainforests and tropical forests of Central America. They are social birds, often nesting in colonies. Their diet consists of fruits, insects, and nectar. They construct hanging nests made of plant fibers, which are suspended from tree branches.
14. Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela)
In addition to their yellow rump and orange bill, Yellow-rumped Caciques have a slender body, long tail, and pale blue eyes. Their legs and feet are a pale blue-gray color.
Size
Yellow-rumped Caciques are medium-sized birds, measuring 28-31 centimeters in length and weighing between 100-125 grams.
Plumage
These birds have primarily black plumage, with a prominent yellow patch on their lower back and rump. Their large, straight bills are bright orange, providing a striking contrast to their dark feathers.
Habitat & Facts
Yellow-rumped Caciques inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and wetlands throughout South America. They are social birds, living in large, noisy colonies. Their diet consists of fruits, insects, and nectar. Like other caciques, they build hanging nests made of plant fibers.
15. African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp)
In addition to their bright orange bill, Orange-billed Sparrows have a distinctive head pattern with a black crown, white supercilium, and dark olive-brown body. Their legs and feet are pale pinkish-gray.
Size
Orange-billed Sparrows measure 15-16 centimeters in length and weigh between 24-29 grams.
Plumage
These birds have dark olive-brown upperparts and blackish underparts with white streaks. Their head is black with a white supercilium, and their bills are robust and bright orange.
Habitat & Facts
Orange-billed Sparrows inhabit the undergrowth of tropical forests and forest edges in Central America. They forage on the ground, primarily feeding on insects, seeds, and small fruits. Their nests are built close to the ground in dense vegetation.
16. Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca)
In addition to their striking orange bill, Black Herons have a slender, black body and long, dark legs. One of their most distinctive behaviors is the “umbrella” feeding technique, in which they use their wings to create shade, attracting fish and other prey into the shadow.
Size
Black Herons measure 42-66 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 85-90 centimeters. They weigh between 250-430 grams.
Plumage
These birds have entirely black plumage, giving them a sleek and elegant appearance. Their long, dagger-like bills are a bright orange color, which stands out against their dark feathers.
Habitat & Facts
Black Herons are found in the wetlands, marshes, and shallow waters of sub-Saharan Africa. They are wading birds, using their long legs to walk through the water in search of prey. Their diet primarily consists of fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects.
17. Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
In addition to their vibrant bill, Keel-billed Toucans have a black body, yellow neck, and red undertail coverts. Their eyes are surrounded by a patch of blue skin, which adds to their colorful appearance.
Size
Keel-billed Toucans are large birds, measuring 42-55 centimeters in length and weighing between 380-500 grams.
Plumage
These birds have black plumage, with a yellow neck and chest. Their most striking feature is their large, colorful bill, which is primarily orange, with green, blue, and red markings.
Habitat & Facts
Keel-billed Toucans inhabit the tropical rainforests and forest edges of Central and South America. They are social birds, often found in small flocks. Their diet consists primarily of fruit, but they also eat insects, small reptiles, and the eggs of other birds.
18. South Island Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus finschi)
In addition to their orange-red bill, South Island Pied Oystercatchers have a black and white plumage pattern, with a distinctive white wing stripe visible in flight. Their legs and feet are pinkish-red, providing another identifying feature.
Size
South Island Pied Oystercatchers measure 46-51 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 83-91 centimeters. They weigh between 550-770 grams.
Plumage
These birds have black plumage, with a yellow neck and chest. Their most striking feature is their large, colorful bill, which is primarily orange, with green, blue, and red markings.
Habitat & Facts
South Island Pied Oystercatchers are found in New Zealand, primarily on the South Island, as their name suggests. They inhabit coastal areas, estuaries, and riverbanks, where they feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
19. African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini)
Apart from their striking bill color, African Black Oystercatchers have a uniform black plumage and pinkish-red legs and feet. Their eyes are red, surrounded by a red eye ring.
Size
African Black Oystercatchers measure 42-45 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 80-88 centimeters. They weigh between 540-720 grams.
Plumage
These birds have entirely black plumage, with a long, straight, bright orange-red bill that stands out against their dark feathers.
Habitat & Facts
African Black Oystercatchers are found along the rocky coastlines and offshore islands of southern Africa. They feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and other invertebrates found in the intertidal zone.
20. Saddle Oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor)
In addition to their vibrant bill, Collared Aracaris have a black body with a red collar, yellow underparts, and a red chest band. Their eyes are surrounded by a patch of blue skin, adding to their colorful appearance.
Size
Collared Aracaris measure 39-41 centimeters in length and weigh between 190-275 grams.
Plumage
These birds have a black head, neck, and upperparts, with a distinctive red collar around the nape. Their underparts are yellow, with a red band across the chest. Their bills are large and colorful, primarily orange with black and yellow markings.
Habitat & Facts
Collared Aracaris inhabit the tropical rainforests, forest edges, and plantations of Central and South America. They are social birds, often found in small flocks. Their diet consists primarily of fruit, but they also eat insects, small vertebrates, and eggs of other birds.
James has always been an avid outdoorsman. Since a kid, he kept a journal of all the different birds and species he saw. Now he wants to share his passion with other birders with Happy Birding!
