Discover 22 beautiful orange and black bird species from around the world and learn about their unique features, habitat, and behavior.
Colorful birds have always captured the imagination of birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Orange and black birds, in particular, hold a unique place in the avian world, displaying vibrant hues and fascinating patterns. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of 22 orange and black bird species from across the globe, exploring their unique features, habitat, and behavior. So, let’s embark on this exciting journey to discover these stunning birds!
North American Orange and Black Birds
North America is home to a diverse array of bird species, including some striking orange and black birds. In this section, we’ll explore five of these species, delving into their descriptions, habitats, sizes, life expectancy, and tips for spotting and attracting them.
1. Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) is a small, migratory bird known for its striking orange and black plumage. The male has a bright orange body, black head, and black wings with white wingbars, while the female has a duller, yellowish-orange body with dark gray wings. Baltimore Orioles are famous for their distinctive hanging, pouch-like nests, which they weave skillfully from plant fibers.
Habitat and Geographic Range
These birds can be found in deciduous and mixed forests, woodland edges, and suburban areas throughout the eastern and central United States and southern Canada during breeding season. They winter in Central America and the northern parts of South America.
Size
Baltimore Orioles have a body length of about 7-8.25 inches (18-21 cm), a wingspan of 9.1-11.8 inches (23-30 cm), and weigh around 1.1-1.4 ounces (30-40 grams).
Average life expectancy
Baltimore Orioles typically live for about 3-4 years in the wild, although some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To attract Baltimore Orioles to your yard, provide fresh fruit such as oranges or grapes, nectar feeders, or grape jelly. Planting native trees and shrubs that produce fruits, such as mulberries, cherries, or elderberries, can also help. To spot them, look for their distinctive hanging nests in tall trees, or listen for their melodious, flute-like song.
2. American Redstart
The American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) is a small, lively warbler with striking black and orange plumage. Males exhibit black plumage with vibrant orange patches on the sides, wings, and tail, while females have grayish-olive plumage with yellow patches. These energetic birds are often seen fanning their tails and fluttering around to catch insects in mid-air.
Habitat and Geographic Range
American Redstarts inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, particularly in areas with dense understory, as well as forest edges and second-growth woodlands. They are found throughout most of the United States, southern Canada, and parts of Mexico during breeding season, and migrate to Central and South America for the winter.
Size
They measure around 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm) in length, have a wingspan of 6.3-7.5 inches (16-19 cm), and weigh about 0.3-0.5 ounces (8-14 grams).
Average life expectancy
American Redstarts have an average lifespan of about 2-3 years in the wild, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot American Redstarts, look for their distinctive tail-fanning behavior and listen for their high-pitched, musical song. Planting native trees and shrubs, such as willows, alders, or dogwoods, can provide suitable habitat for these birds. Additionally, providing water sources like bird baths or shallow pools can attract them to your yard.
3. Spotted Towhee
The Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) is a large, striking sparrow with a bold, black head and back, white-spotted black wings, and a vibrant orange-red flanks. The bird has a distinctive red eye and a long, dark tail with white edges. Spotted Towhees are known for their unique foraging behavior, often scratching the ground with both feet in search of insects and seeds.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Spotted Towhees inhabit dense, shrubby areas, such as chaparral, thickets, and woodland edges in western North America, ranging from southern Alaska and western Canada to Mexico.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 7.1-8.3 inches (18-21 cm), a wingspan of 10.6-12.6 inches (27-32 cm), and weigh about 1.2-1.7 ounces (33-49 grams).
Average life expectancy
Spotted Towhees typically live for about 3-5 years in the wild, although some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Spotted Towhees, look for their scratching behavior on the ground and listen for their distinctive, trilling song. To attract them to your yard, provide dense, native shrubbery for cover, and offer seeds or fruit on ground feeders or in platform feeders.
4. Orchard Oriole
The Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) is the smallest North American oriole, with a sleek appearance and contrasting orange and black plumage. Adult males have a black head and upper body, with vibrant orange underparts and white wingbars. Females and immature males are greenish-yellow with a grayish head and back. These social birds are often found in flocks during migration and winter.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Orchard Orioles inhabit open woodlands, orchards, riparian areas, and suburban gardens in the eastern and central United States and southern Canada during the breeding season. They winter in Central America and northern South America.
Size
They measure approximately 6.3-7.1 inches (16-18 cm) in length, have a wingspan of 9.1-11 inches (23-28 cm), and weigh around 0.5-0.6 ounces (14-18 grams).
Average life expectancy
Orchard Orioles have an average lifespan of about 4-5 years in the wild, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To attract Orchard Orioles to your yard, offer fruit, nectar feeders, or mealworms, and plant native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. To spot them, look for their sleek silhouette perched in trees or foraging on the ground, and listen for their distinctive, whistling song.
5. Flame-colored Tanager
The Flame-colored Tanager (Piranga bidentata) is a stunning bird with bright orange and black plumage. Adult males have a vibrant orange body with black wings, tail, and a black mask around the eyes. Females display a more subdued yellow-orange plumage with dark gray wings and tail. These tanagers are known for their beautiful song, which consists of a series of rich, musical notes.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Flame-colored Tanagers inhabit pine-oak forests, montane woodlands, and forest edges in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. They are generally found at elevations between 3,000 and 10,000 feet (900 and 3,000 meters).
Size
They have a body length of about 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm), a wingspan of 11.4-12.6 inches (29-32 cm), and weigh around 1.1-1.4 ounces (30-40 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Flame-colored Tanagers in the wild is about 5-6 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Flame-colored Tanagers, look for their vibrant plumage and listen for their melodious song in their preferred montane habitats. To attract them to your yard, provide fresh fruit, such as oranges or bananas, as well as nectar feeders or fruit jelly. Planting native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs can also help provide a suitable habitat for these stunning birds.
South American Orange and Black Birds
South America is home to a diverse array of bird species, including some captivating orange and black birds. In this section, we’ll introduce you to five of these species, exploring their descriptions, habitats, sizes, life expectancy, and tips for spotting and attracting them.
6. Hooded Oriole
The Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus) is a medium-sized oriole with striking orange and black plumage. Adult males have a vibrant orange body with a black head, bib, and back, while females have a yellow-orange body with grayish wings and tail. These agile birds often hang upside down while foraging for insects and nectar.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Hooded Orioles inhabit open woodlands, palm groves, riparian areas, and suburban gardens in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. They are generally found at elevations below 6,000 feet (1,800 meters).
Size
Hooded Orioles have a body length of approximately 7.1-8.7 inches (18-22 cm), a wingspan of 11-11.8 inches (28-30 cm), and weigh around 1.2-1.5 ounces (34-43 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Hooded Orioles in the wild is about 3-5 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Hooded Orioles, look for their striking coloration and acrobatic foraging behavior in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, provide nectar feeders, fresh fruit, or mealworms, and plant native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs.
7. Orange-backed Troupial
The Orange-backed Troupial (Icterus croconotus) is a large, striking icterid bird with bold orange and black plumage. Adult males and females are similar in appearance, with a bright orange body, black head, wings, and tail. These social birds are often found in pairs or small groups and are known for their loud, melodious songs.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Orange-backed Troupials inhabit savannas, scrublands, gallery forests, and forest edges in northern South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, and northern Peru.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 10-11 inches (25-28 cm), a wingspan of 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), and weigh around 2.5-3.5 ounces (70-100 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Orange-backed Troupials in the wild is about 5-7 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Orange-backed Troupials, look for their bold coloration and listen for their distinctive, musical calls in their preferred habitats. Attracting them to your yard may be difficult due to their specific habitat preferences, but providing fresh fruit and a diverse, native plant community can help create a suitable environment for these beautiful birds.
8. Tawny-bellied Seedeater
The Tawny-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila hypoxantha) is a small, attractive finch with orange and black plumage. Adult males have a black head and throat, a vibrant orange belly, and grayish upperparts, while females have a dull, brownish plumage with faint streaks. These seedeaters are known for their distinctive, high-pitched songs and their specialized seed-cracking bills.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Tawny-bellied Seedeaters inhabit grasslands, savannas, and agricultural areas in central and eastern South America, including Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and northern Argentina.
Size
They measure around 4.3-4.7 inches (11-12 cm) in length and weigh about 0.4-0.6 ounces (11-17 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Tawny-bellied Seedeaters in the wild is about 3-5 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Tawny-bellied Seedeaters, look for their distinctive coloration and listen for their high-pitched songs in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, provide small seeds, such as millet or grass seeds, in ground or platform feeders, and maintain a diverse, native grassland habitat.
9. Red-rumped Cacique
The Red-rumped Cacique (Cacicus haemorrhous) is a medium-sized, striking bird with a bold orange and black plumage. Both males and females have a black head, wings, and tail, with a vibrant orange-red rump and underparts. These social birds are known for their large, colonial nesting sites, where they build pendulous, hanging nests in trees.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Red-rumped Caciques inhabit forest edges, gallery forests, and riverine areas in northern and central South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 9.4-11 inches (24-28 cm), a wingspan of 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), and weigh around 2.3-3.3 ounces (65-95 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Red-rumped Caciques in the wild is about 6-8 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Red-rumped Caciques, look for their distinctive coloration and listen for their varied, complex vocalizations in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, provide fresh fruit, such as bananas or papayas, and plant native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. Additionally, maintaining a diverse habitat with tall trees for nesting can help create a suitable environment for these fascinating birds.
10. Orange-breasted Falcon
The Orange-breasted Falcon (Falco deiroleucus) is a striking, medium-sized falcon with bold orange and black plumage. Adult males and females have a black head and upperparts, a vibrant orange breast and belly, and black barring on the lower belly and thighs. These powerful raptors are known for their swift, agile hunting abilities, often catching their prey in mid-air.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Orange-breasted Falcons inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, and riverine areas in Central and South America, from southern Mexico to northern Argentina.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 13.8-16.5 inches (35-42 cm), a wingspan of 31-39 inches (80-100 cm), and weigh around 17-24 ounces (480-680 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Orange-breasted Falcons in the wild is about 8-12 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Orange-breasted Falcons, look for their bold coloration and swift, agile flight in their preferred habitats. These elusive raptors are more easily detected by their distinctive, high-pitched calls, which they often give from a perch or while in flight.
European Orange and Black Birds
In Europe, several orange and black birds can be found in various habitats. In this section, we will introduce you to four of these captivating species, delving into their descriptions, habitats, sizes, life expectancy, and tips for spotting and attracting them.
11. Eurasian Bullfinch
The Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) is a small, stocky finch with striking orange and black plumage. Adult males have a vibrant orange-red body, black cap, wings, and tail, while females have a more subdued grayish-orange body. These shy birds are known for their soft, melancholic whistling calls.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Eurasian Bullfinches inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, woodland edges, parks, and gardens across Europe and Asia, from the British Isles to Siberia.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 5.9-6.7 inches (15-17 cm), a wingspan of 9.8-11 inches (25-28 cm), and weigh around 0.7-1 ounce (20-28 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Eurasian Bullfinches in the wild is about 3-5 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Eurasian Bullfinches, look for their distinctive coloration and listen for their soft, whistling calls in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, provide sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet in hanging feeders, and plant native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs.
12. Red-backed Shrike
The Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) is a small, colorful passerine bird with a distinctive orange and black plumage. Adult males have a gray head, black eye-mask, and an orange-red back, while females have a brownish head and back with a less vibrant reddish-orange hue. These birds are known for their unusual hunting behavior, impaling their prey on thorns or barbed wire.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Red-backed Shrikes inhabit open countryside, scrublands, and woodland edges across Europe and western Asia, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 6.3-7.1 inches (16-18 cm), a wingspan of 9.8-11.8 inches (25-30 cm), and weigh around 0.8-1.1 ounces (22-32 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Red-backed Shrikes in the wild is about 3-5 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Red-backed Shrikes, look for their striking coloration and characteristic hunting behavior in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, maintain a diverse, native plant community with plenty of perching sites and insect prey.
13. Common Redstart
The Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) is a small, attractive bird with a unique orange and black plumage. Adult males have a black face and throat, an orange-red breast and tail, and a grayish body, while females have a gray-brown body with a dull orange-red tail. These birds are known for their distinctive, flitting tail movements and their melodic, warbling songs.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Common Redstarts inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, woodland edges, parks, and gardens across Europe and western Asia, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 5.1-5.9 inches (13-15 cm), a wingspan of 8.7-9.8 inches (22-25 cm), and weigh around 0.5-0.8 ounces (14-22 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Common Redstarts in the wild is about 2-3 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Common Redstarts, look for their distinctive coloration and flitting tail movements in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, provide insect-rich foraging sites, such as a native plant community, and nesting sites, such as nest boxes or natural cavities in trees.
Part 4: African Orange and Black Birds
In Africa, the continent’s diverse habitats are home to many stunning orange and black birds. In this section, we will introduce you to five of these remarkable species, exploring their descriptions, habitats, sizes, life expectancy, and tips for spotting and attracting them.
14. African Paradise Flycatcher
The African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) is a small, elegant bird with a striking orange and black plumage. Adult males have a black head, an orange-rufous body, and long, streamer-like tail feathers, while females have a duller, grayish-brown body. These agile birds are known for their acrobatic flight and their beautiful, bubbling songs.
Habitat and Geographic Range
African Paradise Flycatchers inhabit forests, woodland edges, savannas, and gardens across sub-Saharan Africa.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm), not including the long tail streamers, a wingspan of 9.8-11 inches (25-28 cm), and weigh around 0.6-0.8 ounces (16-23 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of African Paradise Flycatchers in the wild is about 3-5 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot African Paradise Flycatchers, look for their distinctive coloration and acrobatic flight in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, provide insect-rich foraging sites, such as a native plant community, and nesting sites, such as dense shrubs or trees.
15. Southern Red Bishop
The Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix) is a small, vibrant weaver bird with a bold orange and black plumage. Adult males have a bright orange-red body, a black face, throat, and wings, while females have a dull, streaked brownish body. These gregarious birds are known for their elaborate, woven nests and their energetic, polygamous breeding displays.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Southern Red Bishops inhabit grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural areas in southern Africa, from Angola and Zambia to South Africa.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm), a wingspan of 6.7-7.9 inches (17-20 cm), and weigh around 0.6-0.8 ounces (17-24 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Southern Red Bishops in the wild is about 3-4 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Southern Red Bishops, look for their vibrant coloration and energetic displays in their preferred habitats, especially during the breeding season. To attract them to your yard, provide a variety of native grasses for nesting material and seeds for foraging.
16. Red-billed Buffalo Weaver
The Red-billed Buffalo Weaver (Bubalornis niger) is a large, social weaver bird with a unique orange and black plumage. Adult males have a black body, an orange-rufous rump, and a bright red bill, while females have a duller, brownish body with a less vibrant rump. These gregarious birds are known for their noisy, communal nesting colonies and their distinctive, messy nests.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Red-billed Buffalo Weavers inhabit savannas, grasslands, and woodland edges in eastern and southern Africa, from Ethiopia and Somalia to South Africa.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 9.4-10.6 inches (24-27 cm), a wingspan of 14.2-16.1 inches (36-41 cm), and weigh around 2.5-3.2 ounces (70-90 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Red-billed Buffalo Weavers in the wild is about 4-6 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Red-billed Buffalo Weavers, look for their distinctive coloration and listen for their noisy calls in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, provide tall trees for nesting sites and a variety of seeds and insects for foraging.
17. Crimson-breasted Shrike
The Crimson-breasted Shrike (Laniarius atrococcineus) is a striking, medium-sized bird with a bold orange and black plumage. Adult males and females have a black head, wings, and tail, and a vibrant crimson breast and belly. These striking birds are known for their melodious, whistling calls and their inquisitive, territorial behavior.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Crimson-breasted Shrikes inhabit dry savannas, shrublands, and woodland edges in southern Africa, from Angola and Zambia to South Africa.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 9-10 inches (23-25 cm), a wingspan of 12.6-14.2 inches (32-36 cm), and weigh around 1.6-2.1 ounces (45-60 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Crimson-breasted Shrikes in the wild is about 5-7 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Crimson-breasted Shrikes, look for their bold coloration and listen for their melodious calls in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, maintain a diverse, native plant community with plenty of insect prey and perching sites.
18. Orange-breasted Bushshrike
The Orange-breasted Bushshrike (Laniarius brauni) is a small, colorful bird with a distinctive orange and black plumage. Adult males and females have a black head, an orange-rufous breast, and black wings with white spots. These elusive birds are known for their loud, ringing calls and their secretive behavior in dense vegetation.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Orange-breasted Bushshrikes inhabit montane forests, woodland edges, and dense scrublands in central and eastern Africa, from Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Kenya and Tanzania.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 6.3-7.1 inches (16-18 cm), a wingspan of 8.7-9.4 inches (22-24 cm), and weigh around 0.8-1.1 ounces (23-32 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Orange-breasted Bushshrikes in the wild is about 4-6 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Orange-breasted Bushshrikes, listen for their loud, ringing calls and look for their distinctive coloration in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, maintain a diverse, native plant community with dense vegetation and plenty of insect prey.
Asian Orange and Black Birds
In Asia, a variety of orange and black birds can be found in the continent’s diverse habitats. In this section, we will introduce you to four of these fascinating species, discussing their descriptions, habitats, sizes, life expectancy, and tips for spotting and attracting them.
19. Orange-headed Thrush
The Orange-headed Thrush (Geokichla citrina) is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird with a striking orange and black plumage. Adult males and females have a bright orange head, breast, and belly, with black wings and tail. These shy birds are known for their melodic, flute-like songs and their secretive behavior in dense undergrowth.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Orange-headed Thrushes inhabit forests, woodland edges, and gardens across southern and southeastern Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to Indonesia and the Philippines.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 7.9-9.1 inches (20-23 cm), a wingspan of 11.8-13 inches (30-33 cm), and weigh around 1.6-2.3 ounces (45-65 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Orange-headed Thrushes in the wild is about 4-6 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Orange-headed Thrushes, listen for their melodious songs and look for their distinctive coloration in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, provide a variety of native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, as well as insect-rich foraging sites.
20. Black-backed Kingfisher
The Black-backed Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca) is a small, brightly colored bird with a unique orange and black plumage. Adult males and females have a black head, wings, and back, with a vibrant orange breast and belly. These agile birds are known for their rapid, darting flight and their ability to capture insects and small fish in mid-air.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Black-backed Kingfishers inhabit dense forests, mangroves, and woodland edges near water across South and Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to Indonesia and the Philippines.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm), a wingspan of 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm), and weigh around 0.5-0.7 ounces (14-20 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Black-backed Kingfishers in the wild is about 4-6 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Black-backed Kingfishers, look for their distinctive coloration and rapid flight near water in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, provide a water feature with small fish and insects for them to prey on, as well as perching sites and dense vegetation for nesting.
21. Red-and-black Thrush
The Red-and-black Thrush (Geokichla schistacea) is a small, elusive bird with a unique orange and black plumage. Adult males and females have a black head, wings, and tail, with a reddish-orange breast and belly. These shy birds are known for their melodious, flute-like songs and their secretive behavior in dense vegetation.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Red-and-black Thrushes inhabit dense forests and scrublands across Southeast Asia, from Thailand and Vietnam to Indonesia and the Philippines.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 6.7-7.1 inches (17-18 cm), a wingspan of 10.2-10.6 inches (26-27 cm), and weigh around 1.4-1.8 ounces (40-50 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Red-and-black Thrushes in the wild is about 3-5 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Red-and-black Thrushes, listen for their melodious songs and look for their distinctive coloration in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, provide a variety of native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, as well as insect-rich foraging sites.
22. Indian Pitta
The Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura) is a small, colorful bird with a vibrant orange and black plumage. Adult males and females have a black head, wings, and tail, with a bright orange-red body and belly. These shy birds are known for their distinctive, metallic “tinkling” calls and their secretive behavior in dense undergrowth.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Indian Pittas inhabit forests, woodland edges, and gardens across South Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to Nepal and Bhutan.
Size
They have a body length of approximately 6.3-6.7 inches (16-17 cm), a wingspan of 10.2-11 inches (26-28 cm), and weigh around 1.4-1.8 ounces (40-50 grams).
Average life expectancy
The average lifespan of Indian Pittas in the wild is about 3-5 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Tips for spotting and attracting them
To spot Indian Pittas, listen for their distinctive calls and look for their vibrant coloration in their preferred habitats. To attract them to your yard, provide a variety of native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, as well as insect-rich foraging sites.
Conclusion
In this journey through the world of orange and black birds, we have uncovered the remarkable beauty and diversity of 22 captivating species from North and South America. Each bird has its own distinctive characteristics, preferred habitats, and intriguing behaviors, showcasing the wonder of avian life. We hope that this exploration has not only enlightened you about these striking birds but also inspired you to appreciate and discover more about the natural world around you. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or simply enjoy connecting with nature, the vibrant world of orange and black birds awaits your discovery. Happy birding!
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!
