Black birds with blue heads are some of the most striking and mysterious birds found across the world. Their dark, glossy bodies contrast beautifully with their iridescent blue heads, creating a captivating appearance. From the forests of Africa to the wetlands of South America, these birds thrive in diverse habitats and often play important roles in their ecosystems. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or just curious about nature, learning to identify a black bird with a blue head can be an exciting challenge.
Many species of black birds with blue heads belong to families such as starlings, grackles, and tanagers. Some have deep, shimmering blue crowns, while others display a more subtle iridescence that changes with the light. These birds often exhibit fascinating behaviors, including complex vocalizations, mimicry, and elaborate courtship displays. Their striking coloration is not just for show—it helps with communication, mating, and even camouflage in certain environments.
In this article, we’ll explore 21 different types of black birds with blue heads, complete with pictures and identification tips. Whether you spot a shimmering starling in Africa or a bold grackle in North America, this guide will help you recognize and appreciate these stunning birds. Let’s dive into the world of these uniquely colored species and discover what makes them so special!
Different Types of Black Birds With Blue Heads
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)
The Common Grackle is a striking blackbird with an iridescent blue or purple sheen on its head, which shimmers in sunlight. Its long tail and sharp bill give it a sleek appearance. These birds are known for their loud, harsh calls and their ability to adapt to various environments.
This species can be identified by its glossy black feathers, pale yellow eyes, and keel-shaped tail that appears slightly V-shaped in flight. Males exhibit stronger iridescence than females, which are duller with brownish tones. They often walk with a deliberate, almost strutting gait.
Common Grackles are widespread across North America, found in urban areas, farmlands, woodlands, and near bodies of water. They frequently gather in large flocks, sometimes mixed with other blackbird species, and are known for their opportunistic feeding habits, consuming everything from seeds to small vertebrates.
Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major)
The Boat-tailed Grackle is a large, glossy blackbird with a distinctively long, wedge-shaped tail, giving the appearance of a boat’s keel. Males have iridescent blue-green or violet heads, while females are a rich brown color with a lighter underbelly. Their calls are harsh and mechanical-sounding, adding to their distinctive presence.
Easily recognized by its extra-long tail and large size, this species can be mistaken for the Common Grackle. However, the Boat-tailed Grackle’s tail is broader and more exaggerated, especially when fanned out. The males are significantly larger than the females, nearly twice their size.
This bird primarily inhabits coastal wetlands, salt marshes, and lakeshores in the southeastern United States. It thrives in areas with abundant water and is often seen foraging near human settlements, where it scavenges for food.
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)
The Great-tailed Grackle is a bold and adaptable blackbird with glossy black plumage and a bluish or purplish iridescence on the head. Males have an elongated, V-shaped tail that can be dramatically fanned out, while females are much smaller with brownish feathers. Their calls range from harsh squawks to musical whistles.
This species is distinguished by its large size, striking iridescence, and exaggerated tail. The males’ eyes are bright yellow, contrasting sharply with their dark feathers. Their long legs contribute to their distinctive, confident stride.
Native to North and Central America, Great-tailed Grackles are highly adaptable and thrive in urban areas, farmlands, wetlands, and open grasslands. They have expanded their range northward in recent years and are often seen congregating in noisy groups.
Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis)
The Shiny Cowbird is a brood parasite, meaning it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving them to raise its young. Males have glossy black plumage with a strong purple-blue iridescence, while females are a dull brown color, making them less conspicuous. They are known for their sneaky nesting behavior and their adaptability to various habitats.
This species is identified by the male’s shimmering black feathers and the female’s plain brown coloration. Unlike other blackbirds, they do not build their own nests. Instead, they watch for host birds, secretly placing their eggs among the host’s clutch.
Originally from South America, the Shiny Cowbird has expanded its range into the Caribbean and parts of North America. It thrives in open grasslands, farmlands, and urban areas, where it takes advantage of local bird populations for reproduction.
Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis)
The Asian Glossy Starling is a striking bird with metallic green-black plumage that gleams in the sunlight. It has a compact body, bright red eyes, and a short tail, giving it a distinctive, somewhat fierce appearance. These birds are highly social and often seen in noisy flocks.
This species is easily recognized by its iridescent black-green feathers and piercing red eyes. Their short, sturdy bills help them feed on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They are agile fliers and can quickly maneuver through urban landscapes and forests.
Asian Glossy Starlings are found across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. They inhabit cities, parks, plantations, and forest edges, often perching in large numbers on power lines and tall trees, creating a lively and vocal presence in their environment.
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
The European Starling appears black from a distance, but up close, its plumage reveals a stunning iridescence of purples, blues, and greens. During winter, it develops white speckles across its body, adding to its unique appearance. This species is highly social, often forming large, noisy flocks.
Identified by its compact body, pointed yellow beak (during breeding season), and short, triangular wings, the European Starling is an agile flier. It has an impressive ability to mimic sounds, including other bird calls and even human noises.
Originally from Europe, this adaptable species has spread across North America, Australia, and other regions. It thrives in urban settings, agricultural fields, and open woodlands, often roosting in large numbers in trees or buildings.
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis)
The Velvet-fronted Nuthatch is a small, agile bird with a deep blue head and a mix of black and bright blue on its body. A distinctive black patch on its forehead gives the species its name, while its beak is long, sharp, and red. These birds are highly active, often seen moving rapidly along tree trunks.
They can be identified by their unique climbing behavior, as they scale both upwards and downwards on bark in search of insects. Their call is a sharp, chattering sound that resonates through the forest canopy.
This species is found in forests across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Thailand, and Indonesia. Preferring wooded habitats, they are commonly seen in both lowland and montane forests, where they forage among tree bark and foliage.
Splendid Fairywren (Malurus splendens)
The male Splendid Fairywren is famous for its brilliant blue head and deep blue-black markings on its body, while females are brown with a slight blue tinge on their tails. These birds have highly social behaviors, living in cooperative family groups led by a dominant breeding pair.
They are easily recognized by their striking colors, long tails, and energetic hopping movements. Males often display their vibrant plumage to attract mates, especially during the breeding season, while non-breeding males transition to a duller brownish hue.
Endemic to Australia, Splendid Fairywrens inhabit scrublands, woodlands, and grasslands. They are frequently seen darting through dense bushes, searching for insects and small invertebrates while staying close to their social groups.
Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina)
The Blue-black Grassquit is a small, active bird with glossy black plumage that shimmers with a blue sheen under sunlight. Males have a distinct courtship display, where they repeatedly jump into the air while singing. Females, in contrast, are light brown with faint streaking, blending well with their grassy surroundings.
Their compact size, short conical beak, and unique leaping display make them easy to recognize in their natural habitat. Their song is a series of high-pitched notes, often repeated as they perform their jumping ritual.
This species is widespread across Central and South America, thriving in grasslands, agricultural fields, and open shrubby areas. They are commonly found foraging on the ground for seeds and small insects.
Greater Blue-eared Starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus)
The Greater Blue-eared Starling is a striking bird with bright iridescent blue-green plumage and a metallic sheen. Its most defining feature is the intense blue coloration on its head and ears, which contrast with its darker wings and body. Its golden-yellow eyes stand out vividly against its shimmering feathers.
Easily distinguished by its glossy plumage and bold coloration, this species is often seen in groups, moving between trees and open fields. They are highly vocal, producing a mix of whistles and chatters, often mimicking other bird calls.
Native to Africa, these starlings inhabit savannas, woodlands, and urban areas. They are adaptable and thrive in various environments, from rural farmlands to city parks, where they forage for insects, fruits, and seeds.
Blue-necked Tanager (Stilpnia cyanicollis)
The Blue-necked Tanager is a vibrant songbird with a striking blue head and neck that contrast sharply against its dark gray or black body. Its small size and delicate appearance make it one of the more visually stunning members of the tanager family. These birds are often seen in pairs or small groups, moving actively through the treetops.
They can be identified by their bright turquoise-blue head, black wings, and slightly paler underside. Their slender, pointed beak is well-adapted for feeding on fruits and insects. Juveniles have a duller coloration, gradually developing the vivid adult plumage as they mature.
Native to South America, the Blue-necked Tanager inhabits tropical forests, particularly in the Andean foothills of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. They prefer humid, mid-elevation forests, where they forage among the dense canopy.
Purple-headed Starling (Hylopsar purpureiceps)
The Purple-headed Starling is a dazzling bird with a deep purple or violet head, which shimmers with metallic iridescence in the sunlight. The rest of its body is black with a glossy, reflective sheen, making it a truly striking member of the starling family.
This species is identified by its small size, compact body, and short, pointed beak. The contrast between its vibrant head and dark body is a key feature, along with its bright eyes, which give it an alert and curious expression.
Native to Africa, the Purple-headed Starling inhabits forests, woodland edges, and savannas. It is often seen in small flocks, moving energetically through trees in search of fruit, seeds, and insects. Its loud, chattering calls contribute to the lively atmosphere of African woodlands.
Blue-headed Bee-eater (Merops muelleri)
The Blue-headed Bee-eater is a stunning bird with a bright blue head and a mix of green and black on its body. Like other bee-eaters, it has a long, slightly curved beak designed for catching flying insects, especially bees and wasps. Its slender, elegant form and swift flight make it a remarkable sight.
It is recognized by its brilliant blue crown, greenish wings, and black markings along the throat and chest. This species perches on branches before launching into the air to snatch insects with impressive precision. They often return to the same perch after each catch.
This species is found in Central and West Africa, primarily in dense forests and tropical lowlands. Unlike some other bee-eaters, it prefers shaded environments rather than open areas, making it a bit more elusive than its relatives.
Iridescent Blackbird (Lampropsar tanagrinus)
The Iridescent Blackbird is a sleek, dark-plumaged bird with a shimmering blue-purple sheen on its head and upper body. Its glossy feathers reflect light beautifully, giving it an almost metallic appearance. These birds are social and often seen in small flocks foraging near water.
This species is distinguished by its elongated body, long tail, and sharp beak. Its iridescent coloration can change depending on the angle of light, ranging from deep blue to violet. Males have a more pronounced sheen compared to the slightly duller females.
Native to South America, the Iridescent Blackbird is found in wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, and tropical rainforests. It is commonly seen in the Amazon Basin, where it searches for insects and small aquatic creatures along riverbanks and flooded forests.
Taiwan Blue Magpie (Urocissa caerulea)
The Taiwan Blue Magpie is a striking bird with a vibrant blue body, a black head, and a dramatically long, banded tail. Its deep blue feathers appear almost iridescent in the sunlight, with darker shades on the head and wings. Known for its intelligence, this species is highly social and often seen in noisy, cooperative groups.
It is easily identified by its elongated tail, bright yellow eyes, and red beak and legs. When in flight, its long tail feathers fan out beautifully, making it one of the most distinctive magpies. These birds are also known for their varied vocalizations and problem-solving abilities.
Endemic to Taiwan, the Taiwan Blue Magpie inhabits mountainous forests, often foraging in mixed-species flocks. It is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, small animals, and even carrion. Despite habitat loss, it remains relatively common in its native range.
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)
The Indigo Bunting is a small songbird known for its brilliant blue plumage during the breeding season. Males are covered in vivid blue, with slightly darker wings and tails that give a subtle blackish hue. Females and non-breeding males, however, are brown, blending in with their surroundings.
This species is best recognized by its deep indigo coloration, small conical beak, and cheerful, melodic song. The male’s feathers do not actually contain blue pigment; instead, the structure of the feathers refracts light to produce the striking color.
Indigo Buntings breed across North America, particularly in open woodlands, fields, and along roadsides. During winter, they migrate to Central and South America, favoring shrubby habitats where they feed on seeds, berries, and insects.
Asian Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis)
The Asian Green Bee-eater is a slender, graceful bird with predominantly green plumage, but many subspecies display a noticeable blue hue on the head and throat. A distinct black stripe runs across its eyes, giving it a masked appearance. These birds are agile flyers, often seen darting through the air in pursuit of insects.
They are identified by their slim bodies, slightly curved black beaks, and elongated central tail feathers. When perching, they exhibit an alert posture, frequently bobbing their heads before launching into flight. Their calls are soft and repetitive, adding to the soundscape of their habitats.
This species is widespread across Asia, from the Middle East to India and Southeast Asia. It thrives in open fields, grasslands, and even urban parks, favoring areas where flying insects, especially bees and wasps, are abundant.
Greater Blue-headed Starling (Lamprotornis magnificus)
The Greater Blue-headed Starling is a stunning bird with a glossy blue head that contrasts with its dark, almost black body. Its iridescent feathers shimmer in shades of green and blue, depending on the angle of light. These birds are often seen in small flocks, moving through the forest canopy in search of food.
Easily distinguished by its deep blue head, this species has a sleek body, short tail, and bright yellow eyes that stand out against its dark plumage. Like many starlings, it has a varied vocal repertoire, often mimicking other birds and producing a mix of whistles and chirps.
Native to the tropical forests of West and Central Africa, the Greater Blue-headed Starling inhabits dense woodlands, where it forages for fruit, nectar, and insects. It is an active and social species, often joining mixed-species flocks in the upper levels of the forest.
