Black birds in Florida encompass a diverse array of species, each with its own unique characteristics and habits. From the sleek Anhinga to the striking Red-winged Blackbird, these avian inhabitants play crucial roles in Florida’s ecosystems.
Whether soaring above coastal marshes or foraging in urban landscapes, black birds add depth and intrigue to Florida’s rich biodiversity.
Different Types of Black Birds in Florida
Black Vulture
The Black Vulture, scientifically named Coragyps atratus, has a wingspan of 54 to 60 inches, a body length of 24 to 27 inches, and a weight of 2.5 to 4.4 pounds. They live for ten to fifteen years and can be found all across Florida in a variety of settings, such as forests, cities, and coastlines.
They are an essential part of the ecology and are frequently observed flying high in the air, using their excellent sense of smell to find carrion to eat. It is interesting to note that Black Vultures have a very good sense of smell, which is unusual for predatory birds and helps them find food sources even at a considerable distance.
American Crow
The scientific name for the American Crow is Corvus brachyrhynchos. Its normal dimensions are 16 to 21 inches in length, 11 to 21 ounces in weight, and 32 to 39 inches in width at the wingspan. They live in a variety of settings across Florida, including as farms, cities, and forests, and they have a lifespan of seven to eight years.
Known for their intelligence and agility, jet-black birds are regularly spotted throughout the state in both urban and rural environments. It’s interesting to note that American Crows have extremely social habits, like cooperative hunting and sophisticated vocal communication.
Fish Crow
The Fish Crow, or Corvus ossifragus as it is scientifically named, is characterized by its size, which ranges from 14 to 16 inches, weight of 8 to 14 ounces, and wingspan of 30 to 33 inches. They live six to eight years in Florida’s coastal regions, where they are found in forests, wetlands, and coastal habitats.
These birds, which are closely linked to American Crows, have developed unique adaptations for coastal habitats. You can frequently hear them calling from shorelines while they forage. It’s interesting to note that Fish Crows demonstrate tool skills by using sticks and leaves to remove insects off tree bark.
Smooth-billed Ani
The Smooth-billed Ani, scientifically named Crotophaga ani, measures between 12 to 14 inches and weighs around 3.2 to 3.7 ounces, with a wingspan of 15 to 17 inches. With a lifespan of 4 to 5 years, they inhabit grasslands, scrublands, and agricultural areas in Southern Florida.
Among all birds, Smooth-billed Anis are the only ones that cooperate in breeding, creating communal colonies of nesting sites where several pairs help to raise each other’s offspring. With a wide range of calls, they are highly vocal and efficiently communicate within their colonies.
Eastern Kingbird
The Eastern Kingbird, or Tyrannus tyrannus as it is named in science, is a bird of prey that ranges in size from 7 to 9 inches, weighs 1.1 to 1.8 ounces, and has a wingspan of 12 to 15 inches. They live three to four years in open woodlands, farmlands, and grasslands all over Florida.
Even though they are little birds, Eastern Kingbirds are renowned for their brave defense of their breeding areas, frequently driving away larger birds in the process. Being expert insectivores, they can grab flying insects in midair. In the winter, when insects are few, they add berries to their diet.
Bobolink
The Bobolink, scientifically known as Dolichonyx oryzivorus, has a wingspan of 11 to 12 inches, a body length of 6.5 to 7.5 inches, and a weight of 1.1 to 2.0 ounces. They live in northern and central Florida’s grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields for four to six years. These remarkable birds have distinctive black-and-white plumage; males change dramatically from black to white in the breeding season, giving rise to the moniker “skunk blackbird.”
Among all North American songbirds, Bobolinks travel the most distance during their migration, from their breeding grounds in North America to their wintering sites in South America.
Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus, the scientific name for the Red-winged Blackbird, is a bird that usually varies in size from 7 to 9 inches, weighs 1.3 to 2.0 ounces, and has a wingspan of 12 to 15 inches. They live two to three years and are found all over Florida in wetlands, grasslands, and marshes.
Male Red-winged Blackbirds are easily identified by their characteristic red and yellow shoulder patches. They use their vivid feathers to draw in potential mates and mark their territory. Abruptly protective of their nesting locations, they are incredibly territorial and can frequently swarm larger birds or even people who get too close.
Brown-headed Cowbird
The scientific name for the Brown-headed Cowbird is Molothrus ater. Its dimensions range from 7.5 to 8.5 inches, and its weight is between 1.2 and 2.1 ounces. Its wingspan is between 13 and 15 inches. They live two to three years and can be found in a variety of environments in Florida, such as farmlands, forests, and grasslands.
Known as “brood parasites,” they rely on host birds to nurture their young after depositing their eggs in the nests of other bird species. They are easily recognized thanks to their characteristic brown heads. It’s interesting to note that Brown-headed Cowbirds used to be connected to bison herds, following them around to eat insects that the big mammals stirred up. They’ve adjusted to living close to livestock now.
Shiny Cowbird
The Shiny Cowbird, scientifically known as Molothrus bonariensis, has a wingspan of 11 to 12 inches, a body length of 6.5 to 7.5 inches, and a weight of 1.1 to 1.9 ounces. They live in open forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas in South and Central Florida, and their lifespan is two to three years.
They are indigenous to South America and have developed populations there. They are brood parasites, much like the Brown-headed Cowbird, depositing their eggs in the nests of other birds. Shiny Cowbirds are distinguished by their iridescent plumage, which shimmers in the sunlight and gives them an incredibly “shiny” look.
Rusty Blackbird
Euphagus carolinus, the scientific name for the Rusty Blackbird, is approximately 7 to 8 inches long, 1.5 to 2.2 ounces in weight, and has a wingspan of 12 to 13 inches. They live two to three years and are found in northern Florida’s marshes, damp forests, and forested habitats both year-round and during migration.
Their unique moniker comes from their black plumage with rusty feather edges, which makes them rare winter visitors to the state. Notably, Rusty Blackbirds favor moist environments and are frequently observed searching for insects and other aquatic invertebrates in shallow water.
Brewer’s Blackbirds
Euphagus cyanocephalus, the scientific name for Brewer’s Blackbirds, are usually 7.5 to 9 inches in length, 1.6 to 2.7 ounces in weight, and have a wingspan of 12 to 14 inches. They can live up to seven years and are found in a variety of habitats, such as urban areas, grasslands, and agricultural areas.
Although they are mostly located in western North America, they can occasionally be seen migrating across northern Florida. Brewer’s Blackbirds are gregarious birds that are frequently observed foraging in flocks, particularly in open fields and urban settings. They have shiny purple or blue sheens on their heads and black plumage.
Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula, the scientific name for the common grackle, is normally 11 to 13 inches long, 2.6 to 5.6 ounces in weight, and has a wingspan of 14 to 18 inches. They live up to five years and can be found in a variety of habitats around Florida, including as fields of agriculture, urban areas, and woodlands.
Easily identified by their brilliant yellow eyes and shimmering black feathers, Common Grackles are incredibly versatile birds that can live well in a variety of settings, including suburban regions. It’s interesting to note that they eat seeds, insects, and even tiny animals.
Boat-tailed Grackle
The Boat-tailed Grackle, scientifically known as Quiscalus major, typically measures between 12 to 15 inches and weighs around 3 to 5.4 ounces, with a wingspan of 15 to 24 inches. With a lifespan of 2 to 4 years, they inhabit coastal marshes, wetlands, and grasslands along the coastal areas of Florida.
Distinctive for their long, keel-shaped tails resembling a boat’s keel, these grackles are commonly found in Florida’s coastal marshes. Notably, Boat-tailed Grackles are known for their loud and melodious calls, often heard echoing in their coastal habitats.
European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris, the scientific name for the European Starling, is a bird that usually grows to a length of 7 to 9 inches, weighs 2 to 3 ounces, and has a wingspan of 12 to 17 inches. They can live up to 15 years and can be found in a variety of habitats around Florida, such as fields of agriculture, urban areas, and woodlands.
Despite not being native to the continent, European Starlings are now frequently seen in Florida and other parts of the United States. European Starlings were brought to North America in the 19th century and have since grown to be one of the most common bird species on the continent. They are distinguished by their iridescent black plumage and amazing ability to mimic other bird species.
Anhinga
Anhinga anhinga is the scientific name for this animal, which has a size range of 34 to 36 inches and a weight range of 2.5 to 4.2 pounds. Their average lifespan is 5 to 10 years, and they have a 43 to 47-inch wingspan. These birds are found all over Florida, and their preferred freshwater environments are marshes, lakes, and swamps.
Known as the “snakebird,” these skilled fishersman spear animals underwater with their pointed beaks. Fascinatingly, anhingas don’t have waterproof feathers; instead, they use a process called “wing drying” to dry them in the sun following dives.
Double-crested Cormorant
Phalacrocorax auritus, the scientific name for the Double-crested Cormorant, is a bird of flight that ranges in size from 28 to 35 inches and weighs between 2.6 and 5.5 pounds. They usually have a lifespan of six to ten years and a wingspan of 45 to 48 inches. These birds, which are found in Florida’s coastal regions, do well in environments such as lakes, rivers, and coastal seas. They are well known for their ability to dive and have exceptional diving skills, which are facilitated by their strong webbed feet.
Their unique double crests make them stand out and increase their attraction during breeding season. It’s interesting to note that cormorants have unique preen glands that release oil, which keeps their feathers waterproof and allows them to engage in prolonged underwater foraging.
Magnificent Frigatebird
The scientific name for this magnificent bird is Fregata magnificens. Its dimensions range from 35 to 45 inches, and its weight is between 2.2 and 3.3 pounds. They have a remarkable wingspan of 85 to 95 inches and a lifespan of 15 to 25 years. These birds, which can be found on Florida’s islands and coastal regions, are expert aerial pirates who can steal food from other birds in midair.
Along coastal locations, their beautiful soaring is a familiar sight, showcasing their agility and speed as they hunt. It’s interesting to note that frigatebirds are kleptoparasites, meaning they survive by harassing and stealing food from other flying birds.
Black Skimmer
The Black Skimmer, scientifically known as Rynchops niger, measures between 16 to 20 inches in size and weighs around 6.7 to 13.4 ounces. With a wingspan ranging from 44 to 48 inches, they can live for 20 to 30 years. Found along Florida’s coastal regions, these birds thrive in habitats like coastal beaches and sandbars.
Their special bills allow them to skim the water’s surface in search of fish, and they are well-known for their precise hunting. They are easily recognized by their eye-catching orange and black bills. Interestingly, Black Skimmers are highly social birds, often nesting in colonies and displaying remarkable aerial acrobatics during breeding season courtship.
Common Gallinule
The Common Gallinule, scientifically known as Gallinula galeata, ranges in size from 12 to 15 inches and weighs between 7 to 16 ounces. With a wingspan of 21 to 24 inches, they typically live for 3 to 5 years. Found throughout Florida in freshwater marshes and ponds, these birds are easily recognizable by their vibrant red bills and shields.
Their characteristic “kek-kek” calls can frequently be heard across the marshy terrain. Interestingly, Common Gallinules possess specialized toes adapted for walking on floating vegetation while foraging for food.
American Coot
The scientific name for the American Coot is Fulica americana, and it usually ranges in size from 13 to 15 inches and weighs between 1.2 and 2.3 pounds. They live for three to five years, with a wingspan of twenty-three to twenty-five inches. These birds, which can be seen in lakes, ponds, and marshes all around Florida, are distinguished by their bald foreheads and white bills.
Well known for their swimming prowess, they glide effortlessly through freshwater environments looking for underwater vegetation. It’s interesting to note that, despite their skill in the water, American Coots prefer to construct their nests on land, frequently hiding among nearby plants.
