Michigan is home to a diverse array of bird species, including many striking black birds in Michigan. From wetlands and forests to suburban backyards, these birds thrive in various habitats across the state. Some are year-round residents, while others migrate through Michigan during different seasons. Their dark plumage often provides excellent camouflage, helping them blend into their surroundings or stand out with iridescent feathers.
Among the most recognizable black birds in Michigan are species like the Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, and American Crow. These birds play essential roles in local ecosystems by controlling insect populations, dispersing seeds, and even scavenging organic matter. Some, like the Brown-headed Cowbird, have unique behaviors, such as brood parasitism, where they lay their eggs in the nests of other birds.
This guide will introduce you to 25 different black birds in Michigan, complete with pictures and identification tips. Whether you’re a birdwatcher looking to expand your knowledge or simply curious about the dark-feathered birds in your backyard, this list will help you recognize and appreciate these fascinating species.
Different Types of Black Birds in Michigan
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)
The Common Grackle is a large blackbird found in Michigan, known for its glossy, iridescent feathers that shimmer in shades of purple, blue, and green. With long tails, sharp yellow eyes, and a pointed bill, these birds stand out among other blackbird species in the region.
In Michigan, Common Grackles are highly adaptable and thrive in various habitats, including fields, suburban areas, and near water bodies. They often form large, noisy flocks, especially during migration, gathering in trees and agricultural fields.
These opportunistic birds have an omnivorous diet, consuming grains, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates. In Michigan, they are frequently seen around farms and parks, foraging for food in open spaces and even scavenging from human settlements.
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
One of the most recognizable blackbirds in Michigan, the male Red-winged Blackbird boasts striking black plumage with red and yellow epaulets on its wings. Females have brown, streaked feathers that provide excellent camouflage in marshy environments.
Red-winged Blackbirds are commonly found in Michigan’s wetlands, marshes, and along roadsides. They are territorial birds, especially during the breeding season, when males aggressively defend their nesting sites by chasing away intruders.
In Michigan, these birds primarily feed on insects during the warmer months and switch to seeds and grains in fall and winter. Their loud, melodic songs are a familiar sound in Michigan’s wetlands, often heard long before they are spotted.
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Although not native to Michigan, European Starlings have become widespread throughout the state. They have glossy black feathers with a purplish-green sheen in summer and white speckles in winter, making them highly recognizable.
European Starlings in Michigan are highly adaptable, thriving in cities, farms, and open fields. They are known for their ability to mimic sounds, including the calls of other birds and even human speech. Large flocks, called murmurations, create mesmerizing aerial displays, especially during migration.
These birds have a varied diet, consuming insects, fruits, and seeds. In Michigan, they are often seen foraging in grassy areas, perched on power lines, or gathering in large numbers near farms and city parks.
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a unique blackbird species found in Michigan, with males sporting black bodies and brown heads, while females are a dull brown. Their short, conical bills help distinguish them from other blackbirds.
Unlike most birds, Brown-headed Cowbirds in Michigan do not build their own nests. Instead, they practice brood parasitism, laying their eggs in the nests of other bird species and leaving them to be raised by unsuspecting foster parents. This behavior can negatively impact native bird populations.
These birds are commonly seen in Michigan’s open grasslands, fields, and suburban areas. They primarily feed on seeds and insects and are often found near cattle or horses, taking advantage of disturbed insects and scattered grains.
Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus)
The Rusty Blackbird is a migratory species that passes through Michigan, with males appearing glossy black during the breeding season. In winter, both males and females take on a rusty-brown feathering, giving them their distinctive name.
These birds prefer Michigan’s wetlands, swamps, and flooded forests, making them less commonly seen in urban areas. Unlike other blackbird species, they are often solitary or found in small, loose flocks rather than forming large congregations.
Rusty Blackbirds in Michigan primarily feed on insects, small fish, and seeds. Unfortunately, their population has declined significantly due to habitat loss, making them a species of conservation concern in the region.
Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus)
Brewer’s Blackbird is a medium-sized blackbird found in Michigan, resembling the Common Grackle but with a more slender build. Males have glossy black plumage with iridescent blue and green highlights, while females are brownish-gray with less vibrant coloration. Their bright yellow eyes contrast sharply with their dark feathers.
These birds are commonly seen in Michigan’s open fields, grasslands, and farmlands, often foraging on the ground for insects, grains, and seeds. They also frequent areas near bodies of water, where they gather in flocks to roost and search for food.
Brewer’s Blackbirds are social birds that often mix with other blackbird species. In Michigan, they can be observed in both rural and urban areas, especially during migration, when they form large, chattering flocks.
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
One of the most intelligent black birds in Michigan, the American Crow is completely black with a stout bill and strong legs. Their glossy black feathers have a subtle iridescence, sometimes showing hints of purple or blue in sunlight.
These highly adaptable birds are found throughout Michigan in forests, cities, farmlands, and suburban areas. They are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on everything from insects and small animals to fruits, seeds, and even human leftovers. Their problem-solving skills and ability to recognize human faces make them one of the most fascinating birds in the region.
In Michigan, American Crows are social birds, often forming large communal roosts, especially in winter. Their loud “caw-caw” calls are a familiar sound across the state, making them one of the most easily recognized birds in Michigan.
Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus)
Similar in appearance to the American Crow, the Fish Crow is a slightly smaller black bird found in Michigan, primarily near water sources such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Its plumage is entirely black, just like the American Crow, but it can be distinguished by its more nasal and higher-pitched calls.
Fish Crows in Michigan are often seen scavenging along shorelines, hunting for fish, shellfish, and other aquatic creatures. They also eat insects, fruits, and carrion, making them opportunistic feeders.
While they are less widespread than the American Crow, Fish Crows have been expanding their range in Michigan. They are often spotted in coastal areas or near large lakes, where they form small, noisy flocks.
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
Although not entirely black, the Black-capped Chickadee is a small songbird commonly found in Michigan year-round. It has a distinctive black cap and bib, white cheeks, and soft grayish wings, making it easy to identify.
These energetic birds are frequent visitors to bird feeders across Michigan, where they eagerly snack on sunflower seeds, suet, and peanuts. They are highly curious and will often approach humans more closely than other birds.
In Michigan’s forests, woodlands, and suburban areas, Black-capped Chickadees are active foragers, searching for insects, seeds, and berries. Their cheerful “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call is a familiar sound in Michigan’s backyards and nature trails.
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)
The Eastern Phoebe is a dark gray-brown flycatcher with a blackish head, making it one of the darker songbirds found in Michigan. While not completely black, its muted tones help it blend into wooded areas and under bridges where it prefers to nest.
These birds are commonly seen in Michigan near woodlands, barns, and rivers. They frequently perch on fences, low branches, or building ledges, bobbing their tails as they scan for flying insects. Eastern Phoebes are one of the earliest migrants to return to Michigan in spring, often arriving before many other birds.
Eastern Phoebes primarily feed on insects, including flies, beetles, and caterpillars. In Michigan, they are often welcomed by birdwatchers for their beneficial role in controlling insect populations, as well as their calm, quiet demeanor.
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
The Bobolink is a striking blackbird species found in Michigan’s grasslands during the summer months. Males are easily recognizable with their black bodies, pale yellow napes, and white patches on their backs and wings. Females, on the other hand, have a more subdued brownish-yellow coloration, helping them blend into the tall grasses where they nest.
Bobolinks prefer Michigan’s open fields, prairies, and agricultural areas, particularly hayfields. They are ground nesters, building their nests in dense vegetation to protect their young from predators. During the breeding season, males perform elaborate flight displays while singing their bubbly, metallic songs.
These birds are long-distance migrants, traveling from Michigan to South America for the winter. Their diet consists mainly of seeds and insects, making them an important part of the local ecosystem. However, habitat loss has led to declining Bobolink populations in Michigan, making conservation efforts crucial.
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Although more common in the southern U.S., the Great-tailed Grackle occasionally appears in Michigan, especially during migration. These large blackbirds have long, keel-shaped tails and glossy black feathers that shimmer with purple and blue hues. Males are notably larger than females, which have brownish plumage with a slightly darker tail.
In Michigan, Great-tailed Grackles are sometimes spotted in open areas such as agricultural fields, wetlands, and urban parks. They are highly social birds, often forming noisy flocks that forage together for grains, insects, and even discarded human food. Their loud, varied calls make them easy to identify.
These birds are opportunistic and intelligent, adapting quickly to new environments. While they are not a common resident in Michigan, their range has been expanding northward, and occasional sightings continue to be reported.
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius)
The Orchard Oriole is a small, colorful blackbird species that visits Michigan during the summer breeding season. Males have black heads, backs, and wings contrasted with deep chestnut-colored underparts. Females, in contrast, are yellow-green with subtle wing bars.
These birds prefer Michigan’s orchards, wooded edges, and gardens where they can find abundant insects and nectar. They often build their hanging nests in trees or shrubs, carefully weaving grasses and plant fibers together to create a secure structure.
Orchard Orioles are beneficial to Michigan’s ecosystem, as they feed on harmful insects and help with pollination. They are also known for their sweet, whistling songs, which add to the vibrant sounds of Michigan’s summer landscapes.
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)
One of the most well-known black-and-orange birds in Michigan, the Baltimore Oriole is a common summer resident. Males are striking, with black heads, backs, and wings that contrast with their bright orange chests and bellies. Females are more muted, with yellowish-orange underparts and olive-brown wings.
Baltimore Orioles thrive in Michigan’s woodlands, parks, and suburban gardens, where they feed on fruit, nectar, and insects. They are particularly drawn to backyard feeders offering oranges and grape jelly, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.
During the breeding season, these orioles construct elaborate hanging nests woven from plant fibers and grasses. Their flute-like songs are a familiar sound in Michigan’s treetops from late spring to early summer. By late summer, they begin their migration to Central and South America.
Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)
The Common Nighthawk is not a true hawk but a nocturnal insect-eating bird found throughout Michigan. Though not completely black, its dark brown and black mottled plumage helps it blend into tree branches and rocky surfaces during the day. It has long, pointed wings with distinctive white patches and a small, slightly hooked beak.
In Michigan, Common Nighthawks are often seen at dusk, flying in erratic patterns as they catch flying insects mid-air. They are particularly common over open fields, lakeshores, and even urban areas where streetlights attract insects. Their distinctive “peent” calls and dramatic aerial dives are key identifying features.
Unlike many other birds, Common Nighthawks do not build nests. Instead, they lay their eggs directly on gravel rooftops, bare ground, or open forest floors. Their cryptic coloration makes them almost invisible when resting. By fall, they migrate thousands of miles to South America, making their presence in Michigan a seasonal spectacle.
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)
The Eastern Kingbird is a striking insect-eating bird found throughout Michigan in the summer months. While not entirely black, it has a charcoal-black back, head, and wings contrasted with a crisp white underside. A small, concealed red crown patch on its head is only visible when the bird is agitated or displaying.
Eastern Kingbirds prefer open landscapes such as fields, riverbanks, and sparse woodlands, where they perch on fences and treetops to hunt flying insects. Their aggressive nature, particularly during the breeding season, makes them fierce defenders of their nests, often chasing away much larger birds.
These birds build their nests in trees or shrubs near water, carefully constructing cup-shaped structures from twigs and plant fibers. As summer ends, Eastern Kingbirds migrate from Michigan to South America, feeding on fruit during their long journey.
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
The Dark-eyed Junco is a small sparrow-like bird commonly seen in Michigan during the winter months. While its coloration varies across subspecies, some individuals, especially males, appear nearly black or dark gray with white underparts. Their pinkish bills and white outer tail feathers make them easy to identify when they take flight.
Juncos are ground foragers, often found hopping around beneath trees or near bird feeders, searching for seeds. During winter, they are a familiar sight in Michigan’s backyards, forests, and brushy fields. Their soft trilling songs and gentle “ticking” calls add to the peaceful ambiance of snowy landscapes.
These birds breed in northern forests and mountainous regions, migrating south to Michigan as temperatures drop. By early spring, they head back to their breeding grounds, signaling the changing seasons.
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
The Double-crested Cormorant is a large, black waterbird frequently found in Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and coastal regions. Its dark feathers have a slightly greenish sheen, and its long neck, hooked bill, and bright orange throat patch make it easy to recognize. Juveniles are often lighter brown before developing full adult plumage.
These birds are expert divers, swimming underwater to catch fish using their webbed feet for propulsion. After hunting, they often perch on rocks or docks with their wings spread wide to dry, as their feathers are not fully waterproof.
In Michigan, Double-crested Cormorants are found in both freshwater and coastal environments. Their populations have rebounded in recent decades, though they remain a subject of conservation debate due to their impact on local fisheries.
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)
The American Black Duck is a dark-plumaged waterfowl species often mistaken for female Mallards. From a distance, their feathers appear almost black, though they have a subtle brownish tone. A key distinguishing feature is their dark body paired with a contrasting lighter head and a vibrant blue speculum on their wings.
In Michigan, these ducks are most commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and lakes, where they forage for aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. They are strong fliers and migratory, often traveling between breeding grounds in Canada and wintering areas in the southeastern U.S.
Unlike many other ducks, American Black Ducks tend to be more elusive, preferring secluded habitats. Their population has declined due to hybridization with Mallards, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
The Turkey Vulture is a large scavenger with dark brown-black plumage, long broad wings, and a featherless red head. Though not completely black, its overall dark coloration and distinctive soaring flight make it a recognizable sight in Michigan’s skies.
These birds are commonly seen gliding high in the air, using thermal currents to conserve energy. Unlike most birds, Turkey Vultures have an extraordinary sense of smell, allowing them to locate carrion from great distances. Their role as nature’s cleanup crew is vital for maintaining ecosystem health.
In Michigan, Turkey Vultures are widespread during the warmer months, nesting in remote caves, hollow logs, or abandoned buildings. As winter approaches, many migrate south, though some remain in southern parts of the state year-round.
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)
Although more commonly found in the western U.S., the Black-billed Magpie occasionally appears in Michigan. This striking bird has bold black-and-white plumage, a long iridescent tail, and a sharp black bill. It belongs to the corvid family, known for intelligence and complex social behaviors.
Magpies are highly adaptable and often inhabit open woodlands, farmlands, and suburban areas. They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, small mammals, fruits, and even carrion. Their loud, chattering calls and bold personalities make them hard to miss.
While rare in Michigan, occasional sightings occur, particularly in the northern part of the state. These birds are known to explore new territories, meaning future increases in their presence are possible.
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
The Pied-billed Grebe is a small, secretive waterbird with dark brown plumage that can appear nearly black in certain lighting. It has a short, thick bill with a distinct black band, giving it its name. Unlike ducks, its legs are positioned far back on its body, making it an excellent diver but clumsy on land.
In Michigan, these grebes are found in calm lakes, marshes, and ponds, where they dive to catch small fish, insects, and crustaceans. Instead of flying away when threatened, they often sink below the water’s surface to escape predators.
Pied-billed Grebes build floating nests anchored to vegetation, carefully hidden among reeds. Their eerie, whinnying calls can often be heard echoing across Michigan’s wetlands, especially during the breeding season.
Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
The Swallow-tailed Kite is one of the most graceful raptors occasionally spotted in Michigan during migration. With its striking black-and-white plumage and deeply forked tail, it is unmistakable in flight. These birds are agile aerial hunters, catching insects, small birds, and reptiles midair.
While primarily found in the southeastern U.S., Swallow-tailed Kites occasionally wander northward, reaching Michigan. They prefer open woodlands and wetlands, where they can soar effortlessly, rarely flapping their wings.
Due to their rarity in Michigan, sightings of Swallow-tailed Kites are considered a special event for birdwatchers. Their presence in the state is typically brief, as they continue migrating further south to their tropical wintering grounds.
