Black and White Birds in South Dakota
South Dakota, with its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, is a haven for birdwatchers. One group of birds that catches the attention of many enthusiasts is the black and white birds. These striking avian creatures, with their contrasting plumage, add a touch of elegance to the state's natural beauty. In this article, we will explore some of the black and white birds that call South Dakota home and learn more about their habits, habitats, and unique characteristics.
The American Avocet
One of the most iconic black and white birds found in South Dakota is the American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana). With its long, upturned bill and distinctive black and white plumage, this bird is a sight to behold. The American Avocet is commonly found in wetlands and shallow lakes throughout the state. It feeds on small invertebrates and crustaceans, often using its bill to sweep the water in search of food.
The American Avocet is known for its unique breeding behavior. During courtship, males perform elaborate displays, including ritualized preening and bill-touching. Once a pair has formed, they build a nest on the ground near water and take turns incubating the eggs. The chicks are precocial, meaning they are capable of independent movement shortly after hatching.
The Black-billed Magpie
The Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) is another black and white bird commonly found in South Dakota. Known for its striking black and white plumage, long tail, and raucous calls, this bird is a familiar sight in both urban and rural areas. The Black-billed Magpie is highly intelligent and is known for its ability to mimic sounds and recognize itself in a mirror.
Black-billed Magpies are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a wide variety of foods, including insects, small mammals, fruits, and carrion. They are highly social birds and often form large flocks, especially during the winter months. These flocks engage in communal roosting, where hundreds or even thousands of birds gather together to rest for the night.
The Black-capped Chickadee
The Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is a small, charismatic bird with a black cap and throat, contrasting with its white cheeks and belly. This bird is a year-round resident in South Dakota and is known for its cheerful song and curious nature. The Black-capped Chickadee is a frequent visitor to backyard bird feeders, often delighting birdwatchers with its acrobatic antics.
Black-capped Chickadees are primarily insectivores but also feed on seeds and berries, especially during the colder months. They are cavity nesters and often excavate their own nests in dead trees or use old woodpecker holes. These birds are known for their remarkable memory, as they can remember the locations of hundreds of different food caches.
The Pied-billed Grebe
The Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) is a small, stocky bird with a distinctive black band around its bill. Although primarily brown in color, its black and white bill gives it a place among the black and white birds of South Dakota. The Pied-billed Grebe is commonly found in freshwater marshes and lakes, where it dives underwater to catch fish and aquatic invertebrates.
During the breeding season, Pied-billed Grebes perform elaborate courtship displays, including head-shaking and weed-carrying. They build floating nests among vegetation and typically lay four to seven eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young. The chicks are precocial and can swim and dive shortly after hatching.
The Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a large woodpecker species with a distinctive black and white plumage. This bird is known for its unique feeding behavior, as it often forages on the ground for ants and other insects. The Northern Flicker also has a distinctive call, often described as a loud, ringing "wick-a-wick-a-wick."
During the breeding season, Northern Flickers engage in courtship displays, including aerial chases and drumming on resonant surfaces, such as metal signs or hollow trees. They excavate their nests in dead trees or use existing cavities, often competing with other cavity-nesting birds for suitable nesting sites. The Northern Flicker is a migratory bird and can be seen in South Dakota during the spring and fall migrations.
The Black-necked Stilt
The Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) is a striking wading bird with a black and white plumage and long, thin legs. This bird is commonly found in shallow wetlands and mudflats, where it uses its long bill to probe for small invertebrates in the water and mud. The Black-necked Stilt is known for its graceful and elegant appearance, as it navigates through its habitat with ease.
During the breeding season, male Black-necked Stilts perform elaborate courtship displays, including foot-stamping and high-stepping. Once a pair has formed, they build a nest on the ground near water and lay three to five eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young. The chicks are precocial and can walk and swim shortly after hatching.
The Black Tern
The Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) is a small, graceful bird with a black head and underparts, contrasting with its silvery-white wings and tail. This bird is commonly found in marshes and wetlands throughout South Dakota, where it feeds on insects and small fish. The Black Tern is known for its agile flight and ability to hover over the water while foraging.
During the breeding season, Black Terns form loose colonies and build floating nests among emergent vegetation. The nests are often hidden among the dense vegetation, providing protection from predators. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young. The chicks are altricial, meaning they are born naked and helpless and rely on their parents for food and protection.
The American Oystercatcher
The American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) is a large shorebird with a striking black and white plumage and a long, thick red bill. Although primarily found along coastal areas, this bird can occasionally be seen in South Dakota during migration. The American Oystercatcher feeds on a variety of marine invertebrates, including clams, mussels, and crabs.
During the breeding season, American Oystercatchers form monogamous pairs and defend their territory against intruders. They build nests on the ground, often on sandy or gravelly beaches, and lay two to four eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young. The chicks are precocial and can walk and swim shortly after hatching.
The Blackpoll Warbler
The Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) is a small songbird with a black and white plumage and a distinctive black cap. This bird is primarily found in forested areas throughout South Dakota, where it feeds on insects and spiders. The Blackpoll Warbler is known for its migratory behavior, as it undertakes one of the longest non-stop flights of any songbird, crossing the Atlantic Ocean during its fall migration.
During the breeding season, male Blackpoll Warblers perform elaborate courtship displays, including singing and wing-flicking. They build cup-shaped nests in trees, often hidden among dense foliage. The female lays three to five eggs, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young. The chicks are altricial and rely on their parents for food and protection.
The Black Scoter
The Black Scoter (Melanitta americana) is a sea duck with a predominantly black plumage, contrasting with its bright yellow bill. This bird is primarily found along the coast of South Dakota during the winter months, where it feeds on mollusks and crustaceans. The Black Scoter is known for its diving abilities, as it can stay underwater for extended periods in search of food.
During the breeding season, Black Scoters migrate to the boreal forests of northern Canada and Alaska. They build nests on the ground, often hidden among vegetation or in tree cavities. The female lays six to nine eggs, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young. The chicks are precocial and can swim and feed themselves shortly after hatching.
The Black-headed Grosbeak
The Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) is a medium-sized songbird with a black head and breast, contrasting with its bright orange underparts. This bird is primarily found in forested areas throughout South Dakota during the summer months, where it feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects. The Black-headed Grosbeak is known for its melodious song and distinctive call.
During the breeding season, male Black-headed Grosbeaks perform elaborate courtship displays, including singing and wing-spreading. They build cup-shaped nests in trees, often hidden among dense foliage. The female lays three to five eggs, and both parents take