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What are the little black birds with white bellies called?

Published in Bird Identification 2 mins read

One prominent example of little black birds with white bellies are Black Phoebes.

Understanding the Black Phoebe

The description of a small bird with dark upperparts and a clean white belly strongly points to the Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans). These adaptable birds are common across much of the western United States, Mexico, and Central and South America.

Key Characteristics

Black Phoebes are easily identified by their distinctive appearance and behavior, making them a strong match for the description:

  • Coloration: They are mostly a sooty gray on their upperparts and chest, with a slightly darker, almost black head. The most striking feature, and the one that directly answers the question, is their clean white belly. Their wing feathers are also edged with pale gray.
  • Size: They are relatively small passerine birds, fitting the "little black bird" description.
  • Posture and Behavior: Black Phoebes are often seen sitting upright on low perches, typically near water sources such as streams, ponds, or even garden fountains. From these perches, they make short, quick flights to catch insects in mid-air. This characteristic "sallying" behavior is a key identifier.

Habitat and Diet

These birds thrive in various habitats as long as there's access to water. You can find them in:

  • Riparian areas
  • Forest edges
  • Coastal cliffs
  • Urban and suburban gardens with ponds or streams

Their diet consists primarily of insects, which they expertly snatch from the air or off vegetation.

Quick Facts about Black Phoebes

To further illustrate their fit for the description, here's a quick overview:

Feature Description
Common Name Black Phoebe
Scientific Name Sayornis nigricans
Upperparts Sooty gray with darker black head
Belly Clean white
Habitat Near water (streams, ponds, coastal areas, gardens)
Behavior Perches upright, makes short flights to catch insects
Size Small passerine bird

Where to Spot Them

If you're looking for these charming birds, focus on areas with water. Listen for their distinctive, repetitive "fee-bee" call. Their habit of flicking their tail up and down while perched is another tell-tale sign of a Black Phoebe.

For more detailed information and sounds, you can explore resources like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds guide to the Black Phoebe.