Birds adorned with elegant white markings on their wings possess an extraordinary allure, ranking among the most breathtaking creatures on our planet. In the realm of Western culture, the color white embodies notions of purity, tranquility, immaculateness, and flawlessness. Thus, catching a glimpse of such a bird in its natural habitat has the power to elevate one’s spirits by an astonishing magnitude. A myriad of avian wonders can be found among the esteemed roster of winged beings showcasing white stripes on their wings. This distinguished ensemble includes the lesser nighthawk, northern mockingbird, killdeer, Eurasian magpie, lark bunting, tricolored blackbird, swamp boubou, and countless others.
25 Birds With White Stripes On Wings
Lesser Nighthawk
Scientifically referred to as Chordeiles acutipennis, the Lesser Nighthawk possesses a relatively short lifespan of approximately 4 to 5 years. With a wingspan measuring around 21.5 inches, these enchanting avians showcase broad white wing stripes in close proximity to their wingtips. They are indigenous to the captivating regions of South America, North America, and Central America.
These diminutive nighthawks exhibit rounded wings and modestly elongated notched tails, a sight frequently witnessed as they gracefully soar at dusk, skimming low over desert expanses and grasslands.
The Lesser Nighthawk adeptly conceals itself through its plumage, which harmonizes with the earthy tones of its surroundings. Only when in flight does its unique wing bar become visible. This distinct marking presents as white in males and cream-colored in females.
At first glance, the Lesser Nighthawk bears a resemblance to its counterpart, the Common Nighthawk. However, the key distinguishing factor lies in the position of the white wing patch. The Lesser Nighthawk exhibits the patch closer to the wingtip, while the Common Nighthawk’s patch resides nearer to the base of the wing.
Renowned for their erratic and bat-like flight patterns, Lesser Nighthawks execute graceful loops and frequent directional changes while in flight.
These avian wonders engage in breeding activities across Northern and central California, Nevada, and southwestern Utah, extending southward through New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and into Mexico. Notably, females of the species eschew constructing nests, opting instead to lay their eggs directly on the ground. They rely on their camouflaged bodies to safeguard the hidden eggs. As insectivores, Lesser Nighthawks primarily subsist on airborne insects, including beetles, moths, grasshoppers, as well as ants and termites.
In order to cope with the scorching desert temperatures within their habitats, Lesser Nighthawks possess the ability to enter a state similar to hibernation known as torpor.
Northern Mockingbird
Scientifically known as Mimus polyglottos, the northern mockingbird is a captivating avian species distinguished by its gray plumage adorned with white stripes on its wings and tail. During flight, these notable birds showcase large white patches on their black wings and tail, serving a dual purpose. Firstly, these wing-bars are utilized as displays during the mating season, showcasing their allure to potential mates. Additionally, the mockingbirds employ these white flashes as a means of defense, warding off snakes and hawks encroaching upon their territory.
Frequently encountered perched on tall shrubs or tree branches along the edges of forests, in backyards, and within parks, the northern mockingbird has earned the distinction of being the state bird of Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
This medium-sized songbird possesses a remarkable talent for mimicry, capable of imitating the songs of up to 35 different species and mastering over 200 distinct melodies throughout its lifetime. Notably, among the 16 species bearing the name “mockingbird,” the northern mockingbird stands alone as the sole native species to the United States. Its Latin name, Mimus polyglottos, translates literally to “many-tongued mimic.”
A highly territorial and proficient breeder, the northern mockingbird once astoundingly laid a remarkable 27 eggs within a single breeding season. As omnivores, these resourceful birds sustain themselves through a varied diet consisting of fruits, seeds, berries, and small insects such as beetles, earthworms, moths, butterflies, and bees.
Killdeer
Scientifically known as Charadrius vociferus, the killdeer is a captivating avian species with a brown plumage adorned with distinctive white stripes on its wings and tail. Possessing a robust build, featuring a slender body, large round head, prominent eyes, and a short bill, this sizable plover is native to the Americas.
Interestingly, one can observe killdeer without venturing to the seashore, as they are commonly found on lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and parking lots throughout the United States and most parts of Canada. In Washington, particularly west of the Cascades, these shorebirds can be encountered year-round.
The killdeer presents a brown upper plumage, contrasting with its white underbelly and slender wings that proudly exhibit conspicuous white wing stripes at their base. Renowned for their exceptional distraction tactics, these birds may perform a captivating display known as a ‘broken-wing’ act, fluttering along the ground in a feigned show of injury. This behavior aims to divert the attention of predators away from their nest and offspring.
As omnivores, killdeer sustain themselves through a diverse diet comprising insects such as beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, fly larvae, spiders, earthworms, centipedes, crayfish, snails, alongside some seeds.
This avian species derives its name from the loud and piercing calls it emits, which bear a resemblance to the vocalization “kill-deer, kill-deer.”
Eurasian Magpie
Scientifically referred to as Pica pica, the Eurasian magpie, commonly known as the common magpie, is a resident breeding bird that graces regions spanning Europe, substantial parts of Asia, and Northwest Africa.
This striking avian species exhibits a distinct appearance, characterized by its black head, neck, and breast, adorned with a vibrant green and violet sheen. Notably, white streaks grace its belly, while its scapulars (shoulder feathers) boast a conspicuous white hue. Additionally, the common magpie showcases eye-catching white stripes on its primaries, which are the longest feathers of its wings.
Renowned for its exceptional intelligence, the common magpie ranks among the most astute avian creatures. It showcases an impressive array of cognitive abilities, including tool usage, the capacity to imitate human speech, the ability to grieve, engage in playful behaviors, work collaboratively in teams, and even pass the mirror test, demonstrating self-recognition. In fact, the Eurasian magpie joins the esteemed ranks of great apes, dolphins, elephants, and magpies as one of the few non-human species to successfully complete the mirror test.
As omnivores, Eurasian magpies maintain a diverse diet. They feed on various food sources, including young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, carrion, acorns, and grains.
For those intrigued by birds showcasing blue wings, consider exploring the provided article for further insights and knowledge.
Lark Bunting
Scientifically known as Calamospiza melanocorys, the lark bunting is a captivating medium-sized American sparrow inhabiting the grasslands of central and western North America. Renowned for its striking appearance, it proudly earns a place among the most visually stunning birds with white wing stripes.
Male lark buntings during the breeding season showcase a black plumage adorned with broad white wing bars. However, as winter approaches, their appearance transitions to a grayish-brown hue with subtle streaks of black and white. Their beaks exhibit a pale blue-gray coloration.
The lark bunting holds the honorable distinction of being selected as the state bird of Colorado. This decision was influenced by its acrobatic courtship dance, melodious song, and its status as a native species in the region. When foraging, lark buntings exhibit a hopping motion along the ground, transitioning to walking or running when pursuing prey.
As omnivores, these black birds with white wing stripes maintain a varied diet consisting of seeds, insects, and select fruits.
Swamp Boubou
Scientifically identified as Laniarius bicolor, the swamp boubou, or Gabon boubou, is an avian species indigenous to the savannah thickets, coastal scrublands, mangroves, and ravine forests of Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Displaying a striking coloration, the swamp boubou showcases a black plumage on its upper body, while the lower portion boasts a contrasting white shade. Notably, when the wings are folded, a prominent and elongated white stripe becomes evident. Although resembling the tropical boubou, the swamp boubou differs in various aspects such as size, bill shape, underparts coloration, and singing patterns.
Swamp boubous are known for their lifelong monogamous relationships. Mated pairs engage in duet-like singing, initiated by a soft guttural sound, creating a melodious and coordinated display.
As omnivores, these birds maintain a diverse diet, consuming insects, worms, and occasionally indulging in small fruits.
Black-capped Chickadee
Scientifically named Poecile atricapillus, the black-capped chickadee is a small, nonmigratory songbird that holds the honor of being the state bird of Massachusetts and Maine in the United States, as well as the provincial bird of New Brunswick in Canada.
This delightful avian species possesses a distinctive appearance, characterized by a short neck, a large head, and a black cap and bib. Its wings showcase a gray hue with notable white patches along the edges.
Black-capped chickadees earned their name from the prominent black caps adorning their heads, which serve as a recognizable feature. Furthermore, their vocalizations are characterized by their distinctive “chickadee-dee-dee” calls.
These birds play a valuable role in orchards and forests, as they actively consume various pests. The white-wing-striped chickadees have a diet that includes insect eggs, larvae, weevils, lice, sawflies, as well as some snails, slugs, and spiders. Their appetite for these pests makes them a beneficial presence in these ecosystems.
Evening Grosbeak
Scientifically known as Coccothraustes vespertinus, the evening grosbeak is a robust and substantial finch characterized by its large size, thick bill and neck, ample chest, and relatively short tail. The males of this species are notable for their impressive size, sporting a vibrant mustard-yellow plumage along with prominent gold eyebrow stripes. Additionally, they possess striking black wings adorned with large white patches on the inner coverts and tertials, adding to their remarkable appearance.
Evening grosbeaks are primarily found in the southern regions of Canada throughout the year. However, during the winter season, their range extends to encompass a significant portion of the United States.
In the winter, it is not uncommon to spot evening grosbeaks on roadways, where they can be seen consuming raw salt and fine gravel. They have also been observed consuming an impressive number of sunflower seeds, devouring nearly 100 seeds in just five minutes.
White-winged Dove
Scientifically known as Zenaida asiatica, the white-winged dove is a semi-tropical avian species commonly found in thorny forests, streamside woodlands, and deserts. Its natural habitats span from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America, reaching parts of western South America and certain Caribbean islands. Additionally, the bird has been introduced to regions like Central Texas and Central Florida.
With its grayish-brown plumage, the white-winged dove boasts a striking white patch on its wings. When perched, this patch appears as a distinctive line along the lower edge of the wing.
Impressively, these birds are capable of flying long distances of 25 miles or more in search of water. During migration, their flocks can consist of over 4,000 individuals, creating a remarkable sight.
As herbivores, white-winged doves sustain themselves on a diet primarily composed of seeds. They consume various types of seeds, including those from sunflowers, milo, corn, safflower, and they may also indulge in berries from shrubs.
Black-and-white Warbler
Scientifically referred to as Mniotilta varia, the black-and-white warbler is a captivating medium-sized warbler, belonging to the category of small songbirds. It possesses a moderately-sized body and showcases a slightly downcurved beak. This species is known to breed in northern and eastern regions of North America.
Distinguished by its striking plumage, the black-and-white warbler exhibits bold black-and-white stripes encompassing its entire body. The wings, specifically, display a prominent black coloration adorned with two wide white wing stripes.
During the breeding season, black-and-white warblers demonstrate territorial behavior and aggressiveness, which is characteristic of many warbler species. They are known to fiercely attack and engage in fights with other bird species that encroach upon their territory.
For novice birders, the black-and-white warbler proves to be an excellent choice, as it is relatively easy to spot and recognize.
As an insectivore, this species primarily subsists on a carnivorous diet, consuming a variety of insects such as caterpillars, beetles, ants, flies, bugs, and some spiders.
Tricolored Blackbird
Scientifically known as Agelaius tricolor, the tricolored blackbird is a sociable medium-sized passerine bird that thrives in the wetlands and grasslands of the Pacific states.
This notable avian species, characterized by its large black body and a distinctive white stripe on its wings, employs an interesting strategy to encourage its chicks to leave the nest. Instead of directly feeding the young, the tricolored blackbird will arrive at the nest with food and then promptly fly away, enticing the fledglings to pursue it and venture out of the nest.
Male tricolored blackbirds exhibit entirely black plumage, adorned with vibrant red shoulders and whitish wing stripes. In contrast, females boast a dark gray-brown coloration with streaked bellies and backs, accompanied by cream-colored eyebrows.
Notably, tricolored blackbirds are known for forming some of the largest colonies among all land birds in North America, often comprising tens of thousands of individuals. They are omnivores, nourishing themselves on a diverse diet consisting of grasshoppers, seeds, beetles, weevils, caterpillars, and snails.
These remarkable birds can be observed in the coastal regions along the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from Northern California in the United States (with occasional appearances in Oregon) to upper Baja California in Mexico.
Anhinga
Scientifically named Anhinga anhinga, the anhinga is a notable waterbird often referred to as the snakebird, darter, or water turkey. This large and sleek avian species thrives in various aquatic habitats such as lakes, wooded swamps, marshes, and ponds. The name “anhinga” originates from the Brazilian Tupi language, translating to “devil bird” or “snake bird.”
Male anhingas exhibit a black plumage adorned with striking white streaks on their wings, while females possess a similar appearance with brownish necks and heads.
Unlike many other birds, anhingas lack waterproof wings. When swimming, only their long necks emerge above the water’s surface, creating an illusion resembling that of a snake.
Anhingas are carnivorous creatures, sustaining themselves on a diet primarily composed of fish. Additionally, they consume insects, shrimp, crayfish, and occasionally even prey upon young alligators and snakes.
Daurian Redstart
Scientifically known as Phoenicurus auroreus, the Daurian redstart is a small, vibrant passerine bird known for its active nature. Native to East Asia, it captivates with its striking appearance. In Japan, it is referred to as “jōbitaki.”
Recognizing a Daurian redstart is relatively easy due to its distinctive features. It boasts a red-orange rump and tail, complemented by orange underparts and a black bill. Notably, a prominent broad white wing patch is clearly visible on its wings. Females, on the other hand, exhibit more brown plumage.
These avian wonders predominantly inhabit open forests, forest edges, and agricultural margins. However, they can also be found in parks and urban gardens. Daurian redstarts are omnivores, nourishing themselves on a diet comprising insects, berries, and seeds.
When it comes to their social behavior, Daurian redstarts are monogamous. Males establish and defend territories in which they attract females for breeding.
American Goldfinch
Scientifically known as Spinus tristis, the American goldfinch is a small migratory bird characterized by its compact head, short notched tail, and long wings featuring a single broad white wing stripe.
During the breeding season, both male and female American goldfinches display a vibrant carotenoid-based orange bill. The intensity of orange coloration in the bill serves as an indicator of the bird’s overall health and correlates with testosterone levels. This signaling mechanism helps reduce the likelihood of physical conflicts, minimizing the risk of injury and conserving time and energy.
American goldfinches undergo molting twice a year, once in late winter and again in late summer. They hold the esteemed status of being the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa, and Washington.
For further exploration, refer to the provided article for a compilation of 30 bird species that exhibit bills with an orange hue.
White-browed Wagtail
Scientifically known as Motacilla maderaspatensis, the white-browed wagtail, or large pied wagtail, is a captivating medium-sized bird distinguished by its prominent broad white eyebrows. It showcases a black head, back, and upper tail, along with broad white wing stripes and white underparts.
With its slender physique, the white-browed wagtail boasts a long and perpetually wagging tail, which lends to its name and adds to its charm.
This avian species thrives in open freshwater wetland habitats, where it can be commonly observed. Similar to other wagtails, the white-browed wagtail is insectivorous, nourishing itself on a diet consisting of beetles, dragonflies, small snails, spiders, worms, crustaceans, and flies.
The bird derives its scientific name from the Indian city of Madras, now known as Chennai. In the past, people kept white-browed wagtails as caged birds due to their striking appearance and impressive singing abilities.
White-headed Woodpecker
Scientifically known as Picoides albolarvatus, the white-headed woodpecker is a resident woodpecker species commonly found in the pine forests of the mountainous regions in western parts of North America, including the western states and British Columbia.
These birds exhibit a striking appearance, with black bodies and predominantly white heads, accompanied by white stripes on their outer flight feathers, also known as primary feathers. Notably, the white-headed woodpecker stands out as the only North American woodpecker species featuring a black body combined with a white head.
Compared to other woodpeckers, white-headed woodpeckers are relatively quieter in their foraging behavior. Rather than hammering tree bark, they employ a prying technique. They possess a large bill, which may be an adaptation to facilitate easier consumption of large spiny cones, a common food source for these birds.
White-headed woodpeckers engage in monogamous relationships, forming pairs where both parents contribute to the care of the eggs. Interestingly, the male takes charge of nighttime duties.
As omnivores, these woodpeckers maintain a varied diet, feeding on insects as well as pine seeds.
Willet
Scientifically known as Tringa semipalmata, the willet is a notable large shorebird with gray or brown plumage. When in flight, it displays a striking white stripe along each wing, adding to its visual appeal. These shorebirds can be observed in various coastal habitats, including open beaches, bay shores, marshes, mudflats, and rocky coastal zones.
Willets are known for their breeding presence across a wide range, spanning from central Canada to northeastern regions of California and Nevada, as well as along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts below Nova Scotia.
Similar to killdeer, willets employ a tactic of feigning a broken wing to divert predators away from their eggs or chicks. There are two recognized subspecies of willets: the eastern willet and the western willet.
Utilizing both keen eyesight and sensitive bills, willets showcase versatile hunting abilities, enabling them to forage during both day and night. As carnivores, they feed on a diverse diet consisting of mole crabs, beetles, clams, and small fish.
American Avocet
Scientifically referred to as Recurvirostra americana, American avocets are notable large shorebirds characterized by their long, upward-curved beaks, elongated necks, and round heads. These elegant birds inhabit shallow fresh and saltwater wetlands, including salt ponds, impoundments, and evaporation ponds.
During the winter season, American avocets exhibit a white overall plumage, with black wings adorned by broad white wing stripes and bluish-gray legs. However, during the breeding season, their head and neck take on a beautiful pinkish-tan hue.
When foraging for aquatic insects, avocets skillfully submerge their beaks underwater and move them from side to side, effectively stirring the water to uncover their prey.
Remarkably, American avocet chicks possess the ability to swim and independently feed themselves shortly after hatching. These birds engage in monogamous relationships and are omnivorous, consuming a varied diet consisting of fish, aquatic insects, seeds, and crustaceans.
White-winged Triller
Known scientifically as Lalage tricolor, white-tailed trillers are enchanting small songbirds featuring short beaks, black crowns and backs, white underparts, and distinctive broad white stripes adorning their wings.
These delightful birds can be observed in the open woodlands, forests, and tree-lined waterways of mainland Australia, as well as on the neighboring islands including New Guinea and eastern Indonesia.
White-tailed trillers showcase an omnivorous diet, primarily consisting of insects, fruit, seeds, and occasional indulgences in nectar. During the breeding season, they can become quite vocal, filling the air with their delightful songs.
While white-tailed trillers are typically monogamous birds, it is worth noting that there have been recorded instances of polygyny within their population.
Magpie Lark
Scientifically known as Grallina cyanoleuca, the Magpie lark is a captivating bird distinguished by its white wing stripes, long and sturdy legs, and a slender beak. This large songbird can be found in the dry forests, savannahs, and grasslands of Australia, Timor, and southern New Guinea.
Magpie larks showcase an omnivorous diet, encompassing a wide range of prey such as insects, spiders, worms, crustaceans, reptiles, frogs, and occasionally seeds.
One fascinating characteristic of Magpie larks is their unique duet singing behavior. During their melodious performances, each partner produces approximately one note per second, albeit half a second apart. This synchronized duet can often be mistaken for the song of a single bird, rather than a duet of two.
Known by various names including Peewee, Peewit, Mudlark, or Little Magpie, these birds typically breed from August to February and lay clutches of 3-5 eggs.
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Scientifically referred to as Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, the yellow-headed blackbird is a distinctive medium-sized blackbird native to western parts of North America. Its appearance is quite striking, with a golden head and white patches adorning its black wings. The bill, legs, and feet of this bird are all black.
While the yellow-headed blackbird is visually appealing, its singing might not be as pleasing to the ears. In fact, people often describe its vocalizations as the least melodious among North American bird species, resembling the sound of a rusty farm gate opening.
These blackbirds are migratory creatures, forming large congregations during the winter season. Some flocks have been estimated to consist of hundreds of thousands of individuals, creating an impressive sight in the sky.
Magpie Shrike
Scientifically known as Urolestes melanoleucus, magpie shrikes are robust black shrikes native to various regions across Africa.
These striking birds can be found inhabiting diverse habitats such as dry savannahs, moist savannahs, and dry shrublands in countries including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Mozambique, Botswana, and Angola.
Magpie shrikes are easily identifiable by their predominantly black plumage, notable wing stripes, and remarkably long and graduated black tails ranging from 8.2 to 13.8 inches in length. Additionally, they exhibit white scapulars and grayish-white rumps, complemented by their black beaks, legs, and feet.
These vocal creatures can be recognized by their territorial whistling “kee-oo” calls, distinct alarm “chac” calls, as well as the “teeloo” and “tleu” sounds produced by partners during their melodious duets. Their presence is often accompanied by their noisy vocalizations.
Magpie shrikes are social birds often observed perching upright in groups of 3-10 individuals, showcasing their impressive tails while searching for their next meal.
These omnivorous creatures exhibit a diverse diet, foraging on the ground or in the air to capture insects, small lizards, small mammals, as well as indulging in berries and fruits.
In matters of love and companionship, magpie shrikes are monogamous, forming lifelong pair bonds. Both mates contribute to nest-building, utilizing twigs, grass, rootlets, and plants to create a comfortable home. The female lays 3-5 yellowish eggs adorned with dark spots, while the male takes on the responsibility of providing food to sustain the incubating female.
During their courtship rituals, male magpie shrikes engage in captivating displays. They bow, flick their tails, and emit melodic whistles, showcasing their affection and attempting to win the favor of their chosen partner.
White-winged Widowbird
Scientifically known as Euplectes albonotatus, white-winged widowbirds are fascinating birds that exhibit polygynous mating behavior and establish territoriality. They prefer to nest in solitude.
These captivating birds can be found inhabiting diverse habitats such as savannas, grasslands, wetlands, and cultivated lands throughout Africa south of the Sahara.
During the breeding season, white-winged widowbirds display striking sexual dimorphism. Breeding males feature black plumage, pale blue beaks, vibrant shoulder epaulets, and distinctive white wing panels that become visible during flight. In contrast, non-breeding males exhibit buffy and streaky plumage. Female widowbirds lack the prominent wing patterns and instead have pale, unstreaked bellies.
White-winged widowbirds can be recognized by their distinct vocalizations, emitting “zeh-zeh” and “witz-witz” calls.
These versatile birds are omnivorous, feeding on a varied diet consisting of grass seeds, nectar, and insects.
Greater Scaup
Scientifically named Aythya marila, greater scaups are medium-sized diving ducks characterized by their rounded heads and striking yellow eyes.
In North America, these ducks are commonly referred to as “bluebills” due to the noticeable dull blue bills with black tips.
Male greater scaups exhibit black breasts, black heads adorned with a glossy green sheen, white wing stripes, and white bellies and sides. On the other hand, females have a brown overall plumage with similar white wing markings to their male counterparts.
Male greater scaups emit soft nasal courting whistles, while females produce raspy “arr-arr” alarm calls, allowing for easy identification of the sexes.
Breeding in shallow lakes and ponds of Northern Canada and Alaska in North America, greater scaups spend their winters along the coasts of North America, the shores of the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico.
These ducks are monogamous, with females laying clutches of 6-9 olive-brown eggs. During winter, they form large aggregations consisting of hundreds and even thousands of birds.
As omnivores, greater scaups have a diverse diet, consuming insects, mollusks, crustaceans, plants, and seeds. They possess excellent diving abilities, capable of submerging themselves up to an impressive depth of 23 feet below the water’s surface.
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Scientifically known as Dendrocygna autumnalis, black-bellied whistling ducks are medium-sized ducks characterized by their long necks and legs. They are also referred to as black-bellied tree ducks and are known for their upright posture.
Compared to other ducks, black-bellied whistling ducks possess elongated legs and necks, resembling the features seen in geese and swans. This suggests a close relationship between these species.
Native to North, Central, and South America, black-bellied whistling ducks are one of the two whistling duck species found in North America. In the United States, they can be observed year-round in Florida, southeast Texas, coastal parts of Alabama and Mississippi, and in Arizona during the summer.
These ducks inhabit various habitats such as lakes, marshes, rice fields, and swamps. They display distinctive plumage, featuring chestnut and black colors, bright orange-pink beaks and legs, gray faces and necks, and bold white wing stripes that are visible during flight. White eye-rings further aid in their identification. Additionally, their unique whistling “waa-choo” calls serve as an auditory identifier.
Black-bellied whistling ducks are highly social and form large flocks outside the breeding season, often consisting of hundreds of individuals. They exhibit monogamous behavior, pairing for many years. Both parents take part in incubating the eggs and raising the ducklings. These cavity nesters make use of tree hollows to create their nests, where they lay 9-18 milky white eggs. In some instances, females may resort to “egg dumping,” laying their eggs in the nests of other black-bellied whistling ducks.
These ducks primarily forage at night and have a diverse diet, including plants, insects, spiders, snails, mollusks, and tadpoles.
Scientists estimate the total population of black-bellied whistling ducks to be between 1 to 2 million individuals.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up, we have explored over 20 bird species that boast beautiful white stripes on their wings. From the willet to the magpie lark, lesser nighthawk to lark bunting, and white-winged dove to killdeer, these birds showcase the elegance of white-striped wings.
Not only are these birds a sight to behold in the wild, but some of them also make delightful pets, with their white-striped wings adding to their allure.
With this newfound knowledge, the next time you encounter any of these birds in their natural habitat, you’ll be able to easily identify and appreciate their distinct features.