Birds dressed in black and white often stand out against the trees, water, or sky. From striking patterns to sharp contrasts, their feathers make them easy to notice and memorable to watch.
These birds aren’t just pretty to look at either, as many of them play important roles in their ecosystems, whether by controlling insects, pollinating plants, or spreading seeds.
Spotting one of these feathered neighbours can be a reminder of how much variety exists right outside your window.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Bird sightings may vary depending on location, habitat, and season.
1. Magpie
The black-billed magpie commands attention with its iridescent blue-black wings and tail that shimmer in sunlight. Its contrasting white belly and shoulders create a tuxedo-like appearance that’s unmistakable.
These clever birds belong to the crow family and are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. In western Canada, you’ll often spot them perched on fence posts or gathering in small groups near farmlands.
2. Common Loon
Haunting calls echo across northern lakes at dusk when common loons begin their evening chorus. Their striking checkerboard pattern of black and white feathers creates a formal appearance that seems at odds with their wild habitat.
Featured on our one-dollar coin, these beloved aquatic birds have red eyes that glow eerily in certain light. During summer months, watch for them diving beneath lake surfaces, where they can stay underwater for nearly a minute while hunting fish.
3. Downy Woodpecker
Small but mighty, the downy woodpecker brings woodland rhythms to life with its rapid drumming against tree trunks. Males sport a bright red patch on their heads, standing out against their black and white zebra-like pattern.
As Canada’s smallest woodpecker, these busy birds often visit backyard feeders, especially those stocked with suet. Their chisel-like beaks make quick work of bark as they search for insect larvae hidden beneath, providing natural pest control for our forests.
4. Bufflehead Duck
Buffleheads bounce like corks on water surfaces, their compact bodies giving them a charming, toy-like appearance. Male buffleheads display a striking white patch that wraps around their heads, contrasting beautifully with glossy black backs.
These petite ducks nest in abandoned woodpecker holes near northern lakes and ponds. Come winter, they migrate to coastal waters and unfrozen lakes across southern Canada where they perform spectacular diving displays, disappearing completely underwater to hunt for small crustaceans and aquatic insects.
5. Osprey
Master fishers of the bird world, ospreys plunge feet-first into water to snatch fish with specialized talons. Their white undersides and heads contrast sharply with chocolate-brown wings and backs, creating an unmistakable silhouette against blue skies.
These magnificent raptors build massive stick nests atop poles, dead trees, or artificial platforms near water bodies across Canada. Watch for their distinctive flight pattern. They often hover momentarily before diving, then emerge with a fish clutched firmly in their talons.
6. Killdeer
Recognized by their frantic “ki-deer” calls and theatrical broken-wing displays when protecting nests, these plovers are master actors. Two bold black bands cross their white chest, making them look like they’re wearing multiple necklaces.
Unlike most shorebirds, killdeer often nest far from water in gravel parking lots, golf courses, and even rooftops. Their speckled eggs blend perfectly with stones, while adults perform elaborate distraction displays to lure predators away from vulnerable chicks.
7. Chickadee
Fearless and friendly, chickadees often investigate humans who venture into their woodland territories. Their black caps and bibs frame white cheeks, creating an adorable masked appearance that belies their tough nature.
These tiny birds survive brutal Canadian winters by lowering their body temperature at night to conserve energy. Listen for their cheerful “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” calls year-round in forests and backyard feeders across the country.
They’re among the first birds to discover new food sources and will sometimes eat directly from an outstretched hand.
8. Pileated Woodpecker
Resembling prehistoric creatures, pileated woodpeckers command attention with their crow-sized bodies and flaming red crests. Bold white stripes down their necks contrast dramatically against jet-black plumage, making them impossible to miss.
Their powerful hammering echoes through forests as they excavate rectangular holes in search of carpenter ants. These magnificent birds create cavities that later become homes for owls, ducks, and other wildlife unable to carve their own.
Spotting one of these magnificent woodpeckers is considered a highlight among Canadian birdwatchers.
9. Belted Kingfisher
Perched above streams and lakes, the belted kingfisher surveys the water with intense focus before plunging headfirst to catch fish. Its shaggy blue-gray crest and white collar stand out against darker plumage.
Female kingfishers sport an additional rusty band across their chest, making them more colorful than males, unusual in the bird world. These territorial birds announce their presence with loud rattling calls that carry across waterways.
They nest in burrows dug into sandy banks, sometimes traveling half a kilometer from water to find suitable nesting sites.
10. White-Breasted Nuthatch
Masters of gravity-defying movement, white-breasted nuthatches scurry headfirst down tree trunks with remarkable ease. Their crisp white faces and undersides contrast beautifully with slate-blue backs and black caps, creating a dapper appearance.
These compact birds have a habit of wedging seeds into bark crevices and then hammering them open, the origin of their “nuthatch” name. Their nasal “yank-yank” calls are familiar sounds in deciduous forests and wooded neighborhoods across southern Canada.
