11 Black Birds with Yellow Beaks: The Definitive Guide

“Black Birds with Yellow Beaks” are nature’s suave secret agents, donning their sharp ebony feathers and vibrant beaks like they’re headed to a masquerade ball. Ever wondered about these avian fashionistas?

Get ready to meet the ultimate lineup of these feathered trendsetters. From enigmatic Yellow-billed Choughs to rockstar-like Common Mynas, we’ve got the scoop on their audacious elegance. Ready to wing it with style? Let’s dive in!

Black Birds With Yellow Beaks

Yellow-billed Chough

The captivating Yellow-Billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) enchants with its distinctive features, sporting sleek black plumage, a vivid yellow beak, and striking red legs.

This crow family member graces coastal grasslands, dry scrublands, and rocky cliffs across New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Southern Europe.

Clocking in at an average length of around 29.5-33.5 inches (75-85 cm) and weighing 10.6-12.3 ounces (300–350 grams), it dines omnivorously on insects, small mammals, fruits, and plant matter.

With a lifespan of 10–15 years, some populations embark on seasonal migrations, adding an air of wonder to its character. Despite its charm, its conservation status beckons concern due to habitat challenges.

Eurasian Blackbird

The Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula) captivates with its enchanting presence. Dressed in dark plumage, the male is a sight to behold, with its vibrant yellow beak adding a touch of elegance.

Found across Europe and Asia, it thrives in varied habitats including woodlands, gardens, and parks. Its diet spans insects, earthworms, fruits, and berries, showcasing its versatile palate.

With an average length of approximately 10.2-10.8 inches (26-27.5 cm) and a wingspan of around 14.6-16.1 inches (37-41 cm), it weighs about 80–125 grams. Endearing and melodious, its song graces the airwaves.

This adaptable species boasts a lifespan of 2–3 years and though not migratory, it may exhibit local movements. The conservation status of the Eurasian Blackbird remains of least concern, symbolizing its enduring presence.

European Starling

The European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a captivating avian adorned with sleek black plumage, known for its enchanting iridescence when caught in the right light. Its distinctive yellow beak adds a vibrant touch to its appearance.

With an average length of approximately 8.5-9.5 inches (22-24 cm) and a weight of about 2.1-3.4 ounces (60-97 grams), this starling graces a wide range of habitats, from urban environments to open woodlands.

Its adaptable diet spans insects, fruits, and even scavenged human food. Exhibiting a lifespan of 2–3 years, this agile flier showcases remarkable acrobatics in flight, often forming mesmerizing murmurations.

As an indigenous species in Europe, the European Starling has spread to other regions, though its conservation status remains stable.

Common Myna

The Common Myna, recognized by its captivating yellow beak, is a remarkable avian species. With its sleek black plumage and distinctive yellow facial features, including the prominent beak, it leaves a lasting impression.

This bird finds its habitat in urban and suburban landscapes across Asia, showcasing its adaptability.

Spanning approximately 9.8-12.2 inches (25-31 cm) in length, and weighing around 3.5-4.2 ounces (100-120 grams), the Common Myna thrives on a diverse diet of insects, fruits, and human scraps.

Exhibiting intelligence and resourcefulness, it often associates with human activity. With an average lifespan of 5–6 years, these birds do not partake in migratory behavior.

Although considered a species of least concern, its charisma, particularly the striking yellow beak, captures attention and fosters appreciation.

Black Thrush

The elegant Black Thrush, with its enchanting ebony plumage, stands out vividly against nature’s canvas. Its yellow beak adds a vibrant touch to its appearance, creating a striking contrast.

This avian marvel finds its home amidst lush woodlands and verdant meadows, showcasing its splendid form across various habitats.

Spanning an average length of approximately 9–10 inches (23-25 cm), this bird boasts a melodious song that graces the air.

With a diet primarily composed of insects, fruits, and berries, the Black Thrush contributes to the ecosystem’s delicate balance.

Living up to 10–15 years, some populations undertake migratory journeys, underscoring their captivating nature.

As we admire the Black Thrush’s beauty, let us also remain mindful of its conservation status, safeguarding its habitat for generations to come.

Yellow-legged Thrush

The resplendent Yellow-legged Thrush boasts an enchanting presence with its signature yellow beak.

Scientifically known as Turdus flavipes, this avian marvel showcases a captivating average wingspan of around 12 inches (30 cm) and a weight of approximately 3.5 ounces (100 grams).

Its preferred habitat encompasses lush forests and wooded areas across its native range in South America. Sporting a diverse palate, it feasts on insects, fruits, and berries, contributing to its vitality.

With a lifespan of 8–10 years, this splendid thrush exudes both a migratory and resident lifestyle, charming enthusiasts as it graces various regions.

It is important to note its conservation status, as habitat loss poses a potential threat to its radiant existence.

Common Hill Myna

The captivating Common Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa) stands out with its unique traits, notably its ebony plumage and strikingly vibrant yellow beak.

Found in diverse habitats across South and Southeast Asia, this bird’s melodious calls and remarkable mimicry skills have earned it admiration.

With an average length of approximately 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) and a weight of about 100–140 grams, its captivating appearance is complemented by its omnivorous diet, which encompasses insects, fruits, and even human food scraps.

The Common Hill Myna’s companionship can be enjoyed for up to 20 years, as it showcases its non-migratory nature.

While its melodious calls often delight, its conservation status does warrant attention due to habitat loss and pet trade pressures, highlighting the need for protective measures.

Steller’s Sea Eagle

The majestic Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) commands attention with its grandeur. Adorned in striking monochrome plumage and crowned with a prominent yellow beak, this avian marvel dominates the coastal landscapes of northeastern Asia.

With an impressive wingspan averaging 6.6 to 8.2 feet (2 to 2.5 meters) and weighing in at around 15–20 pounds (6.8-9.1 kilograms), it reigns as one of the largest eagle species.

Its maritime domain shapes its diet, predominantly feasting on fish and waterfowl.

A symbol of endurance, it can live up to 30 years, while its migratory nature adds an element of wanderlust to its character.

Despite its awe-inspiring presence, the Steller’s Sea Eagle faces conservation challenges, highlighting the importance of safeguarding its habitat and well-being.

Toucan

The Toucan, renowned for its vibrant and iconic yellow beak, is a true marvel of the avian world. With its striking plumage and that unmistakable feature, it captures the imagination of all who encounter it.

Scientifically referred to as Ramphastos, this tropical beauty graces the rainforests of Central and South America, adding a burst of color to lush habitats.

Measuring around 20–25 inches (50-65 cm) in length and weighing about 4–24 ounces (120-680 grams), this frugivorous marvel indulges in a diet primarily composed of fruits.

With an average lifespan of 15–20 years, these birds navigate their canopy homes with grace, reflecting their mastery of flight.

Despite their enduring appeal, some toucan species face habitat challenges that warrant conservation attention, ensuring their vibrant beaks continue to brighten the world.

Indian Blackbird

The enchanting Indian Blackbird, renowned for its ebony plumage and striking yellow beak, is a captivating sight.

Scientifically known as Turdus simillimus, this avian marvel graces the landscapes of the Indian subcontinent.

With an average length of approximately 9–10 inches (23-25 cm), it boasts a melodious song that echoes through varied habitats, including forests, gardens, and urban areas.

Its diet encompasses a range of insects, fruits, and small invertebrates.

With an average lifespan of 10–15 years, the Indian Blackbird enchants both sight and sound, casting a spell with its vibrant appearance and melodic tunes.

Double-crested Cormorant

The Double-Crested Cormorant, distinguishable by its striking appearance and, notably, its yellow beak, is a remarkable avian species.

With an imposing wingspan and a body length averaging around 33-40 inches (84-102 cm), this aquatic marvel frequents coastal waters, lakes, and rivers across North America.

Sporting dark plumage and an unmistakable hooked bill, its diet predominantly consists of fish, showcasing its exceptional diving and swimming abilities.

With an average lifespan of 6–10 years, these cormorants exhibit both migratory and resident populations, traversing vast distances in pursuit of optimal habitats.

While their numbers have rebounded, they still encounter conservation considerations due to historical population declines and interactions with human activities.

FAQs: Black Birds with Yellow Beaks

Is there a crow with a yellow beak?

The yellow-billed chough or Alpine Chough, is a species of bird in the crow family. It is found in much of Europe, Northern Africa and Asia, though its natural habitats are mountainous areas and temperate steppes. It is regarded by the IUCN as of least concern.

Do grackles have yellow beaks?

Grackles are one of the most well-known birds in North America. They are considered a nuisance bird in many parts of the country because their noise and mess can be disruptive, but they are also well-known for their iridescent plumage and yellow beak.​​​​​​​

Does a raven have a yellow beak?

People often mistake the alpine chough for a raven, because they share a common physical feature: both birds have black plumage. However, the alpine chough’s yellow beak is quite distinct from the raven’s black beak. Additionally, ravens are taller and have a more robust build than the chough.

Why do some starlings have yellow beaks?

Some starlings have yellow beaks during the different seasons because their bill changes color through the year. The black beak in the winter turns to a bright yellow come spring and summer, and then gradually turns back to black in the winter.

What are small blackbirds with yellow beaks called?

European or common starlings are a species of birds that can be found all over the world. They are small, blackbirds with yellow beaks. They are very common and can be found on almost any continent. 

Do robins have yellow beaks?

The American robin is a common bird found throughout North America. It is a grayish-brown bird with a yellow beak. Adult robins have dark eyes and a red breast. They are omnivorous and eat insects, seeds, and other small prey. The robin is famous for its song, which can be heard all over North America.

What bird is black and white with a yellow beak?

The yellow-billed magpie is a bird species found only in California. This bird is black and white with a yellow beak. The yellow-billed magpie is found in the eastern portion of the state, from the Sacramento Valley to the east slope of the Sierra Nevada. This bird is usually seen near human dwellings, where it feeds on insects and other small creatures.