A flash of white on a bird’s wing as it takes flight is a striking sight. While many birds have solid colored wings, some species sport sharp white stripes or bars contrasting with darker plumage. These white wing markings serve a variety of purposes, from attracting mates to confusing predators. Learning to recognize birds by their wing patterns takes practice, but it’s an invaluable skill for birdwatchers. This guide covers five birds with some of the most beautiful and distinctive white stripe wing patterns in North America and Europe. Read on to learn how to identify these remarkable birds and discover fascinating facts about their behavior and ecology.
Introduction
Birds display a dazzling diversity of colors and patterns across their plumage. The wings in particular can showcase complex designs, including spots, patches, bands, and stripes. White wing markings provide an eye-catching accent, especially when set against darker wing feathers. Several unique bird species are identifiable by their white-striped wing patterns. But what causes these markings to evolve?
White stripes and bars play a role in communication and camouflage. High contrast patterns on wings are believed to support signaling and display in birds. Breeding males may use wing decorations to attract females or defend territories. Meanwhile, white bars may help break up a bird’s outline as it incubates on the nest, providing camouflage. This suggests white wing stripes serve both social and survival functions.
This article explores how to recognize and appreciate five birds bearing some of the most striking white stripe wing designs found in nature. We’ll cover key identification tips, behavior, habitat, and conservation status for each species. Whether you’re a novice or expert birder, you’re bound to discover surprising new insights into birds bearing these beautiful white wing emblems.
Common Nighthawk
A Nocturnal Bird with a Long, White Wingstripe
With its cryptic plumage and crepuscular habits, the Common Nighthawk lives up to its name. When resting, it appears well-camouflaged. But during its erratic flight displays at dawn and dusk, this bird reveals a bold white bar along its wings.
Look for Common Nighthawks hunting on long, pointed wings as they hawk for insects over fields, forests and cities. Listen for their nasal “peent” calls. In flight, pay attention to the wing pattern. The long white stripe contrasts sharply with the nighthawk’s otherwise dark brown and gray mottled plumage. The wing bar stretches across the coverts and secondary flight feathers. The tail is notched or forked.
Common Nighthawks migrate long distances between North America breeding grounds and South American overwintering areas. Males perform elaborate aerial displays during breeding season, diving sharply before pulling up at the last moment. The white wing bar may help startle insect prey or communicate with females during these plunging flights.
Though still widespread, Common Nighthawk numbers have declined significantly since the 1960s, qualifying them as threatened in some states. Protecting existing habitat is vital for conserving populations of these aerial insectivores. With a little practice, birdwatchers can come to recognize Common Nighthawks by the distinctive flash of white on their wings.
Scientific Name: Chordeiles minor
Northern Mockingbird
A Songbird with Two White Wingbars
Renowned for its vocal mimicry, the Northern Mockingbird also displays visual flair with contrasting white patches on its wings. Two bold white bars stand out against largely gray and black plumage. When perched, the mockingbird’s white-striped wings are conspicuous. In flight, the crisp bars are even more prominent.
The Northern Mockingbird’s gray upperparts and darker wings are common among North American songbirds. But the clean white stripes crossing the wing coverts help distinguish this species. The mockingbird also features white outer tail feathers that flare during flight. Legs are longer than many songbirds. Watch for mockingbirds perched prominently atop trees, posts and roofs as they sing.
Found year-round across the southern U.S., Northern Mockingbirds breed farther north during summers. They thrive in varied habitats from deserts to suburbs. White wing stripes may help signal territorial threats and courtship displays. Northern Mockingbirds vigorously defend nesting areas, chasing off intruders. Their renowned mimicry incorporates sounds from over 200 bird and animal species.
Abundant in many areas, mockingbirds and their distinctive wing patterns provide easy enjoyment for bird enthusiasts. Trying to visually identify and match the array of songs in their repertoires makes birding them even more intriguing.
Scientific Name: Mimus polyglottos
White-Winged Dove
A Dove with a White Wingstripe and a White Patch on Its Cheek
Few North American doves share the striking black and white plumage of the White-Winged Dove. Adults have gray-brown upperparts and reddish-pink skin around the eyes. The namesake white wing stripe contrasts with darker flight feathers. Even at rest, the bright white bar is visible. The dove’s white cheek patch abuts the bare pink eye ring, forming a unique facial pattern.
In flight, White-Winged Doves exhibit fast, choppy wing beats. Besides the white wing stripe, look for a square tail with a black subterminal band. Legs are yellowish-red. Listen for cooing and whistling calls. The birds feed on seeds, grains, berries and buds. Often found traveling in large flocks, White-Winged Dove populations have exploded in recent decades.
Originally native to Mexico and Central America, this dove began expanding its range into the southern U.S in the 1940s. Habitat loss in Mexico may have contributed to northward movement. Some biologists consider White-Winged Doves invasive or nuisance species. But their distinctive plumage makes them popular among birders. Observing a flock of White-Winged Doves wheeling overhead offers an appealing white-on-black wing pattern unlike any other North American dove.
Scientific Name: Zenaida asiatica
Killdeer
A Shorebird with a Black Breast Band and Two White Wingstripes
Shorebirds display an impressive diversity of plumages, from the muted tones of sandpipers to the bold black and white of oystercatchers. Among their ranks, Killdeer stand out with twin white wing bars contrasting against largely rusty and brown plumage. These shorebirds also sport a black breast band that helps identify them in flight or overhead.
When disturbed, Killdeer take flight calling loudly with their namesake vocalization “kill-dee”. Listen and look for the black and white patterned wings, plus reddish rump patch. Killdeer run swiftly across open fields and mudflats, stopping periodically to probe the ground for insects with rapid head movements. Their long wings show a white stripe at the flight feather tips, crossed by a second white bar on the wing coverts when folded.
Often found far from water, Killdeer nest in open fields, golf courses and similar sites with bare ground. The striking wing patterns likely help communicate during aerial courtship flights. Killdeer will feign a broken wing act to distract potential predators from their ground nests. Unique in appearance and behavior, Killdeer are a familiar and fun shorebird for casual birders and pros alike.
Scientific Name: Charadrius vociferus
European Roller
A European Songbird with a Blue Body and a White Wingstripe
With its brilliant blue and teal plumage accented by chestnut undertail coverts, the European Roller looks like a bird out of a fairy tale. It belongs to the Coraciidae family, which includes other vibrantly colored rollers and bee-eaters. The Roller’s wings appear even more stunning in flight, flashing a bold white stripe against deep blue flight feathers.
When observed in good light, the Roller’s gem-like colors sparkle. Blue upperparts graduate to paler hues on the head and breast. Longer flight feathers are a rich blue. But the most eye-catching patterns appear on the wings: coverts and secondaries display bright teal bars, while white primaries form the striking wing stripe. The Roller’s bill is black and legs bright yellow-orange.
This aptly named bird performs a rolling aerial display during courtship. The distinctive wing pattern likely helps flush insect prey and communicate with other Rollers. Breeding pairs nest in burrows, often reusing sites over successive years. Though still a threatened species, Roller numbers have rebounded somewhat thanks to habitat protection efforts across Europe.
For birders touring southern Europe in spring and summer, sighting a dazzling European Roller is a top prize. The vibrant white stripe on its spread wings looks almost surreal against the bird’s jewel-colored plumage. No other European songbird resembles this exotic roller.
Scientific Name: Coracias garrulus
Conclusion
Birds exhibit amazingly diverse colors and patterns across species. The five birds profiled here provide just a small sample of species bearing beautiful white wing stripes that help identify them in the field. From shorebirds like Killdeer to songsters such as Northern Mockingbird and European Roller, white wing bars and patches serve functions related to territorial displays, courtship rituals, camouflage, and possibly alarming prey.
Learning to recognize these and other birds by wing pattern takes practice. But the payoff is a lifetime of enjoying unique avian beauty in nature. As you explore fields and wetlands, listen for the calls that often give away a bird’s presence before bringing it into view. Then use field marks like white wing stripes to help positively identify species. Guidebooks, online resources, and birding apps can all help reinforce your ID knowledge.
Beyond simple identification, take time to appreciate the amazing adaptations and behaviors of birds with white-striped wings. Marvel at aerialist Common Nighthawks, or an elegant Eurasian Roller’s graceful flight. Try to spot the elusive Killdeer by its flight pattern before its piercing call. And pause to enjoy a Northern Mockingbird’s repertoire of songs, made all the richer when paired with its beautiful white-striped visual display. The bird world offers boundless diversity to those willing to look and listen closely. Learning the patterns of species like these allows even more opportunities to connect with avian wonders.
