White birds, with their immaculate plumage, exude a sense of elegance and grace that captivates bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike. While not all white birds are entirely white, it is their pristine, snowy plumage that sets them apart and makes them truly stand out in their avian community. Let’s take a closer look at 13 different types of white birds, each with its unique characteristics and interesting facts.
1. Snow Goose (Anser Caerulescens)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Length | 25 to 31 inches |
| Weight | 4.5 to 7.1 pounds |
| Wingspan | 53 to 65 inches |
| Habitat | Tundra, marshes, ponds, bays |
| Range | North America, Russia |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Plumage | The snow goose has two morphs: white and dark. The white morph has predominantly white plumage, while the dark morph, known as the blue goose, sports bluish-grey feathers. |
| Subspecies | The snow goose has two subspecies based on size: lesser and greater snow geese. |
| Physical Structure | The snow goose features a long neck, orange bill, and orange legs. |
The snow goose (Anser caerulescens) is a fascinating species known for its two distinct morphs: white and dark. While the white morph showcases predominantly white plumage, the dark morph, also called the blue goose, displays bluish-grey feathers. This beautiful bird has a wingspan of 53 to 65 inches, and its elegant structure includes a long neck, orange bill, and legs.
Found in diverse habitats such as tundra, marshes, ponds, and bays, the snow goose roams across North America and Russia. Thankfully, its conservation status is of least concern, ensuring its continued presence in the wild.
2. White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Length | 14 to 17 inches |
| Weight | 8.8 to 13.4 ounces |
| Wingspan | 35 to 40 inches |
| Habitat | Savannas, Open Woodlands, Marshes |
| Range | Western North America, Parts of South America |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Plumage | The White-tailed Kite is characterized by black upper parts and a white breast area, creating a classic black-and-white appearance. It has a distinctive round tail and can be mistaken for a falcon in flight. |
| Recovery | In the 1930s and 1940s, the White-tailed Kite nearly faced extinction in California. However, conservation efforts have resulted in its population rebounding, making it common again. |
The White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) is a captivating bird native to Western North America, with a presence in certain regions of South America. It shares relatives with the black-winged kite. In the past, this magnificent bird faced a severe threat of extinction in California during the 1930s and 1940s. Fortunately, due to conservation efforts, its population has rebounded, and it is now considered “Least Concern.”
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3. White Cockatoo (Cacatua Alba)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Length | 18 inches |
| Weight | 14 to 28 ounces |
| Habitat | Lowland Tropical Rainforests |
| Range | Indonesia |
| Conservation Status | Endangered |
| Plumage | The White Cockatoo, also known as the Umbrella Cockatoo, features predominantly white feathers with some yellow colors on the large wing feathers. A distinctive feather crest sits atop its head, becoming evident when the bird is surprised. |
| Relatives | The White Cockatoo has close relatives, including the Yellow-crested, Sulfur-crested, and Salmon-crested Cockatoos. |
| Feeding Habits | This species predominantly feeds on plant materials such as nuts, seeds, fruits, and berries. Additionally, it may also consume insects and insect larvae. |
The White Cockatoo (Cacatua alba), commonly known as the Umbrella Cockatoo, is exclusively found on the islands of Indonesia, particularly in lowland tropical rainforests. Unfortunately, its habitat’s limited range has resulted in an endangered status according to the IUCN. The White Cockatoo shares kinship with other cockatoos, such as the Yellow-crested, Sulfur-crested, and Salmon-crested Cockatoos.
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4. Northern Gannet (Morus Bassanus)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Length | 34.5 to 39.5 inches |
| Weight | 5 to 8 pounds |
| Wingspan | 67 to 71 inches |
| Habitat | Sea cliffs |
| Range | North America, Europe |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Plumage | The Northern Gannet is predominantly white, with black or dark brown wingtips. Juveniles have a grey-brown plumage that gradually turns white as they mature. |
| Geographic Distribution | Northern Gannets can be found in countries such as Canada, Scotland, and France. |
The Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) is an impressive seabird found on the coasts of North America and Europe. As the largest seabird in the North Atlantic, it stands out with a length of 34.5 to 39.5 inches and a wingspan of 67 to 71 inches, weighing between 5 to 8 pounds. On both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, this splendid bird builds its nests on sea cliffs, offering a mesmerizing sight to observers.
With its predominantly white plumage, the Northern Gannet distinguishes itself by sporting black or dark brown wingtips. Juveniles possess a grey-brown plumage, which transforms into the characteristic white plumage as they mature. Found in countries such as Canada, Scotland, and France, the Northern Gannet enjoys a conservation status of least concern.
5. White Tern (Gygis Alba)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Length | 8.3 to 9.1 inches |
| Weight | 1.3 to 1.9 ounces |
| Wingspan | 30 to 34 inches |
| Habitat | Coast, wooded areas |
| Range | Chile, Colombia, New Zealand, Asia |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Plumage | The white tern is an epitome of whiteness with its entirely white plumage, with only the eyes and bill being black. |
| Relation to Other Terns | Linked to the little white tern, which was formerly a subspecies but is now recognized as a separate species. |
The white tern (Gygis alba), also known as the fairy tern, angel tern, white noddy, and common white tern, is a mesmerizing bird with entirely white plumage, setting it apart as one of the purest white birds in the avian world. With a length of 8.3 to 9.1 inches and a wingspan of 30 to 34 inches, it gracefully navigates coastal areas and wooded regions.
Found in regions spanning Chile, Colombia, New Zealand, and Asia, this species holds a conservation status of least concern. Its distinct black eyes and bill add a striking contrast to its pristine white appearance.
6. White-Bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus Leucogaster)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Length | 26 to 31 inches |
| Weight | 4.0 to 6.6 pounds |
| Habitat | Coastal areas |
| Range | Asia, Australia |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Plumage | The white-bellied sea eagle has grey upper parts and a distinctive white belly, head, and tail. In-flight, its black-and-white colors blend harmoniously. |
| Diurnal & Migratory | This diurnal species migrates and is revered by indigenous people in Australia. |
| Feeding Behavior | As a skilled predator, it primarily feeds on fish, turtles, sea snakes, and occasionally preys on mammals and birds. |
The white-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), also called the white-breasted sea eagle, is a majestic bird of prey in the Accipitridae family. Though not entirely white, its white belly earns it a place on this list. With grey upperparts and white underneath, head, and tail, its in-flight display is a captivating fusion of black and white hues. Found in coastal areas across Asia and Australia, this magnificent species holds a conservation status of least concern. Revered by indigenous communities in Australia, it is both diurnal and migratory.
7. Snowy Owl (Bubo Scandiacus)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Length | 20.7 to 28 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 to 5.5 pounds |
| Wingspan | 4 to 5 feet |
| Habitat | Tundra, open trees |
| Range | Arctic regions of North America and the Palearctic |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable |
| Plumage | The snowy owl, also known as polar owl or Arctic owl, has white plumage with varying degrees of spots. Males tend to be whiter than females. Juveniles have more gray spots but become whiter with age. |
| Diurnal Behavior | Unlike most owls, the snowy owl is diurnal, being active during the day, especially during winter when it migrates to cities in the United States. |
| Feeding Behavior | As a skilled predator, the snowy owl hunts during the day and feeds on small mammals and water birds. |
The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a captivating white bird, renowned for its rarity as a white owl species. Also called the polar owl or Arctic owl, it inhabits the Arctic tundra of North America and the Palearctic. During winter, some individuals migrate into cities in the United States, offering rare sightings. Although its plumage is predominantly white, only a few snowy owls are entirely spotless. Males exhibit a higher degree of whiteness than females, while juveniles possess more gray spots, which fade as they mature.
8. American White Pelican (Pelecanus Erythorhynchos)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Length | 50 to 70 inches |
| Weight | 7.7 to 30 pounds |
| Wingspan | 95 to 120 inches |
| Habitat | Freshwater lakes, prairies, marshes |
| Range | Southern California, Gulf States, Mexico |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Plumage | The American white pelican is one of the largest white birds, adorned with white plumage and black-tipped wings visible during flight. Its orange bill and legs add vibrancy, and it has a distinctive throat sac underneath the bill. |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Males and females are similar but differ in size, with males being larger and having longer bills. |
The American white pelican (Pelecanus erythorhynchos) is a majestic native of the Americas, spanning from North to Central and down to South America. As one of the largest white birds globally, it commands attention with a wingspan of 95 to 120 inches. Found in freshwater lakes, prairies, and marshes, the pelican’s primary diet consists of fish, leading it to remain close to water bodies. Adorned with white plumage, black-tipped wings (visible during flight), and striking orange bill and legs, it is an impressive sight. Males and females share similarities, but males tend to be larger with longer bills.
9. Smew (Mergellus Albellus)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Length | 15 to 17 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 to 2 pounds |
| Wingspan | 22 to 27 inches |
| Habitat | Lakes, pools, rivers |
| Range | Europe, Palearctic |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Sexual Dimorphism | The smew is sexually dimorphic, with only the adult males displaying striking white plumage combined with black, resembling a panda-like pattern. Females and juvenile males have grey coloring. |
| Diet | As an omnivore, the smew has a diverse diet, including aquatic plants, small fish, snails, crabs, and other aquatic creatures. |
The smew (Mergellus albellus) is a captivating duck species, the sole representative of its genus Mergellus. Despite its limited fame, the Barbary Dove garners admiration for its distinctive traits and ancient lineage, dating back around 13 million years. This species thrives in lakes, pools, and rivers across Europe and the Palearctic, and conservationists categorize it as “Least Concern” in terms of conservation status.
10. Gyrfalcon (Falco Rusticulus)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Length | 19 to 24 inches |
| Weight | 1.12 to 2.15 pounds |
| Wingspan | 4 feet |
| Habitat | Tundra, Mountains |
| Range | North America, Europe, Asia, Iceland |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Size and Range | The Gyrfalcon is the largest falcon species and is found in the Arctic Tundra and mountainous regions across North America, Europe, Asia, and Iceland. |
| Predatory Behavior | As a formidable bird of prey, the Gyrfalcon hunts down a variety of animals, including waterfowl, fish, and mammals. |
| Polymorphic Colors | The Gyrfalcon exhibits polymorphism, leading to various color morphs such as white, brown, silver, and black. The white morph features black-spotted wings. |
The Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticulus) is the largest falcon species and inhabits the Arctic Tundra as well as mountainous regions across North America, Europe, Asia, and Iceland. As a skilled predator, it preys on waterfowl, fish, and mammals.
One of the remarkable features of the Gyrfalcon is its polymorphism, which gives rise to various color morphs, including white, brown, silver, and black. The white morph stands out with black-spotted wings, adding to the bird’s captivating appearance.
11. Ivory Gull (Pagophila Eburnea)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Length | 15.8 to 16.9 inches |
| Weight | 15.8 to 24.2 ounces |
| Wingspan | 42.5 to 47.2 inches |
| Habitat | High Arctic |
| Range | Greenland, North America, Europe, Asia |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened |
| Plumage | The Ivory Gull exhibits an all-white plumage, distinguishing it from other gulls. Only the legs and bill display different coloring. |
| Juveniles | Juvenile Ivory Gulls have black flecks on their wings and tail. As they mature into adults, their coloration brightens. |
| Breeding and Migration | The Ivory Gull breeds in the Canadian Arctic in North America and undertakes migratory journeys, moving a short distance south during autumn. |
The Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) is a remarkable and unique bird with a wide range spanning from Greenland to North America, Europe, and Asia. Breeding in the Canadian Arctic, it showcases migratory behavior, venturing south during autumn.
An opportunistic feeder, the Ivory Gull consumes a diverse diet, including fish, crustaceans, eggs, rodents, and small chickens, adapting its prey choices based on availability. However, this extraordinary bird is listed as “Near Threatened,” underscoring the need for conservation efforts to safeguard its population.
12. Barbary Dove (Streptopelia Risoria)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Length | 12 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 to 6.6 ounces |
| Habitat | Farmlands, Semi-Deserts, Woodlands |
| Range | Africa |
| Conservation Status | Domesticated |
| Plumage | The Barbary Dove is known by various names, including the ring dove, ring-necked turtle dove, ringneck dove, and ringed turtle dove. It belongs to the Columbidae family and is domesticated. White variants result from a mutation, commonly used in magic shows. Controversies exist over its specific classification, with debates linking it to either the Eurasian collared dove or the African collared dove. |
The Barbary Dove (Streptopelia risoria), also known as the ring dove, ring-necked turtle dove, ringneck dove, or ringed turtle dove, belongs to the Columbidae family. Unlike many birds on this list, the Barbary Dove is domesticated. It is native to Sub-Saharan Africa and commonly found in farmlands, semi-deserts, and woodlands. Being domesticated, it can be exported to other regions.
13. Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax Nivalis)
| Length | 5.9 inches |
| Weight | 1.05 to 1.41 ounces |
| Habitat | Arctic Tundra |
| Range | Northern Hemisphere |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Plumage | The Snow Bunting is a passerine bird inhabiting arctic regions around the northern hemisphere. Both males and females have white colors, but their color patterns differ. The male features a black wingtip and black back, while the female has a rufous back. During winter, the male acquires the rufous coloration. |
The Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) is a fascinating passerine bird found in Arctic regions across the northern hemisphere. Characterized by its adaptability, it can run, jump, and walk as needed to navigate its Arctic Tundra habitat. While it can inhabit the southern side, its range is restricted by climate conditions.
Both male and female Snow Buntings display white plumage, but there are distinctions in their color patterns. The male features a black wingtip and black back, while the female exhibits a rufous back. Interestingly, the male acquires the rufous coloration during winter.
Conclusion
white birds encompass a diverse and captivating group of avian species found across various continents and habitats. From the majestic snowy landscapes of the Arctic Tundra to the lush coastal regions and tropical rainforests, these birds have adapted to thrive in a wide range of environments.
Beyond their ecological significance, white birds hold cultural and symbolic importance in human history. Revered as symbols of purity, peace, and spirituality, they have inspired myths, superstitions, and artistic expressions across cultures.
FAQs
1. Are all white birds completely white in color?
No, not all white birds are completely white. Many white bird species have contrasting markings, patterns, or colored beaks, legs, or wings. These variations add to their unique and striking appearances.
2. Are there any cultural or symbolic associations with white birds?
White birds have held cultural and symbolic significance in various societies throughout history. In many cultures, they symbolize purity, peace, and spirituality. Some people view white birds as messengers of good fortune or even symbols of divinity.
3. Are there any superstitions or myths related to white birds?
Various superstitions and myths across cultures have often associated white birds. Some beliefs consider seeing a white bird as a sign of good luck or a message from the spiritual realm. On the other hand, in other folklore, people may perceive white birds as omens or messengers of impending events.
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