Many colorful bird species over the years have been observed with an odd white feather, several white feathers, patches of white on an otherwise colorful plumage, or even completely white. Driving down a country road in Southern-most Illinois and saw a crow at the side of the road. Australian crow and raven species have white eyes and lack the white rump, and the similar-sized Australian magpie has red eyes and prominent black and white plumage. The larger grey currawong is readily distinguished by its lighter grey overall plumage and lack of white feathers at the base of the tail. When it spread its wings to fly off I noticed wide white bars on the wings. Some other species have extensive white on other parts of their bodies as well. Legs and feet are gray. _____ It’s not just crows. The larger grey currawong is readily distinguished by its lighter grey overall plumage and lack of white feathers at the base of the tail. Birds affected should not be released before their… Driving down a country road in Southern-most Illinois and saw a crow at the side of the road. Partial albino means a bird has some white feathers on some portions of its body. One on each side next to and running parallel with its body. These birds need expert longterm care to allow the damaged feathers to be replaced during their first complete annual moult. Head has a conspicuous white cheek mark and yellow crown. Australian crow and raven species have white eyes and lack the white rump, and the similar-sized Australian magpie has red eyes and prominent black and white plumage. Tail is black with white outer tail feathers. Was this really a crow or … Something that, to … If you see a "really big crow" in the city, the chances are good that it really is a crow and not a raven. One or two white feathers is pretty common but this was something far more spectacular. We have lots of different birds come to feed in the garden but I was just astounded to see a blackbird with a white tail feather … Ravens are uncommon in populated urban areas. Most people think crows are black, and most are.A number of species in the genus Corvus, however, have extensive white in their plumage.. One of my favorite species the White-necked Raven, Corvus albicollis, of Africa, for example, has a white collar (in addition to its way cool bill). American crows have shorter tails with only a very slight curve showing when the tail is fanned in flight. They are common sights in treetops, fields, and roadsides, and in habitats ranging from open woods and empty beaches to town centers. If you find a grounded premature rook or crow with white and partly broken wing and tail feathers, then this is often caused by a nutritional deficiency. The name for a bird with white feathers is ‘albino’. Black bill is long and stout. Crows also have feathers with iridescent purple and blue, but with less sheen than the raven. It is friday 22nd May and I live in a village just outside Lincoln. If you see a "really big crow" in the city, the chances are good that it really is a crow and not a raven. Was this really a crow or … One on each side next to and running parallel with its body. American Crows are familiar over much of the continent: large, intelligent, all-black birds with hoarse, cawing voices. Ravens are uncommon in populated urban areas. Naturally, I dubbed him or her "ZB" for Zebra Bird. At a recent field site in Bellevue, one of my regular visitors was the most fantastically leucistic crow I had ever seen. 23 thoughts on “ White tail feathered blackbird – first time I saw it ” Anita Briggs May 22, 2009 at 9:08 am. When it spread its wings to fly off I noticed wide white bars on the wings. Tail Shape: When these birds are soaring, the tail shape can be a strong clue for proper identification in the crow vs. raven debate. Sometimes the feathers have an oily or wet sheen. Being familiar with pet birds, this black crow's wings look like they may have been "clipped" at one time, and the new feathers grew back white. Crows also have feathers with iridescent purple and blue, but with less sheen than the raven. Because, since January 2008, I’ve been seeing a blackbird with white tail feathers I’ve become interested in them and have found out some details and of the reasons why this happens.