Black bird with white cheeks

by Jan Brown
(Oshawa, Ontario)

We just saw this bird on our boulevard, it was about the size of a Grackle...but the body, head, wings and everything else was black...except for the cheeks which were white..almost marked like a Puffin. Anyone have any ideas..could it be a type of Tern? We're in Southern Ontario..near Lake Ontario. We've never seen one before..and cannot find it in any of our bird books.

Comments for Black bird with white cheeks

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Dec 08, 2016
 Grackle with white puffy cheeks. NEW
by: Anonymous

Saw that bird this morning in Nesconset,NY
Jul 29, 2014
 Blackbird white cheeks seen in the UK Today NEW
by: Molax

Hello, Today i saw exactly the same looking bird in Chingford London, UK. Completely black, with orange beak and perfectly formed round white cheeks. I find this very interesting, as i have been wondering what has happened to the blackbirds in our region, as i haven't seen any for the past few years. I can understand that there are a lot of birds in our area, and competitin for niches must be hard, so accepted the change. They do say Blackbirds can have white plummage, and that it is a mutation. This mutation, if it is one, whas perfect! Its churp is very different too for the birds sounds im use to hearing and have been wondering for a while which bird it was with the unique chirp. Well i saw it today, and its the most beautiful thing. It was bold, and hopped around the garden, near me, had a good look around and then flew off. I haven't heard any return chirps, unless the male and female have different sounds. So Tigerlily11, your not a lone :)
Sep 13, 2013
 Add Missouri to the list NEW
by: Anonymous

Saw one yesterday in St Charles county, MO. Looked like a grackle with white cheeks
May 11, 2013
 me too! NEW
by: Becky

I live in central Pennsylvania and recently observed a strange-looking bird briefly. It was black or dark gray with large bright white cheek patches. Quite large, like the size of a pileated woodpecker. I've been searching and think it must have been a Sooty Tern. They're from tropical regions, but can get displaced.
Nov 07, 2012
 Big Range
by: Pops

I'm shocked. Just saw one yesterday fitting your description sitting on a burial marker by the side of the road outside Mont Belvieu, Texas!

I thought I was seeing things. I'm over 60 and have never seen a bird like this one.

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