Black or Gray Species

Eagles – Family Accipitridae

The adult Bald Eagle has a dark body (more brown than black) with white head and tail. Young Bald Eagles are mostly brown, with some white body feathers.

New World Vultures – Family Cathartidae

The Turkey Vulture has a red head and pale, trailing wing linings on underside of wing. Note somewhat flat "V" shape when soaring. Compare with Black Vulture.

Blackbirds – Family Icteridae

The brown head and black body are characteristic of the Brown-headed Cowbird. The female is a dull gray-brown color.

Compare this Common Grackle to the Brewer's Blackbird.  

The Great-tailed Grackle has been expanding its range. Previously considered con-specific with Boat-tailed Grackle.
 

This breeding-plumaged, male Lark Bunting is not easily confused with other species.  Females and winter males are a streaked brown, often confused with sparrows.  

The male Red-winged Blackbird is easily identifiable by appearance and voice. The Tricolored Blackbird, with a limited range in California, is very similar.

Male and female Yellow-headed Blackbirds are distinctive. 

 Starlings – Family Sturnidae

This European Starling is in breeding plumage.