Unusual black bird with white spots ... NJ, USA (1 Viewer)

[Trishella23]

Hi!
I live in between woods and a small lake and when I got home today I spotted a large black bird with white spots under its wings. He was flying through the trees so couldnt get a better look but he was the size of a very large crow or small hawk. Didn't look like a northern mockingbird as was too big and all black aside from white spots. I'm far from an expert but I'm familiar with the many birds in my area.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
Trish

 

[KC Foggin]

It might be an effect of what they call leucism where certain pigments of a bird have white where there should be another color.

Hi there and a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like.

 

[delia todd]

Hi Trish and a warm welcome from me too. You can read more about leucism here in our Opus Dictionary: Dictionary G-L - BirdForum Opus

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.

 

[birdmeister]

Try Pileated Woodpecker? Fits size description and would have large flashing white patches when flying.

 

[Trishella23]

Try Pileated Woodpecker? Fits size description and would have large flashing white patches when flying.

That's it! I've seen them around a couple times but have never seen them flying from underneath, just hanging in trees, and looked unusual from that perspective. Thank you!!

 

[KC Foggin]

I hope this is only the first bird you come by and let us know of all the others