23 Beautiful Birds with Yellow Tails [Images + IDs]

Birds, with their vibrant plumage, bring color and life to our world. Among them, some birds sport a particularly cheerful and striking feature: bright yellow tails. These feathered wonders leave a trail of sunshine wherever they go, and in this blog post, we’re setting out on a journey to explore their vibrant world. Join us as we venture into the enchanting realm of birds with yellow tails. We’ll uncover what makes them stand out, where they make their homes, and what fuels their flights. So, prepare to be dazzled by birds with yellow tails.

List of 23 Birds with Yellow Tails

Golden Conure

• Scientific name: Guaruba guarouba
• Lifespan: Typically 20-30 years
• Size: A medium-sized parrot, with a length of approximately 14-15 inches (36-38 cm)
• Origin: Native to northern Brazil

The Golden Conure graces our list as one of the most stunning birds with yellow plumage. Often referred to as the Golden Parakeet, this medium-sized avian beauty boasts a brilliant yellow plumage, with the exception of dark green tips on its flight feathers. Native to the Amazon Basin in northern Brazil, Golden Conures captivate with their affectionate and intelligent nature, making them sought-after pets.

In the wild, Golden Conures face the threat of endangerment, with a population of only around 3,000 birds remaining. As herbivores, their diet consists of seeds, nuts, buds, flowers, and fruits, and they are particularly fond of crops such as corn and mangoes.

Green Oropendola:

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• Scientific name: Psarocolius viridis
• Lifespan: 15-20 years
• Size: 46-56 centimeters (18-22 inches)
• Origin: Central and South America (from Mexico to Brazil)

The Green Oropendola is a robust and sizable bird found in wooded habitats throughout the Amazon basin and Guianas in South America. Boasting mostly bright olive-yellow plumage, it showcases chestnut-colored bellies, rumps, and some underparts. Their eyes are a striking blue, and their beaks exhibit an appealing orange-red hue.

This sociable species has a predominantly yellow tail, with the exception of central rectrices that are black. Green Oropendolas have omnivorous diets, enjoying a variety of insects, fruits, and nectar.

During the mating season, these fascinating birds engage in captivating courtship displays to woo females. Males will grab a branch with their feet, bow forward with open wings, hang upside down, and then swing back up to the top of the branch—an impressive sight to behold.

Black oropendola

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• Scientific name: Psarocolius guatimozinus
• Lifespan: up to 20 years
• Size: 15- 18 inches
• Native to: Colombia and Panama

The Montezuma Oropendola is a stunning tropical bird celebrated for its vibrant bright yellow tail feathers, distinctive loud calls, and elaborate dance displays.

Both males and females are adorned with deep chestnut-colored plumage and black heads, while the long bill displays a black base with a red tip. Males are generally twice the size of females, adding to their striking appearance.

The name “oropendola” is derived from the bird’s golden-yellow tail that gracefully swings like a pendulum during the mating call. This specific species commemorates the Aztec emperor Montezuma II, adding historical significance to its name.

The Montezuma Oropendola is a resident breeder in the Caribbean coastal lowlands from southeastern Mexico to central Panama, except for El Salvador and southern Guatemala.

As omnivores, they primarily feast on arthropods and small vertebrates, supplemented with some fruits, seeds, and even nectar, showcasing their adaptability and versatility in their feeding habits.

Yellow Warbler:

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• Scientific name: Setophaga petechia
• Lifespan: 4-7 years
• Size: 10-12 centimeters (3.9-4.7 inches)
• Origin: North America

The American Yellow Warbler is a charming small songbird with distinctive medium-long bright yellow tails and rounded heads. Widely distributed across North America, these delightful birds are a common sight near streamside willows and woodland edges throughout the United States.

With their bright and sweet songs, American Yellow Warblers add a melodious touch to their surroundings. Their diet primarily consists of insects such as leafhoppers, beetles, wasps, midges, and caterpillars, and they also consume some berries and fruit during the winter months.

To attract females, male Yellow Warblers are quite the performers, producing over 3,000 whistling songs daily. In contrast, when defending their territories, males emit loud, “hissing” calls.

Breeding across central and northern North America, American Yellow Warblers embark on winter migrations to Central America and northern South America. These captivating songbirds are particularly common in Northern California.

Indian Golden Oriole

• Scientific name: Oriolus kundoo
• Lifespan: Information not readily available
• Size: Approximately 9-10 inches (23-25 cm) in length
• Origin: Indian subcontinent and parts of Asia

The Indian Golden Oriole stands out as a captivating bird with its vibrant yellow tail and unique features. Found in diverse habitats, including open deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, woodlands, forest edges, parks, gardens, and plantations across the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia, these orioles are a sight to behold.

Resembling the Eurasian Golden Oriole, Indian Golden Orioles have a more yellow tail and a paler shade of red in their iris and beak. Males showcase golden-yellow plumage and black wings, while females exude a distinctive greenish hue.

Omnivorous in nature, Indian Golden Orioles indulge in a diet of insects, fruits, and seeds.

Yellow-tailed Oriole

• Scientific name: Icterus mesomelas
• Lifespan: Information not readily available
• Size: Typically around 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) in length
• Origin: Central and South America

The Yellow-tailed Oriole showcases a striking yellow tail when seen from below, while its tail appears black with yellow margins from above. This unique feature gives it its name as the only oriole species with prominent yellow color on its tail.

This captivating medium-sized bird breeds from southern Mexico to western Peru and northwestern Venezuela. It prefers habitats such as humid tropical lowlands, tangles, thickets along rivers, and overgrown fields.

Primarily omnivorous, the Yellow-tailed Oriole primarily feeds on insects, nectar, and certain fruits like gumbo-limbo.

Yellow-winged Cacique

• Scientific name: Cassiculus melanicterus
• Lifespan: Around 6-8 years
• Size: Medium-sized songbird; approximately 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) in length
• Origin: Native to South America, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions

The Yellow-winged Cacique is a spectacular and striking black and yellow bird found in humid forests, montane forests, and second growth areas. With its black plumage, bright yellow rump, and a large yellow patch on the inner wing, it is truly eye-catching. The tail is notably yellow, except for the central rectrices, which are black.

As a member of the blackbird family, the Yellow-winged Cacique is often found in flocks. They exhibit polygynous behavior, with males mating with multiple females. Females take on the responsibilities of building nests, incubating eggs, and caring for the young, while the males do not participate in raising chicks.

Omnivorous by nature, the Yellow-winged Cacique feasts on insects, fruit, nectar, and seeds. These captivating birds add vibrant colors and harmonious sounds to the natural tapestry of their habitats.

Cedar Waxwing

• Scientific name: Bombycilla cedrorum
• Lifespan: about 8 years
• Size: 6-8 inches
• Native to: Northern half of the United States

The Cedar Waxwing is a medium-sized and sleek bird known for its exquisite beauty and captivating yellow tails. With its large head, short neck, and short beak, this bird stands out as one of the prettiest and most beloved avian species.

Dressed in pale brown on the head, soft gray on the wings, pale yellow on the belly, and featuring gray feathers with bright yellow tips on the tails, the Cedar Waxwing is a sight to behold. Their name is derived from the waxy red tips on their secondary wing feathers.

These delightful birds can be found in diverse habitats, ranging from deciduous and evergreen woodlands to orchards, suburban parks, and backyards. Remarkably, the Cedar Waxwing is one of the few North American birds that can thrive on a diet consisting solely of fruit for several months. Their tail’s yellow color can change to orange if they consume enough honeysuckle fruit during growth.

Cedar Waxwings breed across a wide range, from southeastern Alaska to Newfoundland and southward to California, northern Alabama, and North Carolina.

Long-tailed Minivet

• Scientific name: Pericrocotus ethologus
• Lifespan: Information not readily available
• Size: Typically a small to medium-sized songbird
• Origin: Southeast Asia

The Long-tailed Minivet is a captivating medium-sized bird found in the southern and southeastern regions of Asia. What makes these birds particularly fascinating is their sexual dimorphism, where males and females exhibit distinct and contrasting appearances, making them easily recognizable.

Males boast striking red and black plumage, creating a vibrant and eye-catching display. On the other hand, females showcase a more subtle but equally charming combination of gray and yellow hues. One of the key distinguishing features is the color of their tails; females display outer tail feathers in a delightful shade of yellow, while males sport tails in a captivating red hue.

Long-tailed Minivets are often spotted in pairs or small flocks, gracefully exploring mid to high-altitude forests. These carnivorous birds have a diverse diet, which primarily includes insects, insect larvae, spiders, ants, bees, grasshoppers, crickets, cicadas, locusts, dragonflies, and beetles.

American Redstart

• Scientific name: Setophaga ruticilla
• Lifespan: Typically 2-5 years
• Size: Usually a small warbler
• Origin: North and Central America

The American Redstart is a lively and energetic warbler, characterized by its relatively wide, flat bill and a gracefully long tail. This medium-sized bird is a common sight as it hops among tree branches with agility, skillfully searching for insects.

One of the captivating features of the American Redstart is its intriguing sexual dimorphism. Female American Redstarts and immature males display delightful yellow or yellow-orange patches on their tails, wings, and sides, adding a burst of color to their appearance. In contrast, the males present a striking and confident coal-black plumage with vivid orange patches, creating a stunning contrast.

These charming birds prefer open wooded habitats, especially those dominated by deciduous trees, and during winter, they migrate to southern Florida and southern California. American Redstarts breed across a wide range, spanning from southeastern Alaska east to Newfoundland and south to various states like Oregon, Colorado, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and South Carolina.

Golden Palm Weaver

• Scientific name: Ploceus bojeri
• Lifespan: Information not readily available
• Size: Typically a small weaver bird
• Origin: Madagascar

The Golden Palm Weaver is a small bird native to the captivating landscapes of Eastern Africa, specifically found in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania. These birds exhibit a delightful and bright yellow plumage, particularly striking in breeding males, with an eye-catching orange head and pale light-brown streaks on their wings.

Living up to their name, Golden Palm Weavers are often spotted in coastal savannas and scrublands, thriving in areas abundant with palm trees. Additionally, they inhabit inland regions along rivers through dry terrain, creating an enchanting presence in these diverse landscapes.

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo

• Scientific name: Calyptorhynchus funereus
• Lifespan: Typically 40-70 years
• Size: Large cockatoo, with an approximate length of 22-27 inches (56-68 cm)
• Origin: Native to Australia

The Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo is a majestic and large cockatoo species native to the southeastern regions of Australia. Renowned for its striking appearance, this beautiful bird exhibits a rich brownish-black plumage adorned with prominent yellow cheek patches and a captivating yellow tail band. Upon closer observation, one can notice that the body feathers are delicately edged with yellow, creating an enchanting scalloped pattern.

These magnificent birds are often spotted in both small and large flocks, gracefully gliding around eucalypt woodlands and pine plantations. With their omnivorous diet, they are known to relish wood-boring larvae and seeds from both native and introduced trees and ground plants. Despite their large size, the yellow-tailed black cockatoos are very agile and emit a distinctive and lively chorus, making their presence known before they even come into sight.

Green Jay

• Scientific name: Cyanocorax yncas
• Lifespan: Typically 6-10 years
• Size: A medium-sized jay bird, measuring about 11-12 inches (28-30 cm) in length
• Origin: Found in Central and South America

The Green Jay is a medium-sized and visually captivating member of the jay family. Adorned with a delightful combination of colors, these tropical birds showcase a stunning greenback, vibrant yellow underparts, and a striking combination of blue and black on their heads. One of their distinguishing features is the short but striking blue eyebrows that add an extra touch of allure to their appearance.

Green Jays are intelligent and resourceful birds, capable of using sticks as tools to extract insects from tree bark. Their Latin name “yncas” was inspired by the term “Inca,” as early descriptions of this species were based on birds found in Peru. These social birds often travel in bands, casts, parties, or scolds, adding to their charismatic and lively presence.

Great Blue Turaco

• Scientific name: Corythaeola cristata
• Lifespan: Typically 10-15 years
• Size: A large turaco bird, measuring around 20-28 inches (50-70 cm) in length
• Origin: Found in sub-Saharan Africa

The Great Blue Turaco holds the distinction of being the largest species of turaco and is found exclusively in Africa. Its regal and vibrant appearance features a striking blue body, rounded wings, sturdy legs, and a long tail characterized by a mesmerizing pale yellow undertone, contrasting beautifully with the blue above.

Both male and female Great Blue Turacos share a similar appearance, making them equally captivating to observe. These gregarious birds prefer living in smaller groups of six to seven individuals and are not renowned for their long flights, often covering short distances or gracefully gliding to lower levels of the forest.

During mating season, the males become more vocal and territorial, and both male and female turacos diligently incubate the two blue eggs. As omnivores, they primarily feed on a diet of fruits, leaves, flowers, buds, shoots, and occasionally, insects, ensuring a balanced and diverse culinary experience.

Domestic Canary

• Scientific name: Serinus canaria domestica
• Lifespan: Typically 5-10 years
• Size: A small songbird, usually about 4.7-8 inches (12-20 cm) in length
• Origin: Bred from wild canaries in the Canary Islands

The Domestic Canary is a charming and delightful small songbird that has been domesticated from its wild ancestor, the canary, native to the Macaronesian Islands. Introduced to Europe by Spanish sailors in the 17th century, the domestic canary quickly captured the hearts of bird enthusiasts with its captivating beauty and melodious songs.

While wild canaries display a yellowish-green plumage, centuries of selective breeding have resulted in a wide array of colors for domestic canaries, including striking yellows, oranges, browns, blacks, whites, and reds. Among the most enchanting is the yellow canary, distinguished by its highly intelligent nature and vibrant yellow plumage on both its upperparts and underside, including a bright yellow tail.

The yellow canary’s cheerful temperament, ease of care, and remarkable singing abilities make it a popular choice as a beloved pet for many bird enthusiasts.

Birds of Paradise:

• Scientific name: Paradisaeidae
• Lifespan: Varies depending on species, typically 5 to 10 years
• Size: Varies depending on species, ranging from 15 to 110 centimeters (6 to 43 inches) in length
• Origin: Found primarily in New Guinea and its surrounding islands, as well as eastern Australia and parts of Indonesia

The Greater Bird-of-paradise graces the lowland and foothill forests and edges of southwest New Guinea and the Aru Islands in Indonesia. This remarkable bird, exhibiting a sexually dimorphic nature, features black breasts in males and elegant white and yellow tail plumes raised above their back during displays.

Females of the Greater Bird-of-paradise are larger than males, adding an intriguing dimension to their unique characteristics. These stunning birds have earned recognition on Trinidad and Tobago’s $100 bill, reflecting their undeniable beauty and allure.

Greater birds of paradise embrace a polygynous mating system, with males contributing little to offspring raising. Their omnivorous diet includes an enticing variety of fruits, seeds, and small insects, ensuring they remain well-nourished in their captivating habitat.

Orchard Oriole Female

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• Scientific name: Icterus spurius
• Lifespan: 6-10 years
• Size: 16-18 centimeters (6.3-7.1 inches)
• Origin: North America

The female Orchard Oriole is a small migratory bird found in the eastern and central parts of North America. Unlike the bright orange and black plumage of the male, the female has more subdued colors. She displays olive-green upperparts, yellowish underparts, and a grayish head. Orchard Orioles inhabit various habitats, including woodlands, orchards, and suburban areas. They feed on insects, fruits, and nectar, often foraging in tree canopies. The female builds a tightly woven hanging nest in trees, and she lays a clutch of 3 to 6 eggs. While her song is less elaborate than the male’s, she still contributes a soft, pleasant warbling to the chorus of bird songs.

American Redstart (Female)

• Scientific name: Setophaga ruticilla
• Lifespan: Typically around 3 to 5 years
• Wingspan: Approximately 19 to 22 cm (7.5 to 8.7 inches)
• Native to: North and Central America

The American Redstart is a small and vibrant warbler found in North and Central America. While the male American Redstart is known for its striking black and orange plumage, the female has a more understated appearance. Female American Redstarts have predominantly grayish-olive upperparts and a pale yellow belly and throat. They lack the striking black and orange colors of the males.

These warblers are often found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, woodlands, and riparian areas. They primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates.

Female American Redstarts are appreciated for their association with their more colorful male counterparts and their important role in breeding and raising their young. They are active and agile foragers, often seen flitting among branches and foliage while hunting for insects.

Golden-winged Sunbird

• Scientific name: Drepanorhynchus reichenowi
• Lifespan: About 4-5 years
• Size: Small songbird; approximately 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) in length
• Origin: Native to sub-Saharan Africa, often in forested and wooded areas.

Golden-winged Sunbird is a large sunbird found in eastern Africa, where it inhabits montane forests and grassland. Males are largely black with yellow patches in their wings and tail, while females are light brown with yellow panels in their wings. These birds primarily feed on the nectar of flowers but also consume insects during the breeding season.

Baltimore Oriole Female:

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• Scientific name: Icterus galbula
• Lifespan: 6-10 years
• Size: 17-18 centimeters (6.7-7.1 inches)
• Origin: North America

The female Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) is a migratory bird found in eastern and central North America. While the male sports vibrant orange and black plumage, the female has more subdued colors. She displays a yellowish-brown head and back, with a yellow-orange breast. Baltimore Orioles inhabit various habitats, including woodlands, parks, and suburban areas. They feed on insects, fruits, and nectar, often foraging in tree canopies. The female builds a tightly woven hanging nest in trees, and she lays a clutch of 3 to 6 eggs. Her song is a series of soft, flute-like whistles that contribute to the melodious atmosphere of their habitat.

Sun Conure

• Origin: Native to South America, specifically Venezuela, Northern Brazil and Guyana.
• Size: 11 inches
• Weight: 4 oz
• Life Span: 15 to 25 years

As a newborn, the sun conure (Aratinga solstitialis) has green plumage that soon fades to a brilliant yellow. It’s usual to have a red tinge around the eyes.
Sun conures are excellent pets if you are willing to devote time to their care. They’re affectionate and like being the center of attention.
A sun parakeet will repay your devotion. Unfortunately, if left alone for too long, these parrots grow lonely, sad, and violent. The sun parakeet can mimic human speech, although it prefers to screech and trill instead which might put a strain on your nerves.
Despite its small size (about 12 inches), the sun parakeet requires a large habitat. These are active parrots that like moving about, so they’ll require plenty of out-of-cage time.

How many Sun Conures are left in the wild? It is estimated that there are only around 2500 Sun Conures left in the wild.

Budgie

• Scientific name: Melopsittacus undulatus
• Lifespan: Typically 5-10 years
• Size: A small parakeet, measuring around 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length
• Origin: Native to Australia

Because they’re little, sociable, chatty, and simple to train, budgies (Melopsittacus undulatus) are the most popular pet bird.
Budgies, which grow to be around 6-7 inches long, are noisy creatures that thrive in groups of other budgies.
They are loud birds that are especially in the morning. During their 8-10 hours of rest, they are peaceful.
Because of their seed-based diet, parakeets are prone to obesity. Their digestive system is designed in such a way that they constantly eat and poop.
Budgerigars live for an average of 5-8 years if they are properly cared for.

Is a budgie a good pet? Yes, budgies are excellent to keep as pets. They are social, and playful and come in a variety of beautiful colors including green, blue, and white.

Can a budgie live alone? yes, they can live alone. As they are flock birds ideally they would prefer to live in groups but they have no problem living alone as it is one of the most popular birds around the world.

Pacific Parrotlet 

• Scientific name: Forpus coelestis
• Lifespan: Typically 10-15 years
• Size: A small parrot, usually about 4.5-5.5 inches (11-14 cm) in length
• Origin: Native to western South America

The Pacific parrotlet is a little bird, being just 5 inches tall.
Their small bodies conceal a Napoleon complex, and if not tamed, these birds may be destructive and violent toward people and other animals.
Once you make a connection with them, they are affectionate and loving. They need the same amount of activity as a full-sized parrot, so plan on letting your bird fly free on a frequent basis. It will most likely calm down as a result of this.
These are talking birds that can learn up to 15 words, although they don’t scream and screech as loudly as the blue-and-yellow macaw or the double yellow-headed Amazon.

Final Thoughts on Birds with Yellow Tails

As we conclude our journey through the avian world, we’ve basked in the radiant beauty of birds with yellow tails. These vibrant creatures, with their sunlit plumage, remind us of the joy and brightness that nature brings to our lives.

Throughout our exploration, we’ve celebrated their unique appearances and gained insights into their habitats, behaviors, and the colorful tapestry of life they contribute to. These birds serve as a living testament to the wonders and diversity of the natural world.

List of Birds with Yellow Tails

1. Cedar Waxwing
2. Green Oropendola
3. Black oropendola
4. Yellow Warbler
5. Indian Golden Oriole
6. Yellow-tailed Oriole
7. Yellow-winged Cacique
8. Long-tailed Minivet
9. American Redstart
10. Golden Palm Weaver
11. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
12. Green Jay
13. Golden Conure
14. Great Blue Turaco
15. Domestic Canary
16. Birds of Paradise
17. Orchard Oriole Female
18. American Redstart (Female)
19. Golden-winged Sunbird
20. Baltimore Oriole Female
21. Pacific Parrotlet
22. Budgie