Did you recently catch sight of a yellow bird with striking black wings and find yourself intrigued by its unique beauty? Congratulations, you’ve come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of yellow birds with black wings, featuring a compilation of different species Black Winged yellow birds found in the United States.
Let us embark on this ornithological journey together, as we uncover the beauty, diversity, and wonders of yellow birds with black wings found in the US. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to identify and appreciate these captivating avian wonders, adding a new dimension to your birdwatching adventures.
List of Yellow birds with black wings
- American Goldfinch
- Audubon’s Oriole
- Baltimore Oriole (Female)
- Black-Throated Green Warbler
- Bullock’s Oriole (Female)
- Common Yellowthroat
- Eastern Meadowlark
- Evening Grosbeak
- Golden-Crowned Kinglet
- Hooded Oriole (Female)
- Lesser Goldfinch
- Magnolia Warbler
- Orchard Oriole (Female)
- Prothonotary Warbler
- Scarlet Tanager (Female)
- Scott’s Oriole
- Townsend’s Warbler
- Western Tanager
- Wilson’s Warbler
- Yellow Warbler
- Yellow-Headed Blackbird
American Goldfinch:
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- Scientific name: Spinus tristis
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Size: 11-14 centimeters (4.3-5.5 inches)
- Origin: North America
The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a small, vibrant bird found throughout North America. During the breeding season, the males display bright yellow plumage with black wings and a black cap. The females have a more muted yellow coloration. They are often seen feeding on seeds, especially from thistles and other plants, and are known for their distinctive undulating flight pattern. American Goldfinches breed later in the summer compared to other birds, taking advantage of the abundance of seeds. Their nests are built in shrubs or trees, and they typically lay a clutch of 4 to 6 pale blue eggs.
Audubon’s Oriole:
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- Scientific name: Icterus graduacauda
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Size: 19-22 centimeters (7.5-8.7 inches)
- Origin: North America
Audubon’s Oriole (Icterus graduacauda) is a medium-sized songbird found in parts of Texas and Mexico. It has a striking appearance with its black head, back, and throat, contrasting with its bright yellow underparts and rump. Audubon’s Orioles inhabit woodlands, thickets, and riparian areas. They feed on insects, fruits, and nectar, often foraging in the upper parts of trees. These orioles build a pendant nest in trees, which hangs like a bag from a branch. Females lay a clutch of 3 to 4 eggs. Their song is a series of rich, flute-like notes that contribute to the vibrant soundscape of their habitat.
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.
4. Black-Throated Green Warbler
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- Scientific name: Setophaga virens
- Lifespan: Up to 9 years
- Size: Approximately 11-13 cm (4-5 inches)
- Native to: Eastern North America
The Black-throated Green Warbler is a tiny migratory songbird that nests in the woods of North America, notably in the eastern sections of the continent. It is recognized for its remarkable look and unusual vocalizations.
The Black-throated Green Warbler derives its name from the black neck and upper breast feathers that contrast with its brilliant yellow-green plumage. It also has a white abdomen and prominent white wing bars. The males and females have similar looks, while the female may have somewhat duller colors.
During the breeding season, these warblers may be found in coniferous and mixed deciduous woods, where they make their nests on tree branches. They mostly eat insects, foraging amid the foliage, gleaning insects off leaves, and even capturing them in mid-air.
When it comes to vocalizations, the Black-throated Green Warbler has a characteristic song that consists of a sequence of high-pitched, buzzy notes. It is typically characterized as a “zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee” or “trees, trees, beautiful trees” song.
In the autumn, these warblers travel to their wintering grounds in Central America and the Caribbean, where they occupy a range of wooded environments.
Bullock’s Oriole
- Scientific name: Icterus bullockii
- Lifespan: 8 years
- Size: 8.7 inch
- Native to: western North America
Male Bullock’s Orioles have brilliant orange bellies and chests, as well as black and white wings and black and orange head patterns.
When compared to animals with grey backs and yellow heads, tails, and chests, females and juvenile animals appear duller.
The western side of the US is where Bullock’s Orioles breed and they spend the winter in Mexico. Their gourd-shaped nests take up to 15 days to weave out of hair, grass, and wool.
They frequent backyards to eat fruit, grape jelly, and nectar feeders and may also be seen in parks and open forests.
Common Yellowthroat:
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- Scientific name: Geothlypis trichas
- Lifespan: 4-7 years
- Size: 11-14 centimeters (4.3-5.5 inches)
- Origin: North America
The Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) is a small migratory bird that inhabits wetlands, marshes, and thickets throughout North America. The males have striking yellow throats and breasts, while the females are more subtly colored with olive-brown plumage. These warblers are known for their distinctive “witchety-witchety-witchety” song, often heard from the dense vegetation where they forage for insects and spiders. Common Yellowthroats construct cup-shaped nests on or near the ground, hidden in tall grasses or low shrubs. Females lay a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs, which they incubate for about two weeks.
Eastern Meadowlark:
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- Scientific name: Sturnella magna
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Size: 20-28 centimeters (7.9-11 inches)
- Origin: North America
The Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) is a medium-sized songbird found in eastern North America. It has a striking appearance with its bright yellow underparts, brownish upper parts, and a bold black V-shaped pattern on its chest. Eastern Meadowlarks inhabit grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields. They forage on the ground for insects, seeds, and occasionally small vertebrates. These meadowlarks build cup-shaped nests on the ground, hidden in tall grasses or low shrubs. Females lay a clutch of 3 to 6 eggs. They are known for their melodious and flute-like song, often described as a clear, liquid whistle that adds to the enchanting ambiance of their habitat.
Evening Grosbeak:
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- Scientific name: Coccothraustes vespertinus
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Size: 16-19 centimeters (6.3-7.5 inches)
- Origin: North America
The Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) is a medium-sized songbird found in North America. It has a robust body with a thick, conical bill and a striking plumage. Males have a yellow forehead, black wings with white patches, and a brownish back. Females have similar patterns but with more subdued colors. Evening Grosbeaks inhabit coniferous forests and feed on seeds, buds, and fruits. They build cup-shaped nests in trees, and females lay a clutch of 2 to 4 eggs. Their song is a series of short, clear whistled notes that vary in pitch.
Hooded Oriole:
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- Scientific name: Icterus cucullatus
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Size: 19-23 centimeters (7.5-9.1 inches)
- Origin: North America
The Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus) is a brightly colored songbird found in western North America. The male displays a vibrant yellow plumage with a black face, throat, and bib-like hood. The female has more subdued colors, with a yellowish-brown head and back. Hooded Orioles inhabit a range of habitats, including woodlands, riparian areas, and suburban gardens. They feed on insects, nectar, and fruits, often foraging in tree canopies. These orioles build pendant nests in trees, and females lay a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs. Their song is a series of melodious, flute-like notes that contribute to the lively atmosphere of their habitats.
Lesser Goldfinch:
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- Scientific name: Spinus psaltria
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Size: 10-11 centimeters (3.9-4.3 inches)
- Origin: North America
The Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) is a small songbird found in western North America. It has a black back and cap, contrasting with its bright yellow underparts. The males have black wings with white wing bars, while the females have more subdued grayish-green wings. Lesser Goldfinches are often seen in flocks, feeding on seeds from various plants, especially thistles. They also consume insects during the breeding season. These birds build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, using grasses, plant fibers, and feathers. Females lay a clutch of 3 to 6 pale bluish-white eggs.
Magnolia Warbler:
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- Scientific name: Setophaga magnolia
- Lifespan: 4-7 years
- Size: 11-13 centimeters (4.3-5.1 inches)
- Origin: North America
The Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) is a small migratory songbird found in North America. It has a distinctive appearance with its bright yellow underparts, gray upper parts, and black streaks on its sides and back. During the breeding season, males also display a black mask on their faces. These warblers breed in boreal forests and coniferous habitats, foraging for insects and spiders among tree branches. They build cup-shaped nests on or near the ground, often hidden in dense vegetation, and females lay a clutch of 4 to 5 eggs. Their song is a musical series of high, rolling notes.
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 (Icterus spurius) 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.
Prothonotary Warbler:
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- Scientific name: Protonotaria citrea
- Lifespan: 3-7 years
- Size: 12-14 centimeters (4.7-5.5 inches)
- Origin: North America
The Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) is a vibrant songbird found in the eastern United States and parts of Canada. It stands out with its bright yellow plumage, olive-green back, and distinct blue-gray head. These warblers prefer wet habitats, such as swamps, marshes, and riverbanks. They forage for insects and spiders by hopping along branches or probing the foliage. Prothonotary Warblers build their nests in tree cavities near water, and females lay a clutch of 3 to 7 eggs. Their song is a series of rich, ringing notes that can be heard echoing through their wooded habitats.
15. Scarlet Tanager (Female)
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- Scientific name: Piranga olivacea
- Lifespan: Up to 10 years
- Size: Approximately 16-18 cm (6-7 inches)
- Native to: Eastern North America
The female Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) is a wonderfully subtle songbird found in North America. Unlike the brilliant red plumage of the male, the female Scarlet Tanager exhibits a more modest olive-green hue. This subdued look helps her blend in with the surrounding flora as she forages for insects and fruits.
With her tiny beak, the female Scarlet Tanager gently plucks insects from plants and sometimes indulges in delicious berries. She loves the canopy of deciduous and mixed woods, where she creates cup-shaped nests, concealed amid the branches.
Although missing the striking red plumage, the female Scarlet Tanager retains a wonderful singing. Her beautiful and clear sounds may be heard when she interacts with her partner and protects her territory.
Scott’s Oriole:
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- Scientific name: Icterus parisorum
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Size: 19-23 centimeters (7.5-9.1 inches)
- Origin: North America
Scott’s Oriole (Icterus parisorum) is a vibrant songbird native to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. It has a striking appearance with its black head and throat, bright yellow underparts, and bold white wing patches. Scott’s Orioles inhabit arid and semi-arid habitats, including deserts, canyons, and scrublands. They feed on insects, nectar, and fruits, often foraging in the upper canopy of trees. These orioles build pendant nests in trees or cacti, and females lay a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs. Their song is a melodic and flutelike series of whistles and trills that resonate through their desert habitats.
Townsend’s Warbler
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- Scientific name: Setophaga townsendi
- Lifespan: Up to 7 years
- Size: Approximately 11-14 cm (4-5.5 inches)
- Native to: Western North America
The Townsend’s Warbler is a migratory songbird found in western areas of North America. This distinctive warbler displays a yellow face and underparts ornamented with black streaks, a black crown, and white wing patches. During the mating season, it may be found in coniferous woods where it constructs cup-shaped nests on tree branches. Townsend’s Warbler forages energetically amid foliage and branches, eating insects, spiders, and tiny fruits. With its vibrant songs comprised of high-pitched, melodic notes, this warbler fills the air with pleasant sounds throughout the mating season. In winter, it migrates to lower altitudes, including coastal areas and sections of Mexico and Central America. The Townsend’s Warbler is a beautiful songbird that gives a burst of color and lovely songs to the natural environments it inhabits.
Western Tanager:
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- Scientific name: Piranga ludoviciana
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Size: 16-18 centimeters (6.3-7.1 inches)
- Origin: North America
The Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) is a stunning migratory bird found in western North America. The male has a bright yellow body, a black back, and striking red-orange plumage on its head and neck. The female is more subdued, with olive-yellow plumage and grayish wings. These tanagers inhabit coniferous forests and mountainous regions. They forage for insects, spiders, and fruits, often perching high in trees or fluttering after flying insects. Western Tanagers build cup-shaped nests in trees, and females lay 3 to 5 bluish-green eggs clutch. Their song is a series of melodic, warbling notes that can be heard echoing through the forest.
Wilson’s Warbler
- Scientific name: Cardellina pusilla
- Lifespan: 6 years
- Size: 3.9 to 4.7 in
- Native to: Northern Canada and the Western US
The Wilson’s Warbler is a small songbird found in North America. It has bright yellow plumage, a black cap, and a small black patch around its eye. Wilson’s Warblers breed in the western parts of North America and migrate to Central America and the Caribbean for the winter. They inhabit forests, thickets, and shrubby areas. These warblers feed on insects, spiders, and berries, often foraging in low vegetation and shrubs. They build cup-shaped nests on or near the ground, hidden in dense vegetation, and females lay a clutch of 4 to 6 eggs. Their song is a rapid, high-pitched trill.
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 Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) is a small migratory songbird found throughout North America. Males have vibrant yellow plumage with reddish streaks on the chest, while females and nonbreeding males have a more subdued appearance. Yellow Warblers inhabit a variety of habitats, including woodlands, shrubby areas, and wetlands. They forage for insects and spiders among tree branches and foliage. These warblers build cup-shaped nests in shrubs or trees, and females lay a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs. Their song is a series of sweet, high-pitched notes that can be heard throughout their habitats.
Yellow-headed Blackbird
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- Scientific name: Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
- Lifespan: 11 years
- Size: 8 to 10 inches
- Native to: United States and Canada
The yellow-headed blackbird is another beautiful bird on our list of blackbirds in Florida. It is a large songbird found in North and Central America that is mostly black in color. It has a distinguishing white patch on its wings, a head and neck that are yellow, and black eyes. The head and throat of the female have light yellow or buffy striping and brownish-colored plumage.
They mostly eat insects and seeds for food. Beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and other insects make up the majority of their food throughout the summer. However, they will also consume ants, wasps, spiders, and snails.
Yellow-headed blackbirds usually construct their nests above the water line in cattails or other tall marsh plants. The nest is shaped like a cup and is lined with more luxurious materials. The eggs are laid by the female and are incubated for 12–13 days before they hatch. After hatching, both parents feed the young. After 9–12 days, the chicks fledge.
Final Thoughts on Yellow Birds with black wings
Yellow birds with black wings are truly enchanting creatures that leave a lasting impression on those who encounter them. Their unique coloration and graceful presence in nature make them a sight to behold. From their aesthetic beauty to their ecological significance, these birds serve as a testament to the incredible diversity and wonder of the natural world. As we continue to explore and appreciate the beauty of these avian wonders, let us also strive to protect and preserve their habitats, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at the sight of yellow birds with black wings.
