In the realm of magnificent avian species, yellow is often regarded as the pinnacle of sheer beauty. The vibrant hue of yellow feathers has a captivating effect, drawing the eyes and capturing the imagination of bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It represents a fusion of elegance and brilliance, radiating a sense of joy and vitality. From the regal splendor of the majestic golden pheasant to the delicate charm of the canary, yellow birds have an enchanting presence that commands attention.
Their vibrant plumage stands out amidst the lush green foliage, adding a touch of sunshine to the natural tapestry of the environment. Whether it is a fleeting glimpse of a yellow warbler or the graceful flight of a yellow-bellied sunbird, these avian wonders never fail to leave a lasting impression. Their vibrant colors symbolize a world of possibilities and remind us of the awe-inspiring diversity that exists within nature. In the realm of avian beauty, yellow reigns supreme, representing the epitome of grace and splendor.
The American goldfinch (Spinus tristis), is a small North American bird, who, once its spring molt is complete, the male transforms into a brilliant lemon yellow, which is produced by carotenoid pigments obtained from the plant material they eat. His head is finished off with a striking black cap, his rump is white, though it is only visible when in flight. His beak is small and conical in shape, and pink in color for most of the year. Though, it does turn a bright shade of orange with the spring molt for both sexes.
The yellow warbler (Setophaga petechia, formerly Dendroica petechia), is a New World warbler species. All 35 subspecies look very similar, only differing in males when in breeding plumage. Yellow warblers however are a greenish-yellow on their upper parts with a bright yellow below. The eyes and beak are dark, while the feet are a lighter or darker olive.
“It was a very nice surprise to see a prothonotary warbler this spring in Ontario. Normally I have to travel a ways to see this small yellow bird.”
This is one of my favorite warblers and a record to see in my area,” says Trisha Snider.
“The female summer tanager visits our backyard for mealworms,” writes William Palmer. The female is a solid small yellow bird, in contrast to the red male.
The western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana), is a medium-sized American songbird formerly in the tanager family. Adult males have a pointed bill, a yellow belly, and light yellow wing bars. He also has a bright red face and yellow nape, shoulder, and rump. His upper back, wings, and tail are black.
The yellow-headed blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus), is a medium-sized blackbird, and the only member of the Xanthocephalus genus. The adult male of this species has a body covered in mainly black plumage with a yellow head and a white wing patch.
“During summer, my husband and I visited Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin. While walking on the beautiful hiking trails, an abundance of birds were singing, including this male dickcissel adorning this yellow flower,” says Evelyn Johnson.
You can identify an evening grosbeak by its big greenish-white beak, gray and gold feathers, and black-and-white wing pattern.
“The bird of paradise plants were in full bloom while we were vacationing in San Diego in early December. While photographing hummingbirds that were taking advantage of the blooms, I noticed common yellowthroats also drinking the nectar,” says Janat Montag.
“Wilson’s Warbler likes to nest in low, dense stands of alders, willows, and various other shrubs.” All will all all all will all
“For the last two years, palm warblers have landed in the same Norway spruces about 15 feet from my patio. It’s so lucky because I had never seen this small yellow bird before!” says Trish Overton.
The magnolia warbler (Setophaga magnolia), is a member of the wood warbler Parulidae family. A moderately small bird, it is easily distinguished by its bold yellow and black striped stomach. Breeding males often have white, grey, and black backs with yellow on the sides. They also have white, grey, and black foreheads and beaks. They have very distinct tails with white stripes on the underside, which is also more defined by the white patches on their wings.
“I saw an acrobatic Nashville warbler hanging on my backyard cherry tree in spring. It’s special to me because I live in the suburbs and don’t often see migrating warblers in my yard,” says Andy Raupp of Elgin.
“I took a photo of a pine warbler in my backyard in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Pine warblers come to our suet feeder for just a few days every spring. After about 45 minutes of sitting perfectly still, I captured this gorgeous photo,” says Mark Benson.
The hooded warbler (Setophaga citrina), is a New World warbler. A small bird measuring 5.1 inches in length, weighing 0.32-0.42 oz. Having a plain olive/green-brown back, and yellow underparts, males finish off their look with distinctive black hoods which surround their yellow faces.
“My little verdin gives me a break from the quail and doves in my Arizona backyard bird watching! He shows up in the spring when my Palo Verdes are in yellow bloom and is an active and vocal bird,” says Daniella Meyer. Verdin likes to dine on insects it finds among desert scrub, sometimes snacking on dried sugar it finds in hummingbird feeders.
“I find the Townsend warbler to be an interesting bird. The yellow and black stripes on its face look like a mask. It’s always difficult to get pictures of small birds,” says Frank Lussier. The breeding male of this species has a black cap, nape, and ear patches, with an equally black throat and bib. He has a yellow face with a black stripe across his cheek and a yellow crescent under the eyes.
The American redstart (Setophaga ruticilla), is a New World warbler 12 cm long, breeding males are highly conspicuous with their jet black plumage above, complemented by large orange-red patches on their wings and tails. The sides of their breast are also orange, with the rest of their belly colored white.
“My husband and I were bird watching in Mattie M. Kelly Park near our home in Destin, Florida, to see which migrants might have stopped in from a long trip over the Gulf. When we heard a white-eyed vireo singing; my husband made some squeaking noises and immediately this little guy flew right in front of us and just sang away. This I love its white eyes!” says Shannon Hobson.
The Canada warbler (Cardellina canadensis), is a small boreal songbird of the New World warbler Parulidae family. Sometimes known as the “necklaced warbler” because of the band of black flecks seemingly dangling from his neck, this bird has a yellow breast, throat, and belly, with a slate grey back. The underside of the tail is white, while there is a yellow line in front of the eye to the base of the beak. The most outstanding feature though is the striking white-yellow eye-ring around their eyes.
The saffron finch (Sicalis flaveola) is a tanager from South America that is common in open and semi-open areas in lowlands outside the Amazon Basin.
“The month of May brings spring warblers to Michigan. While enjoying a beautiful spring day at Tawas Point State Park on Lake Huron, I spotted my first glimpse of a Cape May warbler. Warblers are so colorful and full of energy. Luckily this small yellow bird decided to take a rest and I was able to get a picture of it,” says Catherine Forrest.
Rob Ripma photographed a lesser goldfinch in south Texas.
The eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna), is a medium-sized icterid bird very similar in appearance to the western meadowlark. Adults have a yellow breast and belly with a pronounced black “V” on the chest, along with white flanks flecked with black streaks.