In Oregon, when the seasons of spring and summer arrive, one can commonly spot yellow birds like warblers and orioles. However, during the winter months, the most frequently seen yellow birds are the Yellow-rumped Warbler and Lesser Goldfinch.
To aid in the identification of these yellow birds in Oregon, this guide provides pictures, information on identifying features, recordings of their songs, and details about their migration patterns.
Many of the yellow birds in Oregon belong to the warbler, oriole, or tanager families, and sometimes the female birds of these species look distinctly different from their male counterparts.
Having access to the comprehensive information provided in this guide will greatly simplify the task of identifying yellow birds. The birds are listed in order of their frequency of sightings in Oregon during spring and summer, as per ebird checklists for May and June.
Yellow birds present in Oregon throughout the year include the Yellow-rumped Warbler, Lesser Goldfinch, Western Meadowlark, and Evening Grosbeak. During the summer months, additional yellow birds that can be seen in Oregon are the American Goldfinch, Cedar Waxwing, Common Yellowthroat, Orange-crowned Warbler, Western Tanager, Wilson’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Western Kingbird, Nashville Warbler, and American Redstart. Lastly, the Palm Warbler is the only yellow bird specifically spotted in Oregon during the winter.
So continue reading to identify those yellow birds you have encountered!
Here is a list of 16 yellow birds found in Oregon:
1. Yellow-rumped Warbler
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a bird commonly observed in Oregon during the breeding season. However, their numbers increase during the migration months of April and October. Some individuals also stay in Oregon throughout the winter. They are recorded in approximately 9% of checklists during summer, 13% during winter, and up to 40% during migration.
Yellow-rumped Warblers have gray plumage with yellow accents on their face, sides, and rump. Their wings are white.
The females may appear slightly brown, while winter birds exhibit paler brown tones with bright yellow rumps and sides, which turn back to yellow and gray during spring.
Scientific name: Setophaga coronata
Length: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (12-13 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 inches (19-23 cm)
Yellow-rumped Warblers primarily breed in Canada, as well as parts of the Rockies and the Appalachian mountains. During migration, they can be observed in the Midwest before overwintering in southern and southwestern US states, along the Pacific Coast, and even into Mexico and Central America.
These warblers are often found in coniferous forests, especially during the breeding season. In winter, they tend to occupy open areas with fruiting shrubs. Their diet consists mostly of insects during summer and migration, while they rely on fruit, including bayberry and wax myrtle, during winter.
To attract Yellow-rumped Warblers to your backyard, consider offering sunflower seeds, suet, raisins, or peanut butter.
Fun Fact: During winter, Yellow-rumped Warblers form flocks numbering in the thousands and can be quite aggressive towards other species that approach too closely.
2. American Goldfinch
American Goldfinches spend the breeding season in western Oregon but also remain in the eastern part of the state throughout the year. They are observed in around 22% of checklists during summer and 5% during winter.
These birds are highly regarded for their vibrant yellow plumage, particularly the males, which display bright yellow and black colors during spring. In contrast, the females and males in winter exhibit a duller brown appearance.
Scientific name: Spinus tristis
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces (11-20 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
American Goldfinches are widespread across most of North America and typically reside in their respective regions year-round. However, individuals breeding in Canada and the Midwest migrate to southern US states for the winter.
You can find American Goldfinches foraging for seeds in weedy fields, overgrown areas, and even suburban parks and backyards.
To attract American Goldfinches to your yard, consider planting thistles and milkweed. They readily visit bird feeders and have a preference for sunflower and nyjer seeds.
Fun Fact: American Goldfinches refuse to raise young of cowbirds due to their purely vegetarian diet, which proves unsuitable for the survival of cowbird chicks.
3. Lesser Goldfinch
The Lesser Goldfinch breeds in Oregon during the summer season but can also be spotted throughout the year. It is recorded in approximately 12% of checklists during summer and 10% during winter.
These small, bright yellow birds with black markings and long pointed wings are known for their presence in open habitats. Female Lesser Goldfinches have olive backs and display a less vibrant yellow hue on their undersides.
Scientific name: Spinus psaltria
Length: 3.5-4.3 inches (9-11 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11.5 g)
Wingspan: 5.9-7.9 inches (15-20 cm)
Lesser Goldfinches reside year-round in the southwestern US states and along the West Coast. However, individuals breeding in the interior of western US states migrate during winter.
These goldfinches can be frequently found in large flocks in various open habitats such as thickets, weedy fields, forest clearings, parks, and gardens. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, particularly sunflower seeds. They also consume fruits from elderberry and coffeeberry, as well as buds from cottonwoods, willows, sycamores, and alders.
To attract Lesser Goldfinches to your yard, provide sunflower seeds and nyjer in tube or platform feeders.
Fun Fact: Lesser Goldfinches exhibit a territorial nature towards larger Lawrence’s Goldfinches, often chasing them away from feeders and nesting areas. However, they readily mingle with other bird species.
4. Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwings are commonly observed in Oregon during the breeding season, but some individuals also remain in the state throughout the year. They are recorded in approximately 15% of checklists during summer and 2% during winter.
These elegant social birds have pale brown heads, chests, and crests, transitioning to gray on their backs, wings, and tails. Their bellies display a pale yellow color, and their wings feature bright yellow tips. Additionally, they sport a narrow black mask across their eyes and bright red accents on their wingtips.
Scientific name: Bombycilla cedrorum
Length: 5.5-6.7 inches (14-17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 ounce (32 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 inches (22-30 cm)
Cedar Waxwings breed in Canada and migrate to the southern US, Mexico, and Central America during winter. However, they can still be observed during migration in various US states, excluding the northeastern region.
These birds are commonly found in berry bushes, woodlands, grasslands, towns, and areas along streams. While they primarily feed on fruit, they also consume insects during the summer months.
To attract Cedar Waxwings to your backyard, consider planting native trees and shrubs that bear small fruits such as serviceberry, dogwood, juniper, winterberry, and hawthorn. You can also offer fruit on platform feeders.
Fun Fact: Cedar Waxwings engage in a unique behavior of gifting objects to potential mates during courtship, passing items back and forth between them.
5. Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroats spend the breeding season in Oregon, primarily observed from April to October. They appear in approximately 15% of checklists during summer.
These small songbirds feature brownish plumage on their backs and vibrant yellow undersides, accompanied by long tails. Males exhibit black masks across their faces, and the intensity of yellow can vary geographically. In some areas, females and juveniles may display a more olive coloration on their undersides.
Scientific name: Geothlypis trichas
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.3 ounces (9-10 g)
Wingspan: 5.9-7.5 inches (15-19 cm)
Common Yellowthroats breed across most of North America, excluding Alaska and northern Canada. While some individuals remain year-round along the Gulf Coast and Pacific Southwest, they migrate south for winter.
These birds are often found in marshy or wetland areas, as well as brushy fields with dense and tangled vegetation.
To attract Common Yellowthroats to your yard, provide large backyards with dense vegetation and native plants that attract insects.
Fun Fact: The black mask displayed by male Common Yellowthroats serves as a visual signal to courting males, triggering aggressive behavior when encountering artificial birds without a mask.
6. Orange-crowned Warbler
Orange-crowned Warblers spend the breeding season in Oregon, but their sightings are more common during migration. They are recorded in approximately 10% of checklists during summer and up to 24% during spring migration.
These warblers exhibit yellow-olive coloring, which is more vibrant yellow along the Pacific Coast. Their orange crown, which lends them their name, is rarely visible.
Scientific name: Leiothlypis celata
Length: 4.3-5.5 inches (11-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (7-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.5 inches (19 cm)
Orange-crowned Warblers breed in Canada, western US states, and Alaska. During migration, they can be observed across all US states except the northeastern region. They spend the winter in Mexico and Central America.
These warblers can be found in shrubs, low vegetation, and open woodlands. Their diet mainly consists of spiders and insects such as caterpillars and flies. They also consume fruits, berries, and seeds, often visiting backyard feeders.
To attract Orange-crowned Warblers, offer suet, peanut butter, or hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water nectar.
Fun Fact: Orange-crowned Warblers frequently drink from sapwells created by sapsuckers and woodpeckers.
7. Western Tanager
Western Tanagers are observed in Oregon during the breeding season, mainly from May to September. They appear in approximately 16% of checklists during summer.
These birds exhibit striking features, with males displaying flaming orange-red heads, yellow bodies, and black wings. Females, on the other hand, possess red faces and yellow-green bodies.
Scientific name: Piranga ludoviciana
Length: 6.3-7.5 inches (16-19 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.3 ounces (24-36 g)
Western Tanagers breed in western US states and western Canada. During migration, they can be spotted in the eastern and southern regions of their range. In winter, they migrate to Mexico and Central America.
These tanagers primarily inhabit open conifer forests, though they tend to remain hidden within the canopy despite their bright colors. Interestingly, their population has been increasing over the past four decades.
Western Tanagers primarily feed on insects during summer, including wasps and grasshoppers. In fall and winter, they also consume fruits.
To attract Western Tanagers, provide dried fruit, cut oranges, and other fruit offerings on bird feeders.
Fun Fact: The red coloring of Western Tanagers is likely obtained from consuming insects that produce pigments they cannot produce themselves.
8. Western Meadowlark
Western Meadowlarks can be observed year-round in Oregon, with higher frequencies from March to June. They are recorded in approximately 8% of checklists during summer and 3% during winter.
These birds possess bright yellow bellies and emit melodious songs that can brighten up your day.
Scientific name: Sturnella neglecta
Length: 6.3-10.2 inches (16-26 cm)
Weight: 3.1-4.1 ounces (89-115 g)
Wingspan: 16.1 inches (41 cm)
Western Meadowlarks that breed in northern US states and Canada migrate to southern states for winter. However, those residing in the western and midwestern regions remain year-round.
These birds are typically found on the ground in grasslands, meadows, and fields. They forage alone or in small flocks and are not commonly spotted in wooded or dense shrubby areas.
Western Meadowlarks primarily feed on insects and seeds, consuming more insects during summer and shifting towards seeds and grain during winter.
To attract Western Meadowlarks, offer sunflower seeds and cracked corn.
Fun Fact: Western Meadowlarks have been designated as the state bird in six US states.
9. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers are observed in western Oregon during the breeding season and during migration across the rest of the state. They are primarily seen from April to September and appear in up to 10% of checklists during summer, with higher percentages during spring migration.
These warblers are small and round with yellow plumage. Males exhibit a large black cap, while females possess a smaller black cap.
Scientific name: Cardellina pusilla
Length: 3.9-4.7 inches (10-12 cm)
Weight: 0.2-0.3 ounces (5-10 g)
Wingspan: 5.5-6.7 inches (14-17 cm)
Wilson’s Warblers breed in Canada, Alaska, and northwestern US states. During migration, they can be observed across all US states, except the northeastern region. In winter, they reside in Mexico and Central America.
These warblers are commonly found along streams, in thickets, and near forest edges, often foraging for insects, larvae, and spiders.
To attract Wilson’s Warblers, provide suet, peanut butter, or hummingbird feeders with sugar water nectar.
Fun Fact: Wilson’s Warblers employ a distracting behavior when potential nest predators are present. They simulate a broken wing, luring the predator away before swiftly flying off.
10. Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warblers are frequently observed in Oregon during the breeding season, typically arriving in April and commencing migration in October. They are recorded in up to 11% of checklists during summer.
These small, bright yellow birds feature yellow-green backs, while males exhibit chestnut streaks on their breasts. Females and juveniles have less vibrant plumage compared to males.
Scientific name: Setophaga petechia
Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 inches (16-20 cm)
Yellow Warblers undertake a long-distance migration to breed in Canada and the US, excluding southeastern states. During winter, they migrate to Central and South America. However, they can be observed during migration in southeastern US states.
These warblers can be found along streams, wetlands, and thickets, as well as field edges. They primarily feed on insects such as caterpillars, midges, beetles, bugs, and wasps.
To attract Yellow Warblers, provide suet, oranges, peanut butter, and plants with berries in your yard. Additionally, planting native vegetation that attracts insects without the use of pesticides and maintaining a slightly wilder environment can be beneficial. Birdbaths with fountains near secluded plantings can provide added protection.
Fun Fact: Yellow Warblers frequently encounter attempts by cowbirds to lay eggs in their nests. When detected, Yellow Warblers build new nests on top of the old ones, repeating this process up to six times.
11. Yellow-headed Blackbird
Yellow-headed Blackbirds can be spotted in Oregon during the breeding season. They are recorded in approximately 9% of checklists during summer.
These blackbirds exhibit striking yellow heads and black bodies. Males have more vibrant yellow coloring compared to females.
Scientific name: Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
Length: 9.1-10.2 inches (23-26 cm)
Weight: 2.6-5.1 ounces (75-145 g)
Wingspan: 14.2-15.4 inches (36-39 cm)
Yellow-headed Blackbirds breed in western North America, including parts of Oregon. They reside in marshy areas and wetlands with dense vegetation.
To attract Yellow-headed Blackbirds, create a suitable habitat with wetlands and marshy areas. Providing open areas with tall grasses and offering appropriate food sources such as seeds, grains, and insects can help attract these birds.
Fun Fact: Male Yellow-headed Blackbirds defend their territories fiercely and create a loud and distinctive call to establish their presence.
12. Western Kingbird
Western Kingbirds are commonly seen in Oregon during the breeding season. They appear in approximately 8% of checklists during summer.
These birds have a bold and striking appearance with a gray head, back, and wings, complemented by a yellow belly. They have a small patch of red on their crown.
Scientific name: Tyrannus verticalis
Length: 7.1-8.3 inches (18-21 cm)
Weight: 1.1-1.4 ounces (31-40 g)
Wingspan: 13.4-15.0 inches (34-38 cm)
Western Kingbirds breed in western North America and can be found in open habitats such as fields, meadows, and agricultural areas.
To attract Western Kingbirds, provide perching spots such as tall fence posts or dead trees. Additionally, they are known to eat insects, so maintaining a garden with insect-attracting flowers can be beneficial.
Fun Fact: Western Kingbirds are known for their aggressive behavior, often engaging in aerial pursuits to defend their territory.
13. Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warblers can be observed in Oregon during migration, passing through the state. They are recorded in approximately 7% of checklists during spring migration.
These warblers feature olive-green backs, yellow undersides, and a grayish head with a white eye-ring.
Scientific name: Leiothlypis ruficapilla
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 inches (16-18 cm)
Nashville Warblers breed in Canada and parts of the northeastern United States. During migration, they can be seen in various regions, including Oregon.
To spot Nashville Warblers, keep an eye out for them during their migration period, particularly in woodland areas and along forest edges.
Fun Fact: Nashville Warblers are known for their distinctive buzzy song, which resembles the sound “zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee.”
14. American Redstart
American Redstarts are observed in Oregon during migration, passing through the state. They are recorded in approximately 6% of checklists during spring migration.
These warblers exhibit black upperparts with bright orange patches on their wings, tails, and sides. Females and immature birds have more muted colors.
Scientific name: Setophaga ruticilla
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.2-0.4 ounces (5-12 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 inches (17-20 cm)
American Redstarts breed in eastern North America and parts of Canada. During migration, they can be observed in various regions, including Oregon.
To spot American Redstarts, look for them in wooded areas and along forest edges, where they actively flit and flick their wings while foraging.
Fun Fact: Male American Redstarts perform a unique courtship display, flashing their bright orange patches and performing aerial acrobatics.
15. Palm Warbler
Palm Warblers are seen in Oregon during winter, with sightings recorded during this season. They are recorded in approximately 3% of checklists during winter.
These warblers have brownish-olive upperparts, yellow underparts with streaks, and a distinctive rusty cap.
Scientific name: Setophaga palmarum
Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (12-14 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-8.7 inches (20-22 cm)
Palm Warblers breed in the boreal forests of Canada and parts of Alaska. During winter, they migrate to southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Some individuals may also winter in parts of Oregon.
To spot Palm Warblers, search for them in open areas with low vegetation, such as fields, marshes, or even beaches.
Fun Fact: Palm Warblers have a unique “tail-wagging” behavior, frequently bobbing their tails up and down while foraging.
16. (Bonus) American Goldfinch
While American Goldfinches have been mentioned earlier in the list, they deserve a special mention due to their vibrant yellow plumage and distinctive behaviors.
American Goldfinches spend the breeding season in western Oregon, with some individuals remaining in the eastern part of the state year-round. They are recorded in approximately 22% of checklists during summer.
Scientific name: Spinus tristis
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces (11-20 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
American Goldfinches can be found in most of North America and are known for their beautiful yellow and black coloration, especially in males during the spring breeding season. Females and winter males have more subdued colors.
To attract American Goldfinches to your backyard, provide sunflower seeds and nyjer seed in tube feeders or platform feeders.
Fun Fact: American Goldfinches have a unique diet that consists mostly of seeds, and they are one of the few bird species that delay breeding until late summer to take advantage of abundant seed resources.