During the spring and summer months in Delaware, one can often spot an array of yellow birds, including warblers, orioles, and tanagers. However, as winter sets in, the commonly sighted yellow birds are limited to American Goldfinches and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
To assist in the identification of these yellow birds in Delaware, this comprehensive guide provides pictures, identification details, song recordings, and migration patterns.
Warblers, orioles, and tanagers make up the majority of yellow birds in Delaware, and it’s worth noting that female birds of these species can exhibit distinct differences from their male counterparts.
This guide aims to make the task of identifying yellow birds much easier by presenting all the necessary information. The yellow birds are listed in order of their frequency of sightings in Delaware, based on ebird checklists.
Yellow birds found in Delaware throughout the year include the American Goldfinch, Cedar Waxwing, and Eastern Meadowlark. In the summer, additional yellow birds observed in Delaware are the Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, White-eyed Vireo, Pine Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, Prairie Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, Yellow-throated Warbler, Summer Tanager, and Dickcissel. During the winter, the commonly seen yellow birds are the Yellow-rumped Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Evening Grosbeak, and Yellow-headed Blackbird. Finally, during migration, Delaware welcomes American Redstart, Palm Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Canada Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Hooded Warbler, and other yellow birds.
The guide concludes by encouraging readers to continue reading to identify the yellow birds they have spotted.
In Delaware, a total of 29 yellow bird species can be found. Let’s delve into the details of some of these notable species:
1. American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a year-round resident in Delaware. However, its population increases during the breeding season. These birds are especially beloved for their vibrant yellow and black plumage, exhibited by males in spring. During winter, both males and females have a more subdued appearance.
American Goldfinches can be found across North America and tend to reside in weedy fields, overgrown areas, suburbs, parks, and backyards. Their diet consists of sunflower, thistle, and aster plants, and they readily visit bird feeders.
2. Common Yellowthroat
During the breeding season from April to October, Common Yellowthroats can be observed in Delaware. These small songbirds have brownish backs, bright yellow undersides, and long tails. Males possess black masks across their faces, while the intensity of yellow can vary geographically.
Common Yellowthroats breed across most of North America, except for Alaska and northern Canada. They prefer marshy or wetland areas and brushy fields, living amidst thick, tangled vegetation.
3. Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warblers are winter visitors to Delaware, with their numbers increasing during the fall migration in October. These warblers have gray plumage with flashes of yellow on the face, sides, and rump, along with white wings.
Breeding primarily in Canada and parts of the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains, Yellow-rumped Warblers can be seen in the Midwest during migration before overwintering in southern and southwestern US states, the Pacific Coast, Mexico, and Central America. They inhabit coniferous forests during the breeding season and open areas with fruiting shrubs in winter.
4. Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwings can be observed throughout the year in
Delaware, with a higher occurrence during the breeding season. These elegant, social birds exhibit pale brown heads, chests, and crests, fading to gray on their backs, wings, and tails. Their bellies are pale yellow, and they sport a narrow black mask and bright red wingtips.
Breeding in Canada, Cedar Waxwings migrate to the southern US, Mexico, and Central America for winter. They can be found in berry bushes, woodlands, grasslands, towns, and along streams, primarily feeding on fruit but also consuming insects during summer.
5. Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warblers grace Delaware during the breeding season, with sightings recorded in 16% of summer checklists. These small, bright yellow birds possess yellow-green backs, and males display chestnut streaks on their breasts. Females and juveniles exhibit less vibrancy than males.
Migrating long distances, Yellow Warblers breed in Canada and the US (excluding southeastern states) before venturing into Central and South America for winter. They favor streams, wetlands, thickets, and field edges, where they forage for insects.
6. White-eyed Vireo
White-eyed Vireos inhabit Delaware during the breeding season, appearing from April to October and featuring in 12% of summer checklists. These birds have gray heads with yellow around their foreheads, white eyes, white chests, yellow sides, greenish backs, darker wings, and two white wingbars.
Spending their summers across the southeastern United States, White-eyed Vireos prefer thickets, staying concealed from sight. Those located near the coast remain year-round, while they winter along the southeast coast of Mexico and the Caribbean.
7. Pine Warbler
Pine Warblers are commonly sighted in Delaware during the breeding season, from March to October, and their numbers increase during spring and fall migration. Some individuals remain in Delaware throughout the year.
These small, plump yellow birds possess olive backs, white lower bellies, and gray wingbars. Females may appear slightly browner, and their bellies exhibit more white.
Pine Warblers breed in northeastern US states before migrating to southeastern states. They can be found high up in pine forests, primarily feeding on caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other insects. In colder weather, they switch to consuming fruit and seeds.
8. American Redstart (Female)
American Redstarts are commonly observed in Delaware during their migratory periods in May and September, appearing in up to 29% of checklists during this time. Male American Redstarts sport black feathers with bright orange patches and a white belly, while females exhibit olive-gray plumage with numerous yellow patches.
These birds breed in eastern US states, Canada, and northwestern US states. During migration, they may be spotted in central and western US states. American Redstarts frequent deciduous woodlands, riverbanks, forest edges, and backyards, feeding on insects and berries such as serviceberry and magnolia.
9. Orchard Oriole (Female)
Orchard Orioles can be sighted in Delaware during the breeding season from April to September, featured in 14% of summer checklists. Female Orchard Orioles possess a greenish-yellow overall coloration, paler undersides, darker backs, and white wingbars.
These orioles breed in the eastern half of the United States and migrate to Mexico and Central America for winter. They thrive in open woodlands, riverbanks, shrublands, farms, and backyards. Orchard Orioles build hanging pouch-like nests and primarily feed on insects, flies, spiders, and berries such as mulberries and chokeberries.
10. Baltimore Oriole (Female)
Baltimore Orioles are a familiar sight during the breeding season in Delaware, appearing in 9% of
summer checklists. Male Baltimore Orioles sport bright orange and black plumage with white wingbars, serving as a colorful harbinger of spring. Females exhibit yellowish undersides and heads, grayish-brown wings, and brownish-yellow backs.
Breeding in eastern and central US states, as well as central-southern Canadian provinces, Baltimore Orioles migrate to Florida, Central America, and the Caribbean for winter. They inhabit open woodlands, riverbanks, forest edges, parks, and backyards, consuming insects and a diverse range of fruits.
These are just a few examples of the remarkable yellow birds found in Delaware. By attracting them to your backyard with appropriate food and planting native plants, you can enjoy the beauty and presence of these avian wonders.
11. Scarlet Tanager
Scarlet Tanagers are commonly spotted in Delaware during the summer breeding season. These vibrant birds feature bright red plumage, contrasting with black wings and tails. Females are less striking, with olive-yellow feathers.
Breeding across eastern North America, Scarlet Tanagers prefer mature deciduous forests, where they feed on insects and occasionally consume fruit.
12. Prairie Warbler
During the summer months, Prairie Warblers can be found in Delaware. These small birds have yellow underparts and olive-green upperparts. Males display black streaks on their sides and bright yellow throats.
Prairie Warblers breed in shrubby areas, abandoned fields, and young forests across eastern North America. They feed on insects, spiders, and occasionally berries.
13. Yellow-throated Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireos visit Delaware during the summer breeding season. They exhibit olive-green upperparts, yellow throats, and white spectacles around their eyes.
Breeding across eastern and central North America, Yellow-throated Vireos prefer mature deciduous and mixed forests, where they feed on insects and occasionally consume berries.
14. Yellow-throated Warbler
Yellow-throated Warblers can be spotted in Delaware during the summer breeding season. These small birds have yellow underparts, gray upperparts, and striking black and white patterns on their faces.
Breeding in the southeastern United States and parts of the Midwest, Yellow-throated Warblers inhabit swampy forests and cypress swamps, where they feed on insects and spiders.
15. Summer Tanager
Summer Tanagers visit Delaware during the summer months. Male Summer Tanagers exhibit striking all-red plumage, while females have a yellowish underside and olive-green upperparts.
Breeding in the southern and eastern United States, Summer Tanagers prefer open woodlands and forest edges, where they feed on insects and occasionally consume fruit.
16. Dickcissel
Dickcissels pass through Delaware during their migration. These birds are small with yellow breasts, grayish-brown upperparts, and distinctive black throat patches on males during the breeding season.
Breeding across the central United States and southern Canada, Dickcissels prefer grasslands and agricultural fields, where they feed on seeds, grains, and insects.
17. Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warblers are winter visitors to Delaware, with their numbers increasing during the fall migration. These birds have gray plumage with flashes of yellow on the face, sides, and rump, and white patches on their wings.
Breeding predominantly in Canada and parts of the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains, Yellow-rumped Warblers can be seen in the Midwest during migration before overwintering in southern and southwestern US states, the Pacific Coast, Mexico, and Central America. They inhabit coniferous forests during the breeding season and open areas with fruiting shrubs in winter.
18. Orange-crowned Warbler
During the winter months, Orange-crowned Warblers can be found in Delaware. These small, unassuming birds have olive-green plumage with a subtle orange crown that is often difficult to see.
Breeding in western North America and parts of Alaska and Canada, Orange-crowned Warblers prefer a variety of habitats, including forests, thickets, and gardens. They primarily feed on insects and occasionally consume berries.
19. Evening Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeaks occasionally visit Delaware during the winter. These robust birds have a distinctive coloration, with yellow underparts, brownish-black backs, and striking black and white wing patterns.
Breeding in coniferous forests across western North America, Evening Grosbeaks inhabit open woodlands, orchards, and parks during winter. They primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and insects.
20. Yellow-headed Blackbird
Yellow-headed Blackbirds pass through Delaware during migration. Males have striking yellow heads and black bodies, while females are more subtly colored with brownish-black plumage.
Breeding across western North America, Yellow-headed Blackbirds prefer marshes, wetlands, and areas with tall grasses, where they feed on seeds, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates.
21. American Redstart
American Redstarts migrate through Delaware in May and September, and they can be observed in up to 29% of checklists during this time. Male American Redstarts have predominantly black feathers with bright orange patches and a white belly, while females exhibit olive-gray plumage with numerous yellow patches.
These warblers breed in eastern US states, Canada, and northwestern US states. During migration, they may be spotted in central and western US states. American Redstarts frequent deciduous woodlands, riverbanks, forest edges, and backyards, feeding on insects and berries such as serviceberry and magnolia.
22. Palm Warbler
Palm Warblers pass through Delaware during migration. These small warblers have brownish-olive upperparts, yellow underparts, and a rusty cap. They often wag their tails up and down.
Breeding in the boreal forests of Canada, Palm Warblers migrate to the southeastern United States and the Caribbean for winter. They can be found in various habitats, including open woodlands, marshes, and grassy areas, where they feed on insects and occasionally consume berries.
23. Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia Warblers migrate through Delaware, and they can be observed during their spring and fall journeys. These striking birds have black streaks on their yellow underparts and gray upperparts with black and white markings on their faces.
Breeding across Canada and parts of the northeastern United States, Magnolia Warblers prefer mixed coniferous and deciduous forests. They primarily feed on insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and flies.
24. Black-throated Green Warbler
Black-throated Green Warblers pass through Delaware during migration. These small warblers have yellow underparts, olive-green upperparts, and a distinctive black throat and face.
Breeding across eastern North America and parts of Canada, Black-throated Green Warblers inhabit various forest habitats, including coniferous and mixed forests. They feed on insects, spiders, and occasionally consume berries.
25. Canada Warbler
Canada Warblers migrate through Delaware, and they can be seen during their spring and fall journeys. These birds have gray upperparts, yellow underparts, and a distinct necklace of black streaks on their chests.
Breeding in Canada and the northeastern United States, Canada Warblers prefer moist, shady forests, especially those near water. They feed on insects and occasionally consume berries.
26. Blue-winged Warbler
Blue-winged Warblers pass through Delaware during migration. These birds have bright yellow underparts, olive upperparts, and a distinctive blue-gray patch on their wings.
Breeding across the eastern United States and southern Canada, Blue-winged Warblers inhabit open woodlands, forest edges, and shrubby areas. They feed on insects, spiders, and occasionally consume berries.
27. Cape May Warbler
Cape May Warblers migrate through Delaware during their spring and fall journeys. These striking birds have yellow underparts, olive-green upperparts, and distinct chestnut cheek patches.
Breeding across the boreal forests of Canada, Cape May Warblers migrate to the Caribbean and Central America for winter. They can be found in various habitats, including coniferous forests, mixed woodlands, and gardens. They primarily feed on insects and occasionally consume nectar.
28. Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warblers pass through Delaware
during migration. These small warblers have yellow underparts, olive-green upperparts, and a gray head with a distinctive white eye ring.
Breeding across the boreal forests of Canada and parts of the northeastern United States, Nashville Warblers inhabit various forest habitats. They feed on insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and flies.
29. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers migrate through Delaware during their spring and fall journeys. These small warblers have bright yellow underparts, olive-green upperparts, and a distinctive black cap.
Breeding across western North America and parts of Canada, Wilson’s Warblers prefer dense thickets, shrubby areas, and willow and alder thickets near water. They primarily feed on insects, spiders, and occasionally consume berries.
These 29 yellow birds provide a glimpse into the vibrant avian diversity that graces Delaware throughout the year. By observing and appreciating these species, bird enthusiasts can deepen their understanding and enjoyment of the natural world.