During the spring and summer months in Arkansas, when the tanagers, orioles, and warblers make their appearance, yellow birds can be commonly seen, but their numbers decrease during the winter season.
To assist you in identifying the yellow birds you spot in Arkansas, this guide provides pictures, identification details, song recordings, and migration patterns.
The majority of yellow birds in Arkansas are warblers, orioles, or tanagers, and occasionally, the females of these species exhibit distinct appearances from their male counterparts.
By utilizing the information in this guide, identifying yellow birds will become much simpler. The following list presents the yellow birds in Arkansas in order of their frequency of sightings according to ebird checklists during the spring and summer months (May and June):
Yellow birds in Arkansas throughout the year: Eastern Meadowlark, Pine Warbler
Yellow birds in Arkansas during the summer: Summer Tanager, White-eyed Vireo, Common Yellowthroat, Dickcissel, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Yellow-throated Vireo, Yellow-throated Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Painted Bunting, Scarlet Tanager, Prairie Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Western Kingbird
Yellow birds in Arkansas during the winter: American Goldfinch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned Warbler, Western Meadowlark, Evening Grosbeak
Yellow birds in Arkansas during migration: Nashville Warbler, American Redstart, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Palm Warbler, Canada Warbler, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Cape May Warbler
Accidental Yellow birds in Arkansas: Tropical Kingbird, Lesser Goldfinch, Western Tanager, Scott’s Oriole, Couch’s Kingbird
So, continue reading to successfully identify the yellow birds you have spotted.
33 Yellow Birds in Arkansas:
1. American Goldfinch
For the purpose of identification, the American Goldfinch is known for its vibrant yellow and black plumage during the spring. These birds are commonly sighted during the winter season in southern Arkansas, while some individuals remain in the northern region throughout the year. Approximately 15% of summer checklists and 33% of winter checklists submitted by birdwatchers in the state have recorded American Goldfinches.
These popular birds are distinct, with the males displaying bright yellow and black colors, while the females have a more subdued brown appearance, similar to the males during winter.
Spinus tristis
Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz (11-20 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm)
American Goldfinches are prevalent throughout most of North America, with some populations migrating to southern US states during winter, while those breeding in Canada and the Midwest make the journey for winter.
These birds can be found in weedy fields, overgrown areas, suburbs, parks, and even backyards, where they forage for food such as sunflower, thistle, and aster plants. They also visit various types of bird feeders, with a preference for sunflower seeds and nyjer seed.
Fun Fact: Cowbirds have failed in their attempts to convince American Goldfinches to raise their young, as the goldfinches’ exclusively vegetarian diet is unsuitable for the cowbird chicks, leading to their demise within a few days.
2. Yellow-rumped Warbler
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a winter visitor in Arkansas, with its arrival beginning in September and some individuals staying until May. The prime months for spotting them are from October to April, accounting for approximately 15% of winter checklists submitted by birdwatchers in the state.
Yellow-rumped Warblers have gray plumage with flashes of yellow on their faces, sides, and rumps, as well as white markings on their wings. During winter, their plumage becomes paler brown with vibrant yellow rumps and sides, which transition back to yellow and gray during spring.
Setophaga coronata
Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (12-13 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)
These warblers breed primarily in Canada, the Rockies, and the Appalachian mountains. During migration, they can be observed in the Midwest before settling in southern and southwestern US states, along the Pacific Coast, Mexico, and Central America.
Yellow-rumped Warblers can be found in coniferous forests, especially during the breeding season. In winter, they tend to inhabit open areas with fruiting shrubs. Their diet consists mainly of insects during summer and migration, while fruit, including bayberry and wax myrtle, becomes their primary food source during winter.
Fun Fact: Yellow-rumped Warblers form flocks of thousands during winter and can display aggression towards other species that encroach upon their territory.
3. Eastern Meadowlark
Eastern Meadowlarks, listed as near-threatened, can be spotted throughout the year in Arkansas. They appear in approximately 13% of summer checklists and 10% of winter checklists submitted by birdwatchers in the state.
These medium-sized songbirds possess bright yellow underparts and pale brown bodies with black markings on their backs. A distinctive black band stretches across their chests.
Sturnella magna
Length: 7.5-10.2 in (19-26 cm)
Weight: 3.2-5.3 oz (90-150 g)
Wingspan: 13.8-15.8 in (35-40 cm)
Eastern Meadowlarks are distributed across eastern US states year-round. They also breed in the Northeast and Canada before migrating south.
The arrival of spring in the East is marked by the melodious singing and captivating displays of Eastern Meadowlarks, although their near-threatened status is a cause for concern.
These birds can be found on the ground in grasslands and prairies, where they feed on insects. During winter, they gather in large flocks in fields, searching for seeds.
Fun Fact: Eastern Meadowlarks possess a repertoire of over 100 songs.
4. Pine Warbler
Pine Warblers can be observed year-round in Arkansas, accounting for 11% of both summer and winter checklists submitted by birdwatchers in the state.
These small, plump yellow birds possess olive-colored backs, white bellies, and gray wingbars. The females may exhibit a slightly browner appearance with more white on their bellies.
Setophaga pinus
Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-15 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)
Breeding primarily in northeastern US states, Pine Warblers migrate to southeastern US states, while some individuals remain in the southeastern region throughout the year.
Pine Warblers can often be found in pine forests, as suggested by their name, typically high up in the trees. They primarily feed on caterpillars, beetles, spiders, insects, and their larvae, but during colder weather, they may consume fruit and seeds.
Fun Fact: Pine War
blers are among the few warbler species that primarily consume seeds, making them more likely visitors to backyard feeders.
5. Summer Tanager Female
During the breeding season from April to October, Summer Tanagers are frequently sighted in Arkansas, accounting for 25% of checklists during this period.
Male Summer Tanagers exhibit a striking bright red plumage and possess robust beaks. In contrast, females and juveniles are predominantly yellow with hints of green on their backs.
Piranga rubra
Length: 6.7 in (17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 oz (30 g)
Summer Tanagers breed in southern and eastern states before migrating to Central and South America for winter.
These birds can be found in open woodlands, where they feed on bees and wasps, catching them mid-flight, and subsequently eliminating their stingers by rubbing them against branches before consuming them.
Fun Fact: Young Scarlet Tanagers receive parental care for an additional three weeks after leaving the nest, as their flight capabilities are not fully developed.
6. White-eyed Vireo
White-eyed Vireos are present in Arkansas during the breeding season, mainly from April to October, accounting for 20% of summer checklists.
These vireos have gray heads with yellow markings around their foreheads and distinct white eyes. Their chests and throats are white, while their sides exhibit a yellow hue. They possess greenish backs with darker wings, featuring two white wingbars.
Vireo griseus
Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (10-14 g)
Wingspan: 6.7 in (17 cm)
White-eyed Vireos spend their summers across the southeastern United States, often concealed within dense thickets. Some populations remain along the coast throughout the year, while others migrate to wintering grounds along the southeast coast of Mexico and the Caribbean.
These vireos can be found in overgrown pastures, brambles, and areas with thick vegetation, where they feed on insects, flies, and spiders. During winter, they also consume berries.
Fun Fact: White-eyed Vireos sing throughout the winter, but their singing is limited to male individuals during spring and summer, typically ceasing by noon.
7. Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwings are primarily observed in Arkansas during the winter months, from September to May, appearing in approximately 8% of checklists during this time.
These elegant, sociable birds exhibit pale brown plumage on their heads, chests, and crests, transitioning to a gray color on their backs, wings, and tail. Their bellies are pale yellow, and they display bright yellow tips on their wings. A narrow black mask stretches across their eyes, complemented by vibrant red wingtips.
Bombycilla cedrorum
Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 oz (32 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in (22-30 cm)
Cedar Waxwings breed in Canada before migrating to southern US states, Mexico, and Central America for winter. Some populations remain resident in northern US states throughout the year.
These birds can be found in berry bushes, woodlands, grasslands, towns, and along streams. While their diet primarily consists of fruit, they also feed on insects during the summer season.
Fun Fact: Cedar Waxwings engage in a gift-giving behavior during courtship, exchanging items between potential mates.
8. Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroats are commonly observed during the breeding season in Arkansas, although a few individuals remain throughout the year. Theyare most frequently sighted from April to October, accounting for approximately 13% of summer checklists.
These small songbirds display brownish plumage on their backs and vibrant yellow undersides, accompanied by long tails. The males exhibit black masks across their faces. The intensity of their yellow coloration may vary geographically, with some populations displaying a more olive hue on their undersides.
Geothlypis trichas
Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.3 oz (9-10 g)
Wingspan: 5.9-7.5 in (15-19 cm)
Common Yellowthroats spend the summer breeding across most of North America, excluding Alaska and northern Canada. Some individuals remain resident along the Gulf Coast and Pacific Southwest, while others migrate south for winter.
These birds can often be found in marshy or wetland areas and brushy fields, preferring thick vegetation for shelter. They feed on insects as their primary food source.
Fun Fact: The presence of a black mask in Common Yellowthroats serves as an indicator of male individuals, leading to aggressive behavior towards models of birds with masks, but not towards those without masks.
9. Dickcissel
Dickcissels are frequently spotted in Arkansas during the breeding season, spanning from mid-April to October, and account for approximately 13% of checklists during this period.
Male Dickcissels are visually striking, characterized by their black throat patch and yellow chest. Their grayish heads provide a contrasting backdrop for their yellow eyebrow line. Females exhibit similar markings, albeit with a slightly paler or duller appearance. However, females lack the black throat patch, and their yellow chests display only a faint hint.
Spiza americana
Length: 5.5-6.3 in (14-16 cm)
Weight: 0.9-1.4 oz (25.6-38.4 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-10.2 in (24.8-26 cm)
Dickcissels breed in the Central and Great Plains of the United States before embarking on migration to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
These birds can be found in meadows, prairies, tall grasslands, lightly-grazed pastures, and roadsides. They feed on insects, including grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, and crickets during the summer season. At other times, they may consume seeds, weeds, grasses, and cultivated grains.
Fun Fact: During fall migration, Dickcissels form large flocks, and their numbers can range from thousands to millions when they reach their wintering grounds.
10. Orchard Oriole Female
Orchard Orioles can be observed in Arkansas during the breeding season, spanning from April to September. They appear in approximately 10% of summer checklists.
Female Orchard Orioles exhibit an overall greenish-yellow plumage, with a paler underside and darker back. They possess darker wings with white wingbars.
Icterus spurius
Length: 5.9-7.1 in (15-18 cm)
Weight: 0.6-1.0 oz (16-28 g)
Wingspan: 9.8 in (25 cm)
During summer, Orchard Orioles breed in the eastern half of the United States before embarking on migration to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
These orioles prefer open woodlands, riverbanks, open shrublands, farms, and even backyards. They construct hanging pouch-like nests.
Orchard Orioles primarily feed on insects such as ants, caterpillars, beetles, and grassh
oppers. Additionally, they consume nectar from flowers and indulge in fruit, including mulberries and chokeberries.
Fun Fact: Orchard Orioles are the smallest blackbird species in North America.
11. Baltimore Oriole
Baltimore Orioles are commonly sighted in Arkansas during the breeding season, which occurs from April to September. They can be found in approximately 12% of summer checklists.
Male Baltimore Orioles display vibrant orange plumage with black accents on their heads, backs, and wings. Females, on the other hand, exhibit a more subdued combination of yellow and olive colors.
Icterus galbula
Length: 7.5 in (19 cm)
Weight: 1.0-1.5 oz (28-42 g)
Wingspan: 9-12 in (23-30 cm)
Baltimore Orioles breed across eastern and central parts of North America before migrating to wintering grounds in Central and South America.
These orioles are often found in deciduous forests, orchards, and suburban areas. They feed on nectar, fruit, and insects, making them regular visitors to backyard feeders offering oranges and grape jelly.
Fun Fact: Baltimore Orioles are known for their intricate and pendulous woven nests, which are suspended from the branches of trees.
12. Yellow-throated Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireos can be observed in Arkansas during the breeding season, typically from April to September. They appear in around 7% of summer checklists.
These vireos possess olive-colored backs, yellow throats, and white spectacles around their eyes. They also exhibit contrasting dark wings and two prominent white wingbars.
Vireo flavifrons
Length: 5.1 in (13 cm)
Weight: 0.5-0.7 oz (14-20 g)
Wingspan: 9 in (23 cm)
Yellow-throated Vireos breed in the eastern United States before migrating to Central America and the Caribbean for winter.
These birds inhabit mature deciduous forests and wooded areas near water sources. They feed on insects, caterpillars, and spiders, often foraging in the higher levels of the forest canopy.
Fun Fact: Yellow-throated Vireos have a distinctive song that consists of a repeated phrase, often described as “three-eight, three-eight, three-eight.”
13. Yellow-throated Warbler
Yellow-throated Warblers can be spotted in Arkansas during the breeding season, typically from April to September. They occur in approximately 6% of summer checklists.
These warblers exhibit grayish backs, white undersides, and, as their name suggests, a vibrant yellow throat. They also possess black streaks on their faces and two bold white wingbars.
Setophaga dominica
Length: 5.1 in (13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 8.3 in (21 cm)
Yellow-throated Warblers breed in the southeastern United States before migrating to wintering grounds in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
These birds primarily inhabit mature deciduous forests and wooded areas near water sources. They feed on insects, spiders, and occasionally small berries.
Fun Fact: Yellow-throated Warblers are known for their unique foraging behavior, called “gleaning,” where they search for insects by carefully examining the bark and foliage of trees.
14. Prothonotary Warbler
Prothonotary Warblers are frequently sighted in Arkansas during the breeding season, which spans from April to September. They appear in approximately 5% of summer checklists.
These warblers boast vibrant golden-yellow plumage with bluish-gray wings and tails. They have a distinctive white eye-ring.
Protonotaria citrea
Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm)
Prothonotary Warblers breed in the eastern United States before migrating to wintering grounds in Central America.
These birds prefer bottomland forests, swamps, and wetlands with standing water. They forage by hopping along tree branches and logs, searching for insects and spiders.
Fun Fact: Prothonotary Warblers are the only eastern warbler species that nest in cavities, such as tree cavities or artificial nest boxes.
15. Hooded Warbler
Hooded Warblers can be observed in Arkansas during the breeding season, typically from April to September. They are present in around 4% of summer checklists.
Male Hooded Warblers exhibit striking black hoods and throats contrasted with bright yellow faces, undersides, and olive-green backs. Females have a similar pattern but with less intense coloring.
Setophaga citrina
Length: 4.3 in (11 cm)
Weight: 0.3 oz (8 g)
Wingspan: 6.3 in (16 cm)
Hooded Warblers breed in the eastern United States before migrating to wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
These warblers prefer deciduous forests with dense understory vegetation. They forage by actively hopping and flitting through the lower levels of the forest, feeding on insects and spiders.
Fun Fact: Hooded Warblers are known for their distinct song, which consists of a series of musical notes that sound like “weeta, weeta, weeteeo.”
16. Painted Bunting
Painted Buntings are occasionally sighted in Arkansas during the breeding season, typically from April to September. They can be found in approximately 3% of summer checklists.
Male Painted Buntings are visually stunning, displaying a combination of bright blue heads, red underparts, and green backs. Females exhibit a more subdued greenish plumage.
Passerina ciris
Length: 4.7 in (12 cm)
Weight: 0.5-0.7 oz (14-20 g)
Wingspan: 7.5 in (19 cm)
Painted Buntings breed in the southeastern United States before migrating to wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
These buntings inhabit dense shrubs, hedgerows, and brushy areas, particularly near water sources. They primarily feed on seeds, including grass and weed seeds, supplemented with insects during the breeding season.
Fun Fact: Male Painted Buntings undergo a dramatic molt each year, transforming their plumage from dull green to their vibrant breeding colors.