Identifying birds with yellow bellies can be a breeze when using this picture and identification guide.
In this guide, you’ll come across numerous avian species sporting yellow bellies, many of which belong to the warbler or oriole families. The female orioles, in particular, exhibit this vibrant feature.
Delve into the world of these sunny and delightful creatures, learning more about their characteristics to aid in their identification. Whether it’s at your backyard feeders or out in the fields and forests, you might catch a glimpse of these cheery birds.
Across the United States and Canada, you’ll find a multitude of yellow-bellied birds visiting, with some migrating and others remaining throughout the year.
So, read on and unravel the mystery of the birds you’ve spotted!
A compilation of 35 Birds with Yellow Bellies:
1. American Goldfinch
2. Common Yellowthroat
3. Western Meadowlark
4. Lesser Goldfinch
5. Prairie Warbler
6. Orange-crowned Warbler
7. Prothonotary Warbler
8. Orchard Oriole (Female)
9. Western Tanager
10. Canada Warbler
11. Cape May Warbler
12. Magnolia Warbler
13. Pine Warbler
14. Yellow Warbler
15. Western Kingbird
16. Baltimore Oriole (Female)
17. Altamira Oriole
18. Audubon’s Oriole
19. Eastern Meadowlark
20. Yellow-throated Warbler
21. Nashville Warbler
22. Palm Warbler
23. Cedar Waxwing
24. Evening Grosbeak
25. Scott’s Oriole
26. Spot-breasted Oriole
27. Baltimore Oriole (Female)
28. Streaked-backed Oriole (Female)
29. Hooded Oriole
30. Wilson’s Warbler
31. Hooded Warbler
32. Williamson’s Sapsucker (Male)
33. Great Crested Flycatcher
34. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Let’s delve into more details about the first five birds on the list:
1. American Goldfinch
Easily distinguishable during spring, male American Goldfinches showcase a striking combination of bright yellow and black feathers. In contrast, the females exhibit a more subdued brown color, resembling their male counterparts in winter.
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 throughout most of North America. They breed in Canada and the Midwest before migrating to southern states, while some remain year-round in other parts of the U.S.
You can spot them foraging in weedy fields and overgrown areas, often feeding on sunflower, thistle, and aster plants. These charming birds are also commonly observed in suburban areas, parks, and backyard feeders.
To attract more American Goldfinches to your yard, consider planting thistles and milkweed, and offer sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds in your bird feeders.
2. Common Yellowthroat
The Common Yellowthroat, a petite songbird, boasts an olive-green back and a vibrant yellow chest. It exhibits long tails and features black streaks along its sides, complemented by a dark semicircle beneath its eye. Female Common Yellowthroats display slightly duller coloring.
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)
During summer, Common Yellowthroats breed across most of North America, excluding Alaska and northern Canada. Some individuals remain along the Gulf Coast and the Pacific Southwest throughout the year.
These birds frequently inhabit marshy areas, wetlands, and brushy fields during spring and summer, seeking shelter amidst dense vegetation. Their diet primarily consists of insects, making them a common sight in sizeable backyards with abundant vegetation.
3. Western Meadowlark
Brightening up any day with their melodious songs and vibrant yellow bellies, Western Meadowlarks have gained popularity. In fact, they hold the distinction of being the state bird in six states.
Slightly larger than a robin, Western Meadowlarks exhibit shades of brown and white on their upper parts, accompanied by a black V-shaped band across their yellow chest, which fades to gray during winter.
Length: 6.3-10.2 inches (16-26 cm)
Weight: 3.1-4.1 ounces (89-115 g)
Wingspan: 16.1 inches (41 cm)
Breeding predominantly in northern U.S. states and Canada, Western Meadowlarks subsequently migrate to more southern regions. However, those in the western and midwestern areas remain year-round.
You can find Western Meadowlarks foraging for insects and seeds from grasslands, meadows, and fields. These striking birds often prefer to explore their surroundings alone or in small flocks.
4. Lesser Goldfinch
With their diminutive size, long pointed wings, and short notched tails, Lesser Goldfinches are easily recognizable. These little songbirds display bright yellow bellies and chests, contrasted with darker tones on their backs. The females possess olive-colored backs and appear less vibrant on their undersides.
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 are year-round residents of the Southwest and West Coast, although some individuals may descend from higher elevations during winter.
You can spot them in large flocks within open habitats such as thickets, weedy fields, forest clearings, parks, and gardens. They primarily forage on seeds, especially those of sunflowers, and occasionally feed on fruits from elderberry and coffeeberry, as well as buds from cottonwoods, willows, sycamores, and alders.
To attract more Lesser Goldfinches to your yard, consider providing sunflower seeds and nyjer seeds in tube or platform feeders.
5. Prairie Warbler
Sporting an olive-green back and a yellow throat and belly, Prairie Warblers exhibit black streaks on their sides, accompanied by a dark semicircle beneath the eye. Female Prairie Warblers possess slightly duller coloring.
Length: 4.3 inches (11 cm)
Weight: 0.2-0.3 ounces (6.4-8.8 g)
Prairie Warblers breed across eastern and southeastern states and spend their winters in Florida, the Caribbean, and certain coastal regions in Central America.
Despite their name, Prairie Warblers primarily inhabit fields and forests. They can be challenging to find due to their declining numbers.
6. Orange-crowned Warbler
Orange-crowned Warblers may not exhibit as bright a coloration as other warbler species. They possess a yellow-olive hue, which tends to be more vibrant along the Pacific Coast. The orange crown, from which they derive their name, is often concealed.
These warblers feature darker backs and yellow bellies and chests.
Length: 4.3-5.5 inches (11-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (7-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.5 inches (19 cm)
Breeding in Canada and western states, Orange-crowned Warblers embark on migrations that lead them to the Pacific, East, and Gulf Coasts, as well as Mexico. During migration seasons, they can be observed across various states.
Orange-crowned Warblers inhabit shrubs and low-lying vegetation, preferring open woodland areas as their breeding grounds.
Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, such as spiders, caterpillars, and flies. They also indulge in fruit, berries, and seeds, making them frequent visitors to backyard feeders.
To attract more Orange-crowned Warblers to your yard, consider providing suet and peanut butter or setting up hummingbird feeders with sugar water nectar.
7. Prothonotary Warbler
Prothonotary Warblers present a unique sight among warblers, as they breed exclusively in the eastern states, providing ample opportunities for sightings. The males feature a striking combination of bright yellow and blue wings, creating a vivid contrast. Streams and wet woodlands serve as ideal habitats to search for them.
Prothonotary Warblers showcase a bright yellow plumage with blue-gray wings and tails. While females exhibit similar colors, they are relatively less vibrant.
Interestingly, Prothonotary Warblers differ from other warblers in that they breed in eastern and southeastern states, later migrating to Central and South America.
These birds thrive in wet wooded areas near streams or swamps. They primarily feed on spiders, insects, and snails, while also consuming fruit and seeds during winter.
8. Orchard Oriole (Female)
Female Orchard Orioles boast an overall greenish-yellow appearance, with paler undersides and darker backs. They exhibit darker wings and white wingbars. In contrast, male Orchard Orioles appear distinct, with black heads and backs and reddish undersides.
Length: 5.9-7.1 inches (15-18 cm)
Weight: 0.6-1.0 ounces (16-28 g)
Wingspan: 9.8 inches (25 cm)
Orchard Orioles breed in central and eastern states during the summer before embarking on a southward migration to Mexico and Central America.
These orioles predominantly inhabit open woodlands and can be found along riverbanks, open shrublands, farms, and even backyards. They construct pouch-like nests suspended from branches.
Their diet mainly consists of insects such as ants, caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers, along with occasional visits to nectar-producing flowers and consumption of fruits like mulberries and chokeberries.
To attract Orchard Orioles to your yard, consider using hummingbird feeders or platform feeders stocked with cut oranges or mangoes. Planting native berry-bearing shrubs, such as mulberries or chokeberries, can also help entice them.
9. Western Tanager
Western Tanagers feature a vibrant combination of flaming orange-red heads, yellow bodies, and black wings.
Length: 6.3-7.5 inches (16-19 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.3 ounces (24-36 g)
Breeding primarily in western states of the U.S. and extending into Canada, Western
Tanagers are occasionally observed during migration in eastern and southern regions. During winter, they reside in Mexico and Central America.
These birds thrive in open conifer forests, often remaining hidden amidst the canopy despite their bright coloring. Interestingly, their red plumage results from consuming insects that produce a pigment they cannot produce on their own.
To attract Western Tanagers, try providing dried fruit, cut oranges, and other fruit offerings on bird feeders.
10. Canada Warbler
Canada Warblers bear a resemblance to Magnolia Warblers and share a similar range. However, they exhibit grayish-black backs and a distinctive black “necklace” that does not extend over the belly but rather across the chest in males. Their bellies, chests, and throats retain their yellow hue.
Females and immature individuals display a similar appearance but with paler backs and less prominent necklaces.
Length: 4.7-5.9 inches (12-15 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 ounces (9-13 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-8.7 inches (17-22 cm)
Canada Warblers breed in Canada and northeastern states of the U.S. and can be observed during migration across the eastern half of the country.
Mossy forests serve as their preferred habitat, where they forage for insects. These warblers have become increasingly challenging to find due to declining populations.
11. Cape May Warbler
Cape May Warblers showcase a unique appearance, featuring a yellowish-green back, a vibrant yellow chest, and streaks of black on their sides. They possess a distinct reddish-brown patch on their cheek.
Length: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (11-14 g)
Wingspan: 7.5 inches (19 cm)
These warblers breed in the boreal forests of Canada and parts of the northeastern United States. During migration, they can be spotted across a broader range.
Cape May Warblers typically inhabit coniferous and mixed forests. Their diet primarily consists of insects, especially those found in spruce budworm outbreaks.
12. Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia Warblers display a striking appearance with a black-streaked green back, a yellow throat, chest, and belly, and a distinctive black necklace that extends across the chest in males. Females exhibit a more subdued coloring.
Length: 4.7 inches (12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.5 inches (19 cm)
These warblers breed in the boreal forests of Canada and the northeastern United States. During migration, they traverse a wide range across the eastern half of the continent.
Magnolia Warblers inhabit various forest types, including deciduous and mixed forests. Their diet primarily consists of insects, caterpillars, and spiders.
13. Pine Warbler
Pine Warblers possess a predominantly olive-green coloration, with yellow bellies, chests, and throats. They often appear as though they have a faint white eyering.
Length: 5.5 inches (14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (11-14 g)
Wingspan: 8.7 inches (22 cm)
These warblers breed in pine forests across the eastern and southeastern United States. Some individuals may overwinter in southern states, while others migrate to the Caribbean and Central America.
Pine Warblers inhabit various types of pine forests, where they forage for insects, spiders, and occasionally consume berries and seeds.
14. Yellow Warbler
True to its name, the Yellow Warbler features bright yellow plumage, with males displaying rusty-red streaks on their breasts. Females exhibit a slightly duller appearance.
Length: 4.7 inches (12 cm)
Weight: 0.3 ounces (9 g)
Wingspan: 7.5 inches (19 cm)
Yellow Warblers breed across most of North America, excluding the southwestern regions. They migrate to Central and South America during winter.
These warblers can be found in various habitats, including forests, wetlands, and shrubby areas. They feed on insects, spiders, and occasionally consume berries.
15. Western Kingbird
Western Kingbirds display a yellow belly and chest, complemented by gray upperparts and a black tail with white outer feathers.
Length: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Weight: 1.2-1.5 ounces (34-43 g)
Wingspan: 14.6-15.8 inches (37-40 cm)
Breeding across western North America, Western Kingbirds migrate to Mexico and Central America during winter.
These kingbirds inhabit open habitats such as fields, meadows, and pastures. They primarily feed on insects, including flying insects caught in mid-air.
16. Baltimore Oriole (Female)
Female Baltimore Orioles exhibit a yellowish-orange hue on their bellies and undersides, with duller colors compared to their vibrant male counterparts.
Length: 7.5 inches (19 cm)
Weight: 1.0-1.2 ounces (28-34 g)
Wingspan: 9.8 inches (25 cm)
Baltimore Orioles breed across the eastern and central parts of North America, including parts of Canada. They migrate to Central America and the Caribbean during winter.
These orioles frequent various habitats, including deciduous forests, open woodlands, and suburban areas. They have a diverse diet, feeding on nectar, insects, and fruits.
17. Altamira Oriole
Altamira Orioles display a rich yellow coloration on their bellies and undersides, along with black wings, back, and tail. The males showcase a darker black coloration compared to females.
Length: 9.1 inches (23 cm)
Weight: 1.6-1.9 ounces (45-54 g)
Wingspan: 12.2 inches (31 cm)
These orioles primarily inhabit southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, year-round residents in their respective regions.
Altamira Orioles thrive in various habitats, including open woodlands, riparian areas, and semi-open landscapes. Their diet consists of insects, fruits, and nectar.
18. Audubon’s Oriole
Audubon’s Orioles exhibit a striking contrast between their black heads, back, and tail, and their bright yellow bellies and undersides.
Length: 8.7 inches (22 cm)
Weight: 1.4-1.6 ounces (40-45 g)
Wingspan: 12.2 inches (31 cm)
These orioles reside primarily in southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, with a few individuals reaching southern Arizona.
Audubon’s Orioles inhabit woodlands, riparian areas, and forests with dense foliage. Their diet includes insects, fruits, and nectar.
19. Eastern Meadowlark
Eastern Meadowlarks feature a bright yellow belly, chest, and throat, accompanied by brownish upperparts with black streaks.
Length: 9.8-11 inches (25-28 cm)
Weight: 6.1-7.4 ounces (173-209 g)
Wingspan: 16.1-17.7 inches (41-45 cm)
These meadowlarks breed across eastern and central North America. Some individuals remain year-round, while others migrate to southern regions.
Eastern Meadowlarks inhabit open grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields. They forage for insects, spiders, and seeds.
20. Yellow-throated Warbler
Yellow-throated Warblers showcase a striking yellow throat and chest, contrasting with their grayish-blue upperparts.
Length: 5.5-6.3 inches (14-16 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (11-14 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-9.1 inches (22-23 cm)
These warblers breed across the southeastern United States and parts of the Midwest. They migrate to Central America during winter.
Yellow-throated Warblers inhabit various forest types, including bottomland hardwoods and pine forests. They primarily feed on insects, spiders, and occasionally consume berries.
21. Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warblers exhibit a grayish-olive back, a yellow throat and chest, and a white belly. They have a distinct white eye ring.
Length: 4.7 inches (12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.5 inches (19 cm)
These warblers breed in northern North America, including parts of Canada, and migrate to Central America during winter.
Nashville Warblers can be found in various habitats, such as deciduous and mixed forests. They forage for insects and spiders among the tree branches.
22. Palm Warbler
Palm Warblers display a range of plumage variations, but many individuals have a brownish-olive back, a yellow belly, and a rusty-colored cap. They wag their tails frequently.
Length: 5.5 inches (14 cm)
Weight: 0.4 ounces (11 g)
Wingspan: 8.7 inches (22 cm)
These warblers breed in the boreal forests of Canada and parts of the northeastern United States. They migrate to the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and Central America during winter.
Palm Warblers can be found in various habitats, including open woodlands, marshes, and weedy areas. They primarily feed on insects and occasionally consume berries.
23. Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwings showcase a sleek appearance with pale brownish-gray plumage, a yellow belly, and a distinctive black mask on their face. They have a small crest on their head.
Length: 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm)
Weight: 1.1-1.4 ounces (30-40 g)
Wingspan: 11-12.6 inches (28-32 cm)
These waxwings breed across northern North America and parts of the western United States and Canada. They can be found year-round in some regions or migrate to the southern United States and Central America.
Cedar Waxwings inhabit various habitats, including forests, orchards, and suburban areas. They primarily feed on fruits, berries, and occasionally insects.
24. Evening Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeaks are stocky birds with a yellow body, black wings with white patches, and a large beak. Males exhibit brighter yellow plumage, while females display a more subdued coloration.
Length: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Weight: 2.3-3.7 ounces (65-105 g)
Wingspan: 13.4-14.6 inches (34-37 cm)
These grosbeaks breed in western North America and parts of Canada. They can be found year-round in some regions or migrate to lower elevations during winter.
Evening Grosbeaks inhabit coniferous forests and are often seen in flocks. They primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and buds.
25. Scott’s Oriole
Scott’s Orioles showcase a striking contrast between their black head, back, and tail, and their bright yellow belly and undersides. Males also display orange or reddish-orange feathers on their shoulders.
Length: 8.3-9.1 inches (21-23 cm)
Weight: 1.1-1.2 ounces (31-34 g)
Wingspan: 12.2-12.6 inches (31-32 cm)
These orioles can be found primarily in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Scott’s Orioles inhabit arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts, canyons, and scrublands. They feed on insects, nectar, and fruits.
26. Spot-breasted Oriole
Spot-breasted Orioles exhibit a bright yellow belly and undersides, complemented by a black head, back, and tail. They have a prominent white patch on their wings.
Length: 8.7 inches (22 cm)
Weight: 1.7 ounces (48 g)
Wingspan: 12.2 inches (31 cm)
These orioles are primarily found in southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, with a few individuals occasionally sighted in southern Florida.
Spot-breasted Orioles inhabit open woodlands, forest edges, and urban areas. They primarily feed on fruits, nectar, and insects.
27. Baltimore Oriole (Female)
Female Baltimore Orioles exhibit a yellowish-orange hue on their bellies and undersides, with duller colors compared to their vibrant male counterparts.
Length: 7.5 inches (19 cm)
Weight: 1.0-1.2 ounces (28-34 g)
Wingspan: 9.8 inches (25 cm)
Baltimore Orioles breed across the eastern and central parts of North America, including parts of Canada. They migrate to Central America and the Caribbean during winter.
These orioles frequent various habitats, including deciduous forests, open woodlands, and suburban areas. They have a diverse diet, feeding on nectar, insects, and fruits.
28. Streaked-backed Oriole (Female)
The female Streaked-backed Oriole showcases a yellow belly and undersides, contrasting with a streaked black and yellow back. They have a slightly curved beak.
Length: 8.7 inches (22 cm)
Weight: 1.6-2.1 ounces (45-60 g)
Wingspan: 12.6 inches (32 cm)
These orioles primarily inhabit Central America and parts of southern Mexico.
Streaked-backed Orioles thrive in various habitats, including forests, plantations, and gardens. They feed on insects, nectar, and fruits.
29. Hooded Oriole
Hooded Orioles feature a bright yellow belly and undersides, accompanied by a black head, back, and tail. Males showcase an orange or reddish-orange hood on their head.
Length: 7.9 inches (20 cm)
Weight: 1.0-1.1 ounces (28-31 g)
Wingspan: 11 inches (28 cm)
These orioles primarily inhabit the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico.
Hooded Orioles frequent various habitats, including desert oases, riparian areas, and suburban gardens. They feed on insects, nectar, and fruits.
30. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers exhibit bright yellow plumage throughout their body, with males showcasing a black cap. Females may have a less prominent cap or lack it altogether.
Length: 4.7 inches (12 cm)
Weight: 0.3 ounces (8 g)
Wingspan: 7.5 inches (19 cm)
These warblers breed in the western United States and parts of Canada. They migrate to Mexico and Central America during winter.
Wilson’s Warblers inhabit various forest types, including coniferous and deciduous forests. They feed on insects, spiders, and occasionally consume berries.
31. Hooded Warbler
Hooded Warblers exhibit a striking appearance with a bright yellow face and underparts, contrasting with their black hood and back.
Length: 4.7 inches (12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.9 inches (20 cm)
These warblers breed in the eastern United States and parts of Canada. They migrate to Mexico and Central America during winter.
Hooded Warblers
can be found in various habitats, including deciduous forests and forest edges. They primarily feed on insects, spiders, and occasionally consume berries.
32. Williamson’s Sapsucker (Male)
The male Williamson’s Sapsucker features a yellow belly and undersides, complemented by black and white markings on its back, wings, and head.
Length: 8.7-9.4 inches (22-24 cm)
Weight: 1.9-2.5 ounces (54-71 g)
Wingspan: 15.7-16.1 inches (40-41 cm)
These sapsuckers breed in western North America, primarily in mountainous regions. They migrate to lower elevations during winter.
Williamson’s Sapsuckers inhabit coniferous forests and feed on tree sap, insects, and occasionally fruits.
33. Great Crested Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatchers showcase a bright yellow belly, complemented by olive-brown upperparts and a distinct crest on their head.
Length: 6.7-8.3 inches (17-21 cm)
Weight: 1.0-1.1 ounces (29-32 g)
Wingspan: 12.2 inches (31 cm)
These flycatchers breed across the eastern and central parts of North America and migrate to Central America during winter.
Great Crested Flycatchers can be found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They primarily feed on insects, beetles, and occasionally consume fruits.
34. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers showcase a yellow belly and undersides, complemented by black and white markings on their back, wings, and head.
Length: 7.9-8.7 inches (20-22 cm)
Weight: 1.3-1.6 ounces (37-45 g)
Wingspan: 13.4-15.0 inches (34-38 cm)
These sapsuckers breed in northern North America and parts of the eastern United States. They migrate to southern regions and Central America during winter.
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers inhabit various forest types, including both deciduous and coniferous forests. They feed on tree sap, insects, and occasionally fruits.
35. Wilson’s Phalarope
Wilson’s Phalaropes are unique shorebirds with a yellowish-buff belly and undersides. They have a slender body and a long, thin bill.
Length: 7.1-8.3 inches (18-21 cm)
Weight: 1.2-1.8 ounces (34-51 g)
Wingspan: 15.4-16.5 inches (39-42 cm)
These phalaropes breed in the western United States and Canada, often in marshes and wetlands. During migration, they can be found in various regions across North America.
Wilson’s Phalaropes inhabit freshwater lakes, marshes, and saline or alkaline wetlands. They are known for their unique feeding behavior, spinning in circles on the water’s surface to create a vortex and stirring up small invertebrates to feed on.
These 35 birds with yellow bellies add vibrancy and charm to the avian world of North America. Whether they reside in forests, fields, wetlands, or open habitats, their bright plumage and unique characteristics make them a delight to observe and appreciate. Keep exploring and discovering the diverse bird species that adorn our natural landscapes!