In the spring and summer, when migratory warblers and orioles are present, black and yellow birds may be seen frequently.
To aid in the identification of black and yellow birds, learn more. At backyard feeders or in the fields and forests, these bright and cheerful birds may be found.
Several black and yellow birds migrate to the United States and Canada, while others stay all year.
So that you can identify the ones you’ve seen, keep reading.
23 Common Black and Yellow Birds:
- American Goldfinch
- Common Yellowthroat
- Western Meadowlark
- Lesser Goldfinch
- Prairie Warbler
- Orchard Oriole Female
- Western Tanager
- Pine Warbler
- Yellow Warbler
- Yellow-headed Blackbird
- White-eyed Vireo
- Eastern Meadowlark
- Yellow-throated Warbler
- Evening Grosbeak
- Scott’s Oriole
- Hooded Oriole
- Wilson’s Warbler
- Hooded Warbler
- Black-throated Green Warbler
- Canada Warbler
- Magnolia Warbler
- Altamira Oriole
- Audubon’s Oriole
1. American Goldfinch
In the spring, male American Goldfinches have a vivid yellow and black plumage. In the winter, both females and males are duller brown.
- 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)
Most of North America is home to American Goldfinches. Before going to southern states, they breed in Canada and the Mid-West and remain there all year. They migrate to southern states during the winter.
Sunflower, thistle, and aster plants may be found foraging for them in weedy fields and overgrown areas. Suburbs, parks, and gardens are also home to these creatures.
Planting thistles and milkweed in your lawn may help to attract additional American Goldfinches. Most bird feeders will be visited, with sunflower seed and nyjer seed being the preferred foods.
2. Common Yellowthroat
Little brownish-backed songbirds with long tails, Common Yellowthroats are tiny songbirds that are bright yellow on the back. A black mask covers the face of the males. The yellows can be more olive in parts underneath, and the brightness of the yellows varies geographically.
- 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)
Except for Alaska and northern Canada, Common Yellowthroats breed throughout much of North America during the summer. Some species may be found year-round along the Gulf Coast and Pacific Southwest.
They prefer marshy or wetland environments and brushy fields, where they live in thick, intertwined vegetation throughout the spring and summer.
They prefer insects and are usually seen in huge backyards with thick vegetation.
3. Western Meadowlark
Your day can be brightened up by Western Meadowlarks, with their vivid yellow bellies and lovely song. This is what accounts for their widespread appeal, and they are the official state bird of six states as a result.
With brown and white upperparts and a black V-shaped band across the bright yellow chest that turns gray in winter, Western Meadowlarks are related to blackbirds. They are around the size of a Robin.
- Length: 6.3-10.2 in (16-26 cm)
- Weight: 3.1-4.1 oz (89-115 g)
- Wingspan: 16.1 in (41 cm)
Before migrating to more southern states, they bred in northern areas of the United States and Canada. The weather is consistent throughout the year in the west and midwest.
In the ground alone or in small flocks in grasslands, meadows, and fields, Western Meadowlarks forage for insects and seeds from weeds and seeds.
4. Lesser Goldfinch
Little bright yellow and black songbirds with long pointed wings and short notched tails, Lesser Goldfinches are a little species. The backs of females are olive, while the bellies are duller yellow.
- Length: 3.5-4.3 in (9-11 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (8-11.5 g)
- Wingspan: 5.9-7.9 in (15-20 cm)
Throughout the year, Lesser Goldfinches can be found throughout the Southwest and Westcoast, but some may migrate to lower altitudes during winter.
In open environments such as thickets, weedy fields, forest clearings parks, and gardens, Lesser Goldfinches may be found in huge flocks. Sunflower seeds, as well as fruits from elderberry, coffeeberry, and cottonwood buds, are foraged for by them.
Sunflower seeds and nyjer in tube feeders or platform feeders may help you attract additional Lesser Goldfinches to your property.
5. Prairie Warbler
The back of these little birds is olive green, while the throat and belly are yellow. They have a dark semicircle beneath their eye and black streaks on the sides. The color of female Prairie Warblers is duller.
- Length: 4.3 in (11 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz (6.4-8.8 g)
They spend the winter in Florida and the Caribbean, as well as some coastal areas in Central America, breeding over the eastern and southeast states.
Those that live in Florida year-round are bigger and different from those that live elsewhere.
These birds dwell in fields and woods, despite their name. They are known as prairie warblers.
6. Orchard Oriole Female
Females of the Orchard Orioles have greenish-yellow plumage that is lighter on the underside and brighter on the back. They have darker wings and white wingbars. With black heads and backs, and reddish underbellies, males appear significantly different.
- Length: 5.9-7.1 in (15-18 cm)
- Weight: 0.6-1.0 oz (16-28 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8 in (25 cm)
In the summer, Orchard Orioles breed in central and eastern states before heading south to Mexico and Central America.
Orchard Orioles may be observed in riverbanks, open shrubland, and gardens, as well as in backyards, preferring open woodland. They construct hanging pouches with their nests.
Ants, caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers are among the insects they consume. Spiders are also eaten. They’ll eat mulberries and chokeberries, as well as sip nectar from flowers.
Hummingbird feeders or platform feeders with cut oranges or mango are effective ways to attract Orchard Orioles to your yard. Mulberries and chokeberries, both native to the region, are also options.
7. Western Tanager
The head of a Western Tanager is orange-red, the body is yellow, and the wings are black.
- Length: 6.3-7.5 in (16-19 cm)
- Weight: 0.8-1.3 oz (24-36 g)
They live throughout the western United States and Canada. During migration, they may be seen in the range’s eastern and southern regions. Mexico and Central America are where Winter spends his time.
Despite their bright coloring, they reside in open conifer woodlands and stay hidden in the canopy. Western Tanagers are unable to make the pigment themselves, so the red coloration is most likely from eating insects that make it.
Dry fruit, sliced oranges, and other fruits from bird feeders may entice Western Tanagers.
8. Pine Warbler
Little plump yellow birds with olive backs, white belly, and gray wingbars make up the Pine Warblers. Browner females with more white on their bellies are possible.
- 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)
Before traveling south, they breed in the Northeastern United States. In the Southeastern United States, some are found all year.
Pine Warblers, whose name speaks for itself, may be found deep in the trees in pine woodlands. Caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other invertebrates are eaten when the weather is colder, as are fruit and seeds.
Tube feeders and platform feeders with millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, and suet can all attract more Pine Warblers. Bayberry, grape, sumac, and Virginia creeper are among the native fruits and vines you may plant.
9. Yellow Warbler
In the summer, chestnut streaks on the breast are visible on Yellow Warblers, which are little bright yellow birds with a yellow-green back. The wings have grayish-black streaks.
- Length: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (9-11 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 in (16-20 cm)
Before heading into Central and northern South America for winter, Yellow Warblers migrate a long distance to breed across much of North America.
During migration, they can be found in the extreme south.
Insect-eating birds, such as caterpillars, midges, beetles, bugs, and wasps can be found in thickets and along the margins of fields searching for food.
You can try suet, oranges, and peanut butter to attract warblers to your yard since they are shy and eat mainly insects.
10. Yellow-headed Blackbird
In males, yellow-headed blackbirds have white patches on their wings and a glossy black body with bright yellow heads and chests. The yellow head is duller, and females are brown instead of black. They’re bigger than the Red-winged Blackbird, for starters.
- Length: 8.3-10.2 in (21-26 cm)
- Weight: 1.6-3.5 oz (44-100 g)
- Wingspan: 16.5-17.3 in (42-44 cm)
In the summer, they forage across surrounding wetlands, grasslands, and fields for mostly insects, breeding in western and prairie wetlands and nesting in reeds.
During the winter, they move to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico to feed on seeds in huge flocks. They migrate to fields and farmland.
Sunflower seeds may help you attract more Yellow-headed Blackbirds to your property.
11. White-eyed Vireo
Gray and yellow tones for a tiny songbird. The head, chest, and neck of white-eyed Vireos are gray, and their wings are yellow with black streaking. They have two white wingbars.
Their eyes and foreheads are yellow, and their eye is white.
- Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (10-14 g)
- Wingspan: 6.7 in (17 cm)
Hidden in thickets out of sight, I spent the summer across the southern United States. They spend the winter in Mexico and the Caribbean, along the coast.
Insects, flies, and spiders in overgrown meadows and brambles are what white-eyed Vireos eat.
12. Eastern Meadowlark
Bright yellow below and pale brown with black markings on the back, these are a medium-sized songbird. A black band across the chest distinguishes them.
- 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)
Before migrating south, they will breed in the northeast and into Canada all year throughout eastern US states.
Insect-eating grasslands and prairies are where they may be found. They congregate in fields throughout the winter, seeking seeds.
13. Yellow-throated Warbler
The Yellow-throated Warbler has a gray and white body with black stripes, similar to that of the Common Yellowthroat.
- Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (9-11 g)
- Wingspan: 8.3 in (21 cm)
Yellow-throated Warblers migrate to Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America throughout the winter. They breed across the southern United States. In Florida, several birds may remain year-round.
During migration, they forage lower down in the pine trees where they spend their time at the top.
14. Evening Grosbeak
Males of the Evening Grosbeak have a white patch on their wings and are yellow and black. The majority of females and immature males are gray.
- Length: 6.3-7.1 in (16-18 cm)
- Weight: 1.9-2.6 oz (53-74 g)
- Wingspan: 11.8-14.2 in (30-36 cm)
They reside in coniferous forests throughout the year in southern Canada and the Rocky Mountains. If pine cone crops are sparse, they might travel as far south as the United States.
If pine cone crops are poor, Evening Grosbeaks may visit sunflower seed feeders in the winter.
15. Scott’s Oriole
In the males, there is a big distinctive oriole with a bright yellow underbelly and black head and back. Females have olive-brown backs and are lighter in color.
- Length: 9.1 in (23 cm)
- Weight: 1.1-1.4 oz (32-41 g)
- Wingspan: 12.6 in (32 cm)
Scott’s Orioles may be found in arid regions eating insects in yuccas, where they breed in southwestern US states.
16. Hooded Oriole
With black throats and backs, male Hooded Orioles come in a range of bright yellow to bright orange. More yellow with grayish wings, females and immatures are more common. The black face markings are missing from females.
- Length: 7.1-7.9 in (18-20 cm)
- Weight: 0.8 oz (24 g)
- Wingspan: 9.1-11.0 in (23-28 cm)
They breed in the Southwest, hanging nests on palm frond undersides.
They’ll come for nectar or use oriole fruit to attract them.
17. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers are tiny yellow warblers with a black head in males and an olive head in females.
- Length: 3.9-4.7 in (10-12 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz (5-10 g)
- Wingspan: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)
Wilson’s Warblers can be found across all states during migration, breeding in Canada, Alaska, and the northwestern United States. They spend the winter in Central America and Mexico.
Look for Wilson’s Warblers in thicketed areas along streams.
18. Hooded Warbler
The head of a male Hooded Warbler is bright yellow, with a black hood and neck. Underneath, they’re yellow, and above, they’re olive green.
Females and younglings have a brighter yellow complexion with no black face markings.
- Length: 5.1 in (13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (9-12 g)
- Wingspan: 6.9 in (17.5 cm)
Before migrating south to Central America and the Caribbean for winter, they breed in eastern states.
The best place to find Hooded Warblers is in thickly wooded areas with deep understory for insect hunting.
19. Black-throated Green Warbler
With a yellow face and head, as well as an olive-yellow back, this tiny yellow songbird is rare. They have a white underbelly and black streaks on the sides and wings.
- Length: 4.3-4.7 in (11-12 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (7-11 g)
- Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 in (17-20 cm)
During their lengthy migration across the Eastern US, up to their breeding habitat in Northeastern US and Canada, Black-throated Green Warblers are most commonly seen.
Their black neck distinguishes them from other small yellow birds, and they dwell high in the woods eating insects.
20. Canada Warbler
The Canadian Warbler looks a lot like the Magnolia Warbler and has a similar range. In the males, only the chest is covered by a black necklace that is grayish-black on the back.
Females and immature males look similar, but the back is lighter and the necklace is less prominent
- Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-13 g)
- Wingspan: 6.7-8.7 in (17-22 cm)
The Canada Warblers breed in Canada and the northeastern United States, but they may be seen throughout the eastern United States during migration.
They hunt insects in mossy woods. Because their numbers are dwindling, finding them is tough.
21. Magnolia Warbler
Males of the Magnolia Warbler are black on the back and yellowish on the belly. A necklace-like marking runs across their bellies from a ‘necklace.’ The back of females is grayer, and the belly is not striped down.
- Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.5 oz (6-15 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 in (16-20 cm)
In the woods, Magnolia Warblers breed throughout Canada and the northeastern United States. In the Eastern United States, they may be seen during migration.
They spend their winters in Central and South America.
Planting native trees and shrubs, despite the fact that you do not visit feeders, can help create a habitat for insects that they eat.
22. Altamira Oriole
The backs, wings, and tails of the Altamira Orioles are bright yellowish-orange. Around the eyes and down the neck, they’re also black. Juveniles have olive backs, not black, and are more yellow in color.
- Length: 8.3-9.8 in (21-25 cm)
- Weight: 1.7-2.3 oz (47-64 g)
- Wingspan: 14.2 in (36 cm)
Except in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and year-round in the US, Altamira Orioles are uncommon.
In the sunflower or nectar feeders, or in the wildlife refuges of southeastern Texas and Central America, look for them near backyards.
Their spectacular hanging nests, which may be up to 2 feet long, should be sought for.
23. Audubon’s Oriole
With black wings and tail, a brilliant yellow and black oriole with a black head and neck. Males and femen look similar.
- Length: 7.5-9.4 in (19-24 cm)
- Weight: 1.1-1.9 oz (31-53 g)
- Wingspan: 12.6 in (32 cm)
They aren’t migratory and have a restricted range. The Audubon’s Orioles can be found in southern Texas and Mexico.
Audubon’s Orioles will feed on sunflower seeds and nectar at backyard feeding stations in wooded areas or thickets. Since they are shy and look for insects and fruit in dense vegetation, they can be difficult to see.
Audubon’s Orioles’ nests are frequently used to house cowbird eggs.