This comprehensive handbook will assist you in identifying the vibrant yellow avian species found in Utah. By providing you with an assortment of photographs, identification details, melodic recordings of their songs, and migration patterns, you’ll be well-equipped to spot these yellow-feathered marvels.
The majority of yellow birds in Utah belong to the warbler or tanager families, occasionally presenting themselves as females that bear stark dissimilarities to their male counterparts. Throughout the year, these yellow-hued creatures can be sighted in Utah, as they migrate in and out, with some opting to remain throughout all seasons.
Your task of identifying yellow birds will be considerably simplified with the wealth of information contained within this guide. I have thoughtfully arranged the various yellow bird species in order of their frequency of sightings in Utah during spring and summer (specifically May and June), based on ebird checklists.
Yellow Birds in Utah throughout the year include the Lesser Goldfinch, American Goldfinch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Cedar Waxwing, and Orange-crowned Warbler.
Yellow Birds in Utah during the summer encompass the Western Meadowlark, Yellow Warbler, Western Kingbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Western Tanager, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Hooded Oriole, and Scott’s Oriole.
Yellow Birds in Utah during migration periods consist of the Wilson’s Warbler, Evening Grosbeak, and Nashville Warbler.
Now, delve into the following sections to successfully identify the yellow birds you’ve encountered and wished to learn more about.
Utah houses a total of 17 yellow bird species:
1. Lesser Goldfinch
Utah serves as the breeding grounds for Lesser Goldfinches, some of which remain in the region year-round. Birdwatchers in the state have reported their presence in 15% of summer checklists and 12% of winter checklists.
These petite avian wonders boast a vibrant yellow and black coloration, showcasing long pointed wings and short, notched tails. However, female Lesser Goldfinches exhibit olive backs and display a more subdued yellow hue beneath.
Spinus psaltria
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)
While Lesser Goldfinches can be found year-round along the southwestern states and the West Coast, those breeding in the interior regions of western US states migrate during the winter.
You can spot these delightful creatures in sizable flocks, traversing open habitats such as thickets, weedy fields, forest clearings, parks, and gardens. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, particularly those of the sunflower variety, while also indulging in fruits like elderberry and coffeeberry. Additionally, they relish the buds of cottonwoods, willows, sycamores, and alders.
Listen to the call/song of the Lesser Goldfinch:
Credit: Manuel Grosselet, XC428720. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/428720.
Lesser Goldfinches typically establish their nests near streams, skillfully concealed within trees and shrubs. Constructed using bark, leaves, and other plant materials, the nests resemble a cup-shaped structure held together by spiderwebs. A brood usually consists of up to six eggs, requiring approximately two weeks for incubation before the young birds are ready to venture forth.
To attract Lesser Goldfinches to your yard, consider providing sunflower seeds and nyjer through tube feeders or platform feeders.
Fun Fact: Lesser Goldfinches engage in territorial disputes with the larger Lawrence’s Goldfinches, diligently driving them away from feeders and nesting areas. Nonetheless, they happily mingle with other avian species.
2. Western Meadowlark
Western Meadowlarks grace Utah with their presence throughout the year, although their abundance peaks during the breeding season. These charming birds make an appearance in 17% of summer checklists and 5% of winter checklists.
Dazzling with bright yellow bellies and enchanting melodies, Western Meadowlarks possess the dimensions of a Robin, exhibiting shades of brown and white on their upperparts. A black V-shaped band adorns their resplendent yellow chest, which transitions to gray during winter.
Sturnella neglecta
Length: 6.3-10.2 in (16-26 cm)
Weight: 3.1-4.1 oz (89-115 g)
Wingspan: 16.1 in (41 cm)
While Western Meadowlarks breeding in the northern US states and Canada migrate to southern states for winter, those residing in the western and midwestern regions remain throughout the year.
These delightful creatures are often found foraging on the ground within grasslands, meadows, and fields. They typically seek food individually or in small flocks and seldom venture into wooded or densely vegetated areas.
Western Meadowlarks have a diet that primarily consists of insects and seeds. During summer, they consume a larger proportion of insects, while shifting to seeds and grains as the winter season arrives.
Discover the captivating melodies of Western Meadowlarks as they fill the air with a series of tweets, warbles, and whistles:
Matt Wistrand, XC638594. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/638594.
Take a moment to watch the accompanying video, capturing the enchanting warbles and whistles of this delightful songbird.
Western Meadowlarks construct their nests in depressions within grasslands. The nests are lined with soft materials like grass and may feature a roof constructed from grass and plant stalks.
To entice Western Meadowlarks to your backyard, consider offering sunflower seeds and cracked corn.
Fun fact: Western Meadowlarks have been bestowed with the honor of being selected as the state bird for six US states.
3. American Goldfinch
American Goldfinches grace the northern regions of Utah throughout the year. However, certain individuals migrate to the western areas during winter while embracing the breeding season in central locales. Sightings of American Goldfinches have been documented in 11% of summer checklists and 13% of winter checklists.
Renowned for their striking appearance, particularly the males’ resplendent yellow and black plumage during spring, American Goldfinches have captured the hearts of bird enthusiasts. Female American Goldfinches and males during winter exhibit a more subdued brown coloration.
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)
These delightful creatures can be found across most of North America, often displaying a year-round residence. However, those breeding in Canada and the Midwest embark on a winter migration to southern US states.
American Goldfinches can be spotted in weedy fields, overgrown areas, suburbs, parks, and backyards. They eagerly forage on the seeds of sunflowers, thistles, and aster plants. They are also regular visitors to bird feeders, displaying a preference for sunflower and nyjer seeds.
Indulge in the melodious song of the American Goldfinch:
Nests of American Goldfinches are typically nestled within shrubs, intricately crafted from rootlets and interwoven plant materials secured with spiderwebs. These nests accommodate up to seven eggs, which require approximately two weeks for hatching, followed by another two or two and a half weeks before the fledglings leave the nest.
To attract American Goldfinches to your backyard, consider planting thistles and milkweed. These birds are known to visit a wide array of bird feeders, displaying a fondness for sunflower and nyjer seeds.
Fun Fact: American Goldfinches prove to be poor hosts for cowbirds, as their strictly vegetarian diet fails to support the growth and survival of cowbird chicks, leading to their demise within days.
4. Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warblers can be sighted year-round in Utah, although they reach their peak abundance during the migration periods of September and October. These captivating creatures are present in 13% of summer checklists, 7% of winter checklists, and up to 34% of checklists during fall migration.
Yellow-rumped Warblers exhibit gray plumage adorned with bursts of yellow on their face, sides, and rump, while their wings showcase a brilliant white hue.
Females may sport a slightly browner appearance, while winter birds display a paler brown shade with vibrant yellow rumps and sides, which transition to a bright yellow and gray coloration as spring approaches.
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)
Yellow-rumped Warblers predominantly breed in Canada, as well as select regions of the Rockies and the Appalachian mountains. During migration, they traverse the Midwest before embarking on their winter sojourn across southern and southwestern US states, the Pacific Coast, Mexico, and Central America.
These charming warblers frequent coniferous forests, particularly during the breeding season. As winter arrives, they venture into open areas featuring fruiting shrubs. During the summer, their diet primarily comprises insects, while they transition to a fruit-based diet, including bayberries and wax myrtles, during migration and winter.
Immerse yourself in the melodious song of the Yellow-rumped Warbler:
Credit: Christopher McPherson, XC602699. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/602699.
Nests of Yellow-rumped Warblers are skillfully constructed by females within conifer trees, utilizing twigs, pine needles, and grass, and lined with soft grass, moss, and hair. These nests cradle up to six eggs, which hatch after approximately two weeks, followed by an additional two weeks before the fledglings depart.
To attract Yellow-rumped Warblers to your backyard, consider offering sunflower seeds, suet, raisins, and peanut butter.
Fun Fact: During winter, Yellow-rumped Warblers form flocks that can number in the thousands, displaying a sense of aggression towards any species that encroaches upon their territory.
5. Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warblers predominantly grace the landscapes of Utah during the breeding season, spanning from April to September, with some individuals remaining until January. These delightful creatures are present in 28% of summer checklists within the state.
Yellow Warblers are petite, bright yellow birds adorned with a yellow-green back. Male individuals feature chestnut streaks on their breast, while females and juveniles possess a slightly muted appearance compared to their male counterparts.
Setophaga petechia
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)
Yellow Warblers embark on a lengthy migratory journey to breed in Canada and the US, excluding southeastern states, before venturing into Central and South America for the winter season. Nevertheless, they can be spotted during migration within southeastern US states.
These captivating warblers favor habitats along streams, wetlands, thickets, and field edges, where they diligently forage for insects, including caterpillars, midges, beetles, bugs, and wasps.
Immerse yourself in the delightful song of the Yellow Warbler:
Credit: Richard E. Webster, XC662546. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/662546.
Nests of Yellow Warblers are typically located within small trees or shrubs, meticulously crafted from bark, grass, and plant materials intricately woven together and fortified with spiderwebs. These nests feature a soft lining comprising hair, feathers, and plant down. A clutch consists of up to seven eggs, requiring around twelve days for incubation, followed by an additional ten days before the young birds take flight.
To attract Yellow Warblers to your backyard, consider offering suet, oranges, peanut butter, and plants that bear berries. Additionally, cultivate native plants that attract insects without the use of pesticides and embrace a less pristine garden. Birdbaths featuring fountains nestled amidst secluded plantings can provide an added layer of protection.
Fun Fact: When Cowbirds attempt to lay their eggs in Yellow Warbler nests, the diligent warblers respond by constructing a new nest on top of the old one, effectively resetting the process up to six times.
6. Western Kingbird
Western Kingbirds rank as the second most frequently encountered yellow birds during Utah’s summer season, making an appearance in 24% of checklists during this time. Their visitations span from March to October.
Western Kingbirds, belonging to the large flycatcher family, showcase yellow bellies, whitish chests, gray heads, grayish-brown wings, and black tails accentuated by white edges.
Tyrannus verticalis
Length: 7.9-9.4 in (20-24 cm)
Weight: 1.3-1.6 oz (37-46 g)
Wingspan: 15.0-16.1 in (38-41 cm)
Western Kingbirds breed during the summer in western US states, the plains region, and parts of Canada. Subsequently, they embark on a migratory journey to Mexico and Central America. However, some individuals may opt to overwinter in the southern regions of Florida.
These regal birds favor open habitats and are frequently observed perched on fences and utility lines, patiently awaiting the arrival of insects to snatch mid-flight.
Immerse yourself in the distinct call of the Western Kingbird:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC552239. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/552239.
Nests of Western Kingbirds are typically constructed within trees or shrubs, although they also exhibit a penchant for human-made structures such as buildings or posts. These nests comprise twigs, grass, and plant material intricately woven into a cup-shaped structure. A clutch consists of up to seven eggs, requiring two to three weeks for incubation, followed by an equal duration before the young birds fledge.
To entice Western Kingbirds to your yard, consider fostering an insect-friendly environment and cultivating elderberry or hawthorn trees, which also serve as a delectable food source.
Fun Fact: Western Kingbird parents continue to provide nourishment to their young for an additional three weeks after they leave the nest.
7. Yellow-headed Blackbird
Yellow-headed Blackbirds make their presence known in Utah during the summer season, particularly from April to June. They are encountered in 14% of checklists during this period and exhibit a significant presence. However, some individuals remain within the region throughout the year.
These striking birds feature glossy black bodies adorned with vibrant yellow heads and chests, accompanied by white patches on their wings in male specimens. Female Yellow-headed Blackbirds display a brown coloration in place of black, with a slightly subdued yellow head. They surpass the Red-winged Blackbird in size.
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
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)
Yellow-headed Blackbirds breed within western and prairie wetlands, crafting their nests within reeds. They forage within the surrounding wetlands, grasslands, and fields, primarily feasting on insects during the summer season.
Following breeding, Yellow-headed Blackbirds embark on migratory journeys to fields and farmland across Southwest states and Mexico, where they spend the winter season in large flocks.
Yellow-headed Blackbirds maintain a diet comprising insects during summer, while shifting their focus to seeds and grains during winter.
Delight in the distinct sounds emitted by Yellow-headed Blackbirds, characterized by screeching buzzes intertwined with melodious notes:
Bobby Wilcox, XC544023. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/544023.
Nests of Yellow-headed Blackbirds are fashioned from long, damp stems woven together and affixed to cattails or reeds above the water. These nests accommodate 2-5 eggs, requiring approximately two weeks for incubation, followed by another week or two before the young birds fledge.
To attract Yellow-headed Blackbirds to your yard, consider offering sunflower seeds.
Fun Fact: Yellow-headed Blackbirds exhibit a unique foraging behavior, flipping over stones to flush out insects for their consumption.
8. Western Tanager
Western Tanagers grace the landscapes of Utah during the summer season, predominantly from April to October, and feature in 14% of checklists during this period.
Western Tanagers boast a fiery orange-red head, complemented by a yellow body and black wings. Female Western Tanagers possess red faces and yellow-green bodies.
Piranga ludoviciana
Length: 6.3-7.5 in (16-19 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.3 oz (24-36 g)
Western Tanagers breed within western US states and western Canada, occasionally making appearances during migration in the eastern and southern regions of their range. During the winter season, they seek refuge in Mexico and Central America.
These vibrant birds can be found within open coniferous forests, although they tend to remain concealed within the canopy despite their striking appearance. Notably, their population has exhibited growth over the past four decades.
During the summer season, Western Tanagers predominantly feast on insects such as wasps and grasshoppers. As fall and winter approach, they expand their diet to include fruit.
Immerse yourself in the captivating song of the Western Tanager:
Credit: Richard E. Webster, XC678811. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/678811.
To entice Western Tan
agers to your backyard, offer dried fruit, cut oranges, and other fruit varieties via bird feeders.
Fun Fact: The red coloration observed in Western Tanagers likely stems from the ingestion of insects that produce pigments the birds cannot synthesize themselves.
9. Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwings make appearances within northern regions of Utah during the breeding season, while also gracing the rest of the state during migration and some remaining for the winter season.
These elegant and sociable birds showcase pale brown plumage on their head, chest, and crest, transitioning to gray on their back and wings. Their pale yellow belly and bright yellow tips on their tail feathers accentuate their appearance. A narrow black mask adorns their eyes, and their wingtips flaunt a vibrant red hue.
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 within Canada before embarking on a journey to southern US states, Mexico, and Central America for winter. In northern US states, they maintain a year-round presence.
Cedar Waxwings frequent berry bushes, woodlands, grasslands, towns, and streamsides. Their diet primarily revolves around fruit, although they also consume insects during the summer season.
Immerse yourself in the melodious call of the Cedar Waxwing:
Credit: Peter Ward and Ken Hall, XC512254. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/512254.
Nests of Cedar Waxwings are constructed within trees, utilizing twigs, grass, hair, and plant materials woven together and lined with pine needles and soft grass. These nests accommodate up to six eggs, requiring around twelve days for incubation and approximately sixteen days before the young birds fledge.
To attract Cedar Waxwings to your backyard, consider planting native trees and shrubs that yield small fruit, such as serviceberry, dogwood, juniper, winterberry, and hawthorn. Additionally, providing fruit on platform feeders can prove enticing.
Fun Fact: Cedar Waxwings engage in a unique behavior during courtship, presenting gifts that they pass between potential mates.
10. Orange-crowned Warbler
Orange-crowned Warblers have been documented throughout the year in Utah, yet they predominantly emerge during migration in May and September. Sightings of Orange-crowned Warblers account for up to 12% of checklists during migration.
Orange-crowned Warblers exhibit a more subdued color palette compared to other warblers, sporting yellow-olive plumage with a touch of yellow, particularly along the Pacific Coast. Their orange crown is a rare sight.
Leiothlypis celata
Length: 4.3-5.5 in (11-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (7-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.5 in (19 cm)
Orange-crowned Warblers breed within Canada and western US states, embarking on migratory journeys that encompass the Pacific, East and Gulf Coasts, as well as Mexico. They can also be spotted during migration across all US states, excluding the northeastern region.
These elusive warblers favor shrubs and low vegetation, with a preference for open woodland during the breeding season. Their diet primarily consists of spiders and insects such as caterpillars and flies. Additionally, Orange-crowned Warblers regularly visit backyard feeders, exhibiting an affinity for fruit, berries, and seeds.
Immerse yourself in the
unique song of the Orange-crowned Warbler:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC671865. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/671865.
Nests of Orange-crowned Warblers are typically located near or on the ground, constructed from dead leaves, twigs, stems, and lined with soft grass and animal hair. A clutch comprises up to six eggs.
To attract Orange-crowned Warblers to your backyard, offer suet and peanut butter via hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water nectar.
Fun Fact: Orange-crowned Warblers have been observed drinking sap from sapsucker and woodpecker sapwells.
11. Summer Tanager
Summer Tanagers are a delightful sight in Utah during the summer season, particularly from May to August, and feature in ebird checklists about 11% of the time.
These striking birds exhibit a vibrant red plumage in males, while females showcase a more subdued yellow-green coloration. Their beaks are sturdy and suitable for their primary diet of bees, wasps, and other insects.
Piranga rubra
Length: 6.3-7.5 in (16-19 cm)
Weight: 1.1-1.4 oz (31-40 g)
Summer Tanagers breed across the southern United States and parts of Mexico before venturing into Central and South America for the winter season.
You can find Summer Tanagers in open woodlands, parks, and forest edges where they actively forage for their insect prey. They occasionally catch flying insects mid-air, displaying their agile hunting skills.
Immerse yourself in the melodious song of the Summer Tanager:
Credit: Andrew Spencer, XC664248. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/664248.
Nests of Summer Tanagers are typically located high up in trees, constructed with twigs, grass, and leaves, and lined with softer materials like feathers and fine plant fibers. They lay 2-4 eggs that take about two weeks to hatch.
To attract Summer Tanagers to your backyard, provide a variety of insects by cultivating a garden with flowering plants and avoiding pesticide use.
Fun Fact: Male Summer Tanagers can occasionally appear entirely red due to a rare genetic mutation known as erythrism.
12. Hooded Oriole
Hooded Orioles are a stunning sight in Utah during the summer season, with their bright yellow plumage and distinct black face mask. They feature in ebird checklists about 11% of the time during this period.
These medium-sized orioles showcase a slender and curved bill, which they use to feed on nectar, insects, and fruits.
Icterus cucullatus
Length: 7.1-7.5 in (18-19 cm)
Weight: 1.2-1.4 oz (34-39 g)
Wingspan: 10.2-11.8 in (26-30 cm)
Hooded Orioles breed across the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico, spending their winter season in Mexico and Central America.
You can find Hooded Orioles in open woodlands, riparian areas, and suburban gardens where they seek out flowering plants for nectar and insects. They are known for their unique hanging nests, which they construct with plant fibers and fine grass.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting song of the Hooded Oriole:
Credit: John Harney, XC390781. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/390781.
Nests of Hooded Orioles are woven in the shape of a hanging bag, usually suspended from the ends of palm fronds or other similar structures. The female builds the nest using various plant fibers, including grass, bark, and feathers. They lay 3-5 eggs that take about two weeks to hatch.
To attract Hooded Orioles to your backyard, provide feeders with sugar water or offer oranges, jelly, and nectar-producing flowers.
Fun Fact: Hooded Orioles are known for their unique and complex song, which often includes mimicry of other bird species.
13. Scott’s Oriole
Scott’s Orioles make occasional appearances in Utah during the summer season, particularly from April to August, and can be found in ebird checklists about 11% of
the time.
These striking orioles feature bright yellow plumage, contrasting with black wings, tail, and face mask in males. Females possess more subdued colors, with olive-yellow tones.
Icterus parisorum
Length: 7.1-8.3 in (18-21 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.2 oz (23-34 g)
Wingspan: 10.2-11.8 in (26-30 cm)
Scott’s Orioles breed across the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico, spending their winter season in Mexico and Central America.
You can find Scott’s Orioles in desert habitats, rocky slopes, and open woodlands. They have a varied diet, feeding on nectar, insects, spiders, and fruits.
Immerse yourself in the delightful song of the Scott’s Oriole:
Credit: Richard E. Webster, XC450024. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/450024.
Nests of Scott’s Orioles are constructed in the shape of a hanging basket, typically suspended from the ends of palm fronds or other similar structures. The female builds the nest using various plant fibers, including grass, bark, and feathers. They lay 3-5 eggs that take about two weeks to hatch.
To attract Scott’s Orioles to your backyard, provide feeders with sugar water or offer oranges, jelly, and nectar-producing flowers.
Fun Fact: Scott’s Orioles are known for their distinct vocalizations, often described as a series of liquid whistles.
14. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers grace Utah during migration, particularly from April to May and August to September, and can be found in ebird checklists up to 34% of the time during these periods.
These small warblers feature vibrant yellow plumage, with males exhibiting a black cap atop their heads. Females possess a more subdued coloration, with olive-yellow tones.
Cardellina pusilla
Length: 4.3-4.7 in (11-12 cm)
Weight: 0.2-0.4 oz (5-10 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.5 in (17-19 cm)
Wilson’s Warblers breed in western North America, including parts of Canada and the western United States, before migrating to Central America for the winter season.
You can find Wilson’s Warblers in dense thickets, shrubs, and forest understory habitats, where they actively forage for insects, spiders, and small berries.
Immerse yourself in the delightful song of the Wilson’s Warbler:
Credit: Gregory Budney, XC675635. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/675635.
Nests of Wilson’s Warblers are cup-shaped structures, typically situated on the ground and concealed within vegetation. The female constructs the nest using grass, moss, and plant fibers, lining it with fine materials like feathers and hair. They lay 3-6 eggs that take about two weeks to hatch.
To attract Wilson’s Warblers to your backyard during migration, provide cover and shrubby vegetation where insects and berries are plentiful.
Fun Fact: Wilson’s Warblers are known for their constant tail-wagging behavior, which adds to their lively and animated appearance.
15. Evening Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeaks are sporadic visitors to Utah during migration, particularly from April to May and September to October, and can be found in ebird checklists about 10% of the time during these periods.
These robust finches feature a vibrant yellow plumage with black wings, white patches, and a large, thick beak suitable for cracking seeds.
Coccothraustes vespertinus
Length: 6.7-8.3 in (17-21 cm)
Weight: 1.9-2.7 oz (54-77 g)
Wingspan: 11.8-13.8 in (30-35 cm)
Evening Grosbeaks breed in coniferous forests across western North America, including parts of Canada and the western United States, and occasionally venture into the northeastern United States.
You can find Evening Grosbeaks in forested areas, where they forage for a variety of seeds, buds, berries, and insects.
Immerse yourself in the distinctive call of the Evening Grosbeak:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC615262. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/615262.
Nests of Evening Grosbeaks are built in the branches of conifer trees, constructed with twigs, grass, and plant fibers, and lined with softer materials like moss and hair. They lay 2-4 eggs that take about two weeks to hatch.
To attract Evening Grosbeaks to your backyard during migration, provide feeders with a variety of seeds, including sunflower seeds and suet.
Fun Fact: Evening Grosbeaks exhibit a strong affinity for fruit, often targeting fruit trees in orchards and gardens.
16. Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warblers pass through Utah during migration, particularly from April to May and August to September, and can be found in ebird checklists up to 34% of the time during these periods.
These small warblers display a yellow underside and olive-green upperparts, with a gray head featuring a distinctive white eyering.
Leiothlypis ruficapilla
Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.5 in (17-19 cm)
Nashville Warblers breed in northern regions of North America, including parts of Canada and the northeastern United States, before migrating to Central America for the winter season.
You can find Nashville Warblers in dense shrubs, deciduous woodlands, and forest edges, where they actively forage for insects, spiders, and small berries.
Immerse yourself in the delightful song of the Nashville Warbler:
Credit: Andrew Spencer, XC664238. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/664238.
Nests of Nashville Warblers are typically located on or near the ground, concealed within vegetation. The female constructs the nest using grass, plant fibers, and fine materials like hair and feathers. They lay 4-5 eggs that take about two weeks to hatch.
To attract Nashville Warblers to your backyard during migration, provide cover and shrubby vegetation where insects and berries are plentiful.
Fun Fact: The Nashville Warbler is named after Nashville, Tennessee, where the species was first observed and described.
17. Evening Grosbeaks
Evening Grosbeaks feed mainly on seeds and fruits.
Evening Grosbeaks produce a distinct call that can be recognized by its unique tonal quality:
Credit: Paul Marvin, XC615262. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/615262.
Nests of Evening Grosbeaks are constructed on the branches of coniferous trees using twigs, grass, and plant fibers. The nest is lined with softer materials like moss and hair. They lay 2-4 eggs, which take approximately two weeks to hatch.
To attract Evening Grosbeaks to your backyard during migration, provide feeders stocked with various seeds, including sunflower seeds and suet.
Fun Fact: Evening Grosbeaks have
a strong preference for fruit and can often be found feeding on fruit trees in orchards and gardens.
And there you have it! A diverse list of seventeen yellow birds that can be found in Utah. Enjoy spotting these beautiful avian species and marvel at the wonders of nature!