s the snow melts and the trees awaken, you’ll begin to spot little bursts of yellow flitting around in Minnesota. These bright and cheery feathered friends take center stage, adding a pop of color to the landscape of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Among the diverse bird species that call this Northern state home, the yellow birds stand out as symbols of brightness and energy. That is why today, I’m here to tell you how these yellow-hued avian residents paint a vivid portrait of nature’s beauty.
After you read my article, you’ll be amazed at how many species of yellow bird you can find in Minnesota.
So, get ready to dive into the vibrant world of Minnesota’s yellow birds, where spring brings not just warmer days but also a splash of sunshine on the wings.
Contents
Birds In Minnesota That Are Substantially Yellow
Here I’ve listed the birds that have yellow on most parts of their bodies. Some might have other patches of colors here and there, but the brightness of yellow stays predominant.
Yellow Warbler
Source: @divine_photography_nyc
- Scientific Name: Setophaga petechia
- Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in)
- Locality: North and Central America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to June
Yellow Warblers have a small, pointed bill adapted for picking insects from foliage. Their eyes are dark, and they have a keen sense of vision. Their bodies are mostly bright yellow with streaks of reddish-brown on the chest and sides.
These Warblers incorporate spider silk into the construction of their cup-shaped nests, which helps anchor the nests and allow them to stretch as the chicks grow. Their diet includes various types of insects, such as caterpillars, beetles, flies, and spiders.
Nashville Warbler
Source: @divine_photography_nyc
- Scientific Name: Leiothlypis ruficapilla
- Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in)
- Locality: Northeastern United States
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to Mid-May
Nashville Warblers have a bright yellow belly and a grayish-olive back. They often have a white eye ring and a gray crown with a reddish patch at the center of the crown. This reddish patch is a key field mark for identifying this species.
Despite its name, the Nashville Warbler does not breed in Nashville, Tennessee, but rather in the Northeastern parts of the United States, including Minnesota. They have a preference for coniferous forests and wooded areas, often found near water sources.
Orange-Crowned Warbler
Source: @kimberlyreneephotos
- Scientific Name: Leiothlypis celata
- Size: 10 to 13 cm (4 to 5 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to August
Orange-crowned warbler has a rather plain appearance with primarily olive-green upperparts and pale underparts. The most noticeable feature is a faint orange crown on the top of its head.
Despite being named for its orange crown, the crown is often not visible. It’s considered a cryptic feature because it’s hidden by surrounding feathers and is often only revealed during specific behaviors or when the bird is agitated.
Their song is often described as a series of soft, high-pitched notes and not as complex or musical as the songs of other Warbler species.
Orchard Oriole Female
Source: @indighost_hawk
- Scientific Name: Icterus spurius
- Size: 15 to 18 cm (5.9 to 7.1 in)
- Locality: Eastern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to August
Female Orchard Orioles have a subtle but attractive plumage. They typically exhibit olive-green upperparts and yellow underparts, with a yellowish throat and breast. Their coloring helps them blend into their surroundings while nesting and foraging.
They weave intricate hanging nests from fibers, grasses, and other plant materials. These nests often dangle from the tips of branches, providing protection from predators. They are neotropical migrants, which means they travel long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds. They breed in North America and migrate to Central America and Northern South America for the winter.
Summer Tanager Female
Source: @momstheword12
- Scientific Name: Piranga rubra
- Size: 17 to 19 cm (6.7 to 7.5 in)
- Locality: Southeastern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to August
Male Summer Tanagers flaunt a striking and uniform red plumage. Female Summer Tanagers, on the other hand, exhibit a more dimmed appearance. They have olive-yellow upperparts, a pale yellow throat and breast, and often display a faint red wash on their wings and tail.
These Tanagers primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates. They are skilled at catching insects in mid-air or by gleaning them from foliage. Their song is a series of clear and melodious phrases. Their calls include sharp “pit” or “chip” notes.
Prothonotary Warbler
Source: @mvp_status
- Scientific Name: Protonotaria citrea
- Size: 12 to 14 cm (4.7 to 5.5 in)
- Locality: Eastern United States
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Early April
Prothonotary Warblers display bright lemon-yellow bodies, with the male’s head showing a slightly brighter hue. Their wings are bluish-gray, and they often appear to glow among the green foliage of their habitats.
The name “Prothonotary” refers to officials in the Roman Catholic Church who wore bright yellow robes. The warbler’s vibrant yellow plumage was thought to resemble these robes, inspiring the name. Their song is a series of clear, ringing notes that can be described as “zee zee zee zee zee.” Their calls include various sharp and metallic notes.
Pine Warbler
Source: @bird_maiden
- Scientific Name: Setophaga pinus
- Size: 11 to 15 cm (4.3 to 5.9 in)
- Locality: Eastern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to June
Pine Warblers have a relatively subdued appearance. They often exhibit olive-green upperparts, pale underparts with a touch of yellow on the throat and breast, and subtle streaking on the sides. Their overall coloring provides effective camouflage within coniferous foliage.
As their name suggests, Pine Warblers are closely associated with pine forests and other coniferous habitats. They are skilled at maneuvering through the dense foliage of these trees. While many warbler species are known for their long migrations, Pine Warblers are generally non-migratory.
Wilson’s Warbler
Source: @jodasile2
- Scientific Name: Cardellina pusilla
- Size: 10 to 12 cm (3.9 to 4.7 in)
- Locality: Northern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to April
Wilson’s Warblers have bright yellow underparts and olive-green upperparts. They are characterized by a distinctive black cap on the top of their heads. Females have a similar color pattern, but their cap is often more subdued.
They prefer moist woodlands, especially those near water bodies such as streams and wetlands. They are also commonly found in shrubby habitats and areas with dense vegetation. They often bob their tails up and down while searching for insects and other small invertebrates in vegetation.
Scarlet Tanager Female
Source: @birdingwithjud
- Scientific Name: Piranga olivacea
- Size: 16 to 18 cm (6.3 to 7.1 in)
- Locality: Eastern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to June
Female Scarlet Tanagers have olive-green upperparts and yellowish underparts, unlike the males who have vivid scarlet red plumage. Their wings and tail are black and create a beautiful contrast.
They often mimic the songs of other birds, including the songs of Eastern Phoebes and Red-Eyed Vireos. This behavior might help them avoid territorial conflicts. They build cup-shaped nests in the branches of trees. They tend to select a concealed location, making it a bit challenging to observe their nesting activities.
Blue-Winged Warbler
Source: @annelizabeth1131
- Scientific Name: Vermivora cyanoptera
- Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in)
- Locality: Eastern United States
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to June
Blue-Winged Warbler’s upperparts are olive green, and its underparts are pale yellow. The most distinguishing feature is the bright blue patch on its wings, which gives the species its name. The blue wing patch is especially noticeable when the bird is in flight or displaying.
Their song is a series of buzzy notes, resembling the sound “bee-buzz.” Their call is often described as a sharp “tsip.” They often hybridize with the closely related Golden-Winged Warbler in certain areas where their ranges overlap.
Yellow Birds In Minnesota With Contrasting Colors
The birds in this section might be mostly yellow as well, but they have contrasting colors decorating them all over. Check out these cool and bright mixes of colors!
American Goldfinch
Source: @wild.vandermeer
- Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
- Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: August
American Goldfinches have a small, slender body with a slightly forked tail and relatively short wings. They have a small, conical bill attached to their bright lemon-yellow bodies. They have contrasting black markings on their wings and forehead.
They often fly in a distinctive undulating manner, rising and falling rhythmically as they move through the air. They delay nesting until later in the summer when seeds are more abundant. This delayed breeding strategy ensures that there’s enough food available to feed their young.
Palm Warbler
Source: @juntomurph57
- Scientific Name: Setophaga palmarum
- Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.5 to 5 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to May
The plumage of Palm Warblers can vary slightly depending on the subspecies, but in general, they have brownish-olive upperparts with a yellowish underbelly. They often exhibit a rusty-colored cap on their heads and a distinctive pale eyebrow stripe.
They feed on insects, spiders, and small berries, often hopping around on the ground or low vegetation while searching for food. Their tail-wagging behavior is believed to be a helpful adaptation that flushes insects from the ground, making them easier to catch.
Magnolia Warbler
Source: @divine_photography_nyc
- Scientific Name: Setophaga magnolia
- Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.5 to 5 in)
- Locality: Northern United States
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to June
Magnolia Warbler features upperparts that are mostly black with white wing bars and a white patch on their wings. The most remarkable features are its bright yellow underparts, including a bold black necklace pattern across its chest and a vibrant yellow rump.
Despite its name, the Magnolia Warbler doesn’t have a strong association with magnolia trees. The name actually comes from a mistake made by ornithologist Alexander Wilson, who first collected a specimen in a magnolia tree during migration.
Baltimore Oriole Female
Source: @sperry1st
- Scientific Name: Icterus galbula
- Size: 18 cm (7 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to June
Female Baltimore Orioles feature a subdued yet elegant plumage compared to their male counterparts. They have a warm, olive-yellow body with slightly darker wings and tails. Their underparts are a paler yellow, and their face and throat have a touch of grayish color.
They expertly build intricately woven hanging nests, often resembling a gourd shape. They use a variety of materials, including plant fibers, grasses, and even bits of human-made items like string or yarn. These nests are often found suspended from the outer branches of trees.
Yellow-Throated Vireo
Source: @bird_nerd_canada
- Scientific Name: Vireo flavifrons
- Size: 12.5 to 14 cm (5 to 5.5 in)
- Locality: Eastern and Central North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to Mid-July
Yellow-Throated Vireo has a predominantly olive-green upper body with a pale grayish-white belly. As the name suggests, its most distinctive feature is its bright yellow throat and upper breast. It also has white eye rings, giving it a striking appearance.
They have a rich and musical song that’s often described as a series of clear and repetitive phrases. Its song is characterized by a “vireo, vireo, vireo” pattern, which makes it distinguishable from the songs of other bird species.
Black-Throated Green Warbler
Source: @robin.francis.5
- Scientific Name: Setophaga virens
- Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in)
- Locality: Eastern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to May
Black-throated Green Warbler is characterized by its brilliant coloring. Adult males have a striking black throat and face, contrasting with bright yellow underparts and olive-yellow upperparts. Females have a similar color pattern but with paler tones.
These Warblers are often found in coniferous and mixed forests, especially in higher elevations and boreal habitats. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and plenty of tree cover. During the winter months, they move to montane forests, lowland forests, and even coffee plantations.
Eastern Meadowlark
Source: @jasephotos
- Scientific Name: Sturnella magna
- Size: 18 to 26 cm (7 to 10 in)
- Locality: Southeastern North America
- Status: Near Threatened
- Breeding Season: March to August
Eastern Meadowlark has a mottled brown upper body with streaked brown and white underparts. Its most recognizable feature is a bold, bright yellow breast with a distinctive black V-shaped pattern on its chest. It has a pale stripe above its eye and a stout bill.
One of the most well-known features of the Eastern Meadowlark is its melodious and flute-like song. This song is often described as a series of clear, descending whistles. It’s a familiar sound in grasslands and rural areas.
Western Meadowlark
Source: @birdingwithjud
- Scientific Name: Sturnella neglecta
- Size: 20 to 28 cm (7.9 to 11 in)
- Locality: Western North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to July
Western Meadowlarks are adorned with vibrant yellow throats and breasts, which stand out prominently against the surrounding plumage. The upper body consists of mottled brown feathers and the underparts exhibit streaked patterns of brown and white.
They often adopt a distinctive posture, perching on elevated spots such as fence posts or other vantage points. In flight, they exhibit shallow dips and rises, with their wings showcasing a combination of dark and light patterns. Their song and presence are often associated with rural landscapes and the beauty of open grasslands.
Canada Warbler
Source: @divine_photography_nyc
- Scientific Name: Cardellina canadensis
- Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in)
- Locality: Northeastern United States
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May
Canada Warbler boasts a striking appearance with a combination of blue-gray upperparts and bright yellow underparts. A conspicuous necklace of black streaks adorns its yellow breast, giving it a unique and recognizable look. The forehead and cheeks are gray, and it has a white eye ring.
The song of the Canada Warbler is a series of high, clear, and ascending notes that resemble the phrase “sweet-sweet-sweet, Canada-Canada-Canada.” Their call is a sharp “chip” sound. They prefer understory habitats with dense vegetation, where they can forage for insects and build their nests.
Evening Grosbeak
Source: @nature_worldwide_birds
- Scientific Name: Hesperiphona vespertina
- Size: 16 to 22 cm (6.3 to 8.7 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Vulnerable
- Breeding Season: May to September
Evening Grosbeaks exhibit bright lemon-yellow bodies, black wings with white wing patches, and a black crown. Females are more subdued, with olive-yellow plumage and less prominent markings.
Their calls are a mix of sharp, metallic notes. They are relatively quiet birds compared to some other species. They are considered irruptive migrants, meaning they exhibit irregular and unpredictable migrations in response to food availability. They sometimes move to different areas in search of abundant food sources.
Cape May Warbler
Source: @casterarafaelle
- Scientific Name: Setophaga tigrina
- Size: 11 to 14 cm (4.3 to 5.5 in)
- Locality: Northeastern United States
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to Mid-May
Cape May Warbler displays a combination of vibrant colors and distinct markings. During their breeding season, they have a greenish-yellow overall coloration, a chestnut cheek patch, and a black necklace-like band across the upper breast.
On the other hand, during the fall migration, Cape May Warblers can display a different plumage, with yellow and orange tones predominating. This plumage is often referred to as their “fall warbler look.”
Their song is a series of high-pitched, buzzy notes. Their calls are sharp and often described as “seet” or “sip.”
Hooded Warbler
Source: @warbling_in_the_woods
- Scientific Name: Setophaga citrina
- Size: 12 to 14 cm (4.7 to 5.5 in)
- Locality: Eastern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to June
Hooded Warblers are easily recognizable due to their striking coloration. Males have a bold black hood covering the head and throat, which contrasts vividly with their bright lemon-yellow underparts. Females have a milder version of this pattern, with a grayish hood and yellow underparts.
They prefer habitats with a mix of shrubs and lower vegetation, where they can forage for insects and build their nests. Their cup-shaped nests are usually placed close to the ground in shrubs or saplings.
Lesser Goldfinch
Source: @omarjavier48
- Scientific Name: Spinus psaltria
- Size: 10 to 11.5 cm (3.9 to 4.5 in)
- Locality: Western North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to July
Lesser Goldfinches exhibit sexual dimorphism in their plumage. Adult males typically have a black cap and back, bright yellow underparts, and white patches on their wings. Females and immature individuals have olive-green upperparts and pale yellow underparts.
These Goldfinches are adaptable birds that can be found in a variety of open habitats, including woodlands, gardens, grasslands, and shrubby areas. They primarily feed on seeds, including those of various plants and trees. They are often seen clinging to flower heads to feed on seeds.
Great Crested Flycatcher
Source: @clixofnature
- Scientific Name: Myiarchus crinitus
- Size: 19 to 23 cm (7.5 to 9.1 in)
- Locality: Eastern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to Mid-July
Great Crested Flycatchers have olive-green upperparts, bright yellow underparts, and a distinctive lemon-yellow throat. A bold rust-colored tail contrasts with their body plumage. Their heads are crowned with a conspicuous, prominent crest.
They often nest in tree cavities, such as old woodpecker holes. They line their nests with a variety of materials, including snakeskins, feathers, and other items.
They are commonly found in deciduous and mixed forests, especially in areas with mature trees. They usually perch high in the canopy, watching for flying insects.
Birds In Minnesota With A Yellow Splash
Now, these birds may or may not be considered yellow, but it’s up to your perspective. In my opinion, the yellow patches they have on them are far from being ignorable. Why not check them out and decide for yourself?
Cedar Waxwing
Source: @edwardslizewski
- Scientific Name: Bombycilla cedrorum
- Size: 15 to 18 cm (6 to 7 in)
- Locality: North and Central America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: June to August
Cedar Waxwings have a silky, smooth plumage that appears almost uniform from a distance. Their most striking feature is a sleek crest that often stands erect on the top of their heads.
They have a mix of soft grayish-brown tones on the body, with a pale yellow belly and undertail coverts. Their wings feature waxy, red tips on the secondary feathers, giving rise to their name “Waxwing.”
The wax-like tips on their wing feathers are not actually made of wax; rather they are specialized feather structures that might play a role in repelling water or improving flight efficiency.
Common Yellowthroat
Source: @kvanderleek
- Scientific Name: Geothlypis trichas
- Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: June to August
Common Yellowthroat has a distinctive appearance with a bold black face mask that extends from its eyes to its throat. Its upperparts are olive-green, and its underparts are a vibrant yellow. Females lack the black mask but share the same olive-green upperparts and yellow underparts, though with a slightly duller hue.
They have a unique ability to thrive in wetland habitats, particularly marshes and swampy areas. Despite their small size and preference for dense vegetation, they have evolved to occupy these often challenging environments. They are well-adapted to navigating through reeds, cattails, and other aquatic plants.
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Source: @kvanderleek
- Scientific Name: Setophaga coronata
- Size: 12 to 15 cm (4.7 to 5.9 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: June and July
There are two main subspecies of Yellow-Rumped Warbler, each with slightly different color patterns. In its Myrtle subspecies, the bird has a blue-gray back, a white throat, and a bright yellow rump and sides. Its sides also have streaks that are often black.
In the Audubon subspecies, the back is black, the throat is yellow, and the rest of the coloring is similar to the Myrtle subspecies.
Yellow-rumped Warbler has a unique ability to digest waxes and lipids found in berries. This allows them to include a significant amount of fruit in their diet.
American Redstart Female
Source: @bird_maiden
- Scientific Name: Setophaga ruticilla
- Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to July
Female American Redstarts have a subdued and cryptic appearance compared to males. They are grayish-olive above and pale yellowish below, with subtle streaking on the sides.
They exhibit a unique flash pattern during foraging, where they spread their wings and tail to expose bright patches of color. They actively search for insects in foliage by hovering and fluttering their wings and tail, which flushes insects from their hiding places. This behavior startles insects from hiding, making them easier to catch.
Yellow-Headed Blackbird
Source: @avesdecddelcarmen
- Scientific Name: Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
- Size: 18 to 25 cm (7 to 10 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May and June
Yellow-headed blackbirds are named for their bright yellow heads and necks, contrasting sharply with their black bodies and wings. They also have white wing patches. Females are more muted in color, with a streaked brownish body and a lighter, yellowish throat and eyebrows.
They are commonly found in freshwater marshes, wet meadows, and other areas with dense aquatic vegetation. They sometimes interact with other bird species. For instance, they parasitize the nests of Red-Winged Blackbirds, laying their eggs in the nests of the latter species.
Dickcissel
Source: @welostinplaces
- Scientific Name: Spiza americana
- Size: 13 to 15 cm (5.1 to 5.9 in)
- Locality: Southern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to June
Dickcissels have a vibrant and eye-catching appearance. They feature a yellow breast and belly, with a black “V” shape extending from the throat down the center of the chest. The back and wings are brown, and they have a pale stripe above the eye.
They favor grasslands, prairies, and open areas with tall grasses. They are often seen perched on grass stems and singing from elevated positions. They build cup-shaped nests in grasses, often weaving them into the stems to provide support.
Western Kingbird
Source: @brouxhaha
- Scientific Name: Tyrannus verticalis
- Size: 20 to 23 cm (7.9 to 9.1 in)
- Locality: Western North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to June
Western Kingbirds have a striking appearance with dark upperparts and a pale grayish-white breast and belly. A white throat contrasts with a black mask that extends from the eyes to the nape. Their tail feathers are edged in white, and they have a yellow patch on the base of the tail that is often hidden.
They tend to have a bold and territorial nature. They are not afraid to challenge larger birds or even potential predators that venture too close to their nesting areas.
Northern Parula
Source: @johnnyherrick
- Scientific Name: Setophaga americana
- Size: 10 to 12 cm (3.9 to 4.7 in)
- Locality: Eastern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to May
Northern Parulas exhibit blue-gray upperparts with a characteristic blue necklace across the chest. Their underparts are pale yellow, and they have a white eye ring and two white wing bars.
They have an interesting and creative nesting habit. They often incorporate materials like Spanish moss, lichen, and bark into their nests, giving them a camouflaged and moss-covered appearance that blends with the surrounding foliage.
During the winter months, Northern Parulas can be found in a range of habitats, including shade-grown coffee plantations.
FAQ
Now that you’ve known about so many species of yellow residents of Minnesota, I think you still may have some more queries about these little rays of sunshine. Let’s check out some quick answers to your questions!
Q: When can I see yellow birds in Minnesota?
Ans: Most yellow birds are migratory and can be seen during the spring and summer months when they breed in Minnesota. Some species, like the American Goldfinch, are present year-round.
Q: Are all yellow birds in Minnesota small in size?
Ans: No, not all yellow birds in Minnesota are small in size. While many yellow bird species in the state are relatively small, there are exceptions. For instance, the Eastern Meadowlark, a yellow bird found in Minnesota, is a medium-sized bird.
Final Thoughts
It’s high time we wrapped up our journey through the landscapes and habitats little yellow birds call home. It’s clear that these birds are not just colorful inhabitants; rather they are essential contributors to the ecosystems that make Minnesota a haven for biodiversity.
From the cheerful melodies that fill the air to the flashes of golden plumage that catch our eye, these yellow birds bring a sense of joy and wonder to anyone fortunate enough to witness their presence.
Their migrations, songs, and behaviors remind us of the delicate balance that nature maintains, even in the face of changing seasons and landscapes.
So, as the sun sets on our exploration of Minnesota’s yellow birds, let’s carry with us the inspiration they provide to embrace and protect the natural world around us.
