25 Yellow Birds In Michigan (Identifying Factors And Vocalisation)

The presence of yellow birds in Michigan is quite a common phenomenon. They are frequently encountered in all sizes and shapes throughout the year in Michigan.

However, as they all possess various shades of yellow, bird watchers might find it difficult to differentiate them properly without any prior knowledge.

Hence, I am here to give you a brief introduction to these birds and their vocalizations that might further help you in your cause.

Moreover, for your convenience, there is a whole section for yellow Warblers in Michigan as they exist in abundance.

So gather up all the avian admirers and look through the list to get acquainted with your feathered buddies.

25 Yellow Birds In Michigan: ID Guide & Sound

This section is all about the different sorts of yellow birds that you might come across in Michigan as most of them are listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.

American Goldfinch

Source: @ddevriesphoto

• Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
• Size: 19 to 22 cm (7.5 to 8.7 in)
• Locality: North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Late June, Early July, August, September

The American Goldfinch is a small vibrant species that is known for its tendency to undergo a complete molt. This sexually dichromatic species goes through a range of colors during summer and winter.

The male adults change their vivid yellow plumage from summer to an olive green color during winter. The female, on the other hand, gets a brightened shade of their usual yellowish brown color during summer.

In terms of habitats, this popular species can be observed flying in an undulating pattern in Michigan throughout the year. They are usually native to weedy fields, overgrown areas as well as suburban areas such as roadsides, orchards, backyards, etc. Their habitat preference remains similar regardless of seasonal changes during their migration.

Common Yellowthroat

Source: @dmyoungphotography

• Scientific Name: Geothlypis trichas
• Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in)
• Locality: North America, and Southern Canada to Central Mexico
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Between April and July

In accordance with the species name, the Common Yellowthroat is known for its radiant yellow-colored throat. This small songbird has a dull olive back, tail, and wings making the yellow part appear more striking. Both sexes of this species look similar.

The key difference between both sexes of this species is in their facial patterns and the color of their underparts. The males tend to have more patterns on their faces and vibrant underparts than that of females. Moreover, the most vibrant species is usually spotted in the southwestern part.

Being a frequent species during the breeding season, this is prominently visible in Michigan. Throughout this time, it can be spotted in marshes and wet areas as well as in some dense shrubs. However, they tend to avoid residing in dry regions.

Evening Grosbeak

Source: @acouplewithoutborders

• Scientific Name: Hesperiphona vespertina
• Size: 16 to 22 cm (6.3 to 8.7 in)
• Locality: Canada, the Western part of the US, and Mexico
• Status: Vulnerable
• Breeding Season: Mid spring

The Evening Grosbeak is a bulky passerine that is celebrated for its distinctive appearance. The adult male beams with radiant yellow color all over its body and part of its forehead. It has a brown head and wings with bright white patches. The female, on the contrary, has an olive-brown body.

In terms of its abode, unfortunately, this species is regarded as a vulnerable one in Michigan. It can be rarely spotted during its migratory period. Primarily, it prefers to breed in coniferous and mixed woodlands foraging around bushes. Sometimes it can be spotted foraging on the ground. It nests in forks or horizontal branches of a tree. Due to food availability, its range is expanded during winter.

Couch’s Kingbird

Source: @was.maz

• Scientific Name: Tyrannus couchii
• Size: 17.78 cm (7 in)
• Locality: From Southern Texas to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, Belize, and northern Guatemala
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April to August

Being a heavy-bodied species, the Couch’s Kingbird is known to be similar to a tropical kingbird. It is famed for its dark long beak and dark forked tail as well. It has long wings with a pale grey head and whitish throat and greenish-hued yellow underparts. Its upperpart is grayish-olive making the contrast with yellow more prominent.

Predominantly an insectivorous species, it prefers lightly forested areas with plenty of openings such as sparse forests, suburban regions, wooded stream edges, tall woodlands, etc. Moreover, it can be spotted near wetlands as well as roadsides and forest edges. It usually nests in spaces that are similar to their habitats while frequenting sugar hackberry, Mexican ash tree, Texas ebony, etc.

Western Kingbird

Source: @blakenbirds

• Scientific Name: Tyrannus verticalis
• Size:  20 to 24 cm (8–9.3 in)
• Locality: Western North America to Mexico
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season:  Early May to Late June.

The term “kingbird” is derived from their aggressive territorial behavior. It is a comparatively large flycatcher but it still goes around attacking birds and humans that are larger than its size.

Regarding appearance, this passerine is known for its angry look and vibrant lemon-yellow belly, and pale white chest and throat. It has broad shoulders with white-edged and black squared tails. While in flight, it exhibits prominent white wing bars.

In Michigan, the Western Kingbird is mostly spotted during summer. It is easily located near open areas, valleys, meadows, and lowlands such as grasslands, open woodlands, riparian zones, forest edges, etc. They are typically observed to be seated on fence lines, utility wires, exposed branches, etc. They may hover around these particular areas foraging.

Cedar Waxwing

Source: @corbyamos

• Scientific Name: Bombycilla cedrorum
• Size: 15 to 18 cm (6 to 7 in)
• Locality: North and Central America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: June through August

The Cedar Waxwing is a passerine that is named after its wing tips that are similar to wax. This medium-sized social bird is known for its unique pale yellow belly with vivid yellow tips. Moreover, its secondary flight feathers have crimson-red wax-like droplets that make it easier to distinguish. Primarily, its body is different shades of smooth-looking brown, gray and yellow.

Spotted in Michigan during the summer, this species is known to prefer living on the edges of wooded areas, especially areas with sufficient water access. They live in suburban areas as well with well-spaced trees, berry bushes with proper resources, etc. They can be found near farms, orchards, etc with enough food availability as well. These birds are known to be non-territorial. Hence they can share their space with other species as well.

Yellow-Breasted Chat

Source: @dougrodda

• Scientific Name: Icteria virens
• Size: 17 to 19.1 cm (6.7 to 7.5 in)
• Locality: North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: May to July

The Yellow-Breasted Chat is a migratory species that is known for its large bodies. It is one of the largest birds in the parulid species that can weigh twice as much as the other birds of this species.

Being true to its name, this bird has a dazzling yellow breast that is more prominent than the other colors of this species. Its upper part is olive green and its belly is bright white. It is quite unlikely to confuse this bird with any other bird because of the range of colors in its plumage.

This species is likely to be found in dense thickets, shrubby areas, abandoned farmlands, areas with overgrown vegetation, riparian habitat near streams, etc. They can be spotted near wetlands such as marshes, and swamps with water sources appropriate for breeding.

Eastern Meadowlark

Source: @justinbattles

• Scientific Name: Sturnella magna
• Size: 19 to 28 cm (7.5 to 11.0 in)
• Locality: Eastern North America to Northern South America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Early March to Late August

Eastern Meadowlark, medium-sized species is known for its bright yellow underpart despite being a blackbird. The adults have a “V” shaped bib on their breasts and the flanks are black-barred. Its wings are brown and the outer tail is white. It has a relatively short square-shaped tail. Both sexes of this species have a similar appearance.

Being a nearly threatened species, it is mainly spotted in Michigan during its breeding season. Throughout this time, it is known to be habituating around open grasslands with scattered trees, agricultural fields, meadows, prairies, hay fields, etc. It is known to nest on the ground in hidden dense woodlands, bushes, or vegetation with tall grasses for protection.

17 Types Of Yellow Warblers In Michigan: ID Guide & Sound

The Yellow Warblers are one of the common sightings of Michigan. However, not all of them possess similar characteristics, plumage, or even size.

Hence, in this part, I have accumulated a list of yellow warblers that are easily detectable in Michigan.

American Yellow Warbler

Source: @islandermtl

• Scientific Name: Setophaga petechia
• Size: Between 10 and 18 cm (3.9 and 7.1 in)
• Locality: North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: May to June.

American Yellow Warblers appear different based on seasonal differences. The males of this species display their yellowest-self during summer, no matter where they are visible. They have a rusty red marking on their breasts and flanks that are known as “liver spotted”.

Primarily insectivorous, this species feeds on a large variety of insects such as caterpillars, beetles, flies, etc. It hovers around tree foliage, shrubs, or leaves looking for their food.

Their unique and melodious vocalization makes the heart of bird enthusiasts leap with delight. The male American Yellow Warblers give a “sweet sweet sweet I’m so sweet” calling. Other than this, their callings usually include “chip” or “ship”. However, while being defensive about their territories they produce a different hissing sound. They are known to communicate with pair-member, and neighbors, with their callings and sometimes even with postures and touch.

Wilson’s Warbler

Source: @skeysimages

• Scientific Name: Cardellina pusilla
• Size: 10 to 12 cm (3.9 to 4.7 in)
• Locality: Northern Canada and The Western Us
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: March to April

The Wilson’s Warbler is a delightfully small and colorful species. The males have a bright yellow-based bodies with a distinctive black cap. Both sexes have almost the same appearance except for the dull coloration in the females.

This species is known to be an insectivore primarily foraging on beetles, bees, caterpillars, etc. They feed on the insects gleaned from trees or fly to catch them. They move around shrubs, ground, and even tall trees looking for food. They act as valuable pest control providing their services to maintain ecological balance.

They are known for their ability to migrate long distances taking impressive journeys. Their migrations can take them from North America to Mexico and even much of Central America.

Cape May Warbler

Source: @anjulirng

• Scientific Name: Setophaga tigrina
• Size: 12 to 14 cm (4.7 to 5.5 in)
• Locality: Northern North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Spring and Summer

The unique name of Cape May Warbler is derived from a peninsula named Cape May. During the 19th century, this species was first discovered in that region.

This bird belongs to the yellow warbler species because of their yellowish rump and vibrant underparts that are yellow streaked with black. Their throat and nape are yellow as well. Their genus name came from their tiger-striped body.

With a unique feeding adaptation, this species can uncurl their tongue which extends into flowers helping them to sip in nectar. Apart from nectars, they are known to forage on various insects while gleaning from foliage and branches.

Magnolia Warbler

Source: @beyond.the.nest

• Scientific Name: Setophaga magnolia
• Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in)
• Locality: Southeastern Mexico, Panama, and Parts of the Caribbean
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: May to June

Despite the naming, the Magnolia Warbler is not usually found around magnolia trees or magnolia-dominated habitats. It is mainly because of its first discovery near magnolia trees.

Primarily insectivorous, this species feeds on insects such as beetles, spiders, caterpillars, flies, etc. Magnolia Warbler is known to forage on nectars as well. They hop around and sometimes hover around to catch insects mid-air while flying. They can constantly move and make precise movements to ensure their food.

During the non-breeding season, this species is known to join in with other mixed-species foraging flocks. Magnolia Warblers actively join them in search of food and to gain protection and safety from other birds. It enhances their foraging ability and efficiency as well.

Canada Warbler

Source: @eddeburgessphotography

• Scientific Name: Cardellina canadensis
• Size: 12 to 15 cm (4.7 to 5.9 in)
• Locality: Canada and the US
• Status:  Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Mid-May Through Early June

Primarily insectivorous, the Canada Warbler has helped balance the environment a lot. Among the variety of insects they consume, it includes beetles, mosquitoes, flies, etc. They have a selective variation in the caterpillars they feed on as well. They usually prefer cankerworms that have ingested spiders, snails, worms, or fruits.

This species employs several foraging techniques to gather its food. Their techniques include foliage gleaning, hovering, ground feeding, flushing the insects, catching them on wings, etc. The males of this species have a tendency to fly higher than females, especially on the breeding grounds. It has been spotted foraging with mixed flocks in denser foliage as well.

Townsend’s Warbler

Source: @arizona.wildlife

• Scientific Name: Setophaga townsendi
• Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.5 to 5 in)
• Locality: Northwestern Coast of North America.
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Late May to Late June

Townsend’s Warbler is a stunning bird renowned for its plumage coloration and active foraging behavior.

The males exhibit an impressive yellow face and underparts. They have black patches all over their side, back, and crowns. As they have slight sexual dimorphism, the females exhibit similar coloration except a little pale like the juveniles of this species.

This species is seen actively seeking food among tree foliage and shrubs. They search around for insects and different types of arthropods while gleaning prey as well as catching some of them mid-air. They hop, flit, and climb when necessary energetically with agility and precision.

Pine Warbler

Source: @skeysimages

• Scientific Name: Setophaga pinus
• Size: 12.7 to 14.6 cm (5 to 5.75 in)
• Locality: Eastern North America.
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Late March to Early June

The Pine Warblers are popular among bird enthusiasts for their distinctive exhibition of physical differences based on their foraging habits. Usually, they feed on insects, seeds, berries, etc from tree trunks, branches, grounds, etc. It has been observed that the birds consuming mostly seeds had comparatively longer digestion times than the birds that feed on fruits.

This species is known for its melodious trills. It can often be transcribed as a soft, clean, clear, and rolling trill that can last for almost several seconds. It is usually common in its breeding habitats where the males exhibit their territorial behavior through these calls.

Blue-Winged Warbler

Source: @jfp_birds

• Scientific Name: Setophaga citrina
• Size: 11.4 to 12.7 cm (4.5 to 5.0 in)
• Locality: Eastern North America and the Eastern United States
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: First Week of May to Early to Mid-June.

The Blue-Winged Warbler is mostly familiar for its unique hybridization and buzzy vocalizations. For hybridization, this species chooses its closely related species the Golden-Winged Warbler. It usually occurs when the range between these species overlaps and they interbreed, producing Brewstar’s Warbler or Lawrence’s Warbler.

In terms of vocalization, the Blue-Winged Warbler is known for its insect-like sound transcribed as “bee-buzz”. However, their calls include “chip”, “zeet”, “swee” calls as well. There are regional variations in their calls as well. Some of them have shown differences in song patterns and dialects varying across breeding areas.

Hooded Warbler

Source: @jesse.r.gordon

• Scientific Name: Setophaga citrina
• Size: 13 cm (5.1 in)
• Locality: North America, Eastern United States, and Southernmost Canada
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: January to mid-August

The Hooded Warbler, a mid-sized species with black hoods on the males is celebrated for its specialized vocal patterns. The males of this species have signature melodious whistle notes. These notes are often transcribed as “wheeta wheeta whee-tee-oh” while emphasizing the middle syllable. The vocalization of this species is a loud chip. Like many other male species, it uses its song to claim its territory and attract mates.

This species usually has a socially monogamous mating system. It means that their bond with their mate is usually long-term. However, only a small percentage of the male species might have multiple social partners.

Orange-Crowned Warbler

Source: @katyparsons

• Scientific Name: Leiothlypis celata
• Size: 12 to 13 cm (4.8 to 5.3 in)
• Locality: Canada, Alaska, Western United States
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Spring and Summer

The orange-Crowned Warbler is known for its cryptic behavior regarding foraging and habitat preference while wintering. This species acts secretive and inconspicuous regarding their food consumption. They usually blend in with their surrounding areas making them difficult to spot for everyone. For this reason, they prefer foraging in the middle and lower parts of the vegetation.

This species has a diverse range of habitats and migratory habits. During winter, it can be spotted in a large range of areas including deserts, coastal regions, etc. Being a highly adaptable bird this can be found in areas that are unusual for a warbler.

Mourning Warbler

Source: @famous_amos_photography

• Scientific Name: Geothlypis philadelphia
• Size: 10 to 15 cm (3.9 to 5.9 in)
• Locality: Eastern and Central North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Late May and Early June

One of the most interesting facts about Mourning Warblers is that it is known as “fugitive”. Moreover, both of its sexes act as a defense mechanism. When they are attacked by a predator that is relatively close to their nest, often they tend to pretend to have broken wings and distract it to get away.

Furthermore, they are well known for their tendency to skulk. If a bird watcher is interested to see this particular species then one has to search out its new breeding environment. It shows introversion as it prefers to stay hidden in dense vegetation. To spot them one has to listen to its calls before actually spotting them in their natural habitats.

Prairie Warbler

Source: @shannonbirder

• Scientific Name: Setophaga discolor
• Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.2 in)
• Locality: Eastern North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April to July

The Prairie Warbler, a small passerine, is widely popular for its two categories of melodious songs. The names of their songs include Type A and Type B.

The Type A songs include an increasing buzzy tone in a sequence while the Type B one is a blend of both whistled and buzzy notes. The B songs have a comparatively low pitch that is fewer and longer than the A songs.

Moreover, the context that these two types of songs are used varies as well. Type A songs are typically sung during the day while B songs are during dawn in chorus. Furthermore, the Type A song is sung near the nest and is associated with mating or nesting while the Type B song is associated with territorial or communicative actions among the males.

Part of their vocalization includes a “tsip” call and sometimes a loud “check” call.

Worm-Eating Warbler

Source: @kgallo55

• Scientific Name: Helmitheros vermivorum
• Size: 11.2 to 13.1 cm (4.4 to 5.2 in)
• Locality: Eastern United States
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Late May to Mid-July

The Worm-eating Warbler is a ground-nesting species that is known for its specialized diet and nesting behavior. Being true to its name, this species especially feeds on insects including caterpillars, beetles, spiders, etc. They go around looking for food on the forest ground as well as crevices searching for their perfect prey.

Being a neotropical migrant, some of the species exhibit territorial behavior. During the incubation period, the females even camouflage themselves to protect their offspring. If she is attacked, then she will flutter her wings and tails to keep the predators away from her nest.

Nashville Warbler

Source: @nicholas.e.williams

• Scientific Name: Leiothlypis ruficapilla
• Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3–5.1 in)
• Locality: North and Central America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April Through May

The Nashville Warbler prefers to forage by gleaning while very often flicking away their tails. They usually choose the lower parts of trees and shrubs for this foraging behavior. Predominantly insectivorous, this species is sometimes observed feeding on berries and nectar during winter. During this season, they join in with loose and mixed flocks as well.

These species have a slight skulking behavior as they tend to hide their nests under shrubs and bushes. It is often built on the ground. Their nests are finely built cup-shaped with a variety of elements from bark strips to feathers or hairs. They camouflage it to keep the predators away from their habitat.

Black-Throated Green Warbler

Source: @jeffgresko

• Scientific Name: Setophaga virens
• Size: 11 to 12 cm (4.3 to 4.7 in)
• Locality: Eastern North America, Western Canada, Southern Atlantic Coast
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April to May

The Black-Throated Green Warbler is a charismatic species known for its unique vocalization. It can bring variation in its pitch with a rise and fall buzzing note that is transcribed as “zee-zee-zee-zoo-zeet” or”zoo-zee-zoo-zoo-zeet”. It also includes a sharp “tsip” and sometimes a soft “sip” sound.

This species is known for its active and agile behavior. It forages actively near vegetation and consumes insects as well as berries. It hovers around looking for small insects on tall tree bases. Moreover, the black-throated green warbler joins in with mixed species during its fall migration and winter.

Yellow-Throated Warbler

Source: @avibender

• Scientific Name: Setophaga dominica
• Size: 14 cm (5.5 in)
• Locality: North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Late April to Mid-July

The Yellow-Throated Warbler is recognized for its defensive behavior regarding its nest. This may include feigning injuries, alarm calls, persistent defenses, etc. It nests in trees that are built in cup shapes and usually concealed amongst moss or coniferous needles.

This species is known to be an insectivore that can change its dietary requirements during the non-breeding season. Throughout the course of this period, their foraging habit may include berries and nectar as well. It typically picks off its food from the tree branches, however, it often catches aerial insects while hovering for a brief moment.

Kirtland’s Warbler

Source: @tiffanyfieldsphotography

• Scientific Name: Setophaga kirtlandii
• Size: 14 to 15 cm (5.5 to 5.9 in)
• Locality: Northern Part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan
• Status: Nearly Threatened
• Breeding Season: Mid-June to Late July

One of the most iconic and popular warblers in Michigan is the Kirtland’s Warbler. It is commonly known as the Jack Pine bird as well. The females of this species are more selective of their habitats than the males. They tend to get more attracted toward the habitats that are best suited and match all of their habitat requirements with food availability.

The males of this species possess a more distinctive calling referred to as “chip-chip-chipperee”. Moreover, their vocalizations include short, sharp, and musical notes that sound cheerful. Their song is used for protecting the species’ territories as well as attracting mates in the breeding season.

FAQ

I have discussed some of the yellow birds in Michigan. However, as a bird enthusiast, you might still have some questions.

Hence, I have tried to answer some of the frequently asked questions.

Q: Are there yellow canaries in Michigan?

Ans: Yes, there are yellow canaries in Michigan, however, they are not native to this region. Originally, this species spread to the Canary Islands.

Q: What bird has a yellow beak in Michigan?

Ans: The European starling features include black plumage with green and purple glaze and yellow beaks. This species appears during winter with white spots on their bodies. They are a permanent resident of Michigan and can be commonly spotted around human habitats.

Q: What bird is only found in Michigan?

Ans: Michigan’s most iconic and renowned bird is known as The Kirtland’s Warbler. This is one of the most localized warbler species in this region.

Thoughts

Now that you have reached the end of the article, you know that yellow birds in Michigan can be found in abundance varying in species, characteristics, color, size, etc. Moreover, these birds can vary depending on the season and habitat as well.

Hence, the exploration of these diverse avians is part of the excitement. Moreover, their vibrant color variations and melodious whistles only add to the delight of the local avian enthusiasts.

This blissful experience might come to an end if all of us are not careful about the birds’ preservation and protection.

Henceforth, as bird lovers, we must abide by the bird conservation rules and encourage any measures that might help in this cause.

We should create awareness among the locals as well to help our feathered friends in need.

Audio Credits: xeno-canto

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