Iowa, known for its fertile farmlands, sparkling rivers, and scenic hills, has a diverse bird population. From the majestic bald eagle to the charming house wren, hundreds of species thrive in the Hawkeye State’s varied habitats.
Among them, the yellow birds stand out for their vibrant plumage and captivating melodies. These sunshine-colored beauties include several species, ranging from tiny finches to larger orioles and warblers.
In this article, we will explore the yellow birds that call Iowa home, their unique characteristics, habits, and some fun facts about them.
So, let’s dive into the world of Iowa’s yellow birds and get ready to be amazed.
1. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird, belonging to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family.
It was named after its European counterpart due to the similar reddish-orange breast they both possess; however, they are not related closely.
This species can be seen through most of North America during winter months, as well as in parts of Mexico and Central America where it also breeds.
They have plump bodies with gray upperparts and white underparts that vary from yellow on their throats down to orange toward their bellies.
Robins feed on fruits such as berries or insects like worms which makes them an important part of ecosystems by helping disperse seeds naturally throughout these areas.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
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2. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small North American bird in the finch family. Males are vibrant yellow with black wings and tail, while females are duller in colouration.
It migrates from mid-Alberta to North Carolina during breeding season, south of Canada–United States border to Mexico for its wintering grounds.
The only finch which undergoes complete molt every year, it displays sexual dichromatism where males have brighter colours than their female counterparts.
They feed mainly on seeds but also eat insects such as aphids and caterpillars when raising youngs; they often occur near thistles or other plants that produce viable seed heads.
Their call consists of an array of chirps and trills making them quite conspicuous.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
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3. Western Meadowlark
The western meadowlark is a medium-sized icterid bird native to North America. It has a distinct yellow breast with black and white patches, making it easy to spot in open grasslands.
Its diet consists of mostly bugs but also includes seeds and berries. The western meadowlark’s call is unique – its sound described as flute-like or watery, differentiating it from the similar eastern meadowlark species.
When nesting season arrives, they build their nests on the ground near shrubs or low trees in areas like fields and pastures.
This beautiful songbird adds life to our open lands with its melodious tunes.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Sturnella |
| Species | S. neglecta |
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4. Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole is a small, blackbird-like bird found in eastern North America. It’s named for the resemblance of its male colors to those on Lord Baltimore’s coat-of-arms from 17th century.
These birds migrate and breed during springtime and are quite common in their habitats.
Studies have shown that this species interbreeds with western Bullock’s orioles, leading both to be classified as a single species – Icterus galbula.
The males typically have orange feathers along the chest, back, wings and tail while females display tan or yellowish shades instead of bright orange ones like males do.
Both sexes share white wing bars and dark brown eyes which makes them easily distinguishable among other birds.
They can often be seen flitting around trees feeding off nectar buds or insects such as grasshoppers & caterpillars they catch while flying around.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | I. galbula |
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5. New World Warblers
New World warblers are an incredibly diverse family of small birds found only in the Americas. They range in size from tiny hummingbirds to large thrushes, and come in a variety of vibrant colors.
All have thin bills made for eating insects which form their main diet. Most species live predominantly arboreal lives, meaning they spend most of their time among trees or bushes searching for food.
However some members such as ovenbirds and waterthrushes prefer more terrestrial habitats like forest floors where they can scavenge for bugs on the ground instead.
Warblers provide a great source of entertainment with their beautiful songs often filling up woodlands during mornings and evenings throughout springtime.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Emberizoidea |
| Family | Parulidae Wetmore et al., 1947 |
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6. Common Starling
The Common Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird that belongs to the starling family. It has glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen, and in certain times of year it can be speckled with white.
The bill and legs are typically pink or black depending on the season, while its length measures about 8 inches long.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes small fruits and seeds as well as some human food waste.
They live in large flocks which provides protection against predators, although they can become quite aggressive when defending their nesting sites during breeding seasons.
Overall, this species is highly adaptable and widely distributed across many parts of Europe making them one of the most successful birds in the region today.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
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7. Lesser Goldfinch
The Lesser Goldfinch is a tiny species of bird found in the Americas. It belongs to the same clade as American goldfinches and Lawrence’s goldfinches, which can be identified by their males having black or rarely green foreheads.
The face appears red or yellow on these birds unlike other species in its genus Spinus sensu stricto.
They are small songbirds with short bills, brown wings and tails with white edges, grey-brown backs and olive heads.
These birds inhabit open woodlands and fields where they feed mainly on seeds from weeds such as thistle, pigweed and ragweed but also consume insects at times during breeding season for additional nutrition.
In addition to being an important part of North America’s avian ecology, these birds have been popularized through recent artwork depicting them in various poses among flowers.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. psaltria |
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8. Canada Warbler
The Canada warbler is a small songbird of the Parulidae family, native to North America. It has olive-green upper parts with yellow underparts and white wing bars, making it easily identifiable.
During summer months they are found in Canada and northeastern United States while during winter their range extends to northern South America.
Mathurin Jacques Brisson was the first to describe this species in 1760 after he collected a specimen from Canada; which resulted in its French name Le gobe-mouche du Canada (Canada’s flycatcher).
Its diet consists mainly of insects such as beetles and mosquitoes, but also includes berries occassionally.
With an estimated population of 5 million individuals they remain common across much of their range although numbers have been declining due to habitat loss caused by human development activities like logging or agricultural expansion.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Cardellina |
| Species | C. canadensis |
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9. Cape May Warbler
The Cape May Warbler is a species of New World warbler that breeds in northern North America, ranging from southern Canada to the Great Lakes region and New England.
During wintertime it migrates to the West Indies. This bird is an uncommon vagrant to western Europe with two records so far in Britain as of 2013.
It gets its name from being first discovered near Cape May, New Jersey back in 1811 by Alexander Wilson who noted its yellow breast plumage and black streaking on his specimen’s sides.
The males are more brightly colored than females but both sexes have white eye rings which help distinguish them among other warblers during migration season.
They mainly feed on insects and can often be seen foraging at high levels up amongst trees or shrubs where they tend their nests containing 3-5 eggs each breeding season between April – June.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. tigrina |
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10. Yellow-Throated Warbler
The Yellow-throated Warbler (Setophaga dominica) is a small migratory songbird found in temperate North America. It belongs to the Parulidae family of New World warblers.
Males have grey upperparts and wings with double white wing bars, yellow throats, and white underparts streaked with black on the flanks.
Females are less brightly colored, having olive green or brownish gray back and wings with two faint wingbars instead of one bright one visible in males.
These birds feed mainly on insects during their breeding season but will also eat fruits at other times of year while they migrate southwards for wintering grounds where they will search for nectar from flowers as well as fruit sources such as berries and wild grapes.
They can be seen actively searching through trees for food items near bird feeders during migration time periods making them an interesting species to observe.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. dominica |
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11. Eastern Meadowlark
The Eastern meadowlark is a medium-sized blackbird, found from eastern North America to northern South America.
It used to be considered the same species as the Western meadowlark but has since been separated into its own distinct species.
The bird is mainly brown with yellow underparts and an orange patch on its throat; it also has white wing bars which can be seen in flight.
Its song consists of a series of musical whistles followed by gurgling notes at the end, earning them their nickname “rainmaker” birds because they are believed to bring rain if heard singing during dry weather.
These beautiful birds feed mostly on insects, seeds and other plant material while nesting amongst grasses or low shrubs near open fields where there’s plenty of food available for them.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Sturnella |
| Species | S. magna |
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12. Scarlet Tanager
The Scarlet Tanager is a beautiful medium-sized bird found in parts of North and South America. It belongs to the Cardinal family, and has striking red plumage with black wings and tail feathers.
Its song is similar to other cardinals yet also unique in its own way – it’s recognizable by its high whistles that become lower towards the end.
The species feeds mainly on insects as well as berries from trees or shrubs during breeding season, when they may form loose flocks over open woodlands foraging for food.
They are highly territorial birds during nesting season which happens between April and June each year; both males and females fiercely defend their nests against intruders such as cats or squirrels.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. olivacea |
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13. White-Eyed Vireo
The White-eyed vireo is a small songbird in the family Vireonidae, native to parts of eastern United States from New England to northern Missouri, Texas and Florida.
It also occurs in Mexico, Central America, Cuba and Caribbean islands such as Bahamas.
These birds are migratory on their North American range but become resident further south towards Gulf Coast.
They inhabit wooded areas with thick shrubbery or foliage which offer plenty of insects for them to feed upon.
Their call consists of sharp ‘chick’ notes while they sing a sweet melodious warble during breeding season making them popular among birdwatchers all over the world.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. griseus |
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14. Evening Grosbeak
The Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) is a beautiful passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae native to North America.
It has an impressive wingspan of up to 20 inches and its plumage is mostly black, yellow or grey with distinctive white patches on each side of its head.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds and other plant matter as well as small insects, fruit and berries when available.
The male’s song is loud and melodic which can be heard from some distance away during breeding season making it a popular species for avid backyard birders.
The Evening Grosbeak typically nests high in coniferous trees where they build cup-shaped structures lined with feathers or grass that provide protection against predators.
Overall this species makes an excellent addition to any backyard aviary.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Hesperiphona |
| Species | H. vespertina |
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15. Western Kingbird
The Western kingbird is a large tyrant flycatcher native to western North America. It has striking plumage, with gray and yellow feathers tinged with crimson during courtship or when defending territory from intruders.
As is characteristic of its kind, the Western Kingbird exhibits highly territorial behavior towards other birds in its area.
They are found as far south as Mexico, inhabiting open habitats near bodies of water such as rivers and lakes.
While their primary diet consists of insects like bees and flies that they catch mid-flight, it also includes fruit for variety during winter months.
The species have recently seen an increase in population due to conservation efforts which aim to protect these beautiful creatures.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Tyrannus |
| Species | T. verticalis |
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16. Dickcissel
The Dickcissel is a small migratory bird belonging to the Cardinalidae family. It breeds in grasslands of the Midwestern US, and winters in Central America, northern Colombia and Venezuela.
Being the only member of its genus Spiza, it stands out from other birds with its distinctive song that sounds like “dick-sis-sel”.
With a light brown body and black streaks on its wings as well as chestnut colored shoulders and crowns, these birds are quite attractive to watch.
They also have short bills which they use while foraging through tall prairie vegetation or searching around fence posts for insects.
Although not endangered yet, their population has declined due to loss of habitat caused by human development so conservation efforts should be taken up soon.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Spiza Bonaparte, 1824 |
| Species | S. americana |
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17. Painted Bunting
The Painted Bunting is an eye-catching bird from the Cardinal family, native to North America. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his eighteenth-century Systema Naturae.
The males of this species are particularly striking; they have brightly coloured plumage which only appears after their second year of life and can be distinguished from female birds through close inspection.
These colourful songbirds are a delight for any avid birder, with their vibrant hues bringing joy to nature lovers everywhere.
They often inhabit woodland areas where there is plenty of seed and insects available for them to feed on – as well as some shrubbery so that they can hide away safely when needed.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. ciris |
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18. Bullock’s Oriole
Bullock’s oriole is a small, sexually dimorphic New World blackbird that was once thought to be the same species as Baltimore Oriole. It was named after William Bullock, an English amateur naturalist.
Male birds are more brightly colored and slightly larger than females. These birds typically have yellow heads and wings with dark brown or black bodies with white bars on their backs and tails.
They can often been seen perched high up in trees foraging for insects among foliage or singing from branches during mating season.
Their diet consists of mostly fruits such as oranges, apples, plums; they also eat some seeds like millet along with grasshoppers and other insects when available.
The Bullock’s oriole is found throughout western North America in areas of woodland scrubland which provide it shelter from predators while providing plenty food sources to sustain itself year round.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | I. bullockii |
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19. American Yellow Warbler
The American Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) is a species of New World warbler found across North America, the Caribbean and into northern South America.
Its genus name Setophaga comes from Ancient Greek words meaning “moth” and “eating”, while its specific name Petechia originates from Italian for small red spots.
This bird has striking yellow plumage with reddish-brown streaks on their chest that can be seen during mating season when they are most colourful.
They live in open woodlands near wetlands or bodies of water where they can find food such as insects like spiders, beetles and caterpillars which make up much of their diet.
The male will sing to attract a mate during breeding season before setting up home in twig nests built by both sexes together high in trees or shrubs.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. petechia |
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20. Yellow-Headed Blackbird
The yellow-headed blackbird is a medium-sized bird with striking features – its head and neck are bright yellow, while the rest of its body is black.
It has large eyes, a pointed bill and long wings that help it to soar through the air.
The species gets its name from Greek words meaning ‘yellow’ (xanthous) and ‘head’ (cephalus).
This species can be found in wetlands across North America during summer months where they feed on insects and other invertebrates such as snails, earthworms, spiders and crustaceans.
During winter months they migrate southward for food or when temperatures drop too low for their comfort.
They also form flocks which makes them more visible than solitary birds like hawks or owls. Yellow-headed Blackbirds make beautiful sounds that echo around wetland areas; these melodic calls bring joy to many nature lovers.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Xanthocephalus Bonaparte, 1850 |
| Species | X. xanthocephalus |
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21. Orchard Oriole
The Orchard Oriole is a small species of icterid bird, with the subspecies I. s. fuertesi sometimes considered its own separate species known as the Ochre or Fuertes’ Oriole.
The adult male of the nominate subspecies has chestnut upperparts and black wings and tail, while females are more yellowish-green in coloration on their back and wings.
Its bill is pointed, black in color with some blue-gray at the base of its lower mandible.
This beautiful bird can also be found across North America during migration season; they inhabit woodlands near streams or rivers to breed before migrating south for winter months.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | I. spurius |
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22. Common Yellowthroat
The Common Yellowthroat is a small, New World Warbler found throughout North America. It has distinctive yellow and black plumage that earned it the nickname “Yellow Bandit” in the Midwest United States.
This species is highly adaptable and can be found inhabiting wetlands, grasslands, shrub-land habitats, as well as suburban areas.
The genus of this bird’s scientific name translates to mean ‘ground’ and ‘small bird’, which are fitting characteristics for such an elusive yet common little creature.
Its diet consists predominantly of insects but may also include other invertebrates like spiders or worms.
Overall the Common Yellowthroat makes an excellent addition to any backyard with its cheerful song.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. trichas |
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23. Yellow-Throated Vireo
The Yellow-throated Vireo is a small songbird found in North America. It has an olive head and upperparts with a yellow throat and white belly, along with dark wings and tail feathers.
The vireo’s scientific name comes from the Latin words “flavus” meaning yellow, and “frons” meaning forehead – alluding to its distinctive colouring.
These birds feed mainly on insects which they catch by hovering over vegetation or flying out to seize them midair.
During breeding season males are known for their loud singing as they defend their territories against rival suitors.
Nonbreeding individuals may congregate in large flocks while migrating southward during autumn months, making quite a spectacle of themselves.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. flavifrons |
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24. New World Orioles
New World orioles are a group of birds belonging to the blackbird family. They share many features with Old World orioles, including size, diet and behaviour; however they differ in their striking plumage.
Males have bright yellow or orange bodies with contrasting black wings and white markings on the head and breast.
Females and immature birds tend to be duller colours such as browns and greys. These colourful songbirds feed primarily on fruit, insects, nectar from flowers or sap from trees – sometimes even raiding other nests for eggs.
Their cheerful chirps can often be heard throughout parks during summertime months.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus Brisson, 1760 |
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25. Summer Tanager
The Summer Tanager is a stunningly beautiful member of the cardinal family. Native to North and South America, this medium-sized songbird features striking red plumage on its back with yellow underparts.
It has a pointed black bill and long tail feathers that can be seen fluttering through the air when it flies.
The species’ vocalizations are quite similar to those of other members of its genus as well, which often include short whistles and chirps in addition to longer songs made up of various phrases or syllables.
With their vibrant colors and melodic voices, these birds make an eye-catching sight any time they appear.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. rubra |
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26. Nashville Warbler
The Nashville Warbler is a small bird found in North and Central America. It has gray head, green back and yellowish-white underparts.
During breeding season it can be seen in parts of the northern and western United States, southern Canada as well as Mexico; while during winter it migrates to places like California, Texas or further south into Central America.
Its diet consists mainly of insects which they find by foraging on trees or shrubs near open woodlands with dense vegetation.
They are fairly active birds that move around often when searching for food, making them easy to spot if you know where to look.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Leiothlypis |
| Species | L. ruficapilla |
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27. Palm Warbler
The palm warbler is a small songbird found in the New World, belonging to the warbler family.
It has two distinct subspecies that differ mainly in their plumage – eastern palm warblers have yellower underparts and bolder rufous streaks on their breast and flanks than western ones.
These birds are light olive above with whitish bellies and yellow throats.
They also have distinctive white-tipped tail feathers which they often flick while foraging or singing during breeding season, when males establish territories through song duels.
The diet of these birds consists mostly of insects such as beetles, moths, ants and caterpillars collected from trees or ground vegetation like grasses or sedges.
Palm Warblers migrate long distances between its wintering grounds near Central America to northeastern North American states where it breeds each summer before returning south again come fall.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. palmarum |
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28. Blue-Winged Warbler
The Blue-winged Warbler is a common species of New World warbler, measuring 11.5 cm (4.5 in) long and weighing 8.5 g (0.30 oz).
It breeds mainly in eastern North America from southern Ontario to the US east coast, with its range gradually expanding northwards as it replaces its closely related cousin – the Golden-winged Warbler – in these parts of the world.
The name “Blue-winged” refers to its distinctive blue wings which contrast sharply against an olive green body plumage and white underparts scattered with yellow spots or streaks on either side of the breast region.
Males often have brighter colors than females do during breeding season, while nonbreeding birds tend to be duller overall regardless of sex difference.
Its diet consists mostly insect prey items such as caterpillars, beetles & moths that are gleaned off foliage or caught midflight by this active forager.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Vermivora |
| Species | V. cyanoptera |
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29. American Redstart
The American Redstart is a beautiful New World Warbler, first documented by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
It has an elegant black and orange plumage that sets it apart from other birds.
The genus name Setophaga comes from the Ancient Greek words ‘sēs’ meaning moth and ‘phagos’, which means eating – referencing its insect-eating habits.
Its song is one of joy, with short repeating phrases making up their melodic tune.
They are mostly found hopping around trees on their long legs during breeding season but migrate to Central America for winter months when food sources become scarce in North America.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. ruticilla |
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30. Mourning Warbler
The Mourning Warbler is a small songbird that belongs to the New World warbler family.
Originating in eastern and central North America, as well as some Central American countries, these birds migrate with the seasons and prefer dense second growth forests.
They are easily identified by their bright yellow-green plumage which has a distinct black mask extending from its beak down to its neck, giving it an almost melancholic look – hence the name ‘Mourning’ Warbler.
This species of bird loves singing and can often be heard chirping away during mating season or just mid flight.
With large eyes surrounded by white spectacles they also have strong legs allowing them to perch on trees for long periods at time while hunting insects among leaves and branches.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. philadelphia |
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31. Magnolia Warbler
The Magnolia Warbler is a small and beautiful bird native to North America. It belongs to the wood warbler family of Parulidae and its name derives from type locality Fort Adams, Mississippi where it was first discovered by Alexander Wilson.
This species has an overall length ranging between 4 – 5 inches with wingspan measuring up to 6-7 inches long.
Its plumage consists of yellow chest which turns into olive green on top while its underside takes white hue and throat remains black in coloration along with two white wingbars present on either sides.
In terms of diet, they feed mainly on insects like caterpillars, moths etc., but also feeds upon fruits or seeds occasionally during winter season as well as migratory period too.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. magnolia |
Also Featured In: birds of yellow birds, Birds of Nova Scotia
32. Northern Flicker
The Northern flicker is a woodpecker species found in North America, Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. This medium-sized bird is known for its unique migration behavior.
Over 100 common names are used to refer to the Northern flicker, one of them being “yellowhammer”. It is a beautiful bird with distinctive markings and a colorful plumage.
The Northern flicker is an important species in its ecosystem and plays a key role in maintaining a healthy balance in the environment.
Despite being a woodpecker, the Northern flicker has a diverse diet that includes insects, fruits, and seeds.
It is fascinating to observe this bird as it pecks at trees in search of food, communicates with its unique vocalizations and performs its incredible aerial displays.
The Northern flicker is truly a remarkable bird species that is worthy of our admiration and protection.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
Also Featured In: Common Birds in the Cities, Long Island Birds You Should Know
33. Cedar Waxwing
The Cedar waxwing, also known as Bombycilla cedrorum, is a medium-sized bird found in North and Central America.
They have a mixture of brown, gray and yellow feathers on their body, and their wings have wax-like tips.
These birds prefer open wooded areas in Southern Canada for breeding, and during winter, they migrate to the Southern part of the United States, Central America, and the far.
The Cedar waxwing is a member of the waxwing family of birds or Bombycillidae family.
They are known for their distinctive crest on their head and a black mask-like area around their eyes.
These birds are social creatures and can often be seen in large flocks, sometimes even intermixing with other bird species.
Their diet consists mainly of fruit and insects, and they are important dispersers of fruit seeds.
The Cedar waxwing bird is a beautiful and fascinating creature to observe in the wild.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Bombycillidae |
| Genus | Bombycilla |
| Species | B. cedrorum |
Also Featured In: Central Texas Birds, Birds that Live in San Francisco Bay Area
