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27 Yellow Birds Of Oklahoma

Yellow birds add a vibrancy to the wildlife of Oklahoma. These birds are known for their bright yellow feathers and distinctive songs. They are an iconic member of the rich fauna of Oklahoma and can be found in various habitats including forests, fields, wetlands, and gardens.

Some yellow birds, like the American Goldfinch and Yellow Warbler, are resident and breeding species, while others such as the Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Yellow-throated Vireo are migratory birds visiting the state for only a portion of the year.

Oklahoma’s diverse natural landscape provides a perfect habitat for these birds to thrive and delight visitors with their unique features.

This article focuses on the different types of yellow birds that can be spotted in Oklahoma.

1. American Robin

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

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

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

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. Common Starling

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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6. Yellow-Rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped warbler

The Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) is a migratory bird species that can be found throughout North America.

It has an extensive range, from the Pacific and Atlantic coats of the US to Canada and Central America, with a concentration in northern areas during breeding season.

These birds migrate southwards for wintering grounds where they find plentiful food sources such as insects and berries.

They are easily identified by their yellow patches on either side of their tails, along with white underparts, gray back feathers and two distinct crown stripes.

One black or greyish-brown above the eyes extending towards its neck banded in yellow or light brown colouration.

Furthermore, these warblers have strong legs which allow them to cling onto branches while hunting for prey making them adept at maneuvering through tree cover quickly.

All together this makes the Yellow-rumped Warbler an attractive backyard visitor year round.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Parulidae
Genus Setophaga
Species S. coronata

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7. Lesser Goldfinch

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. Eastern Meadowlark

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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9. Yellow-Breasted Chat

Yellow-Breasted Chat

The Yellow-breasted Chat is a large songbird found in North America, and is the only member of its family Icteriidae.

It was once part of the New World Warbler family but has since been moved to its own group due to taxonomic uncertainty.

This bird stands out as it was previously thought to be the largest species within Parulida.

Its plumage features shades of yellow, olive green and browns; males have darker heads while females are slightly paler overall.

The chat’s diet consists mostly of insects such as caterpillars and beetles which they forage from low vegetation or glean off leaves on tree branches during summer months when their populations peak.

They also feed heavily on fruits like elderberry, grapes and wild cherries during migration periods throughout spring/fall season providing much needed energy for long journeys southwards or northwards depending upon geography location each year.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Superfamily Emberizoidea
Family Icteriidae Baird, 1858
Genus Icteria Vieillot, 1808
Species I. virens

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10. White-Eyed Vireo

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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11. Yellow-Crowned Night Heron

Yellow-crowned night heron

The Yellow-crowned night heron is a beautiful and unique species of bird native to the Americas. It has distinctive yellow crowns on its head, making it easy to identify among other herons.

These birds are also larger than most other types of herons, reaching up to 70 cm in length and 850 g in weight.

They usually feed on small fish or crustaceans while wading through shallow waters with their long legs.

The yellow-crowned night heron can be found near marshes or lakes during breeding season when they will build nests made from twigs high above the ground for protection against predators like raccoons and foxes.

This majestic bird is an important part of wetland ecosystems as it helps keep populations of smaller aquatic animals balanced by preying upon them.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Pelecaniformes
Family Ardeidae
Genus Nyctanassa
Species N. violacea

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12. Merlin

Merlin

The Merlin is a small species of falcon found in the Northern Hemisphere. It has many subspecies across North America and Eurasia, and was once known as a Pigeon Hawk in North America.

Merlins breed mainly during summer months but some migrate to subtropical or northern tropical regions for winter season.

Males have wingspans ranging between 53-58 centimeters while females have slightly larger wingspan of 60-65 centimeters.

These birds are powerful fliers with fast aerial pursuits that can reach up to 50 mph.

Their diet consists mainly of insects, small mammals and other small birds which they hunt using their keen vision from high altitudes followed by swift dives down towards its prey at incredible speeds.

The Merlin continues to be an iconic symbol amongst bird enthusiasts due to its majestic beauty despite facing habitat loss around the world due to human activities such as deforestation and urbanization.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Falconiformes
Family Falconidae
Genus Falco
Species F. columbarius

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13. Evening Grosbeak

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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14. Western Kingbird

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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15. Dickcissel

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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16. Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

Yellow-bellied sapsucker

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a medium sized woodpecker that can be found in Canada and the northeastern United States.

It was first described by English naturalist Mark Catesby who illustrated it with hand coloured plates for his book The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands during 1729 -1732.

This beautiful bird has white stripes on its black head which contrast against its yellow throat, breast and belly making it stand out from other birds. Its wings are barred with red patches adding to their beauty.

They also have white streaks on their sides along with bold spots at their back giving them an unique look among others.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
Genus Sphyrapicus
Species S. varius

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17. Painted Bunting

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. Orange-Crowned Warbler

Orange-Crowned Warbler

The Orange-crowned Warbler is a small songbird from the New World warbler family. It was formally described in 1822 by Thomas Say, who gave it its scientific name Sylvia celatus – Latin for ‘cloaked’.

This species has an olive green back and wings with yellowish underparts. The males have bright orange crowns during breeding season, which give this bird its namesake.

They can be found mainly in North America but they also migrate to Central America during winter months.

Their diet consists of insects such as butterflies, moths, grasshoppers and beetles; they may also consume fruits occasionally when available.

These birds are relatively quiet except for their mating calls which include whistles or buzzing sounds that last a few seconds long each time.

The Orange-crowned Warbler is one of the most wide spread passerines today due to their hardiness and adaptability; however there remains threat of habitat destruction that could affect many populations negatively if not addressed soon enough.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Parulidae
Genus Leiothlypis
Species L. celata

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19. American Yellow Warbler

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. Orchard Oriole

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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21. Common Yellowthroat

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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22. Summer Tanager

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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23. Nashville Warbler

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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24. American Redstart

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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25. Mourning Warbler

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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26. Northern Flicker

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

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27. Cedar Waxwing

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

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