8 Yellow and Black Birds You Should Look For

Updated: Jan. 25, 2023

If you spot a yellow and black bird, you might need some help to identify it. Here are photos of 8 yellow and black birds you might find across America.

yellow headed blackbird
Courtesy Trish Nevan

Yellow-Headed Blackbird

“I spotted several of these colorful yellow-headed blackbirds gathering around a pond surrounded by cattails while vacationing in central Oregon last April. I thought they were striking and unusual. This yellow and black bird struck this pose long enough for me to take his photo,” says Trish Nevan. Check out 25 small yellow birds you should know.

american goldfinch
Courtesy Steve Shattles

American Goldfinch

“Goldfinches have quickly become one of my favorite birds. I caught this male American goldfinch in a pretty decent spot, as they usually tend to hide under a lot of leaves,” says Steve Shattles. Meet the 3 types of goldfinches in the United States.

Scott's Oriole male
Hal Beral/Getty Images

Scott’s Oriole

This photo of a male Scott’s oriole male was taken in Los Cabos, Mexico. This lemon yellow and black bird often stops by nectar feeders. Look for these orioles in the southwestern states. Check out the 8 types of orioles to look for in North America.

western meadowlark
Courtesy Jake Bonello

Western and Eastern Meadowlark

“After a day of spring birding at Pointe Mouillee state game area in Michigan, I got back in the truck and started heading back down the dirt road when I heard the iconic song of a meadowlark. I pulled over and opened the windows and that’s when I saw the yellow and black bird sitting on the barb wire fence along the road. It was likely one of the first arrivals of the year. He sang for a half hour while I clicked away,” says Jake Bonello. Learn all about prairie birds: the stunning species of the grasslands.

common yellowthroat
Courtesy Laura Ingham

Common Yellowthroat

“I took this photo of a common yellowthroat in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Although you can hear these territorial yellow and black birds calling out to one another, they spend much of their time flying back and forth along large bushes and hiding under the leaves,” says Laura Ingham. See photos of 16 spring warblers you should know.

Hooded warbler
Courtesy Teresa McClung

Hooded Warbler

“Every spring my husband and I make a trip to Kanawha State Forest near Charleston, West Virginia, to look for migrating warblers. We almost always see hooded warblers in the same area of the forest,” says Teresa McClung. Here’s how to tell the difference between a yellow warbler vs a goldfinch.

evening grosbeak
Courtesy Lynda Yosco

Evening Grosbeak

“This evening grosbeak was just passing through our yard in winter. I had never seen one before. This yellow and black bird is so striking; I just love looking at the photo,” says Lynda Yosco. Discover 5 grosbeaks backyard birders should know.

western tanager
Courtesy Susan Forde

Western Tanager

“This western tanager patiently awaited his time to feed at an orange I put out to attract orioles. I was delighted when these colorful songbirds began to grace my yard. They are an all time favorite as their bright orange-red heads and dazzling yellow bodies contrast with their black wings, back and tail,” says Susan Forde. Discover vibrant tanager bird species to know.

Next, learn about 9 small red bird species you might see.