North America is home to a stunning variety of yellow birds, ranging from small, vibrant warblers to striking orioles and finches. These brightly colored birds add a splash of sunshine to forests, grasslands, and even backyard feeders, making them a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Their yellow plumage not only makes them visually appealing but also plays a role in camouflage and attracting mates.
In this guide, we’ll explore 50 yellow birds in North America, providing pictures and key identification features to help you recognize them in the wild. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, learning to identify these species can enhance your birdwatching experience and deepen your appreciation for the continent’s diverse avian life.
From the well-known American Goldfinch to lesser-seen species like the Prothonotary Warbler, each bird on this list has unique characteristics and habitats. Read on to discover fascinating facts about these yellow birds, where to find them, and how to distinguish them from similar species.
Different Types of Yellow Birds in North America
Orange-crowned Warbler
Orange-crowned Warblers are small, unassuming birds with yellow-olive plumage that is brighter on the Pacific Coast. Their orange crown is rarely visible, making them less vibrant than other warblers. They have thin, pointed bills and subtle streaking on their underparts.
These birds breed in Canada and western U.S. states before migrating to the Pacific, East, and Gulf Coasts, as well as Mexico for winter. They inhabit shrubs and low vegetation but prefer open woodlands for breeding. Their diet mainly consists of insects, spiders, berries, and seeds. They are also known to visit backyard feeders, especially for suet and peanut butter.
Orchard Oriole
Female Orchard Orioles are greenish-yellow with pale underparts, while males have striking black and reddish-orange plumage. They are the smallest orioles in North America, with slender bodies and slightly curved bills.
These orioles breed in the eastern U.S. during summer before migrating to Mexico and Central America. They are commonly found in open woodlands, along riverbanks, and in shrublands. Orchard Orioles primarily feed on insects like ants, caterpillars, and beetles, but they also consume nectar and fruit. Their nests are intricate hanging pouches woven from long grasses, suspended from tree branches.
Western Tanager
Western Tanagers are known for their vibrant colors—males have fiery orange-red heads, yellow bodies, and black wings, while females are yellow-green with minimal red. Despite their tropical appearance, they belong to the songbird family, not the tanager group.
They breed in western U.S. states and Canada, preferring open conifer forests. While they migrate south to Mexico and Central America for winter, they are sometimes spotted in the eastern U.S. during migration. Their diet consists of insects such as wasps and grasshoppers in summer, with fruit becoming a primary food source in colder months.
Pine Warbler
Pine Warblers are small, plump songbirds with yellow plumage, olive backs, and grayish wingbars. Females and juveniles tend to be duller, with more white on their bellies. They are one of the few warblers that frequently visit bird feeders.
These birds breed in the northeastern U.S. and winter in the southeastern states, with some remaining year-round. As their name suggests, Pine Warblers are commonly found in pine forests, foraging for insects, spiders, and seeds. In colder months, they switch to eating berries and grains. Their nests, built high in pine trees, are carefully constructed with twigs, bark, and pine needles.
Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warblers are bright yellow songbirds with males displaying chestnut streaks on their breasts. Their small, rounded bodies and thin, pointed bills make them well-suited for catching insects.
They migrate long distances, breeding in Canada and most U.S. states except for the Southeast before wintering in Central and South America. These birds prefer wet thickets, streamsides, and field edges, where they forage for caterpillars, beetles, and other insects. Their nests, built in small trees or shrubs, are woven from plant fibers and secured with spider silk.
Western Kingbird
Western Kingbirds are large flycatchers with yellow bellies, gray heads, and black tails with white edges. Their sturdy bodies and sharp beaks make them agile hunters, often seen perching on fences and utility lines, waiting to catch insects in mid-air. They are aggressive defenders of their territory, frequently chasing away larger birds.
They breed in open habitats across western U.S. states, the Great Plains, and parts of Canada. In winter, they migrate to Mexico and Central America, though some remain in southern Florida. Their nests are built in trees, shrubs, or even on human-made structures, woven from twigs, grass, and plant fibers. They lay up to seven eggs, which hatch after about two weeks. The young remain in the nest for another two weeks before fledging, but parents continue feeding them for some time afterward.
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Yellow-headed Blackbirds are striking birds with glossy black bodies, bright yellow heads and chests, and distinct white patches on their wings. Females are brown instead of black, with a duller yellow head. Their large size and bold coloring make them stand out, especially during the breeding season when males sing loudly to attract mates.
They breed in prairie wetlands across western and central North America, nesting in dense reeds above the water. After the breeding season, they migrate in large flocks to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, where they forage in fields and grasslands. In summer, their diet consists mainly of insects, while in winter, they switch to seeds and grains. Their nests are woven from wet plant stems and attached to reeds, where they lay 2-5 eggs that hatch in about two weeks.
White-eyed Vireo
White-eyed Vireos are small, energetic songbirds with gray heads, bright yellow sides, and striking white eyes that contrast with their dark facial markings. Their greenish backs help them blend into dense foliage, where they remain well-hidden as they forage for insects.
They spend summers in the southeastern United States, preferring overgrown fields and thickets. Some populations along the Gulf Coast remain year-round, while others migrate to Mexico and the Caribbean for winter. Their hanging nests are expertly woven from plant fibers, bark, and spider silk, suspended from low branches. They typically lay four eggs, which hatch in about two weeks, and the young fledge in another ten days. Both males and females sing throughout the winter, but in breeding season, only males perform their long, complex songs.
American Goldfinch
American Goldfinches are small, vibrant songbirds, with males sporting bright yellow bodies and black wings during the breeding season. Females are a more subdued brownish-yellow, and males also adopt a duller plumage in winter. Their small size, notched tails, and acrobatic flight make them easy to recognize.
These birds are found throughout North America, residing year-round in many areas. However, those that breed in Canada and the northern United States migrate south for the winter. They favor weedy fields, meadows, and overgrown areas where they forage for sunflower, thistle, and aster seeds. They are also frequent visitors to backyards, especially where nyjer and sunflower seeds are provided.
Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroats are small, energetic warblers with olive-brown backs and bright yellow underparts. Males have a striking black mask that extends across their faces, bordered by white. Females lack this mask and have a more muted yellow tone. Their coloration can vary slightly depending on the region.
These birds breed across most of North America during the summer, except in Alaska and northern Canada. Some populations remain year-round along the Gulf Coast and in parts of the southwestern United States, while others migrate south for winter. They prefer marshes, wetlands, and brushy fields, where they live in thick vegetation. Their nests are well-hidden near the ground, built from grasses and supported by reeds.
Western Meadowlark
Western Meadowlarks are medium-sized songbirds with bright yellow bellies and a distinctive black V-shaped band across their chests. Their upperparts are streaked brown and white, providing camouflage in grasslands. During winter, their yellow plumage becomes duller.
These birds inhabit open grasslands, meadows, and fields across western and central North America. While some populations remain year-round, those breeding in northern states and Canada migrate south in winter. Western Meadowlarks forage on the ground, feeding on insects in summer and switching to seeds and grains during colder months. Their melodious, flute-like song is a signature sound of open prairies.
Lesser Goldfinch
Lesser Goldfinches are small, bright yellow songbirds with black caps and glossy black or greenish backs. Their wings are black with white markings, and they have short, notched tails. Females and juveniles are duller, with olive-green backs and lighter yellow underparts.
These birds are found year-round in the southwestern United States and along the West Coast. Some populations in the interior western states migrate to warmer regions in winter. Lesser Goldfinches gather in large flocks in open habitats, including weedy fields, forest edges, parks, and gardens. They primarily eat seeds, especially sunflower and thistle, but also consume fruits and buds from trees like cottonwoods and willows.
Prairie Warbler
Prairie Warblers are small, slender songbirds with olive-green backs and bright yellow underparts. They have black streaks along their sides, a dark semicircle under the eye, and a constantly bobbing tail, which helps distinguish them from other warblers. Females have a duller color palette than males.
Despite their name, Prairie Warblers do not live in prairies but instead inhabit shrubby fields, young forests, and regenerating woodlands. They breed in the eastern and southeastern United States and migrate to Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of Central America for the winter. Some populations in Florida remain year-round. Their diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and snails, which they forage by hopping along branches.
Baltimore Oriole
Baltimore Orioles are brightly colored songbirds that signal the arrival of spring in the eastern United States. Males have vivid orange plumage with black heads and white wing bars, while females are yellowish underneath with grayish-brown wings. These slender birds belong to the blackbird family and are known for their melodious, flute-like songs.
They breed in the eastern and central U.S., as well as parts of Canada, before migrating to Florida, Central America, and the Caribbean for winter. They are often found high in trees along forest edges, riverbanks, and parks, where they forage for insects and fruit. Baltimore Orioles are known for their remarkable hanging nests, woven from fibers into a pouch-like shape. They lay 3-7 eggs, which hatch in about two weeks, and the young leave the nest in another two weeks.
Eastern Meadowlark
Eastern Meadowlarks are medium-sized songbirds with bright yellow undersides, brown-streaked backs, and a bold black band across their chests. They have a flute-like, melodious song that signals the arrival of spring in the eastern United States.
They inhabit grasslands and open fields, where they forage on the ground for insects and seeds. Eastern Meadowlarks breed across the eastern U.S. and southern Canada, with some northern populations migrating south for winter. Their nests are well-hidden on the ground and often include tunnels or woven roofs made of grass. They lay 3-5 eggs per clutch, and the young fledge after about two weeks. In winter, they gather in large flocks, searching for seeds in agricultural fields.
Yellow-throated Warbler
Yellow-throated Warblers have gray and white bodies with black streaks and bright yellow throats. They are often seen foraging in pine trees, though they may venture lower during migration. Their sharp, pointed bills help them catch insects among leaves and branches.
These birds breed in the southeastern United States, particularly in pine forests and swampy areas. In winter, they migrate to Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of Central America. Their nests are hidden in Spanish moss hanging from tree branches, forming a cup-shaped structure lined with grass and moss. They lay around four eggs, which hatch in about two weeks.
Palm Warbler
Palm Warblers are small, active birds with an olive-brown body and a rusty-red cap. Unlike most warblers, they often forage on the ground, bobbing their tails as they search for insects. They are commonly found in weedy fields and forest edges during migration.
Breeding primarily in Canada’s boreal forests, Palm Warblers migrate through the eastern U.S. in spring and fall, with some wintering along the Gulf Coast and in Florida. They build their nests on the ground in bogs, using grass, sedge, and ferns to create a well-camouflaged cup. Each clutch contains around five eggs, and the young fledge within two weeks.
Evening Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeaks are large, chunky finches with powerful bills capable of cracking hard seeds. Males have striking yellow and black plumage with a bold yellow stripe over their eyes, while females are mostly gray with subtle yellow accents.
They reside year-round in southern Canada and the western U.S., though their populations shift southward in years when food is scarce. These birds prefer coniferous forests and mountainous regions, but they frequently visit backyard feeders in winter, especially when sunflower seeds are available. Their nests are loosely constructed high in pine trees, where females lay up to five eggs.
Scott’s Oriole
Scott’s Orioles are easily recognized by their bright yellow undersides, black heads, and olive-brown backs in females. These orioles are often found perched on yucca plants in arid, rocky habitats of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico.
Breeding in higher elevations, Scott’s Orioles build their nests close to the ground, weaving cactus fibers, grass, and yucca leaves into a sturdy cup. They may raise multiple broods in a season before migrating south. These birds feed on nectar, insects, and fruit, occasionally visiting backyard feeders for sugar water and oranges.
Hooded Oriole
Hooded Orioles are striking birds with bright orange or yellow bodies, black throats, and grayish wings. Males in Texas tend to be more orange, while those in the western U.S. are typically yellow. They inhabit dry, open areas with palm trees and build their nests by weaving hanging baskets beneath palm fronds.
These orioles breed in the southern U.S. and migrate to Mexico for winter, though some populations remain year-round in areas with reliable food sources. Their diet includes nectar, fruit, and insects, and they are frequent visitors to backyard feeders stocked with sugar water and jelly.
Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers are small, energetic songbirds with bright yellow plumage and a distinctive black cap on males, while females have a fainter or no cap. Their compact, round bodies and constantly flicking tails give them an active and lively appearance.
These warblers breed in Canada, Alaska, and the northwestern United States, but they migrate through most of the U.S. on their way to wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. They are commonly found near streams, forest edges, and thickets, where they forage for insects, larvae, and spiders among dense vegetation.
Hooded Warbler
Hooded Warblers are striking songbirds with bright yellow underparts and a deep black hood and throat in males, while females and juveniles lack the bold black markings and have more subtle yellow coloring. Their characteristic white tail spots become visible when they flick their tails.
These warblers breed in eastern U.S. forests with dense understory, preferring moist woodlands where they hunt for insects and spiders. During migration, they travel south to Central America and the Caribbean, where they spend the winter months in tropical forests and shrublands.
Black-throated Green Warbler
Black-throated Green Warblers are small, vibrant songbirds with yellow faces, olive backs, and a black throat that is more prominent in males. Their undersides are white with dark streaks along the flanks, and their sharp contrast in coloration makes them easy to identify.
These birds breed in the northeastern U.S. and Canada, favoring mature forests, particularly coniferous or mixed woodlands. During migration, they pass through the eastern U.S. before wintering in Mexico, northern South America, and the Caribbean. They are often seen high in tree canopies, where they forage for insects and sing persistently.
Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwings are elegant birds with silky brown plumage that fades into gray on the wings and tail, with a pale yellow belly and a bright yellow tail tip. They have a sleek black mask across their eyes and red wax-like tips on their wing feathers, giving them a distinctive appearance.
These social birds breed in Canada and northern parts of the U.S. before migrating to southern U.S. states, Mexico, and Central America for winter. They are year-round residents in some northern U.S. regions. Cedar Waxwings primarily feed on fruit and can often be found in berry-laden trees, woodlands, grasslands, and urban parks.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warblers are adaptable and widely distributed songbirds with gray bodies, bright yellow patches on their face, sides, and rump, and white wing markings. Females are slightly duller in color, and their winter plumage becomes more brownish, but they retain their distinctive yellow rump.
These warblers breed in Canada, the Rockies, and parts of the Appalachian Mountains, nesting in coniferous forests. They migrate through the Midwest and winter across the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America. Unlike many other warblers, they have a diverse diet that includes insects in summer and berries in winter, allowing them to thrive in various habitats, including open woodlands, parks, and backyards.
Summer Tanager Female
Summer Tanager males are bright red birds with large, chunky beaks, while females and juveniles are mainly yellow with hints of green on their backs. They are medium-sized songbirds with a smooth, unmarked appearance and a slightly heavy bill.
Summer Tanagers breed in the southern and eastern United States before migrating to Central and South America for the winter. They prefer open woodlands, particularly oak and pine forests, and are often seen high in the tree canopy. Their diet consists mainly of bees and wasps, which they catch mid-flight, beating them against branches to remove the stinger before eating.
Streak-backed Oriole Juvenile
Juvenile Streak-backed Orioles are yellow with some streaks on their backs, while adults are orange and black with a black-streaked back, black wings, and a black tail. They have black markings around their eyes and chin, adding to their distinctive look.
Streak-backed Orioles are rare in the United States but can occasionally be spotted in the southwest. They are primarily found along the Pacific Coast of Mexico and Central America, where they inhabit tropical woodlands, grasslands, and riparian areas. These orioles are often seen alone or in small groups, feeding on fruit, nectar, and insects.
Spot-breasted Oriole Juvenile
Juvenile Spot-breasted Orioles are primarily yellow with darker wings, backs, and tails. Adults are black and orange with distinctive black spotting on their breasts, a black face, and black wings with white wing edges.
Spot-breasted Orioles are uncommon in the United States but can be found in Florida and along the Gulf Coast. They are more prevalent in Mexico and Central America, where they inhabit open woodlands, dry scrub, and suburban areas. These orioles are known for their melodious whistles and are often attracted to backyard fruit feeders.
Scarlet Tanager Female
Female Scarlet Tanagers are yellow with darker wings and tails, while males are bright red with black wings and tails. Their thick bills and relatively short tails give them a distinctive silhouette.
Scarlet Tanagers breed in eastern forests during the summer before migrating to western South America. They are often difficult to spot as they remain high in the forest canopy, where they forage for insects. During migration, they can be seen in southeastern states, occasionally stopping in backyards with berry-producing plants.
Couch’s Kingbird
Couch’s Kingbirds are large flycatchers with bright yellow bellies, gray heads, white throats, and gray-brown backs. Their striking colors and loud calls make them one of the more noticeable kingbirds in their range.
Unlike many other kingbirds, Couch’s Kingbirds do not migrate, residing year-round in Mexico and along the Gulf Coast. They prefer woodland edges and areas near trees, where they hunt for flying insects and eat fruit and berries. Their nests are built in trees using twigs and bark, providing a secure spot for their young. These birds are known for their adaptability, thriving in both natural and urban environments.
Tropical Kingbird
Tropical Kingbirds are large flycatchers with bright yellow underparts and gray backs, wings, and tails. Their bold coloration and acrobatic insect-catching skills make them a fascinating sight in their habitats.
These birds are primarily residents of Central and South America but migrate north to breed in some southern U.S. states. They prefer open areas rich in flying insects but will also eat fruit and berries. To protect their nests, Tropical Kingbirds often build near wasp nests or blackbird colonies, relying on these aggressive neighbors to help fend off predators.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Yellow-bellied Flycatchers are small flycatchers with yellow underparts and greenish-yellow backs. Their light wing bars and white eyerings give them a delicate and distinctive appearance.
These birds breed in Canada and the northeastern U.S., migrating through eastern states to spend the winter in Mexico and Central America. They inhabit conifer forests and wetland areas, catching insects in midair and sometimes feeding on poison ivy berries. Their nests are well-hidden on the ground, often tucked under logs or among ferns for protection.
Blue-winged Warbler
Blue-winged Warblers are named for their bluish-gray wings. Their bright yellow bodies and distinct black eye lines give them a fierce look despite their small size.
They breed in eastern U.S. states before migrating to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean for winter. These warblers prefer brushy fields, forest edges, and thickets, where they search for insects and spiders, even hanging upside down to find food beneath leaves. Blue-winged Warblers often hybridize with Golden-winged Warblers, producing unique hybrids known as Brewster’s and Lawrence’s Warblers.
Dickcissel
Dickcissels are small songbirds with striking yellow chests, black throat patches, and a yellow eyebrow stripe against their grayish heads. Females are similar but paler and lack the distinct black markings.
These birds breed in the Central and Great Plains of the U.S. before migrating to Mexico and northern South America. They thrive in grasslands, prairies, and lightly grazed pastures, feeding on insects and seeds. During migration, Dickcissels gather in massive flocks, sometimes numbering in the millions, making their presence impossible to miss.
Painted Bunting – Female
Female Painted Buntings are bright yellow-green, contrasting with the males’ vivid red, blue, and green plumage. Their subtle beauty allows them to blend into dense vegetation while foraging.
Painted Buntings breed in select U.S. states before migrating at night to Central America, Florida, and the Caribbean. They prefer semi-open habitats and primarily feed on seeds and insects. Their nests are hidden in shrubs and woven with cobwebs, twigs, and plant material. Despite their gentle appearance, males are highly territorial and will sometimes fight to the death to defend their breeding areas.
Prothonotary Warbler
Prothonotary Warblers are striking yellow birds with blue-gray wings and tails. They have a large, stocky build for a warbler, a thick black beak, and a white under-tail area. Females are slightly less vibrant than males.
These warblers breed in the eastern United States and winter in Mexico, the Caribbean, and northern South America. They are often found near streams, swamps, and wet woodlands, where they forage for insects, spiders, and snails. Unlike most warblers, Prothonotary Warblers nest in abandoned woodpecker holes near water, sometimes using nest boxes if provided.
Cape May Warbler
Male Cape May Warblers have distinctive chestnut cheeks, dark caps, and a yellow ring around the neck. Their upper bodies are mottled yellow-olive, while their undersides are yellow with dark streaks. Females and immature birds are duller and lack the striking head coloration of males. One unique feature of this warbler is its tiger-striped chest and dark crown.
Cape May Warblers breed in Canada, migrating through the eastern United States to winter in the Caribbean, the Yucatan Peninsula, and parts of Central America. They favor spruce forests for breeding but can be seen in various habitats during migration, especially near wood edges. Their diet consists mainly of spruce budworm in summer, while in winter, they consume fruit, nectar, and even use hummingbird feeders. Interestingly, Cape May Warblers have a specially shaped tongue curled into a tube to lap up nectar.
Canada Warbler
Canada Warblers have a grayish-black back with a yellow chest, belly, and throat. Males feature a black “necklace” across their chest, which does not extend down the belly. Females and immature birds have a paler back and a less distinct necklace, making them slightly less vibrant.
These warblers breed in Canada and the northeastern United States, migrating across the eastern U.S. to winter in western South America. They prefer rhododendron-filled conifer forests or mixed woodlands, foraging for insects and spiders. However, their population is declining, making them harder to spot. Canada Warblers are remarkable flyers, traveling over 3,000 miles between their breeding and wintering grounds.
Magnolia Warbler
Male Magnolia Warblers are black-backed with a vibrant yellow underside and black streaking forming a “necklace” across their chest and belly. Females lack the bold streaking and have a grayer back, making them less striking than their male counterparts.
They breed across Canada and the northeastern U.S., migrating through the eastern U.S. to winter in Central America and the Caribbean. During migration, they can be easily spotted on low branches in forests and parks. Their diet consists mainly of insects and spiders. Magnolia Warblers use the white spots on their tails to attract mates and deter rivals.
Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warblers have a bright yellow underside, a greenish-yellow back, and a gray head with a white eyering. Females and juveniles appear less vibrant than males. Their small size and energetic movements make them a delight to observe.
These warblers breed in northeastern U.S. states and Canada, with a smaller population in the northwestern U.S. and British Columbia. They migrate through most U.S. states to winter in Mexico. Their preferred habitats include scrubby areas and low deciduous forests, where they hunt for insects. Nashville Warblers have an unusual migration pattern, traveling along the Atlantic Coast in their first year but switching to an inland route in later years.
Audubon’s Oriole
Audubon’s Orioles are strikingly bright yellow with black wings, tails, and heads. Unlike many other orioles, both males and females share the same coloration, making them easy to identify.
These non-migratory birds are found in southeastern Texas and Mexico, favoring wooded areas and thickets. Though they are shy and difficult to spot, they forage for insects and fruit in dense vegetation. Their melodic whistles and high-pitched calls make them easier to hear than see. A fascinating fact about Audubon’s Orioles is that their nests are often taken over by cowbirds, which lay their eggs inside, leaving the orioles to raise their young.
American Redstart
Male American Redstarts are mostly black with bright orange patches and a white belly, while females are olive-gray with yellow patches instead of orange. Their striking colors and energetic movements make them stand out among other warblers.
These warblers breed in eastern U.S. states, Canada, and parts of the northwestern U.S., migrating through central and western states before wintering in the Caribbean and Central America. They thrive in deciduous woodlands where they hunt insects but can also be found in backyards eating berries. Interestingly, American Redstart parents each feed specific chicks rather than feeding them all equally.
Altamira Oriole
Altamira Orioles are bright yellow-orange with black wings, tails, and facial markings. Males and females look alike, but juveniles are more yellow with olive backs instead of black. Their striking coloration makes them easy to identify in their range.
They are mainly found in southeastern Texas and the Gulf Coast of Central America, where they remain year-round. These orioles prefer open woodlands and can be attracted to backyards with nectar feeders, oranges, jelly, and sunflower seeds. Unlike many orioles, Altamira Orioles stay with their breeding partners all year and construct unique hanging nests that can reach up to two feet in length.
Yellow-throated Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireos are bright yellow and gray birds with olive heads, white bellies, and grayish-brown backs with white streaks. Their vibrant throat and chest contrast sharply with their otherwise muted tones.
These vireos breed in eastern U.S. states and migrate to Central and South America for winter. They inhabit mixed woodlands, searching for insects and occasionally eating berries. Males build small piles of twigs in different locations and pretend to construct nests to impress females. Their actual nests are suspended high in trees, intricately woven with bark, grass, and silk from spiders or insects.
Eastern Yellow Wagtail
Eastern Yellow Wagtails have bright yellow underparts and yellowish-green backs, with constantly bobbing tails that make them easy to identify. Their slender build and active movements distinguish them from similar birds.
These birds are mostly found in Asia but also breed in western Alaska. They prefer scrubby tundra and marshes near water, where they forage for insects. Their nests are hidden under vegetation on the ground, made of grass, weeds, and moss. Eastern Yellow Wagtails travel long distances during migration, covering vast regions between their breeding and wintering grounds.
