Michigan, also known as the Great Lakes State, is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes and divided into two peninsulas—the Upper Peninsula (UP) and the Lower Peninsula (LP). The LP is more densely populated and home to major cities, while the UP is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Michigan has some gorgeous landscapes full of wildlife, including several species of yellow birds. This article will tell you more about yellow birds in Michigan and when you can see them.
15 Yellow Birds in Michigan
Michigan is home to several yellow bird species, including the American goldfinch, yellow warbler, eastern meadowlark, yellow-rumped warbler, prothonotary warbler, common yellowthroat, northern parula, yellow-throated vireo, yellow-breasted chat, wilson’s warbler, great-crested flycatcher, Baltimore oriole, summer tanager, scarlet tanager and evening grosbeak.
The birds we’ve chosen below are notable for their bright color, but they certainly aren’t the only birds with yellow plumage. If you are trying to identify a bird you don’t see on this list, grab a field guide and look up warblers, vireos, orioles, tanagers and flycatchers. Those bird families often display yellow in their plumage.
1. American Goldfinch
Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
Male American goldfinches are hard to miss during the breeding season, with bright yellow plumage, jet-black foreheads and wings. Females and non-breeding males have a lighter yellow coloration and lack the black cap. During the winter, males lose their bright colors and become quite dull.
American goldfinches are year-round residents in Michigan and can be found throughout the state. Goldfinches are late breeders compared to many other songbirds. Breeding typically occurs from June to August in Michigan.
2. Yellow Warbler
Scientific Name: Setophaga petechia
The yellow warbler is a small songbird measuring 4.7 – 5.1 inches long. Both males and females have bright yellow plumage. Males have distinctive reddish streak