20 Black Birds with Yellow on Wings (ID & Images)

There are quite a few types of black birds with yellow on their wings, but the most well-known is the red winged blackbird. These birds are hard to miss as they have bright yellow feathers on their wings or tail. They are often seen in parks and other areas where there are many trees.

Apart from red winged blackbirds, the yellow winged blackbird is also frequently seen in parks and other areas where there are many trees. In the article below, we’ll delve into the plumage, breeding season, feeding habits, and more of these captivating yellow winged blackbirds, highlighting their unique characteristics among black bird species.

List of Black Birds with Yellow on Wings

1. Yellow-rumped cacique

yellow rumped cacique
Yellow-rumped cacique – Cacicus cela

A resident breeder in tropical South America from Colombia and Venezuela south to Paraguay and central Brazil, the yellow-rumped cacique, or Cacicus cela, is a passerine bird in the New World family Icteridae.

The family also includes other birds such as the grackles and meadowlarks. This species is common in open woodland, second growth and Savannah.

The adult has mainly black plumage except for a yellow shoulders and yellow undertail coverts. The bill is white and the legs are grayish-black. Note the stunning blue eyes.

This species measures about 11 inches long and weighs 3 oz. Their songs vary from mimicries to whistles to toots.

What do yellow-rumped caciques eat? Their meals consist of grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and caterpillars. They will also eat figs when available.

Where do cacique birds live? Yellow-rumped cacique birds live in bag-shaped nests where females lay 2 bluish eggs. Their young leave the nest after about 40 days.

2. Red winged blackbirds

Red winged blackbird
Red Winged Blackbird – Agelaius phoeniceus

Red winged blackbirds are a common sight across much of North America. These common backyard birds are easily recognizable by their black bodies and red-yellow shoulders . They typically inhabit open areas such as fields, marshes, and wetlands.

These yellow winged birds display sexual dimorphism. Male red winged blackbirds are black while females are the same size as a sparrow and are a streaked brown. Red winged blackbirds are songbirds and males are known for their elaborate vocal displays. They use these displays to attract mates and defend their territory. These birds are also known for their fondness for berries and seeds.

Where are red winged blackbirds found? In North America, the red winged blackbird can be found in most states all year round.

Where do red-winged blackbirds go in winter? Unlike other birds, red winged blackbirds migrate for short distances and some species will not migrate. Those that migrate move to Southern California and Southern Arizona.

How long do red winged blackbirds live? About 2 years in the wild. The oldest recorded red winged blackbird lived for 15 years.

3. Yellow-winged blackbird

birds with yellow wings
Yellow-winged blackbird – Agelasticus thilius

Not to be confused with the yellow-shouldered blackbird, the yellow-winged blackbird is a medium-sized black bird with a bright yellow shoulder patch on its wings. Its scientific name is Agelasticus thilius.

The yellow-winged blackbird is common in open habitats such as fields, marshes, and prairies. It feeds on insects and other small animals. It builds a bulky nest of grasses and other materials in a tree or shrub.

Are yellow-winged blackbirds rare? Endemic to parts of South America, yellow-winged blackbirds are listed as Least Concern, meaning there are enough pairs in the wild.

Where are yellow-winged blackbirds found? They are endemic to Brazil, Peru, and Argentina.

4. Yellow-shouldered blackbird

yellow winged birds
Source: mostremoschile

Yellow-shouldered blackbird – Agelaius xanthomus

Also known as capitán, the yellow-shouldered blackbird is a passerine bird found in the tropical Americas. It is a common and conspicuous resident of open country near water, such as wet savannas, mangroves and rice paddies.

Both sexes share similar characteristics. They are black with yellow patches on wings, have black eyes and long tails. They measure up to 8 inches long.

Are yellow-shouldered blackbirds endangered? The yellow shouldered blackbird has been placed on the red list among other endangered birds. Their population has been declining since the late 1960s and measures have been put in place to protect the remaining population plus encourage growth.

What do yellow-shouldered blackbirds feed on? They feed on insects, human food, and plant matter. It usually forages on the ground or low in bushes, but may also take prey from the air. This yellow-winged species builds a large open cup nest of sticks in a tree or shrub, often close to water. The female incubates the eggs alone, and the chicks are fed by both parents.

Related Read: Learn about different types of black birds with red eyes

5. Golden-winged cacique

black birds with yellow wings
Golden-winged Cacique – Cacicus chrysopterus

The golden-winged cacique or the Cacicus chrysopterus is a passerine bird in the New World family Icteridae. It is a resident breeder in tropical South America, from Colombia and Trinidad south to Argentina and Paraguay.

This species was formerly considered to be conspecific with the yellow-rumped cacique. The two forms are very similar, but can be told apart by their calls and wing markings. The golden-winged cacique has a richer, deeper voice, and its wings have a predominantly golden yellow patch.

How big is the golden-winged cacique? It is a medium-sized bird, typically 8 inches long. It has a whitish bill and whitish eyes.

6. Yellow-bellied siskin

Source: owendeutsch

Yellow-bellied Siskin – Spinus xanthogastrus

With a black head and yellow belly, the yellow-bellied siskin is a small South American songbird. It is usually about 4.5 inches long and has a black, stout bill. Being sexually dimorphic, the adult male is mostly black with a bright yellow belly and yellow patch on wings. Females are a dull yellowish-green. Find out more about blackbirds with yellow bellies.

The yellow-bellied siskin is a very active bird. It loves to eat seeds and can be seen hopping around on the ground or in trees, looking for food. It is also a very vocal bird, and can be heard singing throughout the year. They produce sharp “pyee” notes.

This bird with yellow wings builds its nest in a tree hole or crevice, and lays 3-6 eggs. The eggs are greenish blue, and are incubated by the female for about two weeks.

7. Golden-winged manakin

Source: tim_j_hopwood_photography

Golden-winged manakin – Masius chrysopterus

With a yellow head and a black body, the golden-winged manakin is a small bird that is found in the rainforest of Central and South America. It is a member of the Pipridae family, which includes other manakins.

The male golden-winged manakin is easily identified by its bright yellow wings and black body. The female is much less colorful, with olive green wings and a greenish body.

Golden-winged manakins are very active birds and are always moving around in the trees. They eat insects and seeds, and they build their nests in tree cavities. Golden-winged manakins are monogamous, meaning that they mate with one partner for life.

The males perform an elaborate courtship dance to impress the females, which involves jumping from branch to branch and puffing out their chest feathers.

8. Golden-winged sunbird

golden sunbird
Source: adiemcdermott

Golden-winged sunbird – Drepanorhynchus reichenowi

Found in parts of Africa, the golden-winged sunbird is a species of bird in the Nectariniidae family. It is found in parts of Kenya and Uganda. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.

How big is the golden-winged sunbird? This black bird with yellow wings is about 6 – 9 inches long. Male are slightly larger and are mostly black with a long central yellow tail, a yellow back and wings.

On the other hand, females spot a dark brown back and pale yellow underparts. Both sexes have curved beaks that come in handy when feeding.

What does the golden-winged sunbird eat? The golden-winged sunbird feeds on nectar from flowers using a long extendable tongue, as well as insects.

Where do golden-winged sunbirds live? It builds a small cup-shaped nest from plant fibers which it hangs from a branch.

Also read: Yellow eyed blackbirds

9. Regent bowerbird

regent bowerbird
Regent Bowerbird – Sericulus chrysocephalus

Is the bowerbird Australian? The Regent Bowerbird is a resident breeder in the rain forests of Eastern Australia. It is a colorful and beautiful bird that is around 10 inches long and have a wingspan of about 18 inches.

The males are striking with their brilliant yellow head, neck, and beak. They also have a black body with yellow on wings. The female Regent bowerbirds are less colorful than the males, but are still very pretty with their black-gray feathers.

These birds build an amazing structure called a bower to attract a mate. The bower is a kind of art gallery made entirely out of natural materials like twigs, vines, leaves, and berries.

The male will decorate his bower with all sorts of treasures he finds in the forest like colorful stones, shells, and feathers. He will even steal things from other animals if he has to!

What noise does a bowerbird make? Like other bowerbirds, regent bowerbirds are known for their whistles, crackles, churrs, and mimicries.

10. Northern mountain cacique

siskin
Source: lilamargaritaochoa

Northern mountain cacique – Cacicus chrysonotus

The Northern Mountain Cacique is a small passerine bird found in the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador. This species was formerly considered conspecific with the Venezuelan Mountain Cacique. It is a mainly black bird with yellow wings, piercing white eyes, and a pale white bill. The sexes are similar but juveniles are browner than adults.

Northern Mountain Caciques are typically found in forested areas at elevations of 9,843-14,764 ft. They feeds on spiders, caterpillars and other young arthropods. The nest is built in a tree hole or cavity, and 2-4 eggs are laid. This species is monogamous and territorial.

11. Epaulet oriole

yellow oriole
Source: glomaech

Epaulet oriole – Icterus cayanensis

Slender and unmistakable, epaulet orioles are small passerines bird in the New World blackbird family.This small black bird with yellow on wing breeds in open areas near rivers and forest edges across most of Central America.

How can I identify an epaulet oriole? The adult epaulet oriole is mainly black with a yellow shoulder patch (epaulet) which gives this species its name and a yellow undertail and rump.

12. Variable oriole

Source: avesdoroncador

Variable orioles – Icterus pyrrhopterus

Variable orioles is a passerine bird from the genus icterus. It is also a member of the icterid family, which also includes the bobolink and the Baltimore oriole. The Variable oriole is a medium-sized bird, measuring 9-10 inches in length and weighing about 1.5 ounces.

It has a long tail and a robust body. The adult is striking in appearance, with its black body, bright yellow patch on wings and yellow thighs.

Variable orioles can be found in near water spots. They prefer feeding on insects

13. Black cuckooshrike

Source: ebirdography

Black cuckooshrikes – Campephaga flava

Black cuckooshrikes are medium-sized birds that are found in the Afrotropics. It is a member of the Campephagidae family. The black cuckooshrike is sexually dimorphic, with the male being black with a small yellow patch on the wings and the female being streaked gray above and paler on the underside.

They measure between 11 and 12 inches in length, and weigh between 1 and 2 ounces. They have a long tail. The black cuckooshrike inhabits woodlands and savannah, where they eat insects and small seeds.

They are monogamous, and build a simple cup-shaped nest out of twigs, which they attach to a branch or tree trunk. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, which are incubated for about 14 days. The chicks fledge at about 25 days old.

14. New Holland Honeyeater

New Holland Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater – Phylidonyris novaehollandiae

New Holland Honeyeaters are a small passerine bird that is found in eastern and southern Australia. They are easily identified by their white and black plumage with yellow on their wings and tail.

They are part of honeyeater that are endemic to Australia. New Holland Honeyeaters feed on nectar, insects, and spiders, and they are known for their loud and distinctive song.

They form monogamous pairs for breeding, and the female typically builds the nest and incubates the eggs. New Holland Honeyeaters are considered to be common birds and not endangered.

What is the lifespan of a new Holland honeyeater? While the exact age is yet to be determined, this honeyeater species has been known to live for up to 2 years in the wild.

What do you feed a new Holland honeyeater? If you want to attract honeyeaters to your backyard, plant lots of flowers since they love nectar and add some bird feeders with fruit.

15. Black siskin

Source: jacobo_fauna

Black Siskin – Spinus atratus

Small and beautiful, black siskins are members of the finch family Fringillidae, and is native to parts of South America. This small black bird with yellow on wings is closely related to the oriole finch, and like those species, has a black head and a stout bill.

This black and yellow bird prefers open habitats such as grasslands. They measure about 5 inches, the same size as a house sparrow with the female being duller than the males.

Black siskins is a shy bird that typically occurs in small flocks. It feeds on seeds of various plants, including weeds, trees, and cultivated crops.

16. Puerto Rican oriole

black birds with yellow on wings
Source: depajareopr

Puerto Rican Oriole – Icterus portoricensis

The Puerto Rican oriole is a passerine bird endemic to the island of Puerto Rico. It is one of several species of icterid or blackbird found in the Americas. It is a medium-sized bird with a length of 8 inches and weight of about 1.5 ounces.

It has a black body, black wings with yellow patches, yellow undertail, and thighs. Note their strong black beak. Juveniles are more yellow than black.

The Puerto Rican oriole inhabits subtropical and tropical forests, including coffee plantations, and can be found in both lowlands and mountains up to 4,000 feet elevation. This black bird with yellow on wings is omnivorous.

Other Black and Yellow Birds

17. Yellow-headed blackbird

Yellow-headed blackbird
Yellow-headed blackbird – Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

The yellow-headed blackbird is a medium-sized black bird with a bright yellow head. They are common in open areas near water, such as marshes, wetlands, and prairies. They forage for food on the ground, eating insects and seeds.

They are songbirds. The male yellow headed blackbird sings a variety of songs to attract mates. These birds build nests together from twigs and grasses. The female lays 3-5 eggs. The young hatch after about two weeks and are fed by both parents until they can fly away about two months later.

18. American goldfinch

American goldfinch
American goldfinch – Spinus tristis

The American Goldfinch is a small North American bird that is easily identified by its bright yellow body and black plumage. These birds are typically about 6-7 inches in length and weigh in around 0.7 ounces.

They have a short, pointed bill and a short tail. The American Goldfinch is a common sight during the summer months across much of the United States. These birds feed on a variety of seeds, including those from sunflowers, thistles, and other plants.

They also eat spiders, and other small prey items. American Goldfinches typically nest in colonies, building their nests from materials such as grasses, twigs, leaves, and mud. The female lays 4-6 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about two weeks. The young chicks remain in the nest for another few weeks before fledging.

19. Evening grosbeak

 Evening grosbeak
Evening grosbeak – Hesperiphona vespertina

Another yellow and black bird found in North America is the evening grosbeak. The male has a bright yellow forehead and underpart with black wings while the female is mostly gray with white patches on the wings.

These birds are omnivorous and are generally shy and retiring, but can be quite vocal when breeding or defending their territory. Evening grosbeaks typically winter in the southern United States and Mexico.

20. Western tanager

Western tanager
Western tanager – Piranga ludoviciana

Western tanagers are songbirds that are typically about 7 inches long and have a wingspan of about 11 inches. The plumage of the male Western tanager is mostly yellow with a reddish head and black wings, while the female is mostly olive green. The bird is found in western North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico.

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