We are lucky enough to live in the UK, where we can enjoy the view from our windows with a cup of tea and watch the colourful birds. However, there is something special about spotting black and yellow bird feather that leaves us in awe. Perhaps it is the bright yellow light that stands out against the typically grey British sky that is so irresistible.
Just catching a glimpse of them is enough to bring endless joy. The UK is home to around 10 species of yellow birds, from the common great black-headed ibis to the stunning and dazzling golden pheasant. Let’s explore more with birdsofjoy.com!
10 bird types of black and yellow bird feather
Great Finches and Greenfinches
The Great Blackfinches are a common bird in our gardens, easily spotted at your bird feeder: a bright yellow breast with a bold black stripe down the middle, a green mantle and a black cap. They are often seen pushing other smaller birds around. In winter, they join the Blackfinches in groups to forage for food in the garden.
The Greenfinches are less aggressive and are one of the most popular birds in the UK. Their colourful mix of yellow, blue, white and green makes them easy to spot.
Groups of finches will enjoy feeding on seeds and a mixture of suet and mealworms. If you see four or five finches at your feeder, you could actually be feeding a much larger flock!
Oriole
With a yellow underwing and bright red face, you should be able to spot a Goldfinch at your garden bird feeder. They have a lovely chirping call. Many people think they are shy, but they are actually no more shy than other birds, they just like clean bird feeders (which is understandable, we think!) so make sure your feeders are clean and shiny. Goldfinches live in large flocks, so you may be lucky enough to see a few feeding at your bird feeder at the same time. They are tiny creatures, only 12cm long.
Phoenix
This little bird is a rare gem! And one of the smallest birds in the UK. They can be recognised by the yellow stripe on the back of their heads and the distinctive copper collar. They also have a green back and a white eye stripe. You will be lucky if you spot a Firecrest at your bird table, but they prefer soft mealworms on ground feeders. You can also provide a ground feeder to keep them safe from larger predators while they feed.
Golden Pheasant
Originating from China, this is a spectacular bird and you would be lucky to spot one of these beautiful birds in the UK. They look like pheasants, but the striking golden plumage, golden-spotted tail and red breast make the male stand out (females are light brown). They also have sparkling blue patches on the sides of their necks. Their colourful plumage has earned them the nickname ‘rainbow pheasants’. Their numbers are declining, having been more numerous in their historic UK habitats: Brownsea Island in Dorset, Suffolk, Tresco, Scilly, Breckland and near Sandringham, west Norfolk.
Siskin
Siskins are part of the large passerine family and are most common in Scotland and Wales, although you may spot more in the UK in winter. Male siskins are more brightly coloured than females (as is common with many birds). The male has a bright yellow body with green stripes and a black wattle with a distinct forked tail. There are also yellow patches on the wings and tail. The female is much paler.
Wood Thrush
The Wood Thrush is found in particularly high numbers in Wales. It has a bright yellow face, throat and upperparts, with white underparts. It feeds mainly on spiders and insects and can be found in woodlands (including the oak forests of west Wales).
Yellow Wagtail
The Yellow Wagtail is a graceful little bird with bright yellow plumage. As its name suggests, its tail can be seen waving as it walks and scurries across the ground. The Yellow Wagtail is a summer migrant, migrating to Africa in the winter. It usually nests near wetlands or marshes, nesting on the ground in grasslands, fields and pastures. Sadly, the Yellow Wagtail is on the Red List of Birds of Concern due to its severely declining breeding numbers.
Goldfinch
The male Yellow Wagtail has a bright yellow head and underparts, a chestnut rump and a brown back with black stripes. Sadly, the numbers of Yellow Finch are declining rapidly and so they are now a Red Listed species. Loss of habitat such as hedgerows is the cause. They will be attracted to eating seed mix from ground feeders in your garden.
Round Robin
The Cirl is a relative of the Goldfinch. It was mainly found in Devon. It used to live all over the UK but is thought to have been wiped out by modern farming methods. In spring, the male has a yellow stripe on his head with yellow underparts and black stripes on his eyes, chin and crown. The female and juvenile Cirl resembles the Goldfinch, but has a striped rump and darker markings.
Yellow Starling
Wow, what a beautiful bird! They are covered in bright yellow plumage and contrasting black wings. They like to roost near water or in poplars and are only found in the UK in May and June, so you only have a short window to spot them. Even then, they are elusive, preferring to stay high up in the treetops.
FAQ
1. Which bird has a black body and a yellow beak?
Some birds have a prominent yellow beak on their black bodies. These include the Black Hawk, Alpine Chough, and Hill Myna.
2. Which black bird has a yellow head?
As the name suggests, the yellow-headed blackbird has a yellow head on a black body.
3. Which bird has a yellow body and black wings?
Birds with black wings and yellow bodies include the American Sparrow, the Western Sparrow, and the Black-headed Oriole.
