9 Birds That Start With Y: Species You Should Know

When we think about birds, names like “robin” or “eagle” usually pop into our heads. But what about birds whose names start with “Y”? They may not be as common, but they’re just as interesting. Let’s explore some wonderful birds starting with the letter Y, along with a little peek into their lives, habits, and habitats.

Table of Contents

1. Yellow Warbler

The Yellow Warbler is like a burst of sunshine in the trees. Found across North and Central America, these small songbirds are known for their bright yellow feathers and sweet, whistling songs.

Habitat: Wetlands, gardens, and forests.
Diet: Insects, spiders, and some berries.
Interesting Fact: During breeding season, males sing tirelessly to attract females and defend their territory.

Yellow Warblers are often seen darting through shrubs and trees, hunting tiny insects. They build small cup-shaped nests hidden deep inside thick vegetation.

2. Yellow-billed Cuckoo

The Yellow-billed Cuckoo has a gentle, cooing call that sounds almost like a distant wooden chime. It’s a shy bird, often heard before it’s seen.

Habitat: Woodlands and river forests across the United States.
Diet: Mostly caterpillars, but also beetles and grasshoppers.
Interesting Fact: They are known as “rain crows” because their calls often increase before storms.

Their sleek brown and white bodies, combined with a striking yellow lower beak, make them stand out when spotted.

3. Yellow-throated Warbler

A small, lively bird, the Yellow-throated Warbler is easy to recognize thanks to its bright yellow throat contrasting with gray wings and a black-and-white face.

Habitat: Tall pine forests and swamps.
Diet: Insects, spiders, and small berries.
Interesting Fact: They prefer foraging high up in the tree canopies.

These warblers are quick and nimble, hopping along branches and occasionally hanging upside down to pick insects from leaves.

4. Yellow-rumped Warbler

This cheerful little bird has a bright yellow patch right on its rump, giving it its playful nickname “butterbutt.”

Habitat: Coniferous forests during breeding; open woodlands and shrubby areas during migration.
Diet: Insects in summer, berries in winter.
Interesting Fact: They can digest waxy berries like bayberries, giving them an advantage when food is scarce.

In colder months, these birds sometimes gather in mixed flocks, moving through parks and neighborhoods looking for food.

5. Yellow-eyed Penguin

One of the world’s rarest penguins, the Yellow-eyed Penguin is a treasure of New Zealand’s coasts.

Habitat: Forested coastal areas and beaches.
Diet: Fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Interesting Fact: They are incredibly shy, often avoiding human presence.

Their pale yellow eyes and head stripe give them a distinctive look. Unlike many penguins that nest in colonies, Yellow-eyed Penguins prefer isolated nesting sites.

6. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

This bird drills neat rows of holes in trees to feed on sap, hence the name “sapsucker.”

Habitat: Deciduous forests in North America.
Diet: Tree sap, insects, and fruits.
Interesting Fact: Their sap wells also attract hummingbirds and bats!

They have a vivid red crown and a yellowish belly, and you’ll often spot them tapping on birch, maple, or other softwood trees.

7. Yellow-faced Honeyeater

Native to Australia, the Yellow-faced Honeyeater is a quick-moving bird known for its constant chatter and streaked body.

Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and gardens.
Diet: Nectar, insects, and fruits.
Interesting Fact: They are one of the main species involved in Australia’s great bird migrations each autumn.

With a subtle yellow streak across the face, these honeyeaters are crucial pollinators, helping many plants reproduce.

8. Yellow-legged Gull

A common sight along the Mediterranean coastline, the Yellow-legged Gull is a strong, adaptable bird.

Habitat: Coastal cliffs, beaches, and urban areas.
Diet: Fish, invertebrates, scraps, and even small birds.
Interesting Fact: They are bold scavengers and have adapted well to human environments.

These gulls have a cleaner white body compared to other gulls, with bright yellow legs and a powerful beak ideal for foraging.

9. Yellow-vented Bulbul

One of Southeast Asia’s most familiar birds, the Yellow-vented Bulbul is lively, social, and adaptable.

Habitat: Gardens, parks, and light forests.
Diet: Fruits, nectar, and insects.
Interesting Fact: They are so adaptable that they thrive even in busy cities.

They sport a soft brown body, a striking white face, and a pop of yellow under their tail, which they flash when they hop around in the foliage.