There are a few different types of birds that have yellow bodies and black wings and tails. Based on the description provided, the bird in question is most likely an oriole.
Quick Answer
The bird that fits the description of having a yellow body and black wings and tail is an oriole. Orioles are medium-sized songbirds that can be found in many parts of North America. The two most common oriole species with this coloration are the Baltimore Oriole and Bullock’s Oriole.
Identifying Features of Orioles
Orioles get their name from their bright orange and yellow plumage that resembles the colors of an orange fruit. There are around 30 different species of orioles found throughout the Americas, but the Baltimore Oriole and Bullock’s Oriole are the two most widespread in North America that match the yellow and black description. Here are some key identifying features of orioles:
- Medium-sized songbirds, 6.7 to 8.7 inches in length
- Mostly yellow, orange, or olive-colored plumage
- Black wings, tails, and heads (male Bullock’s Orioles have a black bib)
- Pinkish beaks and feet
- Musical, warbling songs
- Skillful weavers of hanging pendulous nests
Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole is a medium-sized songbird with a wingspan of 8.2-11.8 inches and length of 6.7-7.9 inches. Adult male Baltimore Orioles have deep orange plumage on their breasts, bellies, shoulders, and rumps. Their wings, tails, heads, and backs are black. Females are paler orange on the underside and olive-yellowish on top. Immature Baltimore Orioles resemble adult females but are duller in color.
Baltimore Orioles breed in open woods across eastern North America and into southern Canada. Their range stretches west to the Great Plains. They migrate to spend the winter in Central America and northern South America. These orioles build pendulous nests hanging from tree branches.
Baltimore Oriole Facts
- Scientific name: Icterus galbula
- Length: 6.7-7.9 inches
- Wingspan: 8.2-11.8 inches
- Weight: 1.1-1.4 oz
- Lifespan: Up to 12 years
- Diet: Insects, fruit, nectar
- Song: Fluty whistles
- Nest: Woven pouch suspended from branches
- Eggs: 3-7 pale bluish or grayish eggs with black markings
Bullock’s Oriole
Bullock’s Oriole is very similar in size and appearance to the Baltimore Oriole. Adult male Bullock’s Orioles have bright orange plumage on their underparts, rumps, and shoulder patches. Their heads are black with a pointed black bib under the beak. Their backs are olive-yellow blending to orange on the rump. Females are dull yellow-olive on top and pale yellow-orange below. The wings and tail are black in both sexes.
Bullock’s Orioles are found in western North America in open woods and riparian areas. They breed across western states and provinces then migrate to wintering grounds in Mexico. Like Baltimore Orioles, they build impressive hanging nests.
Bullock’s Oriole Facts
- Scientific name: Icterus bullockii
- Length: 6.7-7.5 inches
- Wingspan: 10.6-11.8 inches
- Weight: 1-1.4 oz
- Lifespan: Up to 11 years
- Diet: Insects, fruit, nectar
- Song: Loud, rich whistling
- Nest: Suspended pouch nest
- Eggs: 3-7 eggs with purple-gray blotches
Differences Between Baltimore and Bullock’s Orioles
Baltimore and Bullock’s Orioles occupy different parts of North America, with Baltimore in the east and Bullock’s in the west. Their plumage patterns also differ slightly. The main differences are:
- Range: Baltimore Orioles live in the East, Bullock’s in the West
- Black bib: Bullock’s Orioles have a black bib; Baltimore Orioles do not
- Back color: Baltimore Orioles have black backs; Bullock’s have olive-yellow backs
- Shoulder patch: Bullock’s Orioles have a large shoulder patch; Baltimore Orioles do not
Where their ranges overlap, the orioles may hybridize. The female and immature birds are extremely difficult to tell apart.
Other Yellow and Black Birds
While Baltimore and Bullock’s Orioles are the most likely birds with yellow bodies and black wings and tails in North America, here are a few other birds with similar plumage that may match the description:
Yellow-headed Blackbird
- Medium-sized songbird found in western North America
- Males have bright yellow heads and breasts with black bodies, wings and tails
- Females are brownish with lighter throats
Bobolink
- Small grassland songbird of North America
- Males in breeding plumage are black underneath and pale yellow on the nape, rump and shoulders
- Females and non-breeding males are pale brown and streaked
Hooded Oriole
- Southwestern U.S. and Mexico
- Males are yellow with black hoods, wings and tails
- Females are greenish-yellow with gray hoods and wings
Scott’s Oriole
- Arid southwestern North America
- Males have yellow underparts and black heads, wings and tails
- Females are gray with yellow throats and bellies
Conclusion
In summary, an oriole such as the Baltimore Oriole or Bullock’s Oriole is most likely to match the description of a bird with a yellow body and black wings and tail in North America. Orioles in the genus Icterus have bright yellow or orange plumage on their undersides and rumps along with jet black feathers on the wings, tails and heads. Their distinctive colorful plumage and musical songs make them a favorite backyard bird for many people. Identifying whether an oriole is a Baltimore or Bullock’s relies on subtle differences in plumage patterns and their geographic range.
