Georgia is home to some spectacular birding locations. Whether you’re birding in the Appalachian Mountains, a swamp, a pine forest, or along the Atlantic coast, you’re likely to encounter some yellow birds in Georgia.
More than 430 bird species have been found in Georgia, with many of these birds being yellow. All of the different yellow birds in the state make it difficult to differentiate between all of the different species. Luckily, I’ve created this guide to make the task easier for you. Here are 15 yellow birds in Georgia:
Table of Contents
Vireos
Philadelphia Vireos and Yellow-throated Vireos are the only two vireo species that are considered to be yellow birds in Georgia. However, 5 other vireos are expected in the state.
Philadelphia Vireo
Philadelphia Vireos vary in the amount of yellow within their plumage. Some have undersides that are almost entirely yellow, while others scarcely have any yellow.
Philadelphia Vireos are annual migrants in Georgia. They may look very similar to Warbling Vireos if they have minimal yellow, so be sure to get a good look.
Yellow-throated Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireos are common migrants and breeders in Georgia. These yellow birds in GA bear a striking resemblance to Pine Warblers, so be sure to obtain a good look before a positive Yellow-throated Warbler identification.
Yellow-throated Vireos are usually present in deciduous woodlands, so watch for them in parks, forests, and suburbs throughout Georgia.
Finches
Five species of finch can be found in Georgia every year, while several others show up in Georgia every few years. Let’s examine the yellow finches in Georgia.
American Goldfinch
American Goldfinches are perhaps the most recognizable yellow bird in Georgia. These finches readily stop by backyards across the state as they search for seeds to eat.
American Goldfinches readily stop by backyards offering a bird feeder filled with thistle seeds. They only tend to breed in the northern half of Georgia but may be discovered throughout the state in winter.
Evening Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeaks are rare visitors to Georgia. They are only observed every few years, not being one of the 5 common finches in Georgia Evening Grosbeaks are more likely to be found in some years than others.
This rare yellow bird in GA may wander further south than in a typical winter during irruption years. Additionally, it is during these years that Evening Grosbeaks may show up at bird feeders.
These nomadic creatures are most frequently observed in the Appalachian Mountains in the northeastern part of the state. Look for them in mixed forests or at backyard bird feeders.
Blackbirds
Georgia is home to 10 blackbird species, although only one–the Eastern Meadowlark–is a yellow bird.
Eastern Meadowlark
This yellow and black bird in Georgia is observed throughout the year. Eastern Meadowlarks are found in a variety of grassy habitats including pastures, prairies, airports, and fallow fields.
These yellow birds in GA blend into their surroundings. Therefore, it is often easier to hear Eastern Meadowlarks than to see them.
Warblers
More than 35 species of warblers are native to Georgia. Many are considered to be yellow birds in Georgia, as yellow is a common color in warbler plumages.
Blue-winged Warbler
Blue-winged Warblers are primarily found in the northern half of Georgia during migration. This bird species in Georgia rarely breeds in the state.
Look for them to appear in brushy habitats, parks, and young forests as they migrate through during spring and fall.
Canada Warbler
Canada Warblers are typically found in the northern third of the state where they are migrants.
These yellow birds in GA are highly sought after in the Appalachian Mountains of northeastern Georgia. Here, they breed in mixed forests.
Cape May Warbler
Cape May Warblers are commonly observed in during migration. However, they are absent during summer and winter.
Though females often lack much yellow coloration, males possess quite a bit of yellow color. Look for these yellow birds of Georgia in both deciduous and coniferous trees during migration.
Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroats are among the most abundant warblers in the state of Georgia, being present in the state for most of the year. Some Common Yellowthroats even spend the winter in the southern half of Georgia.
These small yellow birds in Georgia favor different habitats than most of their counterparts, being found in wetlands and marshes.
Hooded Warbler
These gorgeous warblers in Georgia with black hoods are common breeders. This yellow bird in Georgia is especially abundant in the forests near the Appalachians.
Look for Hooded Warblers in both deciduous and coniferous forests where they feast on insects. They like fairly open tracts of woodland, but they often sing from thickets to remain safe from predators like hawks.
Kentucky Warbler
Kentucky Warblers are secretive bright yellow birds in Georgia, sticking to the understory of forests during their daily activities.
They are largely absent from the southeastern portion of Georgia during the summer. So, look for these yellow and black birds in Georgia in tracts of forest in the remainder of the state.
Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia Warblers are a Georgia yellow bird with dark streaks on their undersides. Birds of all ages have grayish heads and wings, but males have dark masks and backs.
These Georgia warblers do not breed in the state. However, they are rather common during migration, being found in a variety of wooded areas.
Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warblers are uncommon small yellow birds in Georgia. They do not breed in the state, but small numbers migrate through annually.
The most records of Nashville Warblers in Georgia come from the upper tier of the state, with few records from southern Georgia save for areas along the Atlantic coast.
Pine Warbler
Pine Warblers are one of the most recognizable warbler species in Georgia. Males and females look quite similar, with both possessing blue, black, white, and yellow colors. Pine Warblers can be found year-round in the Southeast.
They are denizens of pine woodlands throughout the state. Remember, they look quite similar to Yellow-throated Vireos. However, Pine Warblers will be found in pine woodlands rather than deciduous forests.
Prairie Warbler
Prairie Warblers are widespread Georgia yellow birds. Despite being regular residents, not many are familiar with these yellow birds of Georgia.
Contrary to what their name implies, Prairie Warblers do not live in prairies or grasslands. Instead, they hide away in shrubs and thickets where they can be difficult to detect.
Prothonotary Warbler
One of the most stunning bright yellow birds in Georgia, Prothonotary Warblers are a bold shade of yellow with green backs and blue wings.
They are most common in the swamps of central Georgia where they nest in cavities within trees and dine on insects. These songbirds may show up anywhere during migration.
Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warblers are uncommon and irregular warblers in Georgia, making them one of the more highly sought annual songbirds.
These yellow birds in GA are lemon yellow below and green above. Males have a black cap while females lack this feature. Look for this Georgia yellow bird as it forages a few feet off the ground in shrubs.
Yellow Warbler
Though Yellow Warblers are perhaps the most common warbler in the United States, they are uncommon breeders in Georgia.
They may breed within the Appalachian Mountains in the northern part of the state. Look for them in parks and woodlots during migration.
Cardinals and Grosbeaks
Eight species within the Cardinal and Grosbeak family can regularly be found in Georgia, though only one is considered to be a yellow.
Dickcissel
Dickcissels are scarce in Georgia, being primarily found in the northwestern part of the state.
These birds with funny names can be found in open areas like hay fields, overgrown ditches, and pastures.