Are you looking for bird names that start with Y for your feathered friend?
Whether you’re a pet owner who loves to give their pet an original name or a bird enthusiast looking for interesting bird names that start with Y, there are plenty of options.
Some unique and interesting bird names start with Y, from the Yellow-faced Honeyeater to the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the most popular bird names, starting with Y, to help you find the perfect one for your feathered friend.
1. Yellow Warbler
The Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) is one of the most popular bird names, starting with Y.
This small songbird is found across much of North America, where it breeds during the spring and summer months before migrating southward to spend the winter in Central America.
The Yellow Warbler is renowned for its bright yellow plumage and cheery song, described as sweet and musical. It typically eats insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and flies.
The Yellow Warbler may also eat some seeds and other plant material when insect food is scarce.
These birds are common in open woodlands, marshes, and suburban yards, so you may have seen one without even knowing it!
2. Yucatan Woodpecker
The next on my list of bird names that start with Y is the Yucatan Woodpecker (Melanerpes pygmaeus), a bird found in the tropical forests of Mexico and Central America.
This medium-sized woodpecker measures up to seven inches long, with a mostly black body and white wings. Its most distinctive feature is the yellow crest on its head.
The Yucatan Woodpecker eats mainly insects but will also eat some fruits and nuts. It is primarily an insectivore but eats small amounts of plant matter.
It is an agile climber capable of scaling the vertical trunks of trees to access its food sources.
The Yucatan Woodpecker is active during the day but will rest at night. The Yucatan Woodpecker is not a particularly vocal species, but it does produce a loud tapping noise when it drums on trees or branches.
It is a solitary bird, rarely seen with other members of its species.
The Yucatan Woodpecker’s population is stable, and its conservation status is of the least concern.
3. Yellow Billed Loon
The Yellow-billed Loon, also known as the White-billed Diver, is a unique bird name that starts with Y.
This large waterbird is native to North America, Europe, and Asia and is usually found near open freshwater and saltwater habitats such as lakes, estuaries, and coastal areas.
The Yellow-billed Loon has a long yellow bill and white plumage, though it sometimes appears darker in the winter.
The loon is an excellent swimmer and diver, diving for up to several minutes in search of food such as fish, mollusks, and crustaceans.
These bird names that start with Y can also be seen foraging for food on land. The Yellow-billed Loon is a solitary bird, rarely seen in flocks, and tends to migrate solo.
They are also quite vocal and make various sounds, from loud wails to trills.
4. Yungas Pygmy Owl
The Yungas Pygmy Owl is an incredibly unique bird with a distinct look. It is one of the few bird names that start with Y and stands out among its feathered friends for its small size and gorgeous plumage.
This owl species lives mainly in South America, from western Ecuador to the northern tip of Argentina.
They have a remarkable camouflage pattern on their bodies, making it difficult to spot them during the day.
At night, they become active, hunting for small animals like insects and lizards.
Yungas Pygmy Owls are slightly over six inches long and have bright orange eyes.
Their wings are brown-gray with bars and streaks of white, and their backs are a mixture of brown and buff.
Their bellies are usually a light brown, but some individuals can be darker.
These bird names that start with Y are unique in that they lay eggs in hollow logs or tree cavities rather than nest on the ground like most other owl species.
Yungas Pygmy Owls live in pairs or small family groups, often sharing their nesting sites with other owls or birds.
The Yungas Pygmy Owl is an incredibly fascinating bird species worth learning more about.
It’s a beautiful creature that may not be widely recognized as a bird that starts with Y, but it should be!
5. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a migratory bird species in the woodpecker family.
These bird names that start with Y are typically found in coniferous forests and are known for their loud drumming call and habit of drilling small holes in trees to access sap and insects.
Their scientific name is Sphyrapicus varius, and they are recognizable for their bright yellow belly and red markings on their head.
These bird names that start with Y can be found throughout much of North America in the summer, from Alaska to Florida.
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is an important species for forest ecology, as it helps to disperse seeds and create new habitat areas by excavating tree bark.
They are also important pollinators, as they spread pollen while they search for food.
In addition to its unique plumage, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is also known for its extraordinary flight abilities.
These bird names that start with Y can fly up to 30 miles per hour and hover in midair.
Overall, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is an incredible bird that adds beauty to the forests of North America.
If you’re looking for a bird with an interesting name that starts with Y, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is worth considering!
6. Yucatan Flycatcher
The Yucatan Flycatcher is a bird found in Mexico and Central America.
It’s small and brownish-gray, with a white throat, yellow belly, and black wings with white bars. Its distinctive call is a loud chik-ah-ree.
These bird names that start with Y feed on insects and fruit and build their nest in shrubs and trees.
The Yucatan Flycatcher is known for its hardiness and resilience in the face of environmental changes. It is an important part of the ecosystem and a popular bird for birdwatchers.
7. Yellow-rumped Warbler
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is one of the most popular bird names that start with Y.
This bird species is native to North America and migrates from Canada to the southeastern United States.
Its distinctive yellow rump makes it easily recognizable and is a delight for bird watchers.
The Yellow-rumped Warbler has many habitats, including forests, wetlands, and open areas.
They mainly feed on insects and spiders, making them an important part of controlling pests in their native habitat.
During the winter, they migrate south in large flocks in search of food and warmer climates.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these beautiful birds, you can identify them by their greyish-brown backs and white underparts.
8. Yelkouan Shearwater
The Yelkouan Shearwater is a type of seabird found in the Mediterranean Sea and nearby areas.
It has a distinctive white body with dark wings, a forked tail, and a long slender beak.
The Yelkouan Shearwater can grow up to twelve inches in length and has an average wingspan of twenty-one inches.
These bird names that start with Y are regular visitors to parts of Europe, North Africa, and other Mediterranean places.
The Yelkouan Shearwater is an important part of its ecosystem, feeding on small fish and other prey at sea.
This bird has adapted to different environments, making it a great choice for birders looking to add a unique species to their collection.
The Yelkouan Shearwater is also popular with photographers thanks to its striking appearance.
If you’re looking for bird names that start with Y, the Yelkouan Shearwater is an excellent choice!
9. Yellow-billed Cuckoo
When it comes to bird names that start with Y, one of the most popular choices is the Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
This small, migratory bird species are native to the United States and can be found in wooded areas across much of the country.
The Yellow-billed Cuckoo can be recognized by its pale yellow bill, white chest, and grey wings, as well as its distinctive call – a three-syllable ka-kow ka-kow.
It mainly feeds on insects and caterpillars, though it may consume berries or small lizards if available.
The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is classified as a threatened species due to the loss of its natural habitat.
Conservation efforts are underway in many areas to protect this species and help ensure its survival.
10. Yellow-eyed Junco
The Yellow-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus) is a small species of bird native to North America, particularly the western United States and parts of Mexico.
It belongs to the sparrow family and is easily identifiable by its slate gray plumage and bright yellow eyes.
The Yellow-eyed Junco is commonly found in forests, gardens, and other areas with thick vegetation.
The bird names that start with Y feed on insects, seeds, fruits, and other small items.
This species is an important food source for many predators, including owls, hawks, and foxes.
The Yellow-eyed Junco is an interesting bird to watch as it flits around its habitat.
Its call is a simple but distinct ‘tseet’, which can be heard in the early morning and late evening.
The Yellow-eyed Junco also has a unique courtship behavior involving tail wagging, wing flicking, and singing.
The Yellow-eyed Junco is an excellent choice if you’re looking for bird names that start with Y.
Its bright yellow eyes will draw your attention, and the bird’s cheerful song will charm your ears.
11. Yucatan Jay
The Yucatan Jay is a member of the Corvidae family and a bird species native to Mexico and Belize.
This bird is well-known for its remarkable beauty and striking blue-gray plumage. It has an unmistakable black hood, white cheeks, and a bright orange-red bill.
The Yucatan Jay is found in deciduous forests, pine-oak forests, and agricultural areas.
These birds feed mainly on fruits, seeds, insects, and nectar. They typically form flocks and forage together in trees or on the ground.
These bird names that start with Y are especially important to Mexican culture because they symbolize wealth and prosperity.
For example, they are often featured in folk songs and traditional artwork.
The Yucatan Jay is also considered one of Mexico’s most important species for conservation efforts.
These bird names that start with Y are a joy to watch and can be seen all around Mexico.
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful bird to admire or want to learn more about these fascinating creatures, the Yucatan Jay is a great choice!
12. Yellow Crowned Night Heron
The Yellow Crowned Night Heron is a bird in marshy areas along North and South American coasts.
This heron species is easily identifiable by its yellow crown, dark blue-gray back, white belly, and red eyes.
These bird names that start with Y typically reach lengths of approximately 20 inches, making them large birds.
Yellow Crowned Night Herons are active mainly during the evening or night when they feed on small aquatic animals such as crabs, fish, insects, and small amphibians.
If you’re looking for a beautiful bird to add to your yard, the Yellow Crowned Night Heron is an excellent choice!
13. Yellow-headed Blackbird
The Yellow-headed Blackbird, a beautiful and striking bird in North America, is the next on my list of bird names that start with Y. It has a distinct yellow head, and its body is predominantly black.
This bird can reach lengths of up to 8 inches, and its wingspan is typically around 13-15 inches wide.
The Yellow-headed Blackbird feeds mainly on insects and small fruits but occasionally eats seeds and grains.
It is an incredibly social species and is often found in large flocks during migration.
The Yellow-headed Blackbird nests in colonies and builds cup-shaped nests in trees or bushes near open water. They are monogamous and generally mate for life.
Both parents will be responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for their young.
In the spring and summer, you may spot a flock of Yellow-headed Blackbirds on ponds or marshes as they congregate in these areas to feed and socialize.
The Yellow-headed Blackbird is great if you want to add some beautiful birds to your backyard!
Its vibrant colors and cheerful chirping will surely brighten up any outdoor space.
14. Yunnan Fulvetta
The next on my list of bird names that start with Y is the Yunnan Fulvetta (Alcippe davidi), a small, sparrow-like bird native to central and southeastern China.
It is a member of the Alcippe genus, which includes several species of bird found in Asia and Africa.
The Yunnan Fulvetta is a plain-looking bird with an overall light brown plumage and a black mask across the eyes. Its size ranges from 14 to 16 cm long and has a short tail and a pointed bill.
The Yunnan Fulvetta is primarily a forest-dweller living in the forests of Yunnan province and parts of Guangxi and Sichuan provinces.
It usually lives in pairs or small groups and feeds on insects and spiders. Its call is a series of high-pitched tzeet notes.
The Yunnan Fulvetta is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List, mainly due to habitat loss due to logging and deforestation.
Conservation efforts are needed to ensure that these birds have enough suitable habitat to survive in the wild.
15. Yellow-headed Parrot
Then next on my list of bird names that start with Y is the Yellow-headed Parrot, an attractive, medium-sized bird with bright yellow feathers on its head and upper chest, along with green feathers covering the rest of its body.
This parrot species is native to Mexico and Central America but has been introduced to South Florida in the United States.
As with many parrots, the Yellow-headed Parrot is known for its ability to mimic human speech and other sounds, making it a popular pet.
They are also capable of learning tricks and performing various behaviors on cue. In their natural habitat, they feed mainly on fruits and nuts and can live up to 40 years.
16. Yunnan Nuthatch
The Yunnan Nuthatch (Sitta yunnanensis) is a bird found in southeastern China and parts of Vietnam.
It has a distinctive brownish-gray coloration and an easily recognizable black stripe that goes through the eye and down its back.
These small bird names that start with Y are often seen perched on tree branches, scavenging for food, or singing their loud call.
The Yunnan Nuthatch lives in subtropical forests, feeding mainly on insects and other invertebrates.
While not particularly endangered, the Yunnan Nuthatch’s population is declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by human activities. As a result, it is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
17. Yellow-chevroned Parakeet
The last on my list of bird names, starting with Y, is the Yellow-chevroned Parakeet (Brotogeris chiriri), a parrot in Central and South America.
They are medium-sized birds with bright green plumage, yellow markings on the face and wings, and blue tail feathers.
The Yellow-chevroned Parakeet is known for being incredibly social and talkative, making them a great pet bird for those looking for an interactive companion.
They also have various vocalizations, from high-pitched trills to deep growls.
These parrots live in large flocks in the wild and forage for fruits, nuts, and seeds.
These bird names that start with Y can make excellent pets that will bond closely with their owners with proper care and nutrition.
