Yellowbacked

Yellowbacked, often written yellow-backed, is a descriptive English term used in the common names of several animal species to indicate a yellow coloration along the back or dorsal surface. As a non-taxonomic descriptor, it appears across different groups and regions, especially in Africa, but can also be found in other continents where yellow dorsal markings are notable.

The term is formed from the words yellow and backed, and its use in common names dates to earlier zoological literature. It functions as a visual cue rather than a precise scientific classification, and the exact shade and pattern of the yellow can vary between species and age of individuals.

Notable examples include the yellow-backed duiker (Cephalophus silvicultor), a small forest antelope native to West and Central Africa. In this species, a yellowish dorsal band contributes to its name, with coloration that can help with camouflage in dappled light environments. Another example is the yellow-backed widowbird (Euplectes aureus), a passerine found in sub-Saharan Africa; breeding males typically display prominent yellow features on the back or upperparts, contrasted with other plumage.

Because yellowbacked is a descriptive label applied to multiple, unrelated taxa, it is important to consult taxonomic references for precise identification. The term may also appear in regional field guides and vernacular naming, reflecting local perceptions of coloration rather than a shared evolutionary lineage.