Icterus galbula
Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole is a striking songbird with vibrant orange and black plumage. Males display bright orange on their breast, underparts, shoulders and outer tail feathers, contrasting sharply with their black heads, backs, and wings. A single white wing bar adds a distinctive touch to their appearance.
Females show more variation in their appearance, with more subdued coloring that can range from olive-brown to nearly male-like plumage, often becoming more vibrant as they age. Young birds start with paler coloring, with males gradually developing their adult plumage over their first two years.
Length
17cm to 19cm
Wingspan
23cm to 30cm
Weight
30g to 40g
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Baltimore Orioles breed in deciduous and mixed woodlands across eastern and central North America, from southern Canada to the central United States. They prefer open woodlands, forest edges, and mature shade trees in parks and gardens.
During winter, these birds migrate to warmer regions, including Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. In the US, they are common summer residents in the eastern states and parts of the Midwest.
Up to 500 meters
Temperate, Subtropical
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Baltimore Orioles have a diverse diet that includes insects, fruits, and nectar. They are particularly fond of caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers. In spring and fall, they supplement their diet with ripe fruits like mulberries and cherries.
Their long, pointed beaks are well-adapted for probing flowers for nectar.
Baltimore Orioles are known for their acrobatic foraging, often hanging upside down to reach nectar or insects on the outermost branches of trees.
They are generally solitary birds during the breeding season but may form small flocks during migration. These orioles are also known for their bold behavior in defending their territories against intruders.
The Baltimore Oriole's song is a series of rich, whistled notes, often described as a flute-like 'hew-li'. Their call is a sharp, chattering 'chatter-chatter' or a more plaintive 'weeek'.
Males sing more frequently and have a wider repertoire of vocalizations compared to females.
Baltimore Orioles begin their breeding season in late spring, typically May to June. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including bowing and singing, to attract females.
Females construct distinctive, sock-like hanging nests woven from plant fibers, grasses, and string. These nests are usually placed high in deciduous trees, often near the end of a branch. A typical clutch consists of 3-7 pale blue eggs with dark markings.
Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, primarily done by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after about 12-14 days. Young orioles may remain dependent on their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
The Baltimore Oriole typically lives for 11 to 12 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 14 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
While currently listed as Least Concern, Baltimore Orioles face threats from habitat loss and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving deciduous forests and promoting bird-friendly urban landscapes. Citizen science projects help monitor population trends and migration patterns.
Northern Oriole
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website: BirdLife International. 2018. Icterus galbula. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22724126A132026652.
View sourcewebsite, 2022: Partners in Flight
View sourcewebsite: Historical Longevity Records of North American Birds
View sourcebook, 1980: John Terres, The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds