Orioles
Brightly colored feathers and cheerful songs make the ten native Orioles species (Icterus) popular spring and summer residents across North America.
A neotropical migrant, the Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbulas) extends its breeding range over much of Eastern North America.
Maryland designated it the state bird in 1947, and interestingly enough, a changing climate suggests that its southern most breeding range including Maryland, could potentially warm to a point of being unale to host breeding populations.
| Icterid Species Blackbirds Types of Birds |
The Bullock's Oriole, the most common Western oriole, breed in northern forested land next to running water, typically in river and stream basins.
Winter migration takes them as far south as Mexico and Central America.
Their diet consists mostly of insects. However, they also eat fruit and nectar. They are common birds around orchards and back yards that provide sufficient food water and shelter.
Hooded Orioles (Icterus cucullatus) confine their range to Southwest breeding grounds, migrating south to Mexico for winter.
Males have a distinct black patch on an otherwise yellow breast. Females lack the black patch and their color is a bit duller than males.
They prefer riparian habitats with ample trees for protection and nest building. Their diet consists of insects, fruits and flowers.
They are not people shy and can easily be persuaded to visit back yards that provide food, water and shelter.
© 2005-2012 Patricia A. Michaels