Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

Compiled by Liam Molina

Orchard Orioles are the smallest orioles in North America, identifiable with their sharp, pointed bills. Males sport mostly black plumage with a chestnut-colored underbelly, whereas females are a greenish-yellow with white wings. While young, the males share the females’ greenish coloring, but they can be distinguished by the flecks of black around their bill and throat, which is absent in their female counterparts. These birds let out a quick, musical warble similar to that of the Purple Finch. 

These birds begin their migration over the Gulf of Mexico, then sprawl throughout the southern and eastern United States. You’ll most often spot them by rivers, pastures, parks, and, their namesake, orchards. They tend to forage for insects near the tops of trees but are also known to drink nectar from flowers and eat berries. They’ll also happily visit hummingbird feeders and bird feeders to grab a quick snack!

These birds are easy-going neighbors in their ideal habitats, nesting near other orioles, kingbirds, and sparrows. The kingbirds, due to being more aggressive, help to protect the Orchard Orioles from predators and from cowbirds seeking to utilize their existing nests. However, in less suitable habitats, these birds will typically live solitary lives, often being spotted making their calls at the top of treetops. 

Photos: Connor Teseny, Wayne Jeansonne, Catherine McEntee, Hazel Erikson

Sources: Allaboutbirds.org, Audubon.org, Ebird.org