Orchard Oriole
NameOrchard Oriole
Common NameOrchard Oriole
Scientific NameIcterus spurius
FamilyIcteridae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)22
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a solid black head, back, wings, and tail, contrasting sharply with rich chestnut-orange underparts, rump, and shoulder patches. Their black wings feature two prominent white wing bars. Females are yellowish-green on the head and underparts, with a grayish back and two white wing bars on their wings.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a rapid, musical, and somewhat fluty warble, often described as cheerful and varied. Calls include a soft 'chuck' and a sharper 'chip' note.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across eastern and central North America, from southern Canada through the eastern United States to the Gulf Coast. Winters in Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
Identifying Featuressmall size, pointed bill, male's black and chestnut plumage, female's yellowish-green plumage, white wing bars, musical, fluty song
Description
The Orchard Oriole is a small, active songbird known for its striking plumage. Males exhibit a distinctive black and chestnut pattern, while females are more subtly colored in yellowish-green. They are often found foraging for insects and nectar in open woodlands and orchards.
