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Altamira Oriole

Icterus gularis ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: ICTERIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Altamira Oriole is a bird of Mexico and Central America whose range just reaches into southern Texas. The largest oriole occurring in the United States, it makes the longest nest of any North American bird: its woven basket-like nest can reach 65 cm (25.5 in) in length.

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Appearance

Blackbirdlike
Blackbirdlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Bright orange and black.
  • Long tail.
  • Black bib.
  • Back black.
  • White wingbar and spot in black wings.

Immature Description

Juvenile lacks black; olive on back, dull yellow on head and body. First-year bird similar to adult, but with olive, not black back, and yellowish olive tail.

Range Map Help

Altamira Oriole Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Altamira Oriole

    Adult
    • © Kevin T. Karlson, Bentsen State Park, Texas, March 2000
  • First year
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    Altamira Oriole

    First year
    • © F.G.Irwin / CLO

Similar Species

  • Hooded Oriole is similarly patterned, but is much smaller and slimmer. Its black face is more extensive and includes the eye and cheek, and its shoulder is white, not orange.
  • Adult male Bullock's Oriole has a black top of head and nape, a black eyestripe, a large white patch in the wings, and a mostly orange tail with a black tip. First-year male has black eyeline and whitish belly.