Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 6.7–7.5 in
17–19 cm - Wingspan
- 9.1–11.8 in
23–30 cm - Weight
- 1.1–1.4 oz
30–40 g
Other Names
- Oriole de Baltimore (French)
- Bosero de Baltimore (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The Baltimore Oriole hybridizes extensively with the Bullock's Oriole where their ranges overlap in the Great Plains. The two species were considered the same for a while and called the Northern Oriole, but recently, they were separated again. Molecular studies of the oriole genus indicate that the two species are not very closely related.
- The "orioles" of the Americas were named after similarly-appearing birds in the Old World. The American orioles are not closely related to the true orioles in the family Oriolidae. They are more closely related to blackbirds and meadowlarks. Both New and Old world orioles are brightly colored with red, yellow, and black; have long tails and long pointed bills; build hanging, woven nests; and prefer tall trees around open areas.
- Young male Baltimore Orioles do not achieve adult plumage until the fall of their second year. But some first-year males with female-like plumage succeed in attracting a mate and nest successfully.
Habitat
Open Woodland
- Breeds along woodland edges and open areas with scattered trees, especially deciduous trees.
- Also in parks and wooded urban areas.
- Winters in humid forests and second growth.
Food
Insects
Caterpillars, fruits, insects, spiders, and nectar.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 3–7 eggs
- Egg Description
- Pale grayish-white, streaked and blotched with dark lines, heaviest at large end.
Incubation period 11-14 days. - Condition at Hatching
- Helpless, with sparse down.
Chicks fledge in 11-14 days.
Nest Description
Gourd-shaped and woven from hair, plant fibers, and synthetic fibers. Hung by the rim from thin branches or a fork in a tall tree.
Nest Placement
Tree
Behavior
Foliage Gleaner
Gleans and probes in trees for insects.
Conservation
Least Concern
Populations showing slight decrease across range, but populations probably stable. This species should be monitored closely. You can help scientists learn more about this species by participating in the Celebrate Urban Birds!
Credits
- Lee, C.-T., and A. Birch. 1998. Field identification of female and immature Bullock's and Baltimore orioles. Birding 30: 282-295.
- Rising, J. D., and N. J. Flood. 1998. Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula). In The Birds of North America, No. 384. (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.