Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 6.7–7.5 in
17–19 cm - Wingspan
- 12.2 in
31 cm - Weight
- 1–1.5 oz
29–43 g
Other Names
- Northern Oriole (in part)
- Oriole de Bullock, Oriole à ailes blanches (French)
- Bolsero calandria (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The Bullock's Oriole hybridizes extensively with the Baltimore 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 Bullock's Oriole's nest is not always placed in territory where the male advertises.
- Both sexes of Bullock's Oriole sing, but the males and females sing different songs. The song of the female is similar to that of the male, but it ends differently and with harsher notes. Early in nesting period, and before and during nest-building, the female sings regularly, and may sing more than the male.
Habitat
Open Woodland
Riparian and open woodlands, or woodlots with tall trees, including parklands. Winters in riparian woodlands and woodland edge, with some in pine, pine-oak, or fir forests.
Food
Insects
Caterpillars, fruits, insects, spiders, and nectar.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 2–7 eggs
- Egg Description
- Pale bluish or grayish white, sometimes with purplish tint, splotched and scrolled with a few to many fine, purplish brown lines.
- Condition at Hatching
- Helpless with sparse white down.
Nest Description
Hanging nest, neatly woven of hair (especially horsehair), twine, fibers, grasses, and wool, lined with cottonwood or willow cotton, wool, or feathers. Placed in isolated trees, at edges of woodlands, along watercourses, in shelterbelts, and in urban parks, often near water.
Nest Placement
Tree
Behavior
Foliage Gleaner
Gleans and probes in trees and flowers for insects and nectar. Visits feeders for sugar water.
Conservation
Least Concern
Widespread and common. You can help scientists learn more about this species by participating in the Celebrate Urban Birds!
Credits
- Rising, J. D., and P. L. Williams. 1999. Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii). In The Birds of North America, No. 416 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.