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Altamira Oriole Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A large songbird with a long tail, stocky body, and fairly large head. The bill is very thick at the base but fairly long and sharply pointed.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Brewer’s Blackbird, smaller than a Common Grackle.

    Relative Sizebetween sparrow and robinbetween sparrow and robin

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 8.3-9.8 in (21-25 cm)
      • Weight: 1.7-2.3 oz (47-64 g)
      • Wingspan: 14.2 in (36 cm)

Regional Differences

Ornithologists recognize six subspecies, but only one of these (tamaulipensis) inhabits the United States. These subspecies differ very subtly in size, amount of white in the wing, and intensity of orange coloration.