The Orchard Oriole is a songbird native to North America. Adult males are distinguished by their striking black and chestnut plumage, while females and immature males are a greenish-yellow with olive-brown wings.
Orchard Orioles inhabit open woodlands, orchards, and gardens, favoring areas with scattered trees and shrubs. They are often seen foraging for insects, fruit, and nectar, using their slender, curved bills to extract food from flowers and foliage. Orchard Orioles are social birds, often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season, and their vibrant colors and melodic songs make them a delight to observe.
Their song is a rich, melodious series of whistles and chatters. Orchard Orioles are migratory, breeding in the eastern United States and wintering in Central America. They arrive at their breeding grounds in late spring and build hanging, basket-like nests from plant fibers and grasses.
During the breeding season, females typically lay 4-6 eggs, which they incubate for about two weeks. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks, which fledge after another two weeks.
1. The Orchard Oriole is the smallest species of oriole in North America. They are sometimes confused for warblers, due to their small size and bright coloration. 2. The oldest known Orchard Oriole was a captive female who lived... Read more »
