About the Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore oriole is a small icterid blackbird common in eastern North America as a migratory breeding bird. It received its name from the resemblance of the male's colors to those on the coat-of-arms of 17th-century Lord Baltimore. Observations of interbreeding between the Baltimore oriole and the western Bullock's oriole Icterus bullockii, led to both being classified as a single species, called the northern oriole, from 1973 to 1995. Research by James Rising, a professor of zoology at the University of Toronto, and others showed that the two birds actually did not interbreed significantly.
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ID tip
This medium-sized passerine measures 17–22 cm (6.7–8.7 in) in length and spans 23–32 cm (9.1–12.6 in) across the wings. Their build is typical of icterids, as they have a sturdy body, a longish tail, fairly long legs and a thick, pointed bill. The body weight averages 33.8 g (1.19 oz), with a range of weights from 22.3 to 42 g (0.79 to 1.48 oz). The male oriole is slightly larger than the female, although the size dimorphism is minimal by icterid standards. Adults always have white bars on the wings. Voice: The Baltimore orioles' song is a short set of recognizable, sweet whistles that sound like "tyew, pyeer, peededoo, and "teer." Calls include "veeer," which is an unusual nasal sound, a low chatter call, and two high calls which sound like "tyew-li and kleek.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Baltimore Oriole sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in France, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Brazil, Chile, Iceland, Haiti, Martinique, St. Barthélemy.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Orchard OrioleIcterus spuriusMeasurements:
Length: 5.9–7.1 in (15–18 cm)
Weight: 0.6–1.0 oz (16–28 g)
Wingspan: 9.8 in (25 cm)
The bill is pointed and black with some blue-gray at the base of the lower mandible.
Hooded OrioleIcterus cucullatusThe hooded oriole is a medium-sized New World oriole.
Altamira OrioleIcterus gularisBoth males and females have a black mandible and throat, as well as a black back and long black tail.
Side by side: Baltimore Oriole vs Orchard Oriole · Altamira Oriole vs Baltimore Oriole
Learn the Baltimore Oriole for real
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