Taxonomy/Description

Baltimore Oriole's are passerines in the family Icteridae which groups them together with other Blackbirds. The Baltimore Oriole is a beautiful, bright orange colored bird with a distinctive black hood, back, and wings. Like other blackbirds, the female is of a different physical appearance than the male, being a dull yellow-brown color. They are 17-19 cm (7-7 in) in size with a wingspan of  23-30 cm (9-12 in). They weigh 30-40 g (1.06-1.41 ounces).

photo Michael Noonan

Habitat/Diet

Although the Oriole is historically a bird of woodland edge and open woods, the Baltimore Oriole has adapted well to urban parks and suburban landscapes. The Oriole also enjoys open areas with scattered trees. In the summer, the Baltimore Oriole can be found in the north and the midwest. During winter, the Oriole may migrate all the way down to the northern tip of South America. The Baltimore Oriole likes to feed on insects such as caterpillars and spiders, as well as fruits and nectar. Orioles forage solitarily in trees, on ground, in bushes.

photo Ivan Andrijevic

Behavior/Reproduction

The Baltimore Oriole lays one clutch of eggs per year. The nests are commonly found in isolated trees, at edge of woodlands, or in urban parks. The nest is usually gourd-shaped and woven from hair, plant fibers, and synthetic fibers. The female lays 4-5 pale, grayish-white, streaked and blotched eggs  with dark lines. Eggs are incubated by the female for a period 11-14 days. The chicks are strong enough to leave the nest 12-14 days after hatching.

Where to see them in WNY

The Baltimore Oriole is found mostly in parks, or areas with scattered trees. Iroquois National Wildlife and Losson Park are two large, beautiful areas where the Baltimore Oriole is very likely to be seen.