Audubon's oriole, formerly known as the black-headed oriole, is a New World passerine inhabiting the forests and thickets of southeastern Texas and the Mexican coast. It is the only species to have a black hood and yellow body. It is divided into four subspecies and two allopatric breeding ranges. The westernmost range extends from Nayarit south to southern Oaxaca, whereas the eastern range stretches from the lower Rio Grande valley to northern Querétaro. The most common in the western range are the subspecies I. g. dickeyae and I. g. nayaritensis; I. g. graduacauda and I. g. audubonii can be found in the eastern range. Like most Central American birds, it is not a migratory species and does not display significant sexual dimorphism. DNA analysis of the ND2 and cyt-b genes strongly suggests that I. graduacauda is most closely related to I. chrysater, the yellow-backed oriole. It is a member of the genus Icterus and therefore should not be confused with the Old World orioles.
Region
Northeastern and Pacific-slope Mexico; South Texas (USA)
Typical Environment
Found from the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas south through northeastern Mexico to northern Querétaro, and in a separate Pacific-slope range from Nayarit to southern Oaxaca. It inhabits semi-arid thornscrub, riparian woodlands, tropical deciduous forest, and dense second-growth edges. In Texas it favors dense brushlands with ebony, mesquite, and acacia near waterways. It uses forest edges, thickets, and shaded ravines, often remaining low to mid-level in the understory. The species adapts to mosaic landscapes with hedgerows and scattered trees, provided dense cover is available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Audubon's oriole is the only New World oriole with a solid black hood contrasting with a bright yellow body, making it distinctive even in dense brush. It occurs in two allopatric populations in Mexico, with a small extension into the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Nests are often parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds, and birds tend to remain inconspicuous, singing rich, slow whistles from cover. DNA evidence suggests close relationship to the Yellow-backed Oriole (Icterus chrysater).
Temperament
skulking and cautious
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with slightly undulating path
Social Behavior
Typically observed in pairs or small family groups, especially during the breeding season. Monogamous pairs weave a deep, hanging cup nest from plant fibers and grasses, often in thorny shrubs or small trees. Brown-headed Cowbird parasitism is frequent in parts of its range.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of rich, mellow, slowly delivered whistles, often descending and spaced with pauses. Calls include soft chattering or mewing notes given from cover.
