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.
Region
Eastern North America
Typical Environment
Breeds across eastern and parts of central North America, favoring open deciduous woodlands, riparian corridors, parks, and suburban shade-tree neighborhoods. During migration it passes through the eastern United States and Gulf Coast, wintering from Mexico through Central America, the Caribbean, and into northern South America. It prefers tall trees for nesting, especially elms, maples, and cottonwoods along waterways and edges. In winter it uses second-growth forests, forest edges, plantations, and flowering gardens where fruit and nectar are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Male Baltimore orioles are vivid orange and black, echoing the heraldic colors of Lord Baltimore for which they are named. They weave remarkable hanging pouch nests, usually suspended from the tips of deciduous tree branches. Formerly lumped with Bullock's oriole as the 'northern oriole' (1973–1995), they are now recognized as distinct with limited hybridization in contact zones. They readily visit backyard feeders offering oranges, nectar, or grape jelly.
Baltimore orioles
Adult female
Juvenile in Maryland, United States
Baltimore oriole with nest
Baltimore oriole, adult male
Adult male gaping
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
strong flier with quick, direct flight
Social Behavior
Form seasonal monogamous pairs on breeding grounds, with males defending territories through song and display. The female weaves a pendant basket nest from plant fibers, grasses, and sometimes string or thread. Outside the breeding season they may join loose mixed-species flocks in fruiting trees, especially on migration and in winter.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a rich, whistled series of clear, fluty phrases, often delivered from treetops. Calls include sharp chatter and scolding notes, plus a distinctive 'cheeek' or 'hewli' contact call.
