The bar-winged oriole is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It is found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.
Region
Mesoamerican Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico (primarily Chiapas and adjacent Oaxaca) south through Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Favors pine–oak and cloud forests, humid montane forest edges, second growth, and shade-coffee plantations. Often uses riparian corridors and semi-open woodlands with tall trees. Tends to forage in the mid to upper canopy but also visits flowering shrubs at edges. Tolerates a degree of habitat fragmentation where tall trees persist.
Altitude Range
800–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bar-winged oriole is a striking icterid of pine–oak and cloud-forest edges in the highlands of southern Mexico and northern Central America. It is often first detected by its rich, fluty whistles and the bold white wing bars that flash in flight. Pairs weave deep, pendant nests suspended from slender branches, and they readily use shade-coffee plantations as surrogate habitat.
Temperament
wary and active
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks while foraging. Likely monogamous, with a deep, hanging basket nest suspended from outer branches. Both parents participate in feeding the young. Territorial singing is common during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of rich, fluty whistles and clear, mellow phrases delivered from high perches. Calls include sharp chacks and chatter notes that carry through the canopy.
Plumage
Bright orange to rufous-orange body with a contrasting black hood and upper back; wings black with bold, clean white bars and edging. Tail mostly black with some orange bases; underparts uniformly rich orange. Feathers appear sleek and glossy on black areas, with crisp, well-defined wing barring.
Diet
Takes a variety of insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark, and occasionally hawks flying insects. Also consumes nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, probing with its slender bill. Fruits and berries are eaten seasonally, providing sugars when arthropods are less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages primarily in the mid to upper canopy of pine–oak and cloud forests, as well as along forest edges. Frequently visits flowering Inga, Erythrina, and shade-coffee blossoms, and will use semi-open woodlands and gardens with tall trees.
