The black-backed oriole is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It is endemic to Mexico. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, but it is also found in cities. It is one of the few species that can consume monarch butterflies due to evolving a tolerance to their natural poison.
Region
Central Mexico
Typical Environment
Found primarily in subtropical and tropical moist forests of central Mexican highlands, including montane oak–pine woodlands and humid forest edges. It also frequents secondary growth, coffee plantations, riparian corridors, and city parks and gardens. The species adapts well to mosaic landscapes where flowering and fruiting trees are available. Urban areas with ornamental trees can host stable local populations.
Altitude Range
600–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking oriole is endemic to Mexico and commonly inhabits both natural forests and urban areas. Remarkably, it can safely consume monarch butterflies, having evolved a tolerance to their cardiac glycosides. It weaves a deep, pendant nest from plant fibers and often forages high in flowering trees.
Temperament
active and wary, occasionally bold in urban settings
Flight Pattern
direct flight with short, rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, forming loose family groups after fledging. Pairs are monogamous and construct pendant, basket-like nests suspended from branch tips. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species foraging flocks in fruiting or flowering trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled phrases interspersed with chattering notes. Calls include sharp chacks and scolds, especially when alarmed near the nest.
Plumage
Glossy black head and back with bright orange to orange-yellow underparts and rump; wings mostly black with a distinct white patch and narrow wingbars. Tail largely black with orange edging; females and immatures are duller with less extensive black and more yellow-olive tones.
Diet
Feeds on insects, spiders, fruits, and nectar. Regularly visits flowering trees to probe for nectar and glean arthropods from foliage and bark. It is one of the few birds known to consume monarch butterflies, showing tolerance to their toxins. In urban areas, it may also take cultivated fruits and sip from ornamental blooms.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mid- to upper canopy of forests, edges, and gardens. Frequently uses flowering and fruiting trees, as well as riparian vegetation and shade-grown agroforests.
