The black-vented oriole is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It is found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and the United States.
Region
Mexico and Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from much of Mexico south through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with rare vagrant records in the southern United States. Prefers semi-open habitats including tropical dry forest, thorn scrub, forest edges, and second-growth. Also uses pine–oak woodlands and riparian corridors, as well as rural orchards and gardens. Often occupies mid to upper canopy but will descend to flowering shrubs and fruiting trees.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Black-vented Orioles are striking icterids of Mexico and Central America, occasionally wandering into the southern United States. They weave pendant, basket-like nests from plant fibers suspended from branch tips. They often visit flowering trees and sometimes nectar feeders, sharing resources with hummingbirds. A key field mark is the distinctly dark vent contrasting with warm orange underparts.
Temperament
active and wary
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups; may join mixed-species flocks while foraging. Builds a hanging, woven nest from grasses and fibers suspended from branch tips. Generally monogamous during the breeding season, with both sexes involved in parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of rich, whistled phrases and fluty notes delivered at a measured pace. Calls include sharp chak and chatter-like scolds. Vocalizations carry well through open woodland and edges.
Plumage
Bold contrast of dark head and upperparts with rich orange underparts; undertail (vent) distinctly black. Wings and tail are largely black and typically lack prominent wingbars. Plumage is sleek with a glossy sheen on dark areas.
Diet
Takes insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark, and will sally to catch flying insects. Also consumes nectar from tubular flowers and readily visits nectar feeders. Eats soft fruits and may pierce fruit skin to access juices.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in mid to upper canopy of open forests, edges, and secondary growth. Frequently forages in flowering trees, hedgerows, and gardens, especially where nectar and fruit are available.
