The hooded oriole is a medium-sized New World oriole. The male of this species ranges in color from a bright orange to a paler yellow, with a black back, face, tail and bib, with the wing containing two white bars. The female is more of an olive color with some yellow accents.
Region
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs from California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas south through northwestern and central Mexico. Prefers open woodlands, riparian corridors, desert oases, and suburban areas with tall ornamental palms, eucalyptus, cottonwoods, and sycamores. Frequently occupies parks, golf courses, and gardens where flowering plants and fruit are abundant. Winters largely in Mexico, with some populations resident in warmer lowlands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Hooded orioles often nest in the drooping fronds of ornamental palm trees, especially in suburban neighborhoods. They readily visit hummingbird and oriole feeders for nectar and sliced citrus. Males vary from rich orange to bright yellow depending on subspecies and region, while females are olive-yellow for better camouflage. They weave deep, hanging basket nests from plant fibers and grass.
Temperament
alert and active, somewhat wary near humans
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season; small loose flocks may form in nonbreeding periods. Pairs are largely monogamous and weave deep, pendant nests suspended from palm fronds or slender branches. Nests are often placed high and concealed among drooping leaves. Subject to brood parasitism by cowbirds in some areas.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song consists of bright, whistled phrases interspersed with thin, slurred notes and soft chatters. Calls include sharp chik and sweet, metallic peet or wheet notes, delivered from exposed perches.
Plumage
Male is bright orange to yellow with a black hood, throat bib, face mask, back, and tail; wings are black with two crisp white wing bars. Female is olive to yellow-olive above with yellowish underparts and faint wing bars. Both sexes have a slender, slightly decurved bill and relatively long tail.
Diet
Eats insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and wasps, gleaned from foliage and bark. Also takes nectar from flowers and feeders, occasionally robbing from hummingbird feeders with its slender bill. Consumes fruit including oranges, berries, and dates, especially outside peak insect season. Will sip from agave and other desert blooms when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of palms, cottonwoods, sycamores, and mesquite, as well as in ornamental plantings. Frequently forages in suburban yards, parks, and riparian edges where flowering shrubs and fruit are abundant.
