The orange-crowned oriole is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It is found in eastern Panama, Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Eastern Panama and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Panama through northern and northwestern Colombia into northwestern Venezuela. Prefers edges of lowland and foothill forests, gallery woods, and semi-open habitats with scattered tall trees. Common in second-growth, plantations, and along rivers where flowering and fruiting trees are present. Often near human-altered landscapes provided sufficient canopy and tall perches remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The orange-crowned oriole is a tropical icterid most often seen in pairs or small family groups along forest edges and second growth. It weaves a pendant, basket-like nest from plant fibers suspended from drooping branches. Like many orioles, it mixes a diet of insects with fruit and nectar and often visits flowering trees. Its clear, whistled phrases carry well at dawn.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
direct flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Builds a hanging, woven nest suspended from thin branch tips; the female does most weaving while the male often guards nearby. Likely forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season, with both parents feeding nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Clear, fluty whistles delivered in short, musical phrases, often repeated from an exposed perch. Also gives sharp chatter and scolding notes when agitated.
Plumage
Medium-sized oriole with a rich orange to orange-yellow crown contrasting with darker upperparts and wings; underparts are warm yellow to orange. Wings and tail are dark with paler edging, and the bill is pointed and slightly decurved. Females are generally duller and less intensely colored than males.
Diet
Takes insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage, flowers, and bark crevices. Also consumes soft fruits and berries and frequently sips nectar from flowering trees. Will hawk briefly for flying insects and probe blossoms for invertebrates and nectar.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid to upper canopy along forest edges, clearings with tall trees, and riparian corridors. Common around flowering and fruiting trees in second growth and plantations.
