The orchard oriole is the smallest species of icterid. The subspecies of the Caribbean coast of Mexico, I. s. fuertesi, is sometimes considered a separate species, the ochre oriole or Fuertes's oriole.
Region
Eastern North America to Central America
Typical Environment
Breeds across the eastern and central United States and southern Canada, favoring open woodlands, orchards, riparian edges, and shelterbelts. Winters from Mexico through Central America into northern South America. Avoids dense interior forests and treeless expanses, preferring semi-open habitats with scattered trees. Often associates with watercourses, hedgerows, and parks where flowering and fruiting trees are available.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The orchard oriole is the smallest icterid in North America. The Caribbean coastal subspecies I. s. fuertesi (Fuertes’s oriole) is sometimes treated as a separate species. They weave elegant pendant nests from grasses and plant fibers and frequently help control pest insects such as tent caterpillars.
male, Guatemala
First-year male in New York City
Female on milkweed plant, Delaware
Temperament
active but somewhat shy in foliage
Flight Pattern
direct flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often nests in loose colonies or clusters where habitat is suitable, with a woven pendant nest suspended from forked branches. Generally socially monogamous but polygyny can occur in rich habitats. In winter they may join mixed-species flocks and forage alongside other orioles and tanagers. Brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds is recorded in some areas.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
The male’s song is a quick, sweet series of warbling, buzzy phrases, less ringing than the Baltimore Oriole. Calls include sharp chek or chuck notes and soft chatter. Singing is most frequent at dawn and early morning during the breeding season.
Plumage
Male in breeding plumage shows glossy black head, back, and tail with rich chestnut underparts and distinct white wingbars; females and immatures are yellow-olive above with yellow underparts and two pale wingbars. Nonbreeding males resemble females but retain darker wings and hints of chestnut.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and spiders, including caterpillars, beetles, and other soft-bodied arthropods gleaned from foliage. Also consumes nectar and sips from flowers, and will take sugar water at feeders. Fruits such as mulberries, cherries, and figs are important, especially outside the breeding season. Occasionally hawks flying insects on short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Forages in tree canopies and along edges of deciduous trees, orchards, and riparian groves. In winter, frequents flowering trees, hedgerows, second-growth, and plantations where nectar and fruit are abundant.
