The Puerto Rican oriole, or calandria is a species of bird in the family Icteridae, and genus Icterus or New World blackbirds. This species is a part of a subgroup of orioles that includes the North American orchard oriole, Icterus spurius, and the hooded oriole, Icterus cucullatus.
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
Found across the main island of Puerto Rico and nearby islets in a variety of wooded and semi-open habitats. It frequents coastal mangroves, lowland and foothill forests, coffee plantations, and urban parks with mature trees. Palms are especially important for nesting, but the species also forages in mixed second-growth and forest edges. It tolerates some human-modified landscapes where tall trees and palms remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the calandria, the Puerto Rican oriole is an endemic New World blackbird of Puerto Rico. It belongs to a Greater Antillean oriole complex and is closely related to species like the orchard oriole and hooded oriole. It often weaves pendant nests in palm fronds and may be parasitized by the shiny cowbird. Adults are mostly black with striking yellow patches, and pairs sometimes duet.
Temperament
alert and moderately wary
Flight Pattern
direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside breeding, it forages singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. During breeding it is territorial, with pairs weaving deep, hanging nests in palm fronds or other fibrous leaves. Both sexes may participate in nest defense, and brood parasitism by shiny cowbirds occurs locally.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of rich, whistled phrases and clear, flutelike notes with variable tempo. Calls include sharp chits and harsher scolds when alarmed. Pairs may exchange antiphonal duets.
