The yellow-tailed oriole is a passerine bird in the New World family Icteridae. It breeds from southern Mexico to western Peru and northwestern Venezuela; in Peru it also lives in a river valley corridor.
Region
Mesoamerica and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, extending into northwestern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela, with an additional population along Peru’s Marañón River valley. It favors semi-open habitats such as forest edges, riparian woodlands, second growth, plantations, and gardens. Frequently associated with flowering and fruiting trees and is common near watercourses. Avoids dense interior rainforest but thrives in mosaics of trees and open areas.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-tailed oriole is a striking New World icterid found from southern Mexico through Central America to parts of northern South America. In Peru it also inhabits an isolated river-valley corridor, notably along the Marañón. It weaves pendant basket-like nests suspended from the tips of branches, often over open spaces or water. Its rich, whistled phrases carry far and are often one of the most distinctive sounds in semi-open tropical habitats.
Temperament
alert and somewhat wary
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups; occasionally joins mixed-species flocks around fruiting or flowering trees. Builds a pendant, basket-like nest suspended from slender branch tips. Both sexes may participate in nest defense, and the species is territorial in the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, fluty whistles delivered in short phrases, often with mellow, carrying notes. Calls include sharp chacks and clearer, ringing whistles used to maintain contact among mates or family groups.
Plumage
Bright yellow overall with contrasting black wings and tail accents; often shows a dark mask through the eye. The tail is conspicuously yellow, and the wings may show subtle pale edging or a small panel. Sleek plumage with a clean, glossy look.
Diet
Takes insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and flowers. Also consumes fruit such as figs and berries, and will sip nectar or probe flowers. Occasionally visits feeders for fruit or sweet liquids in settled areas.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of forest edges, riparian trees, and scattered shade trees in agricultural landscapes. Frequently visits flowering and fruiting trees and moves along river corridors and hedgerows.
