Northern Oriole Icterus galbula

Northern Oriole Icterus galbula

Northern Oriole Icterus galbula In the West, this species is known as Bullock's Oriole; until recently, Bullock's was believed to be a different species from the eastern Baltimore Oriole. For many years divided by the treeless Great Plains, the two birds developed different coloration; today, they meet along wooded streams and farmland, where they interbreed.

Identification Male orange-yellow below with black eye stripe, crown, chin stripe, back, and central tail feathers; wings black with prominent white patch. Cheeks and eyebrow orange. Female has yellow hood, throat, and upper breast; wings pale gray with faint white patch; belly gray. Immature male like female, but has black on face.

Voice A loud whistled series of wheew, wheew, wheew notes, interspersed with clucks. Also a chattering call.

Habitat Deciduous forests, woodlands, agricultural areas, city parks, and suburbs; in winter, visits eucalyptus trees.

Range Bullock's breeds from ร. British Columbia and Saskatchewan to Mexico and Texas; Baltimore Oriole in East. Winters primarily in the tropics