*Sorry about the poor quality photos, but they're the only ones we have of Orioles.
Male above, female below.
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Size: 7-8½"
Male has black head, back, wings and tail. Bright orange breast, rump and
shoulder patch. Female greenish yellow with dull yellow-orange underparts and two dull
white wing stripes.
Voice: musical whistled single or double notes.
Range: Nova Scotia west to British Columbia and south throughout most of the United
States. Winters in the tropics.
The Northern Oriole was thought to be two separate species; "Baltimore" in the
east and "Bullocks" in the west. After trees were planted across the Great
Plains, the two species met and began to interbreed. Now that they are beginning to choose
mates of their own kind, they may soon become two species again.
In 1998 we spotted a pair trying to build a nest nearby, rushed to the store for an Oriole
feeder only to have them disappear. Dutifully we hang up the Oriole feeder every Spring
and keep it stocked till late Fall. We also have put out dozens of oranges in hope of
attracting these beautiful birds. (Not to mention, cherry, apple, apricot, peach, pair,
choke cherry and mulberry trees on our property.) So far it's been a waste of time for all
we get is a rare glimpse at a passing Oriole, and always from a distance. I know the two
pictures included are low quality but believe me I look at them as a major accomplishment
just to have them. |
