Orchard Oriole
Icterus spurius
Orchard Orioles often build their nests in the same tree as the aggressive Eastern Kingbird, benefiting from the kingbird's fierce defense against nest predators.
- Scientific name
- Icterus spurius
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Passeriformes › Icteridae › Icterus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- decreasing
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Open woodlands, orchards, riparian corridors, and suburban gardens with scattered trees.
- Diet
- Primarily insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders; also consumes nectar and small fruits.
- Range
- North America, Central America, Northern South America
- Size
- Length: 13-18 cm; Wingspan: 20-25 cm; Weight: 16-28 g
- Lifespan
- 9-11 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation, pesticide use reducing insect prey, and collisions with glass windows during migration.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. These birds are shy and best observed from a distance using binoculars. If you find a fledgling on the ground, do not touch it as the parents are likely nearby; if the bird is visibly injured, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.
The orchard oriole ( Icterus spurius ) 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 .
Photo: Dan Pancamo, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
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