Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Baltimore Oriole
Oriole de Baltimore
Icterus galbula
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
Species: The Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula), is known as one of the two sub-species of the "Northern Oriole", the other being the Bullock's Oriole. It was given its' name by George Calvert, Lord Baltimore, whose dress reflected the same colourations. This is the state bird of Maryland.
Distinctions: Breeds throughout the eastern parts of North America, west as far as the western areas of Alberta. This is mostly likely the only orange bird seen north of most of the southern US states. It can be confused with the Bullock's Oriole and the difference is that the Baltimore Oriole has an all-black head and lesser white feathering on the wings. Females of the two species are very similar. More of an overall orange tone than green when compared to the female Bullock's Oriole.
Voice: Clear flute-like whistle, carried by single and double notes, very pleasant to the ear.
Nesting: Four to six greyish eggs, with brown and black coloured spots. Orioles build their nest high in the crowns of trees. These nests are very recognizable, seen as hanging baskets, woven together using plant fibres, bark from branches, string and any other such materials that can be manipulated to form a nest attached to swaying limbs.
Life, Habitat & Pictures of the North American Orioles
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.75" 22.2cm | 11.5" 29.2cm | 1.2oz 34g | Icteridae | Icterus galbula |
North American Birds Calls
- Tap to hear Choice 1
- Tap to hear Choice 2
- Tap to hear Choice 3
- Tap to hear Choice 4
- Summer
- Year Around
- Winter
Distribution: The Baltimore Oriole can be found from Newfoundland and Labrador, through southern Quebec and Ontario across the southern prairies to eastern British Columbia. Into Montana, through the central states to eastern Texas, eastward through Louisiana to the Carolina states, northward to Nova Scotia. It spends its winter throughout Florida, Mexico, Central and South America.
References to Other Bird Sites:
Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.
I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.
