Baltimore Oriole
Icterus galbula
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Passeriformes · Icteridae
About
The Baltimore oriole is a small icterid blackbird common in eastern North America as a migratory breeding bird. It received its name from the resemblance of the male's colors to those on the coat-of-arms of 17th-century Lord Baltimore. Observations of interbreeding between the Baltimore oriole and the western Bullock's oriole Icterus bullockii, led to both being classified as a single species, called the northern oriole, from 1973 to 1995. Research by James Rising, a professor of zoology at the University of Toronto, and others showed that the two birds actually did not interbreed significantly.
Fun Fact
Baltimore orioles weave intricately woven, sock-shaped hanging nests from plant fibres, string, and hair — the nests are so well-constructed they often survive intact through winter storms.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Open woodlands and orchards
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
8-12 years
Threats
- Deforestation
- Wildfire