A bright orange oriole with distinctive black throat. Specialized for palm habitats.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The hooded oriole is a medium-sized New World oriole. The male of this species ranges in color from a bright orange to a paler yellow, with a black back, face, tail and bib, with the wing containing two white bars. The female is more of an olive color with some yellow accents.
Source: Wikipedia — Hooded oriole Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Slim, long-tailed oriole with a curved bill. Male yellow-orange with a black throat and face and a black back; female and immature plain yellowish.
Similar species. Bullock's and other orioles are bulkier with straighter bills; the slim shape, curved bill, and palm-loving habits mark the Hooded.
Voice. A series of whistles, chatters, and harsh notes, often including mimicry; sharp 'wheet' call.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Insects, seeds, fruits depending on species.
Behavior. A slender oriole of the Southwest closely tied to palms and ornamental plantings, where it weaves its nest under palm fronds; sips nectar and visits hummingbird feeders.
§ Range
Southwestern US into Mexico
§ Habitat
Palm trees, suburban areas
§ Threats
Habitat loss.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the hooded oriole is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Plant native palms.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Hooded oriole
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Icterus cucullatus
- IUCN Red List — search for Icterus cucullatus
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Icterus cucullatus
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
