A yellow and black oriole of southern Texas.

Also called: Black-headed Oriole (older name), Audubon's

Native status: Native; small US population in South Texas

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 21–24 cm (8.3–9.4 in); wingspan 33 cm
Weight42–55 g
LifespanWild typically 5+ years
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyIcteridae

§ Encyclopedia

Audubon's oriole, formerly known as the black-headed oriole, is a New World passerine inhabiting the forests and thickets of southeastern Texas and the Mexican coast. It is the only species to have a black hood and yellow body. It is divided into four subspecies and two allopatric breeding ranges. The westernmost range extends from Nayarit south to southern Oaxaca, whereas the eastern range stretches from the lower Rio Grande valley to northern Querétaro. The most common in the western range are the subspecies I. g. dickeyae and I. g. nayaritensis; I. g. graduacauda and I. g. audubonii can be found in the eastern range. Like most Central American birds, it is not a migratory species and does not display significant sexual dimorphism. DNA analysis of the ND2 and cyt-b genes strongly suggests that I. graduacauda is most closely related to I. chrysater, the yellow-backed oriole. It is a member of the genus Icterus and therefore should not be confused with the Old World orioles.

Source: Wikipedia — Audubon's oriole Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium oriole with black head, throat, tail, and wings (with white edging); bright golden-yellow body. Sexes similar.

Similar species. Altamira Oriole (orange head, smaller white wing patch). Black-headed Oriole (Old World, similar shape but different range).

Voice. Slow whistled fluty notes — among the most melodious oriole songs in North America.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects, fruits, nectar; visits oranges, jelly, sugar-water feeders.

Behavior. In the US, restricted to South Texas thornscrub of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Pairs sing slow, mellow duets unlike the rapid songs of most US orioles. Less abundant than Hooded or Orchard Orioles even in core range; populations declining slightly with habitat loss.

§ Range

Southern Texas

§ Habitat

Tropical habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the audubon's oriole is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support South Texas conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • World Birding Center
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife
  • IUCN Red List 2018