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Just for YOU... Information and Resources on Oriole Song Birds from the Experts at... |
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All About Hooded Orioles...The Hooded Oriole, Icterus cucullatus, is a medium-sized New World oriole named for the completely orange hood on the male. Originally these slender orioles nested in the trees of desert oases, but have now cleverly adapted to ornamental trees and palms. For instance, when suspending their nest from palm leaves, the female actually pokes holes in the leaf from below and then pushes the fibers through... effectively sewing the nest to the leaf.
Amazing what a determined mom can do with a sharp beak and a clever (though pea-sized) brain! They forage for insects in trees and shrubs, and also feed on flowers and fruit. (Unlike the Orchard oriole, however, the Hooded oriole does not help pollinate because it actually pierces the flower base.)A sure way to entice them into your backyard is to place bits of fruit on a platform feeder. They are also attracted to oriole feeders. We have a FREE oriole nectar recipe formula... ready for printing. You will also find some sources for related items. Have a look at the articles in the Care of Wild Birds section. You will find tips and resources for feeding wild birds, caring for baby birds... even how to prevent wild birds from crashing into windows. The male Hooded oriole...
The female Hooded oriole...
The immature male Hooded oriole...
The immature female Hooded oriole...
Migratory ranges of the Orchard oriole...
Summer range... Breeds and nests among scattered trees and mesquite brush in desert oases and along streams. They are also fond of palm trees in urban and suburban locations. See the map to the right - orange areas... Migration range... See the map to the right - yellow areas...
Density observations... See the map to the left - the darker shades represent denser populations.
Hooded oriole nests, eggs, and hatchlings...Breeding pairs locate their nests in deciduous and ornamental trees (like palms). With their desert habitats declining, they have been forced to adapt to whatever is available. A Hooded oriole's nest is a tightly woven pouch attached to the underside of tree leaves or palm fronds. The nest may be hanging, or attached by the rim and even the sides. The breeding pair both share in creating this pouch woven of plant fibers. The female usually lays a clutch of 3 to 5 white eggs, marked with irregular brown spots at the large end. The female tends the eggs during the 12 to 14 day incubation period. The babies are nearly naked and quite helpless. Both parents feed the chicks from hatching through fledging - about 14 more days. They even continue to feed the fledglings for a few more days. Acknowledgements: Relevant Family-Friendly Sites...
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Her head, rump, and tail are olive-yellow.
A juvenile male resembles the adult female.
Winter range...
They migrate in flocks to similar habitats in Mexico. Because of the
similarities in weather, some individuals may over-winter in their
summer habitats if feeders are kept full. See the map to the right -
blue areas...
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orioles |