Icterus gularis
The Altamira Oriole, Icterus gularis, is a spectacularly vibrant member of the blackbird family (Icteridae), renowned for its brilliant orange and black plumage. Measuring approximately 22-25 cm (8.7-9.8 in) in length with a weight typically ranging from 40-50 grams, it is one of the larger orioles found north of the Amazon. Key identification marks include its entirely orange head and underparts contrasting sharply with a solid black back, wings, and tail, further punctuated by a prominent b...
The Altamira Oriole thrives in open woodlands, riparian forests, mesquite thickets, thorny scrublands, and suburban parks, predominantly at low to mid-elevations up to 1000 meters.
Their diet consists primarily of insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers, supplemented by nectar from flowering plants and a variety of small fruits.
Altamira Orioles are diurnal, actively foraging and singing throughout the day. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning insects from foliage, probing flowers for nectar with their pointed bills, and occasionally hovering like a hummingbird. Males are highly territorial during the breeding seaso...
The Altamira Oriole's primary range extends from the Lower Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas, across the eastern and southern lowlands of Mexico, and south through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Within this extensive distribution, it is largely considered a resident sp...
Least Concern
- The Altamira Oriole constructs the longest woven, pendulous nest of any bird in North America, sometimes exceeding two feet in length. - It is the state bird of Tamaulipas, Mexico. - Altamira Orioles often choose to build their nests near active wasp nests, a strategy thought to deter predators...