Icterus bullockiorum
The Bullock's Oriole is a vibrant passerine, a striking herald of summer across western North America. Males are instantly recognizable with their brilliant flame-orange head, breast, and rump, contrasted by a black back, cap, and throat patch, and a prominent white wing patch. Females, though duller, exhibit soft yellow-orange tones, a grayish back, and two white wing bars. Measuring 17-19 cm (6.7-7.5 in) in length with a wingspan of 30-32 cm (12-12.5 in) and weighing 29-39 g (1.0-1.4 oz), t...
Found primarily in open deciduous woodlands, riparian corridors (especially cottonwoods and willows), orchards, and suburban parks, typically at low to mid-elevations. They often prefer areas near water.
Primarily insects (caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, spiders) during the breeding season, supplementing heavily with fruit (berries, cherries) and flower nectar (e.g., from saguaro cacti) at other times of the year.
Bullock's Orioles are active, diurnal birds, spending much of their time foraging in the canopy or mid-story. They are adept gleaners of insects and will also hover to snatch prey or probe flowers for nectar. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season, defending their space with rich...
The Bullock's Oriole breeds extensively across western North America, stretching from southern British Columbia and Alberta south through the western United States to Baja California and central Mexico. Its breeding range extends eastward to the western portions of North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas,...
Least Concern
- Bullock's Orioles are known to hybridize with Baltimore Orioles in a broad "hybrid zone" stretching across the Great Plains, leading to individuals with mixed plumage characteristics. - Their elaborate, woven nests are architectural marvels, often incorporating materials like plant down, hair, ...