Icterus auratus
The striking Orange Oriole, *Icterus auratus*, is a vibrant jewel of the Yucatán Peninsula, known for its brilliant plumage and melodious songs. Males boast a dazzling, uniform bright orange coloration across the head and underparts, sharply contrasted by a black bib, black back, and black wings adorned with a bold white wing bar. Their long, pointed bill is black, and they typically measure around 20-22 cm (8-8.5 inches) in length with an average weight of 35-45 grams. A key field mark is th...
The Orange Oriole inhabits a diverse array of lowland ecosystems, including semi-arid and sub-humid deciduous and evergreen forests, mangroves, forest edges, and cultivated areas like plantations and gardens.
This omnivorous species primarily feeds on insects and spiders, supplemented by nectar from flowering plants and a variety of small, ripe fruits.
Orange Orioles are diurnal and typically found singly or in pairs, occasionally joining small mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. They are active foragers, meticulously gleaning insects and spiders from foliage and bark, often hanging upside down to access food sources. Nectar is ob...
The Orange Oriole is endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula, encompassing southeastern Mexico, northern Belize, and northern Guatemala. This species is largely resident throughout its distribution, exhibiting only localized movements rather than long-distance migration. Its breeding range precisely ove...
Least Concern
- The Orange Oriole is entirely resident within its range, a rarity among many *Icterus* species which are known for long-distance migrations. - Its scientific name, *auratus*, means "golden" in Latin, referring to its brilliant golden-orange plumage. - Unlike many other orioles, its black back i...