The Orchard Oriole (an icterid) is a blackbird, as many other birds that sport black in their coloring. They are uncommon in areas with isolated tall trees or where there are scattered shade trees, orchards, parks, and farmsteads. Grasslands will also be considered if suitable nest sites are in the vicinity. They prefer being in habitats with water, a solitary species, and glean insects and larvae and will take fruit and nectar at birdfeeders. They are also attracted by trumpet shaped flowers for nectar.
A deep russet or burnt orange color, the male will sing at treetops to attract the yellow-green female, and is the smallest of the orioles. Females make themselves attractive to males by head bowing, begging with rapid wing fluttering and a high whistle, and seesawing by alternately lowering and raising the head and tail.
Male Orchard Oriole
Boomer Lake Park
Experienced males will reach the breeding grounds first, followed by females, then the first year males. These passerines do not compete with the Baltimore Oriole, possibly considering it an ally. They will share large trees (oaks) with Eastern Kingbirds, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, American Robins, and other birds.
Juvenile Orchard Oriole
Boomer Lake Park
Nests average about twenty feet high in crotches or forks of broadleafed trees, but willows or cottonwoods may also be used due to good shade. It is a hanging basket made of woven fibers, but tends to be wider than deeper than the Baltimore Oriole. They are single brooded, breeding from May through July in Oklahoma.
Females will occasionally be confused with New World Warblers, especially if the tail has been lost due to a predator's action.
Female Orchard Oriole
Boomer Lake Park
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