7-8 1/2" (18-22 cm). Adult male has bright orange eyebrow, cheek, underparts, and rump; black crown
, eyestripe, upper back,
chin, and tail. Wings are black and white. Female
is lighter gray and paler orange with a pale orange tail. Icterus
bullockii
(Bullock's
Oriole)
Physical
Description:
7-8 1/2" (18-22 cm). Adult
male has bright orange eyebrow, cheek,
underparts, and rump; black crown, eyestripe, upper back,
chin, and tail. Wings are black and white. Female
is lighter gray and paler orange with a pale orange tail.
Similar Species- Hooded Oriole
Song:
Sweetly
whistled whetew-whetew-whetew-whetew.
Distribution:
Breeds
from southern Canada and all of U.S. (except extreme southeastern portions),
to northern Mexico. Winters in central U.S., and south to northern South America.
Habitat:
Found
in open or riparian woodlands, deciduous forest edges, partly-open
situations with scattered trees, orchards, and shade trees. During migration and in winter, also found
in humid forest edges, second growth, and scrub. An Idaho study conducted in
cottonwood forests showed Bullock's Orioles prefer habitat edges adjacent to
agricultural landscapes.
Diet:
Eats insects, especially caterpillars;
also eats various fruits and nectar.
Ecology:
Builds hanging nest
in tree (usually deciduous). When not breeding, usually forms groups of 2-5
individuals (rarely up to 15); each group has definite home range. Sometimes
forms large communal roosts. Gleans food from trees
and shrubs; also takes food in air.
Reproduction:
Female incubates 3-6 eggs (commonly 4-5),
for 12-14 days. Young are tended by both parents, and leave nest at 12-14 days.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABPBXB9220 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S5,NTMB |
| National Rank: | N5B,NZN |
Important
State References:
Saab, V.A. 1996. Influences
of spatial scale and land-use practices on habitat relationships of breeding
birds in cottonwood riparian forests. Ph.D. Dissertation, Univ. Colorado, Boulder.
140pp.