Orange Oriole
Icterus auratus
Attractive orange-and-black oriole of the Yucatan Peninsula, found in brushy woodland, forest edge, and semi-open areas with hedges and scattered trees. Rather similar to local population of Hooded Oriole, which often occurs in the same areas, even in the same flocks at flowering trees. Male Orange Oriole has an orange back, and both sexes have a straight bill (not slightly decurved, as on Hooded), and a less extensive black face and throat mask than Hooded.
Identification
The orange oriole (Icterus auratus) is a small bird species with orange feathers native to the Icteridae family in the Yucatán Peninsula. It has a slender body, long wings, and a pointed beak. Its color resembles the fruit orange, and it has black markings on its wings and tail. The orange oriole is known for its song and can be found in forests and gardens. They have a diverse diet that contributes to their color. According to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Birds of the World, they have suggested that this species might be better named the "Yucatan Oriole" because they are only found in Southeast Mexico. This species is not endangered and least threatened.
Taxonomy
Genus: Icterus; Family: Icteridae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Icterus auratus
- Authority
- Bonaparte, 1850
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
- Genus
- Icterus
Range and habitat
Orange orioles are found in the lowlands of Mexico and are resident to the country; they do not migrate. They reside in the forest, woodlands, as well as abandoned farmland. Their habitat also has an effect on their plumage variation of color because of the differences in diets seen throughout the habitats.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Lophotriorchis kienerii
This handsome eagle is small and compact, with a black hood that contrasts with a white throat and rufous belly. On perched birds, note dark upperparts, short crest, and feathered legs. Juvenile lacks the hood but has dark eye-patches and all-white underparts. Often seen soaring over evergreen forests in lowland and foothill regions.
Purple Honeycreeper
Cyanerpes caeruleus
Very small tanager, widespread and common in lowlands and foothills of northern South America. Male is indigo-blue with narrow black mask, black throat, and black wings. Note long decurved bill and yellow legs to separate from other honeycreepers in most of range. Female much different: she is mostly green with pale streaking on underparts, a grizzled buffy-brown face, and a blue mustache stripe. Extremely similar to Shining Honeycreeper, but very little range overlap. Male Shining has larger black throat patch and slightly shorter bill; female has duller, grayer crown and less buffy face. Usually in small groups, often accompanying a mixed-species flock in the canopy. Found in forests, edges, and gardens.
Yellow-capped Weaver
Ploceus dorsomaculatus
A yellow-and-black weaver. Male has a distinctive golden crown and upper back, but the lower back and tail are black. Female is black on the mask, and on the forehead up to the midcrown. Juvenile is mostly dark above. An uncommon resident in the middle levels and canopy of primary and secondary forest, especially sub-montane forest. Found in pairs and small groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks. Mostly silent, the voice undocumented. Preuss’s Weaver is similar to Yellow-capped, but it has a yellow (not black) lower back and rump, and it creeps along branches and trunks like a nuthatch.
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