Slender-billed Oriole

Large, rather plain brownish sparrow endemic to dry interior foothills and highlands, mainly in Oaxaca. Generally quite common and conspicuous. Found in brushy woodlands, gardens, and farmland with hedges; often in pairs or small social groups. Feeds mainly on the ground, but also at low to middle levels in bushes and brush. Subtly attractive if seen well, with a white bib, rusty throat band, and rusty vent.

The only leafbird within its range with an orange belly. Male is unmistakable with a blue-and-black face pattern, a solid orange belly, and green-and-blue wings. Female is green all over with blue cheeks and less extensive orange on the belly. The female can be confused with female Blue-winged Leafbird, but Orange-bellied has an orange belly and more blue on the face than Blue-winged Leafbird. Often moves about quietly in the upper layers of hilly and montane forests, gleaning insects from branches and foraging at fruiting and flowering trees. Frequently incorporates the songs and calls of other species into its vocalizations.

Adults are white with a bit of black on the wingtips. Red decurved bill and pinkish-red legs. Bright blue eyes. Immatures are half brown, half white. Forages in saltmarshes and shallow wetlands, often in flocks. In flight, flaps quickly and then glides on bowed wings. Accustomed to people in some parts of its range. It is commonly seen on lawns and in parking lots scavenging for food scraps.