Bahama OrioleIcterus northropiA sleek inhabitant of wooded areas that will venture into gardens and parks in search of flowers and fruit; prefers areas with palms. The adult is distinctive with a black back, head, and chest contrasting with a bright yellow to yellow-orange belly, rump, and shoulders. Immatures are yellow-green to yellow-orange, sometimes with a scraggly black beard, but note the bright yellowish shoulders. Female and immature Orchard Orioles are similar, but are smaller, and lack the bright shoulders. Song consists of lilting whistled notes rising up and down in patch. Calls include a whistled “suh-wee-eee, a quick “pwi” or “pwit-pwit,” and a scratchy “weet.”Icteridae bird family
Order Passeriformes · 7 selected species
Browse verified BirdLens profiles selected for complete taxonomy, substantial descriptive coverage, and visual evidence. Open a species to compare its identification notes, distribution, behavior, sounds, and maps.
Bahama OrioleIcterus northropiA sleek inhabitant of wooded areas that will venture into gardens and parks in search of flowers and fruit; prefers areas with palms. The adult is distinctive with a black back, head, and chest contrasting with a bright yellow to yellow-orange belly, rump, and shoulders. Immatures are yellow-green to yellow-orange, sometimes with a scraggly black beard, but note the bright yellowish shoulders. Female and immature Orchard Orioles are similar, but are smaller, and lack the bright shoulders. Song consists of lilting whistled notes rising up and down in patch. Calls include a whistled “suh-wee-eee, a quick “pwi” or “pwit-pwit,” and a scratchy “weet.”
Baltimore OrioleIcterus galbulaThe common oriole in the eastern U.S., wintering to northern South America. Adult males are stunning: bright orange with a black head and bold white wingbar. Females vary from yellowish to bright orange below, often with blotchy black on the head. Breeds in deciduous trees in open woodlands, forest edges, orchards, riversides, parks, and backyards. Listen for rich whistled song. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Females can be very difficult to distinguish from Bullock's Oriole, and hybrids do occur. Baltimore is usually brightest on the breast, not the face.
Black-cowled OrioleIcterus prosthemelasAttractive black-and-yellow oriole of humid tropical lowlands. Favors forest edge, plantations, semi-open areas with tall hedges and flowering trees. Often in flowering trees with other species of orioles. Plumage rather variable, but note the rather small, slightly decurved bill. Male has black head and back in Mexico and northern Central America, female has black face and greenish back. Sexes look alike in southern Central America. Not especially vocal.
Eastern MeadowlarkSturnella magnaStreaked brown above and yellow below with distinctive black "V" on breast. In flight, short wings and spiky tail with white outer feathers are apparent. Breeds in fields and grasslands throughout eastern North America. Also occurs throughout eastern and southern Mexico and Central America, into northern South America, and in Cuba. Winters in dense grassy habitats, often in small loose groups. Extremely similar to Western Meadowlark and best distinguished by voice: listen for high-pitched, clear whistles and short buzzy calls. In winter, plumage looks slightly darker and more contrasty than Western Meadowlark, with a more contrasting head pattern. Eastern is somewhat more tied to more pristine grassland habitats, but with some overlap.
Hispaniolan OrioleIcterus dominicensisA sleek forest bird that sometimes ventures into gardens and parks in search of flowers and fruit; prefers areas with palms. The adult is distinctive—clothed in black except for patches of yellow on lower belly, shoulders, and rump. No similar species occur within its range. Immatures are muddled yellow, orange, and olive, developing adult plumage over the course of a year. This plumage resembles that of female and young Baltimore Orioles, a scarce migrant and winter visitor to Hispaniola. Similarly attired Baltimore Orioles can be distinguished by their orange underparts and white wingbars. The song is a rapid jumble of squeaky and metallic notes. Calls include a buzzy “jrrrt” and a metallic “zhwee.”
Red-winged BlackbirdAgelaius phoeniceusMales are black with red shoulder patch that is sometimes concealed. Males have rusty feather edges in the winter. Females are streaked brown and often confused with sparrows. Look for long, sharply pointed bill. Often in flocks, especially in winter. Visits feeders. Breeds in marshes and scrubby, wet fields. Distinctive song, especially as migrants arrive in early spring.Red-winged BlackbirdAgelaius phoeniceusMales are black with red shoulder patch that is sometimes concealed. Males have rusty feather edges in the winter. Females are streaked brown and often confused with sparrows. Look for long, sharply pointed bill. Often in flocks, especially in winter. Visits feeders. Breeds in marshes and scrubby, wet fields. Distinctive song, especially as migrants arrive in early spring.