Altamira Oriole

The Altamira Oriole is the largest oriole species found in the United States, reaching this country only in the brushy woodlands of the extreme lower Rio Grande Valley of south Texas, with the bulk of its range extending through eastern Mexico and northern Central America. Adults are bright orange-yellow with a black face, throat, back, wings, and tail, and, unlike most orioles, show little to no difference in plumage between males and females.

The species is especially famous among birders for building the longest pendulous hanging nest of any bird in North America, sometimes stretching over 60 cm (2 feet) long, suspended from the tip of a tree branch, often overhanging water or open ground for protection from predators.

Key Field Marks

• Large, stocky oriole with a thick, straight bill
• Bright orange-yellow body with a black face, throat, back, wings, and tail
• Orange (not white) lesser wing patch, distinguishing it from similar orioles
• Sexes look alike, unlike most other oriole species

Similar Species

• Hooded Oriole is smaller and slimmer with a thinner, more curved bill and a white wing patch rather than orange.
• Bullock's Oriole males have only a black eyeline, not a full black face and throat.
• Audubon's Oriole has a solid black hood that extends further and shows a greenish-yellow rather than orange back.

Habitat

Altamira Orioles inhabit riparian woodlands, semi-open thorn forest, and scattered tall trees along rivers and resacas, favoring areas with tall trees for nesting.

Range

In the United States, found only in the lower Rio Grande Valley of extreme south Texas; more widespread from eastern Mexico south through Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Migration

Largely non-migratory (resident) throughout its range, including its small U.S. population, which remains in south Texas year-round.

Behavior

Altamira Orioles are often seen in pairs year-round, as they tend to maintain pair bonds outside the breeding season, and they forage deliberately in the mid- to upper canopy.

Voice

The song is a series of loud, clear, varied whistles, and the calls include a nasal, chattering note.

Feeding

Feeds on insects, spiders, fruit, and nectar, gleaned from foliage and flowers in the canopy.

Nesting & Breeding

The species builds the longest pendulous nest of any North American bird, a woven sock-like structure that can exceed 60 cm (2 feet) in length, suspended from a slender outer branch, often over water or open ground to deter predators. The female does most of the nest building and incubates 3-5 eggs.