Northern Oriole - (Icterus galbula)

Three types of orioles can be found at times in the Imperial Valley. The western variant Northern Oriole or "Bullocks " and the Hooded Oriole are just passing through, and can be seen at backyard nectar feeders and fruiting trees. The Scott's Oriole seems to like our dry climate and can be seen gathering nesting materials in local Fan-tail Palm trees. There are two variants (some consider two separate species) of the Northern Oriole - the Eastern or "Baltimore" form has a darker head, while the western or "Bullocks" form has orange cheeks with a dark skull cap (see photo at right). Another eastern oriole is the Orchard Oriole which is smaller and less colorful. The Hooded Oriole has a more vivid reddish-orange head with a dark throat and breast with two white wing-bars. The smaller Scott's Oriole has a black head with yellow coloration.  Adding to the confusion is the interbreeding that takes place, resulting in "mixed variants".

If you are interested in learning more about this bird online - I recommend you start with the Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/infocenter.html

They present photographs, songs, identification tips, maps, and life history information for North American birds - including the "Bullocks" Oriole, the "Baltimore" Oriole, the Orchard Oriole, the Hooded Oriole, and the Scott's Oriole

OTHER OUTSIDE LINKS FOR THIS BIRD:

Baltimore Oriole and Nest - Nice image and short notes displayed by the free Native American youth newsletter "Turtle Tracks" Web site.

Baltimore Oriole Species Account - Image and species notes displayed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's "Bird of the Week" Web site. There is also an account for the Orchard Oriole. Includes sound files.

Oriole Comparison - Helpful tips and images comparing the Orchard and Baltimore Oriole displayed at www.storybooks.com.

Hooded Oriole - Profile and two images displayed by "The Aviary" Web site.

Scott's Oriole - Short profile with terrific photos of both male and female, and their Desert Mistletoe nest, displayed by Greg Clark's page of sound recordings and images with the "Arizona Bird Field Data Resources" site.

Feeding Orioles - Bullock's, Orchard, and Baltimore Oriole images and notes on attracting orioles to your backyard. Displayed by "Stokes Birds At Home" Web site.

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This site is maintained by:

Eldon R. Caldwell
Imperial Valley College
Email: eldonc@imperial.cc.ca.us