Orioles, Orchard
Icterus spurius L 7.25–7.5 inches.
Eastern North America’s smallest oriole; has a slender, pointed and down-curved bill. Sexes are dissimilar.
ADULT MALE Has a black hood, chest, and back, and brick red underparts and “shoulders.” Wings are black, with a white wing bar and white edges to flight feathers. Rump is brick-red and tail is black.
ADULT AND IMMATURE FEMALE Have mostly yellow plumage, grading to olive-yellow on back. Dark wings have two white wing bars and white edges to flight feathers. Rump is yellow and tail is grayish.
IMMATURE MALE Has a blackface and throat, but otherwise mostly yellow plumage, grading to olive-yellow on back. Dark wings have two white wing bars and white edges to flight feathers.
VOICE Song is a jaunty series of fluty whistles; call is a harsh chatter.
STATUS AND HABITAT Locally common summer visitor (mainly May–Aug) to open wooded habitats, including orchards, parks, and waterside woodlands. Winters mainly in Central America.
OBSERVATION TIPS Fairly easy to see in suitable habitats.
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