Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

This bird was formerly considered to belong to the same species as the western Bullock's Oriole, under the combined name of "Northern Oriole".  South Dakota birds can be variously intermediate between the two species, as they interbreed where their ranges come into contact.  A male is pictured on the right, while links to female Baltimore Orioles can be found at the bottom of the page.

Habitat: Woodlands, riverside groves, residential areas.

Diet: Insects, berries, and nectar.  In summer, primarily insects.  Eats many berries and sometimes cultivated fruit 

Behavior: Forages by moving through the foliage of trees and shrubs in search of insects.  Will also go take nectar from flowers.  They create a very distinctive bag-shaped nest.

Nesting: Mid-May through August

Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map.  (NOTE: This is the breeding bird survey map for the Northern Oriole, now split into the Baltimore Oriole and Bullock's Oriole).

Song: Baltimore Oriole Song

Migration: Neotropical migrant, although some may winter in the Southeastern U.S.  Generally migrates quite early in the fall.

Similar Species: Bullock's Oriole.  Click here to see a comparison between the two.

Bird Feeders: Oranges, peanut butter and suet, sometimes sugar water/nectar.  Specialized "oriole feeders" are sold which help birders offer fruit, jelly, or nectar to oriole species.

Conservation Status: Widespread and generally stable.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Baltimore Oriole

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Baltimore Oriole"

3) eNature.com: Baltimore Oriole

Photo Information: May 20th, 2004 -- Home in Brandon -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Baltimore Oriole photos.