ID Keys: Orange body, black throat and face mask, spots on sides of
breast, black wings with bold white edges on tertials
The
Spot-breasted Oriole is a bird of Central America and southern Mexico.
However, they were accidentally introduced in southeastern Florida in the
1940s, and have established self-sustaining wild breeding populations.
Florida populations have often declined in years with harsh winters, but
populations generally have rebounded in following years. In Florida,
they are found almost exclusively in suburban areas, where landscaping of
tropical fruiting plants provides foraging opportunities. Both the
male and female Spot-breasted Oriole are very similar in overall plumage.
Habitat
In the small introduced U.S. range in
Florida, Spot-breasted Orioles are found in suburban areas with a high
density of tropical landscape plants. In their native range in Central
America, they are found in dry woods and thorny scrublands.
Diet
Feeds heavily on fruits and berries, as well
as insects. Will also take nectar from flowers.
Behavior
Forages by moving slowly through the
foliage and branches of vegetation as it searches for insects and feeds on
fruit. They will also visit patches of flowers, often breaking the flowers
at their base to access nectar.
Nesting
The nest of a Spot-breasted Oriole is a
long pouch that hangs from the end of a tree branch, although they will also
sometimes build it on shrubs or other low plants. The female alone
incubates the eggs, but both parents help to feed the young after the eggs
hatch.
Song
Song of the Spot-breasted Oriole is a rich
series of musical whistles.
Migration
Considered a permanent resident
throughout their normal range.
