Friday's Foto

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula), Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY*

In breeding plumage the male Baltimore Oriole is a combination of brilliant orange and black plumage. In fact, it was named due to its similar colors to the coat-of-arms of 17th century Lord Baltimore. While physically similar to Old World orioles our North American species are not taxonomically related. Their spring and summer range include the Canadian Prairies and eastern Montana in the northwest eastward through southern Ontario, southern Quebec and New Brunswick and south through the eastern United States to central Mississippi, Alabama and northern Georgia. This medium to long-distance migrate overwinters in Central and South America, although small numbers sometimes remain in North America, mainly in Florida.

The Baltimore Oriole's diet consists primarily of insects, fruit, and nectar. Their distinctive, hanging basket-like nest is constructed by the female, with the male only contributing occasional building material.

Their flute-like, melodious song is a short series of notes, often repeated a few times, and often interrupted by pauses. They also will make a chattering, racket-like call.

The IUCN Red List lists their conservation status as "Least Concern".

Their scientific name, Icterus galbula, means "yellow" and "small yellowish bird".

*the photo above is 1 of 2 Baltimore Orioles currently overwintering in Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery.