photo by Phil Swanson

Icterus galbula
L 8 3/4″ (22 cm).

Song or calls:
Variable song consists of clear and flute-like whistles in short, distinct phrases.
Listen (UNL audios)

Description: Adult male has black head, throat, back, and black T-shape on orange tail; underparts and rump are bright orange; orange shoulder patch on wing; and single white wing bar. Female has greenish-brown faintly streaked back; and orange-yellow underparts.

Habitat: Wooded river bottoms, upland forests, shelterbelts, farmsteads, and partially wooded residential areas with tall shade trees.

Where in Nebraska: Common spring and fall migrant and summer resident across the state.

Fun Facts: Young male Baltimore Orioles do not achieve adult plumage until the fall of their second year.

Additional Information: Once considered along with western Bullock’s Oriole to be one species, the Northern Oriole. Apparently hybridizes with Bullock’s Orioles where ranges overlap.

 
(click image for larger view)