About Orioles

Orioles are medium to large birds found throughout both the old and new world. The term oriole actually refers to two distinct groups of birds that are not related but look surprisingly similar. Because of their bland appearance, orioles have gone largely unstudied by scientists.

Type

Old-world orioles are part of the genus oriolus and are most closely related to figbirds. New-world orioles are part of the genus Icterus and are related to blackbirds. There are 24 species of old-world orioles, including golden, dark-throated, African golden and black-hooded orioles. Of old-world orioles, one species is endangered, two are vulnerable and three are near threatened. The 30 species of new-world orioles include the yellow, Jamaican, Baltimore and orchard oriole.

Size

Old-world orioles range in size from 8 to 12 inches long. They typically weigh about 2.5 onces, but weight varies between various species. New-world orioles have a much larger size range than their old-world counterparts, though they are generally considered to be smaller. At sizes ranging from 6.7 to 21.5 inches in length, the new-world oriole is one of the largest songbirds. They can weigh as little as 0.6 ounces and as much as 1.2 pounds. Males and females are generally about the same size.

Features

Orioles have long, rounded wings that are typically black. Their tails have 12 feathers, some which are often underdeveloped. They have straight, red, stout bills notched at the tip, making it easy for them to eat fruit. Their feet are well-adapted for perching and are gray in color. Males are very vibrant and usually either black and yellow or black and orange. Depending on the exact species, the color markings are varied. The female of the species is much less vibrant than the male.

Geography

Both kinds of orioles prefer tropical and temperate climates. Old-world orioles are found in sub-Saharan Africa, Northwest Africa, temperate Eurasia, southern and eastern India, southeast Asia, northern and eastern Australia, and along the Indonesian archipelago. They live in tall woodlands and forests, including rain forests. New-world orioles are found in Europe and Eastern North America in areas with a temperate climate. These orioles, including the old-world variety, live in woodlands, but also in garden settings. Gardeners are often able to attract orioles using nectar and sliced fruit.

Identification

It can be difficult to identify orioles because they are so similar to other species of birds. One way to identify an oriole is through their nest. Old-world orioles build deep, basket-shaped nests made from dry plant fiber, moss, animal wool and lichen. They typically lay 2 to 4 pink-white to cream-colored eggs at a time. The eggs will hatch in just over two weeks and produce yellow young. New-world orioles make open, cup-shaped nests that are usually woven into the surrounding brush. Old-world orioles are typically solitary and secretive birds. Their new-world counterparts are more likely to be found in small groups. Both kinds of orioles eat insects and fruit and are scavengers. Orioles who catch large insects have been found to beat their prey against a perch in order to clean and soften them before eating. Both types of orioles can be identified by their extraordinary singing abilities. For this reason, orioles are sometimes referred to as songbirds.