More on Orioles

[kastern]

Since the pouring rain has driven me inside and I had an email waiting with an Oriole photo attached, figured it was a good time to post some pictures to show how confusing ID'ing Orioles can be.

The first photo was just sent to me from the 'Hummingbird' lady in the park. One of the people I have on the look out for that Hooded Oriole. As you can see, the bird in this picture has a bright yellow body from head to tail, however, due to the black eye stripe, the broad white patchs on the wings and the darkish tip to the tail, I would say that this is a 1st year male Bullock's Oriole turning into an adult male. You can see a slight wash of orange around the head area.


The male below is a typical adult male - perhaps fading a bit from the intense Orange of the breeding season.


This shows the intense Orange of the breeding male Bullock's Oriole


This photo shows a typical 1st year male Bullock's on the right hand side and a just past the fledgling stage, female on the left. Big Brother was showing her how to use an Oriole feeder.


and just to further complicate matters, this photo shows a young male, just past the fledgling stage.


Kathy

[Gord]

Nice pictures and study of the species in their different plumages! All so good to familiarize with the 'common' species in our area so something a little different sticks out such as what you had a couple days ago.

I think you're bang on with the first picture that shows a male in his first summer.

[Ichthos]

Yesterday I saw a bird which I think is a Bullock's Oriole.
Here are some pics:







Would this be a first year male?
If so, would this one be from this years or last years brood?

[Gord]

Good pictures George. It is indeed a first year male, in his first summer. He would have hatched last summer.