Altamira oriole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Altamira oriole |
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The Altamira oriole (Icterus gularis) is a type of New World oriole. These birds are found in warm, low-lying areas. You can see them along the Mexican Gulf Coast and in northern Central America. They also live on the Pacific coast and further inland. Since 1939, they have also started living in southern Texas.
This oriole is about 25 centimeters (10 inches) long and weighs around 56 grams (2 ounces). This makes it the largest oriole in its group, called Icterus. Altamira orioles build their nests in open woodlands. Their nest is a very long, woven pouch. It hangs from the end of a tree branch or sometimes even from telephone wires.
These birds look for food high up in trees. Sometimes they also search for food closer to the ground. They mostly eat insects and berries.
Altamira orioles live in the same place all year round. Unlike other orioles that fly south for winter, these birds do not migrate. Both male and female Altamira orioles have bright colors and patterns.
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What Does the Altamira Oriole Look Like?
Both male and female Altamira orioles have a black lower beak and throat. Their back and long tail are also black. Their wings are black, but the flight feathers have white edges. When their wings are folded, these white edges create a single white bar and white spots. The feathers on their shoulders are bright orange. The underside of the bird is mostly orange or yellowish-orange.
Young Altamira orioles look a bit different. They usually have an olive-colored back. Their head and body are a dull yellow. A bird in its first year looks like an adult, but its back is olive instead of black. Its tail is also yellow-olive.
How Do Altamira Orioles Behave?
These birds live in dry areas that have scattered trees. They also like open woodlands near rivers. The Altamira oriole builds its nest alone. Nests are usually about a quarter of a kilometer apart. These birds are not known to be aggressive during breeding season. They also do not seem to protect a specific territory.
Raising Young Birds
In Texas, Altamira orioles breed from late April to late July. Their nest looks like a small pouch. It is made from materials like moss, grass, palm fibers, and strips of bark. The inside of the nest is lined with soft feathers. As mentioned, nests can also hang from telephone wires. It is thought that the female bird builds the nest. However, we don't know how long it takes her.
A female Altamira oriole usually lays 4 to 6 eggs. Both parents work together to feed and care for the baby birds.
What Do Altamira Orioles Eat?
The Altamira oriole searches for food by looking through tree-tops. They also look for food closer to the ground. Their diet includes fruits like small berries, hackberries, and figs. They also eat insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars.
What Does the Altamira Oriole Sound Like?
The song of the Altamira oriole is a series of clear, slow, and musical whistles. In contrast, their calls are harsh whistles. They also make a rasping chatter and a nasal "ike" sound.
See also
In Spanish: Turpial de Altamira para niños
