ORCHARD ORIOLE

The smallest North American oriole, the Orchard Oriole is found nesting in shade trees along streams, rivers and lakes, and on farms and parklands. The rich chestnut color of the adult male can be so dark that he may appear all black before you get your binoculars on him.

Orchard Orioles are a southern breeder, found in few locations in Ontario.  They are regular nesters at Point Pelee National Park and often a walk around the Visitor Centre will yield many sightings of this species.

Adult Description
Small oriole, medium-sized songbird.
Long tail.
Thin, pointed bill.
Wingbars.
Adult male deep brick red with all-black head, back, and tail.
Female and yearling male yellow-green, male with black bib.

Male Description
Head all black.
Tail, back, and most of wings black.
Breast, belly, rump, and shoulder dark chestnut.
One thin white wingbar; other wing feathers edged in white.

Female Description
Bright greenish yellow below.
Olive-green above.
Wings brownish with two narrow white wingbars.

Immature Description
Similar to adult female.
First-year male yellow like female but with black throat patch and occasionally some chestnut feathers on body.

*Image and description were sourced from: allaboutbirds.org