Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #53

By Jim Gain

7/21/2023

• Scientific Name: Icterus galbula
• Name in Spanish (Mexico): Calandria de Baltimore
• Name in Mayan: Yuya
• ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: BAOR
• Family: Icteridae – Orioles and Allies
• Order: Passeriformes – Perching Birds

About this Species

The Baltimore Oriole is a brightly colored bird with a vibrant orange body, black wings, and a distinctive black head. Males have a more pronounced coloration than females, making them easy to spot in the lush vegetation of Belize.

These birds typically grow to be around 7-8 inches long and have a wingspan of about 10 inches.

In Belize, the Baltimore Oriole is a resident species found in the northern and central regions of the country. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, savannas, and wetlands. The birds are known for their acrobatic behavior as they flit through the trees and search for insects, fruits, and nectar. They are most active during the morning and late afternoon hours.

The Baltimore Oriole is a migratory species, spending the winter in Central and South America before returning to Belize to breed in the spring. During the breeding season, males can be seen singing and performing courtship displays to attract mates. They build their nests in trees, usually high up in the canopy, and lay 3-7 eggs. The chicks hatch after about two weeks and fledge after another two weeks. Overall, the Baltimore Oriole is a fascinating bird to observe in Belize, both for its striking appearance and intriguing natural history.

>> Next Post on Sunday, 7/23/2023 – Great Curassow

Previous posts from Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog

• White Ibis
• Limpkin
• Anhinga
• Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
• Gray-breasted Martin