Streak-backed Oriole

Overview

Streak-backed Oriole: Large oriole with mostly bright orange body except for black streaks on back. Deep orange-red head and breast contrast with black face, chin. Black wings with two bold white bars. Black tail with white corners. Eats mostly insects. Strong direct flight with rapid wing beats.

Range and Habitat

Streak-backed Oriole: Casual in southern California and southern Arizona. Prefers arid and semi-arid scrub and brushy woodlands; also inhabits plantations.

INTERESTING FACTS

It has not established a permanent foothold as have the Hooded, Altamira, Scott's and Audubon's Orioles.
Of the neotropical orioles that may be seen in the southern U.S., the Streak-backed Oriole is one of the scarcest.
A group of orioles are collectively known as a "pitch" and a "split" of orioles.

The Streak-backed Oriole is a medium-sized member of the icterid family, grouped together with blackbirds, meadowlarks, cowbirds, grackles and New World orioles. The preferred range for this species includes the west coast of Mexico, but is occasionally found in the southwestern United States. These birds may rarely be seen in Costa Rica as well. Members of this species are typically year-round residents. Nests are built on the ground or low in vegetation, and food is foraged and gleaned. Diets consist mainly of insects, seeds, plant buds and small invertebrates. The conservation rating for the Streak-backed Oriole is Least Concern.