Blackbirds (Icteridae)

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus. Insects, nectar and fruit.

Blackbirds (Icteridae)Hooded OrioleIcterus cucullatus
Scientific name
Icterus cucullatus
Length
7.1–7.9 in
Weight
0.8–1 oz
Nest
Hanging pouch sewn to the underside of a palm or banana leaf
Entrance hole
Does not use nest boxes
Clutch
2–5 eggs
Incubation
12–14 days
Broods
1–2 per season

Identification

  • Male orange with a black throat and face
  • Long, slightly decurved bill
  • Female yellow-green with grey wings

Voice

Rising whistles and chatters; a sharp 'wheet'.

Diet and feeding

Hooded Orioles by state and province

RegionStatusNesting
ArizonaYear-round residentFebruary–July
CaliforniaYear-round residentFebruary–July
NevadaSummer breederMarch–July
New MexicoSummer breederMarch–July
TexasSummer breederFebruary–July

Frequently asked

What do hooded orioles eat?

Insects, nectar and fruit. At feeders: sugar water, orange halves, grape jelly.

How big is a Hooded Oriole?

7.1–7.9 in long and 0.8–1 oz.

Do hooded orioles use birdhouses?

No. Hanging pouch sewn to the underside of a palm or banana leaf.

Sources

  1. Hooded Oriole — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Hooded Oriole life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Hooded Oriole — Audubon Guide to North American Birds

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.