Forest and Rangeland Birds of the United States

Natural History and Habitat Use

Hooded Oriole -- Icterus cucullatus


RANGE: Breeds from northern coastal and central California, southern Nevada, central Arizona, and western Texas south into northern Mexico. Resident in southern Baja California and throughout mainland Mexico.

STATUS: Common.

HABITAT: Inhabits palm trees, mesquite, dry shrubs, and some deciduous and riparian woodlands; often found around ranches and towns.

NEST: Usually constructs a large, hanging nest with a variety of grasses, Spanish moss, thin branches, as well as dry vegetables, hair, and other local materials woven together, and suspends it from the limbs of trees or cacti.

FOOD: Eats a variety of insects, along with flower nectar, fruit, and other plant materials.

REFERENCES: Phillips et al. 1964, Terres 1980.


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