Hooded Oriole
Icterus cucullatus
Photographed in the wild Tucson, Arizona Apr 2010
Hooded Orioles belong to the same
family as Blackbirds. Named for the
orange hood on the male, this slender oriole is at home in suburban areas of
the southwestern United States, from central California, Nevada through central
Arizona. They can be seen hanging upside down whilst searching for food or
perched near the ground. They have strong direct flight.
It originally nested in the trees of
desert oases, but finds ornamental trees suitable. They feed on insects, fruit,
and nectar. The nectar is taken from plants, such as aloes, hibiscus, lilies,
and other tubular flowers, by piercing the base of the flower's stem, which has
the effect of avoiding plant pollination.
Hooded Orioles are social birds and
can be seen flocking with other related birds. A group of orioles is referred
to as a "pitch" or a "split".
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