Baltimore orioles and Bullock's orioles were once classified together as northern orioles. Get to know these similarly colorful birds of the East and West.
For 22 years, from 1973 to 1995, Baltimore and Bullock’s orioles were called northern orioles. The species was re-split by the American Ornithologist’s Union after studies proved the birds were distinct, bringing back the Baltimore oriole and Bullock’s oriole designations. Learn how to tell the difference between these two oriole species.
Baltimore Oriole Identification
- Summer range Great Plains eastward and some parts of southern Canada, from Alberta eastward.
- Appearance Vibrant orange with solid black back and head. White wing bars on black wings.
- Sounds Song is flutelike whistles and some rapid chatter.
- Habitat Open woodlands, orchards and edges of forests. Can be common in towns and parks with trees. Has a preference for elm trees.
Bullock’s Oriole Identification
- Summer range Great Plains westward and south into parts of Mexico.
- Appearance Orange with black back. Face is orange with black throat and eye stripe. Large white patches on wings.
- Sounds Song is flutelike whistles, and some rapid chatter.
- Habitat Open woodlands, orchards and edges of forests. Adapts to suburban areas with trees. Prefers cottonwood trees.
Watch for Hybrids
Where their range overlaps with Bullock’s orioles in central North America, the two species sometimes interbreed, creating hybrid offspring that show highly variable but intermediate patterns on the face, wings, throat and tail.
