Altamira Oriole

Icterus gularis

Also known as: Lichtenstein's Oriole

About This Species

A striking oriole of thorn forest, riparian woodland and gardens in the southern United States, Mexico and Central America, often located by its rich, whistled song and harsh chatter before it is seen among foliage. It forages for insects and nectar in the mid to upper canopy and frequently builds a long, hanging woven nest that is itself a distinctive sign of its presence. Spring and summer, when birds are singing and nest-building, offer the best chances of a good view.

Ethical Viewing Guidelines

Observing from a modest distance with binoculars, rather than approaching a singing bird or nest directly, is generally sufficient and reduces the chance of disturbing breeding activity.
In the United States this species is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, while protections in Mexico and Central American range states differ, so it is worth being aware that legal safeguards are not uniform across its range.
Leaving hanging nests unapproached and undisturbed, especially while occupied, is a straightforward way to avoid causing breeding failure.

LCAvesPasseriformesIcteridae

Seasonal Activity

234,517 sightings · 2000–2026

Citizen science records via GBIF

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Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Icteridae

Photo

CC-BY-NC-4.0

Occurrence data from GBIF.