altamira
1. Bird Name
The English name of the bird is Altamira Oriole. Its scientific (Latin) name is Icterus gularis.
2. Appearance
The Altamira Oriole is an attractive bird, displaying striking coloration and patterns. With a rich, burnt orange to golden body, its wings and tail are adorned with a vibrant, black combined with the eye-catching white wing bars. The bird’s beak is straight and sharp, used for foraging and nest building, and exists in a contrasting color – a light silver grey. Unlike many species, males and females look identical with the same color pattern. The only noteworthy difference is that adults are brighter species with a fuller plumage than juveniles.
3. Size
Altamira Orioles span an average length of 24 cm (9.5 inches), existing as one of the largest species of the New World orioles. The birds maintain a commanding wingspan, stretching from 33-36 cm (13-14 inches). Their weight remains relatively low, ranging from 56-62 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Altamira Orioles are mostly seen in parts of the southwestern United States, mainly in Texas, extending through Mexico and Central America. The habitats they occupy are diverse, from semi-arid to humid forest landscapes, often around water bodies, canyons and cultivated areas as well as thorn forests and riparian woodlands.
5. Interesting Facts
An intriguing fact about the Altamira Oriole is that it constructs the longest nest of any North American bird species, which often measures over 60 cm (24 inches) long. They are also associated with cultural significance in Mexico, symbolizing positive values such as joy and music due to their vibrant coloration and beautiful song. Furthermore, they are monogamous, a trait not very common among bird species.
6. Diet
Altamira Orioles are omnivores. Their diet mainly consists of insects, berries, seeds and fruits, but these orioles have also been known to occasionally eat nectar and small invertebrates.
7. Behavior & Sounds
A unique behavior of the species is its elaborate nest-building process where they weave long, pendulous nests hanging from tree branches. Their song is rich, whistled, and rather slow, including a series of clear, short notes that rise and fall melodically.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Altamira Oriole is currently classified as a species of least concern. This is largely because they have a vast range and a growing population, especially in North America.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, Altamira Orioles live between 7 to 10 years on average. In captivity, they often live longer due to decreased risks and improved diets and healthcare.
10. Additional Notes
Its local name in Spanish is “Bolsero de Altamira” which translates to ‘purse-maker of Altamira’. As this species is generally skittish, they avoid high levels of human interaction. However, they can become accustomed to human presence in their environments over time. In addition, when sharing habitat with humans, they are known to reduce the number of pests, contributing to a balanced local ecosystem. These birds are both seed dispersers and pollinators, playing an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of their habitats.
