Saturday, September 8, 2012

Altamira Oriole

Altamira Oriole
 The Altamira oriole is the largest oriole in the United States. They live in open riparian woodlands in Mexico, Central America and south Texas. They are omnivorous, eating fruit and insects which they pick off of trees. I photographed this bird at Bentsen State Park near McAllen, TX.
Altamira Oriole Nest
Their basket shaped nest is the longest of any bird in North America. They can reach up to about 25" long. They are made out of grass fibers and epiphyte roots that are woven together by the birds. Altamira orioles usually do not nest too close to each other even though they are not really that territorial.


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16 comments:

  1. Anni September 8, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    That is really fascinating about the nest being the 'longest' of any in North America. I did Not Know That!!!

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  2. DanielleSeptember 8, 2012 at 2:26 PM

    What fabulous colors...and I have never seen a nest like that. I love learning all these new things. Thank you.

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  3. Les fous du capSeptember 8, 2012 at 4:16 PM

    Beautiful pictures ;-)
    Céline & Philippe

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  4. Gemma WisemanSeptember 8, 2012 at 8:02 PM

    This little feathered one is such a radiant, bold gold colour! Lovely photos!

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  5. LindaSeptember 8, 2012 at 8:16 PM

    Terrific work here.... just great!!

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  6. LighthousegalSeptember 8, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    They are a very brightly colored bird. I have never seen a nest like that, it is quite interesting.
    Great photos.
    Happy Sunday!!

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  7. SusanSeptember 8, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    What a beautiful bird!! And that nest, how different!!

    So nice to meet you.

    Hope you have a blessed Sunday...♥

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  8. KaHollySeptember 9, 2012 at 4:25 AM

    Such a beauty!

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  9. lorikSeptember 9, 2012 at 4:35 AM

    I think that must be one of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen, the colour gorgeous - i like the orange combined with black and white too. The bird is a work of art! Your photograph is beautiful too - nice composition.

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  10. ScotkatSeptember 9, 2012 at 8:17 AM

    Wow so beautiful never seen one of these before.

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  11. Ahayes1225September 9, 2012 at 12:27 PM

    What a beautiful bird!

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  12. carol l mckennaSeptember 9, 2012 at 1:02 PM

    Fantastic photos as always ~ love the texture ~ (A Creative Harbor)

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  13. theconstantwalkerSeptember 9, 2012 at 3:46 PM

    A lovely post...

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  14. NancySeptember 9, 2012 at 4:58 PM

    I captured a B.Oriole's nest early this summer and it was about 1/2 the size of this one, but the same shape. Great images and a beautiful bird.

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  15. CherylSeptember 9, 2012 at 8:55 PM

    Beautiful bird and great shot of both it and the nest. I haven't seen any variety of oriole in these parts for such a long time, this was truly a sight for sore eyes.

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  16. GowriSeptember 10, 2012 at 2:02 AM

    What a beautiful bird! Lovely bright colours. :)

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