orioles

Oriole is a common name for birds in two distinct groups of passerines. New World orioles belong to the genus Icterus in the family Icteridae and are native to the Americas. Old World orioles belong to the genus Oriolus in the family Oriolidae and are found across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Although many species share bright orange or yellow plumage, the two groups are not closely related.

New World orioles are generally medium-sized perching birds with slender bodies and pointed bills. They are often vividly colored in orange and black or yellow, and they inhabit woodlands, forest edges, orchards, and urban areas. Old World orioles display a wider range of colors from olive to orange, with plumage patterns that vary by species. Their diets typically include insects, fruit, and nectar.

In terms of behavior, orioles are typically territorial during the breeding season. Nest construction varies by group: New World orioles often suspend elaborate pouch-like nests from twigs, while Old World orioles build cup-shaped or pendulous nests. Migration patterns also differ; many North American species breed in spring and summer and overwinter in tropical regions, whereas Old World species may be resident or migratory depending on the climate and locality.

Notable species include the Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula) and the orchard oriole (Icterus spurius) in North America, and the Eurasian golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus) in Europe and Asia. Range and population statuses vary by species, with some common and others of conservation concern in certain areas.