Baltimore oriole
Icterus galbula
The Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula) is a small icterid blackbird common in eastern North America as a migratory breeding bird.
About the Baltimore oriole
The Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula) is a small icterid blackbird common in eastern North America as a migratory breeding bird. It received its name from the resemblance of the male's colors to those on the coat-of-arms of 17th-century Lord Baltimore. Observations of interbreeding between the Baltimore oriole and the western Bullock's oriole Icterus bullockii, led to both being classified as a single species, called the northern oriole, from 1973 to 1995. Research by James Rising, a professor of zoology at the University of Toronto, and others showed that the two birds actually did not interbreed significantly. The Baltimore oriole is the state bird of Maryland, and the namesake and mascot for the Baltimore Orioles baseball team.
Fun Facts About Baltimore oriole
- Observations of interbreeding between the Baltimore oriole and the western Bullock's oriole Icterus bullockii, led to both being classified as a single species, called the northern oriole, from 1973 to 1995.
- It received its name from the resemblance of the male's colors to those on the coat-of-arms of 17th-century Lord Baltimore.
- The Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula) is a small icterid blackbird common in eastern North America as a migratory breeding bird.
Conservation Status
The Baltimore oriole is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | passerines |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | Icterus galbula |
Range & Habitat
🛍️ Baltimore oriole Gifts & Merch
Show your love for baltimore orioles! Find t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, mugs, and more at our store.
Browse Baltimore oriole Merch →Related Species
Other species in the Icteridae family: