Blackbirds and Orioles
Birds in the Icteridae family are characterized by their strong and pointed cone-shaped beaks and long, pointed wings. They range in size from 6-12 inches in length. Most birds in the Icteridae family forage for insects and seeds on the ground. There are about 100 species in this family found in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
Included below are the Baltimore Oriole and the Red-winged Blackbird.
Baltimore Oriole
Icterus galbula
“Plate 12.” John James Audubon (1785-1851). Birds of America. Credit: National Audubon Society.
Habitat: Open woods, riverside groves, elms, shade trees.
Preferred Food: Primarily insects, will come to flowers for nectars and will eat fruit set out around feeders.
Fun Fact: This bird will accept short pieces of yarn as nesting material and doesn’t show any apparent color preference
Baltimore Oriole Range Map
Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
“Plate 67.” John James Audubon (1785-1851). Birds of America. Credit: National Audubon Society.
Habitat: Breeds in marshes, brushy swamps, hayfields; forages also in cultivated land and along edges of water.
Preferred Food: Mostly insects and seeds. Also eats some berries and small fruits.
Fun Fact: The Red-winged Blackbird is a highly polygamous species, with one male having up to 15 different females making nests in his territory.
