The Altamira Oriole is the largest oriole in the United States, and one of the most spectacular birds at Valley Nature Center. Its brilliant orange-and-black plumage glows in the woodland canopy, and its long, pendulous nest — often over two feet in length — hangs like a stocking from the tips of the highest branches. The Rio Grande Valley is the only place in the US where this Mexican species occurs regularly.
Year-Round ResidentRGV SpecialtyColorfulLargest US Oriole
About This Bird
Did You Know?
The Altamira Oriole's nest is one of the longest of any North American bird — a woven pouch that can hang more than 25 inches from a branch tip, swinging in the breeze like a wind sock.
Field Notes
Diet
Insects, berries, nectar
Range
Texas RGV through Central America
Nesting
Long hanging pouch nest
Social
Pairs, sometimes small groups
Call
Rich whistled phrases
Tolerance
Year-round Valley resident
Birding Tips at VNC
- Scan the highest branches of large trees for the hanging nest
- Listen for rich, fluty whistles coming from the canopy
- The orange shoulder patch is larger than other orioles — key field mark
- Look near the VNC woodland trail entrance where large trees provide canopy
See These Birds in Person
Valley Nature Center is open Tue–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm. Admission $3–$6. Members free.
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