General

Spot-breasted Oriole: Large oriole, mostly bright orange except for black back, mask, throat, and spots on breast; wings are black with large white patches. Tail is black. Female is duller. Juvenile is yellow-orange overall with olive-gray back and often lacks breast spots.

Range and Habitat

Spot-breasted Oriole: Native of Mexico; first reported in the Miami area in 1949, where it was probably introduced from escaped captives, and has since been found from Homestead to Fort Lauderdale. Preferred habitats include parks, suburbs, and gardens.

Breeding and Nesting

Spot-breasted Oriole: Three to five white to pale blue eggs scrawled with black and purple are laid in a cup nest made of grass, stems, and fibers, and lined with finer materials. Nest is hung across a tree branch 20 to 60 feet above the ground. Incubation ranges from 12 to 14 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Spot-breasted Oriole: Eats fruits, berries, and insects. Forages in shrubs and trees; sometimes pries open rolled leaves.

Readily Eats

Suet, Jelly, Orange Halves, Raisins

Vocalization

Spot-breasted Oriole: Song is a liquid series of rich, slow whistles, "whee ch-wee-chu-u." Call is a loud nasal note "nyeh."

Similar Species

Spot-breasted Oriole: Other orioles in range lack orange head, black bib, and breast spots. Female Baltimore Oriole resembles juvenile Spot-breasted, but lacks black on breast.