Watercolor portrait of Altamira Oriole (Icterus gularis)

Altamira Oriole

Icterus gularis
Altamira Orioles are year-round resident… It likes open woods, river groves, thorn… Uncommon Rich whistled song

Learn to identify the Altamira Oriole by ear. Master the "whee-delio, whee-delio!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“whee-delio, whee-delio!”

What the Altamira Oriole sounds like

A big, bold oriole with glowing orange underparts and a jet-black face, throat, back, tail, and upper wings. The giveaway is the bright orange shoulder patch on the upper wing, with one crisp white wing bar sitting just below it. It also shows a longer, heavier bill than the slimmer, daintier orioles many birders know.

“whee-delio, whee-delio!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A series of rich, clear whistles that carry across a grove. It sounds bold, ringing, and a little tropical. Often written as “whee-delio, whee-delio!”.
Don't confuse with:The Hooded Oriole — smaller and slimmer overall.

Where you'll hear it

It likes open woods, river groves, thorn forest edges, parks, and neighborhoods with tall trees or palms. In the U.S., it’s mostly a South Texas specialty, especially in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

You can find them in any season where they live. They stand out most in spring and early summer, when their rich whistles ring out and their long hanging nests sway from high branches.

Similar species

Hooded Oriole

Smaller and slimmer overall.

Streak-backed Oriole

Back is orange with dark streaking, not solid black.

Audubon's Oriole

Has yellow rather than orange underparts.

Altamira Oriole song FAQ

What does an Altamira Oriole sound like?
A series of rich, clear whistles that carry across a grove. It sounds bold, ringing, and a little tropical. Listen for the "whee-delio, whee-delio!" phrase.
How do I tell an Altamira Oriole from a Hooded Oriole by sound?
Hooded Oriole: Smaller and slimmer overall.; Lacks the bold orange shoulder patch.; Usually shows a more delicate, curved bill and a different wing pattern..
When is the best time to hear an Altamira Oriole?
You can find them in any season where they live. They stand out most in spring and early summer, when their rich whistles ring out and their long hanging nests sway from high branches.