Watercolor portrait of Audubon's Oriole (Icterus graduacauda)

Audubon's Oriole

Icterus graduacauda
A year-round resident in the Lower Rio G… Look for it in dense thorn forest, mesqu… Uncommon Rich whistled song

Learn to identify the Audubon's Oriole by ear. Master the "wheeu, wheeu, whee-teeu!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“wheeu, wheeu, whee-teeu!”

What the Audubon's Oriole sounds like

Audubon's Oriole is a striking yellow-and-black songbird of South Texas brush country and Mexican woodlands. In the field it often feels rich and shadowy rather than flashy, with a black hood up front, a yellow belly below, and a yellow-olive back that softens the whole look.

“wheeu, wheeu, whee-teeu!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A smooth string of mellow whistles, clear and fluty. It carries through the brush like a tiny wooden flute. Often written as “wheeu, wheeu, whee-teeu!”.
Don't confuse with:The Hooded Oriole — brighter yellow-orange overall, without audubon's softer yellow-olive back.

Where you'll hear it

Look for it in dense thorn forest, mesquite groves, woodland edges, riparian woods, and leafy neighborhoods in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. In Mexico it also uses scrub, dry forest, and wooded habitats on both the Gulf and Pacific slopes.

This oriole can be found all year. In Texas, courtship picks up in spring, and most nesting happens from late April through June; family groups linger afterward.

Similar species

Hooded Oriole

Brighter yellow-orange overall, without Audubon's softer yellow-olive back.

Altamira Oriole

Much larger and bulkier, with a heavier bill.

Scott's Oriole

Usually found in drier yucca and desert habitats, not dense thorn forest.

Audubon's Oriole song FAQ

What does an Audubon's Oriole sound like?
A smooth string of mellow whistles, clear and fluty. It carries through the brush like a tiny wooden flute. Listen for the "wheeu, wheeu, whee-teeu!" phrase.
How do I tell an Audubon's Oriole from a Hooded Oriole by sound?
Hooded Oriole: Brighter yellow-orange overall, without Audubon's softer yellow-olive back.; Bill is slimmer and slightly downcurved, not thick-based and straight.; Usually looks lighter-faced and less hooded than Audubon's Oriole..
When is the best time to hear an Audubon's Oriole?
This oriole can be found all year. In Texas, courtship picks up in spring, and most nesting happens from late April through June; family groups linger afterward.