Watercolor portrait of Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula
Breeds in the eastern and central U Deciduous trees in open woodlands, river… Common Resident Song

Learn to identify the Baltimore Oriole by ear. Master the "rich melodious whistles" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“Here, here, come right here!”

What the Baltimore Oriole sounds like

A brightly colored songbird of the East. Adult males are flame-orange with a black head and back, and white wing bars; females are yellow-orange with gray-brown wings and two white wing bars. Orioles are often heard before seen, singing from the treetops, and are known for weaving hanging basket nests.

“rich melodious whistles”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A series of rich, fluty whistles with a cheerful, ringing tone. Phrases often sound like short statements, e.g., "do-do-dee, do-do-dah" sometimes described as "here, here, come right here" or similar. Males sing frequently in spring from high perches. Females sometimes sing a simpler song too. Orioles also give a chatter call – a scratchy, rapid "chuck" or "rattle" – and a whistled alert call. The clear whistled song is the hallmark of their presence in summer. Often written as “Here, here, come right here!”.
Don't confuse with:The Bullock's Oriole — bullock's oriole (western north america) males have an orange face with a black eye line and throat patch (vs. baltimore’s full black hood). females bullock's are also orange-ish but with a whitish belly and a distinct gray cheek contrasting an orange crown, whereas female baltimore is more uniform yellow-orange with brownish back.

Lessons featuring the Baltimore Oriole

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Baltimore Oriole's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Park Songposts lesson habitat
Park Songposts
Tier 2 · Around the Block
Blackbird Karaoke Night lesson habitat
Blackbird Karaoke Night
Tier 10 · Going Deeper
Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Deciduous trees in open woodlands, river edges, orchards, parks, and suburban neighborhoods. Often found high in shade trees (like maples or elms). They favor edges and isolated groves rather than unbroken deep forest. Common across the eastern and midwestern U.S. in summer.

Diurnal. Arrives in spring and males immediately stake out treetop territories with loud songs. Nest-building (by female) occurs in late spring. Through summer they raise usually one brood. By late summer, orioles molt (males may look patchy) and start feasting on fruits before migration. They migrate mostly at night. In wintering grounds, found in flocks in tropical fruiting trees.

Similar species

Bullock's Oriole

Bullock's Oriole (western North America) males have an orange face with a black eye line and throat patch (vs. Baltimore’s full black hood). Females Bullock's are also orange-ish but with a whitish belly and a distinct gray cheek contrasting an orange crown, whereas female Baltimore is more uniform yellow-orange with brownish back.

Baltimore Oriole song FAQ

What does a Baltimore Oriole sound like?
A series of rich, fluty whistles with a cheerful, ringing tone. Phrases often sound like short statements, e.g., "do-do-dee, do-do-dah" sometimes described as "here, here, come right here" or similar. Males sing frequently in spring from high perches. Females sometimes sing a simpler song too. Orioles also give a chatter call – a scratchy, rapid "chuck" or "rattle" – and a whistled alert call. The clear whistled song is the hallmark of their presence in summer. Listen for the "rich melodious whistles" phrase.
How do I tell a Baltimore Oriole from a Bullock's Oriole by sound?
Bullock's Oriole: Bullock's Oriole (western North America) males have an orange face with a black eye line and throat patch (vs. Baltimore’s full black hood). Females Bullock's are also orange-ish but with a whitish belly and a distinct gray cheek contrasting an orange crown, whereas female Baltimore is more uniform yellow-orange with brownish back.; Their ranges meet in the Great Plains; hybrids can occur. Outside that zone, an oriole in the East is likely Baltimore, in far West is Bullock's. Bullock's male also has more extensive white in the wings (white wing patch)..
When is the best time to hear a Baltimore Oriole?
Diurnal. Arrives in spring and males immediately stake out treetop territories with loud songs. Nest-building (by female) occurs in late spring. Through summer they raise usually one brood. By late summer, orioles molt (males may look patchy) and start feasting on fruits before migration. They migrate mostly at night. In wintering grounds, found in flocks in tropical fruiting trees.