Watercolor portrait of Scott's Oriole (Icterus parisorum)

Scott's Oriole

Icterus parisorum
Scott's Oriole occurs in the southwester… Look for it on arid mountain slopes, des… Uncommon Rich whistled song

Learn to identify the Scott's Oriole by ear. Master the "cheer-chew, whee-lee, chur-lee!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“cheer-chew, whee-lee, chur-lee!”

What the Scott's Oriole sounds like

Scott's Oriole is a striking desert songbird with a bold black-and-yellow look that seems to glow against dry hillsides. Males are jet black above with bright lemon-yellow below, while females are softer olive-yellow and easier to miss among yucca and scrub.

“cheer-chew, whee-lee, chur-lee!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A series of clear, mellow whistles with a sweet, fluty quality. It carries beautifully across dry canyons and rocky slopes, especially in spring. Often written as “cheer-chew, whee-lee, chur-lee!”.
Don't confuse with:The Hooded Oriole — male hooded oriole is richer orange, not lemon-yellow.

Where you'll hear it

Look for it on arid mountain slopes, desert foothills, and rocky canyons with yucca, agave, juniper, or pinyon. It loves open country where it can sing from the tallest perch around.

Spring is the easiest time to find one, when males sing rich whistles from exposed perches. By late summer and fall, many birds go quieter and some shift south, making them easier to overlook.

Similar species

Hooded Oriole

Male Hooded Oriole is richer orange, not lemon-yellow.

Bullock's Oriole

Bullock's looks more orange overall and shows bold white wing patches.

Audubon's Oriole

Audubon's has a yellow body with a black hood, but the back is olive-yellow rather than black.

Scott's Oriole song FAQ

What does a Scott's Oriole sound like?
A series of clear, mellow whistles with a sweet, fluty quality. It carries beautifully across dry canyons and rocky slopes, especially in spring. Listen for the "cheer-chew, whee-lee, chur-lee!" phrase.
How do I tell a Scott's Oriole from a Hooded Oriole by sound?
Hooded Oriole: Male Hooded Oriole is richer orange, not lemon-yellow.; Hooded shows a black throat and face, but not the broad black back and chest of male Scott's.; Hooded Orioles are often tied to palms, towns, and riparian groves rather than rugged yucca slopes..
When is the best time to hear a Scott's Oriole?
Spring is the easiest time to find one, when males sing rich whistles from exposed perches. By late summer and fall, many birds go quieter and some shift south, making them easier to overlook.