September 8, 2000

     Oriole Migration

Baltimore orioles have a strong homing instinct and often return yearly to nest in the same yard and often the same tree.  It is the bird's custom to build a new nest each year, regardless of the condition of the old one.

They winter in areas from southern Mexico to northern South America.   Observers in Central America report that the first northern orioles arrive during the second week of September, but the majority do not come until the end of the month.

It's an adaptable bird that makes itself at home almost anywhere where trees and shrubs provide fruit and insects.7nbsp; Baltimore orioles winter in arid areas or rain forests, on mountainsides and plantations.  Females and young males may predominate, but the mature males in their bright orange-and-black plumage are most noticeable and have few rivals in beauty, even among the most brilliant tropical native birds.

These orioles are usually seen singly or in small groups.  Their clear whistles can be heard during the first few weeks after their arrival in the fall and again for a month or so before their departure north in April.