Baltimore/Orchard Oriole - Michigan, USA (1 Viewer)

[Rapala]

Hi all,

Photos taken this morning while chasing after a previously reported orchard oriole in northern Michigan. I thought the bill looked a bit short but the wings might be too dark for orchard? Appreciate any input, thanks!

 

[Butty]

Dark bases of secondaries suggests Baltimore oriole?? - though Sibley contradicts himself on this feature.
I can't do New World orioles...

 

[KC Foggin]

Baltimore was my first thought!!

 

[birdmeister]

Didn't know about the secondaries feature, but this is Baltimore for me too. Orchard tends to be strongly greenish-yellow below and olive-green above, where Baltimore is often darker above and has patchy gray and yellow/orange.

 

[Butty]

No yellow/orange on this - and your description of orchard oriole doesn't seem so far off the OP's bird. But let me not dissuade you - I (still) know nothing about New World orioles.

 

[Microtus]

Baltimore Oriole

 

[qwerty5]

Baltimore seems most likely to me as well.

 

[Jeff Hopkins]

Baltimore.

 

[Butty]

Anyone else care to give reasons? I'd like to learn.

 

[birdmeister]

No yellow/orange on this - and your description of orchard oriole doesn't seem so far off the OP's bird. But let me not dissuade you - I (still) know nothing about New World orioles.

Can agree with you there. These images don't really show the underparts, which are really bright yellow-green on Orchard. I do think that one photo shows more gold/dull orange on the undertail than the lower belly, a Baltimore feature. Likewise, Baltimore often shows a gold/orangish tail and a bit on the face, as in this bird.

Here's one of the darker Orchard photos I can find in Macaulay submissions for this time of year, an adult female. Note the bright green (not coppery) tail and face contrasting with back and wings: Orchard Oriole Macaulay Library ML357303451

Many Orchards appear nearly all green from the back: Orchard Oriole Macaulay Library ML357269881

Found one photo of a Baltimore that somewhat resembles this bird, but even less copper color on tail/face: Baltimore Oriole Macaulay Library ML357329791


Hope this clarifies a bit!

 

[Rapala]

Excellent feedback, thanks everyone!