Icterus Galbula

High above in the tree tops, Icterus Galbula, the Baltimore oriole, sings its sweet song, announcing its return from a long journey of winter migration. In early spring, males establish their territories and begin to attract females by chirping and chattering while hopping from branch to branch. Depending on interest, the females will either ignore the male or sing back and give a suggestive wing-quiver in response. Mating pairs are often monogamous, and after a fluttery-feathery love making session, Mr. and Mrs. Oriole prepare for their coming family. Among the elms, cottonwoods and maples, the mother Oriole carefully constructs her unique hanging nest.  She anchors it high, hanging long fibers over a small branch, and then poking her bill in and out to tangle the fibers. The process is continued as a closely knit wall slowly forms. Males occasionally bring nesting materials, but don’t usually help with the weaving, preferring instead to patrol the family territory. The female lays three to seven eggs with an incubation period of about two weeks. Once free of their gestational protection, the hatchlings are fed by regurgitation by both parents. After less than two weeks, the curious younglings start to venture out of the nest and become independent thereafter.