Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius), Surprise, AZ, Maricopa County

This adult male Orchard Oriole was photographed by Dominic Sherony on 16 February 2010 in Sun City Grand in Surprise Arizona at a private residence not open to visitors.  This bird is returning for the fourth winter to feed at the hummingbird feeders. 

Orchard Oriole is a casual transient in Arizona, mostly in late spring and summer with a few winter records.  Adult males like this are the most distinctive North American oriole and are unmistakable.

Note the grayish olive tips to the back feathers.  These are typical of fresh basic (winter) plumaged males.  These tips will wear away and by the end of the winter and the plumage will then resemble the alternate (breeding) plumage with black back. 

16 February 2010, photo by Dominic Sherony

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