Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius), Sun City Grand - Private backyard, Maricopa County

This Orchard Oriole was discovered and photographed by Dave Bradford on 30 October 2013. For the 8th year, this Orchard Oriole has arrived in our back yard (Sun City Grand).  Each year he has arrived sometime between 22 October and late Novemeber.

Orchard oriole is a casual transient in Arizona, mostly in late spring and summer with a few winter records.

This male is in fresh winter plumage.  The olive tips to the feathers will wear off over the winter to reveal the bright breeding plumage underneath.  Combination of dark head and rufous body unique among the orioles.  

30 October 2013, photo by Dave Bradford

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