Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius), Base and Meridian Wildlife Area, Phoenix, Maricopa County

This Orchard Oriole was discovered by Troy Corman and Justin Jones on 15 December 2014 when scouting for the Tres Rios Christmas Bird Count.  At that time, it was not seen well enough to ID.  It was refound and identified by Melanie Herring and Justin Jones andphotographed by Justin Jones on 18 January 2014

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

It is a challenge to separate female Orchard and Hooded Oriole from photos in which size cannot be judged, especially in the fall when young Hooded can have smallish bills.  However, this bird's bill seems too small for a January Hooded Oriole.  In addition, the tail is on the short side which is more typical of Orchard. 

18 January 2014, photo by Justin Jones

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