Streak-backed Oriole (Icterus pustulatus), Hassayampa River Preserve, Maricopa County

This Streak-backed Oriole was photographed by Cheryl Gross on 09 and 23 (4th photos) June 2020 and by Mary McSparen on 25 June 2020

Originally reported to Hassayampa staff by Cheryl Gross, after the sighting was reported Rachel Stringham found she had photos of the female builing the nest on 06 June 2020.

Though not reported last year, this years nest is being built next to a nest present and mistaken for a Bullock's Oriole nest in 2019. This adult female is possibly paired with a second year (SY or a 1 year old) male Bullock's Oriole as she appears to be in a copulation pose with the young male Bullocks in Mary McSparen's photos below. A Bronzed Cowbird has also been seen entering the Streak-backed Oriole nest.

Casual visitor, mostly in fall and winter though it has bred before in southeast Arizona, primairly along the lower San Pedro River. This is the first breeding attempt in Maricopa County.

Heavy-based straight bill with black on underside of lower mandible, brightest orange on the face and particularly the malar region, white edging to the wing feathers. Note the differences in the face pattern and bill shape with the young male Bullock's in Mary McSparen's first two photos were the Streak-backed Oriole is the bird with the tail cocked.

09 June 2020, photo by Cheryl Gross

25 June 1906, photo by Mary McSparen

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