11 replies to this topic

[cwj2323]

Specifically the Baltimore and Orchard. I figure size is an indicator, but without any other birds nearby, or if they are not at the oranges, I have a hard time telling. Any thing else I should look for?

I was going to assume this was a Baltimore, since they come more often, but could it be an Orchard?

[cestma]

No answer for you, just wanted to say I love that shot.

--Diane G.

[cwj2323]

Thank you, Diane. I took several in a series.

This must be the unanswerable question; it's my second forum to ask. At least I know it's an Oriole; I'd be in trouble if we had Tanagers here.

This was my favorite picture. The bird was in mid-shake after the bath. (I have had too much fun with my 8 shots a second on the camera)

[JimBob]

I agree with Baltimore. . . I wouldn't expect a Orchard to have that orange-y of a color.

[PanHanNE]

I was waiting for someone who knows what they are talking about to answer your question, since I definitely do not fall into that category. I did find this information for "similar birds" on allaboutbirds.com though:

Baltimore:
Females and immature males are yellow-orange on the breast, grayish on the head and back, with two bold white wing bars.

Orchard:
Bright greenish yellow below. Olive-green above. Wings brownish with two narrow white wingbars.
First-year male yellow like female but with black throat patch and occasionally some chestnut feathers on body.
So it would seem that tint of yellow (orangish or greenish) would be the indicator. (I do not know if Bold white wingbars and Narrow white wingbars would be helpful or not.)

[cestma]

Thank you, Diane. I took several in a series.

This must be the unanswerable question; it's my second forum to ask. At least I know it's an Oriole; I'd be in trouble if we had Tanagers here.

This was my favorite picture. The bird was in mid-shake after the bath. (I have had too much fun with my 8 shots a second on the camera)

Ha, that's adorable! I hear ya about the multi-shot fun (I use burst). I end up saving far too many!

--Diane

[TheBillyPilgrim]

For me, the easiest way to distinguish them is by color. As mentioned earlier, Orchards tend to be a lighter green while Baltimores are more of a reddish-orange. The wings of Baltimores are also darker, approaching black at times, while Orchards tend to be more grey/brown.

Your bird looks good for a juvie Baltimore

[cwj2323]

Thank you for the replies. This really has been an unusual year, since the Orioles stayed. Last year we only saw the Baltimores for a couple weeks even with the oranges out and guessed it was because we didn't have the right nesting material around for them. This year we did something about it and it worked! A suet cage full of human hair! Last year, we never had the adult Orchard come by, but this year, he's come quite often.

[cwj2323]

Instead of starting a new thread. Here's a couple from 11 July this year.. Based on what I read above... Orchards? I am hoping one of these days, I can get this right. I don't have much time left this year...

For habitat, this is a "weed tree" along the fence line near our duck coop a ways from the house. And that is surrounded by unmowed pasture. Both pictures, same birds.

[psweet]

Agreed. The bird on the top of the first shot shows the evenly yellowish underparts perfectly.

[TheBillyPilgrim]

Seconded.

[cwj2323]

Wow, thank you for confirming this.