High in the canopy of our mountain retreat, a burst of bright orange darts between the leaves. It’s the Orchard Oriole, a dazzling visitor gracing us with its presence during its winter migration. This little songbird isn’t a permanent resident of Costa Rica, but during the colder months of North America, it seeks refuge in our lush rainforests and woodlands.

The Orchard Oriole is a true feast for the eyes. Males, in their breeding plumage, are a fiery chestnut-orange, a stark contrast to the emerald embrace of the rainforest. Their black head and contrasting white wing bars add a touch of drama. Females, on the other hand, are dressed in a more subdued attire – a beautiful olive-green with a hint of yellow on their bellies.

These little acrobats are a joy to watch. They flit and hop through the branches, their slender bodies perfectly adapted for navigating the dense foliage. Their calls are a vibrant mix of whistles, clicks, and chatters, adding to the symphony of the rainforest.

While not as common as some of our resident birds, Orchard Orioles can be spotted throughout Costa Rica, particularly in areas with scattered trees, open woodlands, and near rivers and streams. Here at our mountain retreat, you might catch a glimpse of them in the gardens or near the fruit trees, where they love to snack on berries and small insects.

Here are some interesting facts about the Orchard Oriole:

• Size: They are one of the smallest orioles, measuring just 5.9-7.1 inches in length.
• Diet: They are opportunistic feeders, enjoying a varied diet of insects, spiders, fruits, nectar, and even seeds.
• Nesting: They weave intricate pouch-like nests from leaves and twigs, hanging them from branches of deciduous trees.
• Migration: They are long-distance migrants, breeding in North America and wintering in Central and South America.

While their stay with us is temporary, the Orchard Oriole brings a touch of vibrancy and intrigue to our mountain retreat. If you’re lucky enough to spot this fiery flash in the foliage, take a moment to appreciate its beauty – a fleeting glimpse of a visitor from afar.

Keep an eye out for our next blog post, where we’ll delve into the life of another fascinating Costa Rican avian resident!

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)