Icterus gularis
Altamira Oriole
The tropical giant of the Rio Grande Valley.
The largest oriole north of Mexico and the only one that stays all year: Altamira Orioles live exclusively in the southernmost tip of Texas, where their spectacular two-foot woven nests dangle from tall trees and utility lines like hanging baskets. Seeing one requires a trip to the Valley — and the Valley never disappoints.
Range
In the US, only the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas — Santa Ana, Bentsen, Laguna Atascosa, and riverside towns from Falcon Dam to Brownsville. Common south through Mexico and Central America.
Migration timing
Present every month of the year; pairs hold territories year-round. Feeder activity is steadiest in winter, when Valley refuges and backyard setups host them daily alongside Green Jays and chachalacas.
How to identify one
- Big and brilliant: flame-orange with a black bib, back, and tail; small black mask
- Orange shoulder patch (Bullock's shows white); heavy, straight bill
- Sexes look alike — unusual among US orioles
At the feeder
Valley feeding stations use orange halves, jelly, sugar water, and peanut butter smears — Altamiras take all four, year-round. If you're visiting, the wildlife refuges' feeder blinds are the easiest oriole photography in America.
The oriole menu: grape jelly, orange halves, and 6:1 sugar-water nectar.
Feeding guide Nectar calculatorWhere to find the Altamira Oriole
| State | Status | Feeders out by |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Year-round resident | March 15 |
FeederDates › Orioles › Species › Altamira Oriole