Birds with orange and black plumage often capture attention due to their vivid coloration. This combination of hues makes them noticeable in diverse environments. Understanding which species display these colors and where to find them can help identify local wildlife.
Striking Orange and Black Birds
The male Baltimore Oriole is a robin-sized songbird. It displays brilliant orange on its underparts, rump, and shoulder patches. Its head, upper back, wings, and central tail feathers are black, with white bars visible on its wings.
The male Spotted Towhee is a large, sparrow-sized bird. It has a black head, back, and wings, with white spots on the back and wings. Its flanks are a rusty orange, contrasting with a white belly.
The male Varied Thrush is similar in size to an American Robin. It has a burnt-orange breast and belly, with a black band across its breast. Its head is black with an orange line above the eye. Its back and tail are gray to grayish-blue, and its wings are blackish with orange bars and edging on the flight feathers.
Where to Spot These Birds
Baltimore Orioles are found in eastern North America during the breeding season, extending west to the Great Plains and southern Canada. They prefer open woodlands, forest edges, and areas with tall, leafy deciduous trees. In late summer and early fall, these birds migrate south to Central and South America for winter.
Spotted Towhees inhabit western North America, from Canada to Guatemala. They reside in dry upland forests, open woodlands, and brushy areas with dense undergrowth. Some populations are year-round residents; others migrate to lower elevations or southward for winter.
Varied Thrushes breed in dense, moist coniferous and mixed forests of the Pacific Northwest, from Alaska south to northern California. In winter, many populations move to lower elevations or migrate south along the west coast. They can be seen in towns, orchards, and backyards during colder months.
Identification Tips Beyond Color
While color patterns are often the first clue in bird identification, other characteristics provide details. Observing a bird’s size and shape can help narrow down possibilities. For instance, noting if a bird is sparrow-sized, robin-sized, or larger offers a reference point.
Behavior offers identification cues. Observing how a bird forages, such as a Spotted Towhee scratching through leaf litter or a Baltimore Oriole gleaning insects in tree canopies, is helpful. Flight patterns, whether undulating or direct, also contribute.
Vocalizations are often the most reliable way to identify birds, even when not visible. Each species has unique songs and calls. Plumage can also vary between males, females, and juveniles within the same species.