It is common in northeastern Mexico but didn't appear in the United States until 1939. The female Altamira builds an astounding nest, a hanging bag of plant fibers that may be 2 feet long, sometimes suspended from telephone wires. In open woodlands, females find a high branch and then weave a remarkable hanging nest that can be up to 26 inches long. It may go unseen at times as it forages in dense trees, but it draws attention with its harsh fussing callnotes. Distribution: The Altamira Oriole was first reportedly seen in Texas in the 1930's. This big tropical oriole is common in northeastern Mexico, but was not found in our area until 1939. It is suspected that the male and the female are monogamous and are partners for life. The brilliant Altamira Oriole is a tropical species with a tiny portion of its range reaching Texas’s Rio Grande Valley. It has since become common year-round in native woods of far southern Texas. photo credit: JasonYoder/Shutterstock photo credit: JasonYoder/Shutterstock It’s impossible to tell whether this is a male or female spot-breasted oriole—they are identical! Similar looking birds to Hooded Oriole: Bullock's Oriole Adult male, Bullock's Oriole Female, Scott's Oriole Male, Scott's Oriole Female, Orchard Oriole Female (Orchard), Altamira Oriole Adult. Adults are flame-orange and black, with white highlights in the wings and a distinctive orange patch at the shoulder.

Baltimores also have 2 white wingbars while Altamiras have an orange shoulder patch. In open woodlands, females find a high branch and then weave a remarkable hanging nest that can be up to 26 inches long. The Altamira Oriole has quick and jerky flight when moving from branch to branch. The throat on adult female Baltimore Orioles is yellow orange, but is black on Altamira Orioles. It is a common bird seen throughout Mexico and Central America but is considered threatened in the USA. It may perform swift flight with rapid wing beats. The Altamira Oriole.


Adults are flame-orange and black, with white highlights in the wings and a distinctive orange patch at the shoulder. It also may be located in dead branches of … This bird species is non-migratory.

REPRODUCTION: Altamira Oriole’s nest is located at tip of branch, and it is rarely hidden. Now, it is a common year-round resident in the native woods of the tip of southern Texas. The Altamira oriole is the largest oriole in the United States. Adult female. The brilliant Altamira Oriole is a tropical species with a tiny portion of its range reaching Texas’s Rio Grande Valley.