Mexican Oriole ID
Outdoor Ontario

Mexican Oriole ID

Dinusaur

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I was at Tulum, Mexico recently and saw the following Orioles around the resort we were staying. When I took these photos I didn't know that there are four different Orioles found in the area. After I came back and took a closer look I started wondering what they were. I have taken a first attempt in identifying them. Please correct me where I have gone wrong. Thanks in advance.
1. Hooded Oriole


2. Altamira Oriole


3. Orange Oriole pair


4 & 5. Audubon Oriole? Not sure why the slight variation of the two birds in the second picture.

« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »


BC

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I don't think #3 are Orange Orioles. The female should have a mask and a darker tail. If the male was turned towards us more, could it be a pair of Hooded?
I think #4 is a Yellow-backed. Audubon's is out of range.
#5 could be a pair of Black-cowled. A bit hard to tell from the photo.
My experience with Mexican Orioles is mostly from the north/central interior but I have a nifty little guidebook to Mexican Orioles and their allies.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »


BC

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One more thought from me. #5 could be a Yellow-backed above a Black-cowled.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »


Brian Bailey

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I think you're right with #1. I think #2&3 are Altamira, and #4 is a Yellow-Backed. I can't make a positive ID on either bird in#5.


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« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
Brian Bailey
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BC

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I can see Brian's point about #3 for the upper bird. Sexes are similar, though, with Altamira so the lower bird would have to be a juvenile.
Considering the region, I still think Black-cowled is the only option for the lower bird in #5.
It's an enjoyable ID challenge. These Orioles brighten up a gloomy day.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »


Brian Bailey

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I visited that area a couple of years ago. I only ever found 2 species of oriole, with Altamira being by far the most common. I know nothing about plumage variation with age, but my recollection is that the shade of orange and the amount of orange in the wing bar was quite variable.


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« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
Brian Bailey
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Dinusaur

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Thanks Brian and BC for your insights. I was on a vacation with the family and only ventured out on my own occasionally and that too without a binocular. After I took a few shots on the first day I almost stopped taking pictures of the Orioles, why bother filling the memory card with the same bird. Had I known about the differences in Oriole species I would've taken a few more at different angles or could've waited them to come closer. That's what happens to novice birder. Anyway, it was a delightful experience.

Here's a slight variation of the picture #3


And picture #5
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »