Maryland State Bird
Baltimore Oriole

Official Maryland State Bird: Baltimore Oriole
Family: Icteridae, Blackbirds
Scientific name: Icterus galbula
Length: 8.25" (22 cm)
Diet: Insects, fruit nectar, few spiders, snails; some buds in spring.
Voice: Listen to Baltimore Oriole song. (recorded by Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
Song a short series of rich, clear, whistled notes pidoo tewdi tewdi yewdi tew tidew; variable in pattern, with pauses between each phrase; often gives simple two-note whistle hulee and variations. Call a dry, harsh, uneven rattle. Flight call a husky, tinny, trumpeting veeet.
Habitat: Deciduous, open woodland; elms, shade trees.
Displays: Courting male rises to full height, bows low to female with tail spread and wings slightly raised; alternates between these two postures.
Number of broods: 1
Nest: In deciduous tree, usually 15-30' above ground, rarely in coniferous tree; pendulum nest attached at rim or secured at sides to drooping branch; woven of plant fiber strips, lined with grass, plant down, hair. Built in 4.5-15 days.
Eggs: Averages 4-5 pale grayish- to bluish-white eggs, marked with dark colors. 0.9" (23 mm).
Incubation period: 12-14 days
Fledge: 12-14 days after hatching
Longevity Record: 11 Years and 7 months (according to USGS Bird Banding Lab)