Global Range: RESIDENT: from extreme southern Texas (rare and local), Nuevo Leon, and eastern San Luis Potosi south on Gulf-Caribbean slope to Belize and (locally) Honduras and from the state of Mexico and Guerrero south along the Pacific slope to west-central Nicaragua (AOU 1983).

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations

Average wingspan: 125 mm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry

Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike; male larger

Length: 25 cm

Weight: 60 grams

• Terrestrial

Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland ; forest ; scrub forest

Wetlands: swamp

Other Habitat Features: riparian

Comments: Deciduous forest, arid scrub, open woodland, second growth, semidesert (AOU 1983). Chiefly in groves of tall trees, willow, mesquite (National Geographic Society 1983). BREEDING: Nest placed conspicuously in tree about 4-15 m above ground.

Non-Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species do not make significant seasonal migrations. Juvenile dispersal is not considered a migration.

Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).

Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.

Altamira orioles are predominantly insectivores. However, they will occasionally eat fruit and nectar. It is postulated that they may eat seeds and nuts at some point in the year, due to the formidable size and structure of their bill. Nestlings are mainly fed orthopterans and insect larvae.

Animal Foods: insects

Plant Foods: seeds, grains, and nuts; fruit; nectar

Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore )

Comments: Searches leaves for insects and spiders, also eats fruits (Terres 1980).

As they are occasionally frugivorous, Altamira orioles aid in the dispersal of seeds. They are also important as predators of insects. While bronzed cowbirds (Molothrus aeneus) have been observed attempting to parasitize nests, they are almost never successful.

Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds

Commensal/Parasitic Species:

• bronzed cowbird (Molothrus aeneus)

Altamira orioles have no known predators. Although it is possible that adults are taken by diurnal raptors and that eggs and nestlings might be taken by arboreal predators such as snakes and Bassariscus species.

Their singing is described as being "a loud, musical, but hesitant series of whistles, reminiscent of an inexperienced human whistler." Raspy, harsh notes may be used as an alarm call, while a quick, nasal "ike" may be used as a contact call between adults and upon arrival at the nest.

Nestlings have a relatively quiet, low pitched begging call. Interestingly, some nestlings in northern Texas apparently produce no sound, perhaps to avoid predation. Males will sometimes develop adult song before they have fully developed plumage.

Altamira orioles also use their keen vision and hearing as their main modes of perception.

Communication Channels: visual ; acoustic

Other Communication Modes: duets

There is no published longevity data available for Altamira orioles.

Altamira orioles are seasonally monogamous and may be for life. They are almost always seen in pairs. Breeding begins in the spring and continues through the summer

Mating System: monogamous

Altamira orioles start building their nests as early as March. Generally they only produce one brood per season. However, more southerly populations can produce a second brood. In the event that they brood a second time, a second nest is always built. Nests are hanging baskets, which can be up to 65 cm long, and are built entirely by the female. Nests are built in approximately 3 weeks. Often built at the tip of a yielding branch (usually Mimosa) or a power line; the nests are rarely hidden. Built at an average of 9.3 m from the ground, nests are inaccessible by non-avian predators. Altamira orioles seem to prefer the northwest quadrants of trees, as 9 out of 10 nests have been observed to be built there in a tree's canopy.

In Northern Mexico and Texas, breeding begins in April and lasts through July or August. In Oaxaca, Mexico, breeding starts a little later, in May, and goes through July. The average clutch size is 4.9, but decreases as one moves south. The average incubation period is 14 days. Little is known of the time to fledging. However, the offspring and adults become hostile, chasing away other species of birds for approximately one week after the young leave the nest.

Breeding interval: Altamira orioles breed once or twice a year.

Breeding season: Breeding occurs from April to August.

Average eggs per season: 4.9.

Average time to hatching: 14 days.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 1 years.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 1 years.

Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate)

Young are fed by both males and females about every six to eight minutes during the day. In the event that a pair broods a second time, males will assume most of the feeding responsibility, while females build a second nest. Usually, fecal sacs are removed only by females.

Parental Investment: altricial ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Protecting: Male, Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Male, Protecting: Male, Female)

Clutch size usually 3-4. Young tended by both parents. Male feeds young of fledged first brood while female renests.

Altamira orioles are not considered threatened, although local populations may be negatively affected by habitat destruction.

US Migratory Bird Act: no special status

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N3 - Vulnerable

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

There are no known negative effects of Altamira orioles on humans.

An attractive bird, Altamira orioles are popular among bird enthusiasts, potentially acting to draw ecotourism to areas they inhabit. As any member of a community within an ecosystem, they are integral to the function of the ecosystem, contributing to its health and beauty.

Positive Impacts: ecotourism ; research and education

Comments: Also known as Lichtenstein's Oriole.