Northern Oriole, no more

"From 1973 to 1995, the Baltimore Oriole didn’t exist—on paper, that is. In 1973, a committee of the American Ornithologists' Union noted frequent interbreeding between Baltimores and their western counterparts, Bullock's Orioles. So the organization combined the two into one species called Northern Oriole. But further studies showed that the Bullock’s and the Baltimore Oriole aren’t so similar: the Baltimore prefers wetter habitats and has its own song, in addition to just looking different. Later research showed that the two species didn’t interbreed as much as once thought, either. Eventually, after 22 years, the Union canned the Northern Oriole designation and brought back Bullock’s and Baltimore".

Wheeler, K. (2024a, September 9). 10 fun facts about the Baltimore oriole. Audubon. https://www.audubon.org/news/10-fun-facts-about-baltimore-oriole#:~:text=From%201973%20to%201995%2C%20the,one%20species%20called%20Northern%20Oriole. 

Bullocks Oriole

The Bullocks Oriole can be found in the rocky mountain region in cottonwoods within riparian habitats.  They are migratory birds that leave their northern habitats at the end of the summer. Male Bullocks Orioles have an orange face, white on their wings, and a tail pattern different from that of the Baltimore Oriole. Females have a less orange face,  a grayer back,  a white belly, and a dark eyeline. 

 Baltimore Oriole

The Baltimore Oriole can be found in the midwest and eastern parts of the country.  They, too, enjoy time in riparian habitats, open woods, and the edges of forests.  Baltimore Orioles start their migration in July and August. Males are marked boldly with black and orange.  Females are more brown above, have tinted orange on the belly, and have white wing bars. Baltimore Orioles and Bullock Orioles have been known to mate, thus creating hybrids of these patterns.