26 



THE ORCHARD ORIOLE. 



General Range. — Eastern United States north to about Lat. 440 and west 

 to Great Plains ; soutli in winter to Panama. Breeds throughout its range. 

 Range in Ohio. — Summer resident, generally but sparingly distributed. 



CHESTNUT and black make a rich and tasty costume for a bird, altho 

 they render the owner somewhat less conspicuous than is the brilliant Bird of 

 Baltimore. The Orchard Oriole is a familiar resident of orchards, shaded 

 fence-rows, and the wooded banks of streams. His familiarity is delightful, 

 since he improves upon accjuaintance ; and it is gratifying to note everywhere 

 an increase in numbers, especially southerly. 



As a summer boarder none could 

 be more welcome, for in addition to his 

 sprightly ways and pleasing song, 

 his industry in the pursuit of insect 

 pests is indefatigable, and his pres- 

 ence in orchard and garden 

 above reproach. In common 

 with his golden cousin this 

 bird feasts upon the noxious 

 click beetles which scarcely any 

 other bird will touch ; and none 

 render more valiant service 

 than he in holding the noto- 

 rious tent caterpillars and their 

 ilk in check. 



The song of the Orchard 

 Oriole is rapid, tumultuous, 

 exultant, the irrepressible out- 

 burst of an energetic nature. 

 It lacks the mellow richness of 

 Baltimore's, but has instead a 

 delicious piquancy, a subtle, 

 keen-edged tang like that of 

 Catawba grapes. Interspersed 

 with the music come phrases 

 of vivacious chatter, from 

 which the speaker leaps again 

 to song. 



Even males of the second 

 year, who have to content 

 themselves with black neck-ties 



NEST OF ORCHARD ORIOLE FROM ABOVE. 



THE NEST IS REALLY DEEPER THAN IT APPEARS TO BE, SINCE 

 WE SEE NOT ECCS PUT THE HEADS OF YOUNO BIRDS. 



and suits of modest green. 



are 



