Are you looking for birds that look like your cherished backyard guest, Oriole? Then you are in the right place.
Learning about birds, even if they are look-alikes, helps create support for the diversity of life in our environment.
They are like the tapestry of sounds and sights in our natural surroundings, making our experience in this world richer.
Moreover, getting familiar with these species can be incredibly fulfilling and work as a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the avian world.
They are like natural stress relievers and provide a therapeutic experience with their appearance, behavior, and, all in all, their existence.
Hence, we have curated a list of birds that look like Orioles and their basic info with distinctive similarities and dissimilarities in their appearance so that you can easily identify them.
So, all the Oriole lovers gather up and scroll through.
Contents
What Does An Oriole Look Like?
First, you should have a clear knowledge of the Oriole species to understand whether the listed birds below actually resemble an Oriole.
Orioles are known for their striking plumage and their mid-sized, stunning body shape that resembles a lot of other bird species.
There are about two genera of Orioles- Old World Orioles and New World Orioles. The Old World Orioles have 29 species, whereas the New World Orioles consist of 9 species.
One of the most widely spread orioles in the New World Oriole group is the Baltimore Oriole. Typically, orioles measure up to 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) with a 23 to 30 cm (9 to 12 in) wingspan.
They usually have a slender body with a long, pointed bill and striking shades of yellow, orange, and black in their body. As the Baltimore Oriole is more common than most other Oriole species, we take it as a representative example and find the similarities and dissimilarities with others.
Baltimore Oriole
Source: @jeff.hunking
- Scientific Name: Icterus galbula
- Size: 17 to 22 cm (6.7 to 8.7 in)
- Wingspan: 23 to 32 cm (9.1 to 12.6 in)
- Weight: 22.3 to 42 g (0.79 to 1.48 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
The Baltimore Oriole, a mid-sized passerine species, is one of the most representative examples of the family Icteridae.
Most adult males have shades of flaming orange to yellowish orange on their bodies with black plumage on their wings. The females are yellow-brown colored with dark wings.
17 Dazzling Birds That Resemble Orioles
Knowing about birds that look like Orioles can serve various purposes, whether you are a bird enthusiast or a non-enthusiast.
Hence, in the next segment, we will learn about the incredible resemblance between some impressive bird species and Orioles.
4 Tanager Species That Look Like Orioles
Tanagers have several similarities in their appearances that can make anyone mistake them as part of the Oriole species.
Hence, within this section of the article, we will familiarize you with the similarities and dissimilarities between Tanagers and Orioles.
Western Tanager
Source: @thebaldheadedbirder
- Scientific Name: Piranga ludoviciana
- Size: 16 to 19 cm (6.3 to 7.5 in)
- Wingspan: 29 cm (11.5 in)
- Weight: 24 to 36 g (0.8 to 1.3 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
Most red-colored birds get their red pigmentation from having a specific type of fruit in their diet. However, in the case of Western Tanager, it gets its vibrant coloration from insects.
The Western Tanager and the Baltimore Orioles are similar in various aspects, especially in their sizes. Moreover, both species exhibit bright yellowish-orange plumage on most parts of the body, even if the shades might be different. Apart from the visually striking coloration, their wings have a dark black color. They both possess relatively slender and pointed beaks.
Eastern Chat-Tanager
Source: @albertorojasportalatin
- Scientific Name: Calyptophilus frugivorus
- Size: 17 to 19 cm (6.7 to 7.5 in)
- Wingspan: 28 to 30 cm (11.1 to 11.8 in)
- Weight: 26 to 39 g (0.92 to 1.4 oz)
- Status: Near Threatened
The Eastern-chat Tanager is a shy and secretive species that forages on the ground, usually in pairs. This species is regarded as one of the most melodic singers inhabiting Hispaniola.
Both the Baltimore Orioles and the Eastern-chat Tanager belong to the songbird family and resemble each other, especially the female Baltimore Orioles. The sizes of these species are almost identical. Both have different shades of black markings on their body. The general shape and behavior of the two species seem similar at a glance.
Scarlet Tanager
Source: @michaelcooperbirds
- Scientific Name: Piranga olivacea
- Size: 16 to 17 cm (6.30 to 6.7 in)
- Wingspan: 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in)
- Weight: 23.5 to 38 g (0.83 to 1.34 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
One of the coolest aspects about the Scarlet Tanager is that the females can sing harmoniously and even more softly than the males. It sings while responding to the calls and songs of the males.
The Scarlet Tanager and the Baltimore Orioles appear similar in terms of their sizes. Their body shape is almost identical due to being relatively slender with a moderately long tail. Moreover, both species have slightly curved and pointed bills.
Summer Tanager
Source: @corbyamos
- Scientific Name: Piranga rubra
- Size: 17 cm (6.7 in)
- Wingspan: 28 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in)
- Weight: 29 g (1.0 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
The Summer Tanager, a blindingly gorgeous species, is popular for its feeding habit. It usually goes after insects, beats them against trees, and removes stingers from bees before consuming them.
The only similarity between Orioles and the Summer Tanager is their bright-colored plumage and almost similar shape. The bill shape is similar as well, being pointy and slightly curved.
Similarities Between Tanager & Orioles
- This segment is all about the similarities in appearance as a species between Tanager and Oriole. Let’s learn about them.
- Tanagers and Orioles are popular for possessing strikingly vibrant-colored plumage.
- Typically, both species have a similar size and shape.
- The shape of their bills is pointed and slightly curved to help them catch their prey.
How To Spot The Difference
- We should also learn the dissimilarities between Tanagers and Orioles in their appearance to easily identify them. So, this part is about the differences.
- Tanagers exhibit a more diversely vibrant range of coloration in their body than the Orioles.
- The Orioles possess more prominent black markings on their body than the Tanagers.
13 Other Striking Birds That Look Like Orioles
The reminder of the beauty and diversity of the avian world will get stronger if you can get acquainted with more species that look like Orioles.
Hence, in this section of the text, we will discuss the living works of art that resemble Orioles.
Varied Thrush
Source: @smcelaney
- Scientific Name: Ixoreus naevius
- Size: 20 to 26 cm (7.9 to 10.2 in)
- Wingspan: 34 to 42 cm (13 to 17 in)
- Weight: 65 to 100 g (2.3 to 3.5 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
The Varied Thrush’s aggressive behavior is what makes it interesting. It is hostile toward the birds of the same species and other species.
The size ranges of both the Varied Thrush and the Baltimore Orioles are similar. Both possess distinctive patterns near their eyes.
How To Spot The Difference
- This segment will help you spot the difference between Varied Thrush and Orioles more easily.
- Varied Thrushes have different visually striking color patterns than those of Baltimore Orioles.
- Their habitat preference is quite different.
- The bill of the Varied Thrush is relatively slender than the Baltimore Orioles.
Blackburnian Warbler
Source: @mjvardy
- Scientific Name: Setophaga fusca
- Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in)
- Wingspan: 20 to 22 cm (7.9 to 8.7 in)
- Weight: 9.7 g (0.34 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
The most interesting aspect of the Blackburnian Warbler’s appearance is that apart from this species, no other warbler species possesses an orange throat.
The resemblance between a Blackburnian Warbler and a Baltimore Oriole is in its vivid orange plumage. Both species have an eye-catching, visually pleasing orange color on their body.
How To Spot The Difference
- In terms of appearance, this part of the article will help you distinguish between a Blackburnian Warbler and Orioles.
- The Blackburnian Warbler is relatively smaller than a Baltimore Oriole.
- The shade between these species is different.
- Orioles have a more slender bill than that of a Blackburnian Warbler.
Barn Swallow
Source: @rinusnatuurfotografie
- Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica
- Size: 12 to 21 cm (4.9 to 8.9 in)
- Wingspan: 32 to 34.5 cm (12.5 to 13.5 in)
- Weight: 16 to 22 g (0.9 to 0.7 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
Barn Swallows are popular for their aggressive behavior, especially the unmated males. The unmated males become so hostile that they might even go so far as to kill the chicks of a nesting pair.
In terms of appearance, the striking similarity between the Barn Swallow and the Baltimore Orioles lies in their sizes. Both species have a size range of small to medium. Moreover, both species are visually appealing because of their striking coloration.
How To Spot The Difference
- We will discuss the differences between a Barn Swallow and an Oriole to identify them more efficiently.
- The shades of color and the forked tail of the Barn Swallow is the key identifying feature.
- Orioles have a more robust body shape.
- The bill shape of the Barn Swallow is short, whereas the Baltimore Orioles’ is slender.
American Robin
Source: @beverly.w.cochran
- Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
- Size: 23 to 28 cm (9.1 to 11.0 in)
- Wingspan: 31 to 41 cm (12 to 16 in)
- Weight: 72 to 94 g (2.5 to 3.3 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
One of the most fascinating facts about the American Robin is that during fall and winter, it tends to consume a lot of fruits. If they feed on honeysuckle berries more than a certain amount, then they get intoxicated.
The Baltimore Oriole and American Robin are both mid-sized species with almost similar size ranges. Both species exhibit similar sexual dimorphism. The American Robin seems more like the vivid version of the female Baltimore Oriole.
How To Spot The Difference
- The differences between the American Robin and the Orioles are stated below:
- The bills of the American Robins are relatively straighter than that of an Oriole.
- American Robins are known for their prominent white patches on their underwings.
Black-headed Grosbeak
Source: @biodiversityvancouverisland
- Scientific Name: Pheucticus melanocephalus
- Size: 18 to 19 cm (7.1 to 7.5 in)
- Wingspan: 32 cm (12.6 in)
- Weight: 34 to 48 g (1.2 to 1.7 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
Both male and female Black-headed Grosbeaks are acclaimed for being loud singers. Typically, the females produce a simplified version of the males’ songs.
The Black-headed Grosbeak and the Baltimore Orioles have similar size ranges. Moreover, both birds have jet-black color on their head. Both species exhibit almost identical vibrant colors on their plumage.
How To Spot The Difference
- In terms of appearance, the difference between the Black-headed Grosbeak and the Baltimore Orioles is stated below:
- The shape of the bill in the Black-headed Grosbeak is large and conical.
Spotted Towhee
Source: @keithw3
- Scientific Name: Pipilo maculatus
- Size: 17 to 21 cm (6.7 to 8.3 in)
- Wingspan: 11.0 in (28 cm)
- Weight: 33 to 49 g (1.2 to 1.7 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
The male Spotted Towhees are known for singing enthusiastically only during the breeding season. After finding their mates, they tend to sing relatively less.
In terms of resemblance in appearance, the Spotted Towhee and the Baltimore Orioles have a similar size range. Both species exhibit white wing bars and sexual dimorphism. The bills in both species are pointed.
How To Spot The Difference
- The differences between the Spotted Towhees and the Orioles are:
- The Spotted Towhees have white spots all over their wings with chestnut-colored sides, which the Orioles don’t have.
- The Spotted Towhees also have unique patterns on their heads.
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Source: @frog_guy2112
- Scientific Name: Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
- Size: 21 to 26 cm (8.3 to 10.2 in)
- Wingspan: 42 to 44 cm (16.5 to 17.3 in)
- Weight: 44 to 100 g (1.6 to 3.5 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
If you want to have a closer look at the Yellow-headed Blackbird, then you should start your search in freshwater wetlands and farm fields near their habitat range.
The Yellow-headed Blackbird and the Oriole have almost identical shapes. They both have vibrant orangish plumage on their body and black wings.
How To Spot The Difference
- In this segment, we will discuss how to identify the differences between the Yellow-headed Blackbird and the Orioles.
- The Yellow-headed Blackbird is slightly larger than the Orioles.
- The bill of the Yellow-headed Blackbird is stout and conical, whereas, for Orioles, they are pointy.
Eastern Towhee
Source: @audubonmidatl
- Scientific Name: Pipilo erythrophthalmus
- Size: 17.3 to 23 cm (6.8 to 9.1 in)
- Wingspan: 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in)
- Weight: 32 to 53 g (1.1 to 1.9 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
The Eastern Towhee spend their time in solitary and prefer remaining in the same way. To maintain their solidarity, they exhibit several threats to distract birds of the same species.
The size ranges of both the Eastern Towhee and the Baltimore Orioles seem similar. The Eastern Towhee seems more like the female Baltimore Oriole.
How To Spot The Difference
- The visual differences between the Eastern Towhee and the Orioles are mentioned below:
- The Eastern Towhee has a striking red eye that makes them appear more prominent than other species.
- They have a sturdier, conical bill with a white belly.
Evening Grosbeak
Source: @mizzou159
- Scientific Name: Hesperiphona vespertina
- Size: 16 to 22 cm (6.3 to 8.7 in)
- Wingspan: 30 to 36 cm (12 to 14 in)
- Weight: 38.7 to 86.1 g (1.37 to 3.04 oz)
- Status: Vulnerable
One of the most fascinating aspects of an Evening Grosbeak’s behavior is that it is a songbird without any special songs.
The Evening Grosbeaks and the Baltimore Orioles are most similar in their size and shape. Both species exhibit a similar range of colors.
How To Spot The Difference
- The Evening Grosbeak and the Orioles have some distinctive dissimilarities, which are discussed below:
- The Evening Grosbeaks have a large, conspicuous, and yellow bill.
- The bills of the Evening Grosbeaks are relatively more conical and sturdier.
American Goldfinch
Source: @maverick.captures
- Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
- Size: 11 to 14 cm (4.3 to 5.5 in)
- Wingspan: 19 to 22 cm (7.5 to 8.7 in)
- Weight: 11 to 20 g (0.39 to 0.71 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
American Goldfinch is one of the only members of its subfamily Carduelinae that undergoes a complete molt.
The American Goldfinch and the Baltimore Oriole have a similar body shape and dark eye color.
How To Spot The Difference
- The American Goldfinch and the Orioles exhibit some dissimilarities in their appearance, which are mentioned below:
- The American Goldfinch are more vivid yellow, and most of their body parts are covered in yellow color plumage.
- The Orioles are relatively larger in size.
Eastern Meadowlark
Source: @anjulirng
- Scientific Name: Sturnella magna
- Size: 19 to 28 cm (7.5 to 11.0 in)
- Wingspan: 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16 in)
- Weight: 76 to 150 g (2.7 to 5.3 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
The number of Eastern Meadowlarks has increased recently due to the clearing of forests in its habitat range, Eastern North America.
The Eastern Meadowlark seems almost identical in shape to that of an Oriole. Both species show similar shades of coloration on their bodies. Both species have white wing bars.
How To Spot The Difference
- The differences between the Eastern Meadowlark and the Orioles are listed below:
- The Eastern Meadowlark has a prominent “V” shape on its chest.
- Unlike the Orioles, the Eastern Meadowlarks have a distinctive black streak on their eyes.
Golden-cheeked Warbler
Source: @birdlover_gt
- Scientific Name: Setophaga chrysoparia
- Size: 11.43 to 12.7 cm (4.5 to 5 in)
- Wingspan: 20.32 cm (8 in)
- Weight: 10 g (0.34 oz)
- Status: Endangered
Unfortunately, the Golden-cheeked Warbler is facing a decline in its number, especially due to extreme habitat loss.
The golden-cheeked Warbler and the Baltimore Orioles have similar pointed bills and similar shades of colors on their bodies and white wing bars.
How To Spot The Difference
- The easily identifiable differences between the Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Orioles are mentioned below:
- Unlike the male Orioles, the male Golden-cheeked Warbler has a bright yellow face and greenish-black back.
American Redstart
Source: @kulet.photos
- Scientific Name: Setophaga ruticilla
- Size: 11 to 14 cm (4.3 to 5.5 in)
- Wingspan: 16 to 23 cm (6.3 to 9.1 in)
- Weight: 7.2 to 8.6 g (0.25 to 0.30 oz)
- Status: Least Concern
The American Redstart uses bright colors on its wings and tails to startle its prey and then attack them.
The Baltimore Orioles and the American Redstart look almost identical in terms of their shape.
How To Spot The Difference
- The differences between the Oriole and the American Redstart are discussed below:
- The American Redstart has a white underpart and orange marking on its plumage. However, the Orioles typically don’t have these colors on their markings.
FAQ
Within this subsection of the article, we will discuss a few frequently asked questions about Orioles that will make you even more interested in the species.
Q: Which bird is most closely related to the Oriole?
Ans: The Oriolidae family consists of members from the Old World orioles, while on the other hand, the American Orioles belong to the same family as blackbirds and meadowlarks.
Q: Are Orioles warblers?
Ans: No, the Orioles are not warblers. However, we understand where this question might be arising from. It is because of the bird named Oriole Warbler (Hypergerus atriceps) that belongs to the Cisticolidae family.
Q: What looks like an oriole but yellow?
Ans: The Western Tanager resembles an Oriole the most but in yellow. It appears more similar to the female Orioles and is easily mistaken for their similar demeanor even by expert bird watchers.
Parting Thoughts
The whole ecosystem is like a giant jigsaw puzzle, where each species plays its important parts. From birds that sound like frogs to birds that look like turkey or orioles
The Oriole look-alikes are another piece of the puzzle that makes us realize, even with similarities between two species, how they can be so distinctive.
People’s affection towards the Orioles runs deep as they bring joy and relaxation along with their presence.
Now that you have gone through the article, you will be able to identify the similarities and dissimilarities between each species and the Oriole.
It will deepen your connection to the avian world and make you care for each species. Caring about birds, whether it’s an Oriole or its doppelganger, will lead to conservative efforts of the species while enhancing the overall well-being of our planet.
As a consequence, it brings better results for everyone on the planet.
So, all our feathered fanatics, Happy Oriole Watching!
Audio Credits: xeno-canto
