Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Black-cowled Oriole (Icterus prosthemelas)
Black-cowled Oriole

Black-cowled Oriole

Icterus prosthemelas

The black-cowled oriole, a medium-sized passerine, is a striking bird with a predominantly black plumage accented by vivid yellow patches. Males are generally larger than females, with a weight averaging around 32.5 grams. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, particularly in the northern part of its range, where males and females differ in plumage. In contrast, in the southern range, both sexes have similar plumage.

Identification Tips

Adult males are characterized by their black coloration with bright yellow on the belly, shoulder, rump, wing lining, and crissum. Females vary geographically, with some resembling males and others having olive-yellow upperparts and black facial markings. The bill is slender and slightly decurved, and both sexes have blue-gray legs and feet, and brown eyes.

Habitat

The black-cowled oriole inhabits humid or semi-humid forests, clearings, forest edges, plantations, semi-open areas with scattered trees and bushes, and gardens. It is often found along waterways in forested areas and is associated with palms in open woodlands and plantations.

Distribution

This species is common and widespread in the Caribbean lowlands and foothills, ranging from southern Mexico to western Panama. It is typically found at elevations up to 500 meters but can occur up to 1,300 meters.

Behaviour

The black-cowled oriole is a resident bird, moving in pairs or small groups and often joining mixed-species flocks. It roosts in tall grass and is known to mix with other oriole species.

Song & calls

The song is a complex series of soft, whistled notes and harsher chattering, described as clear, metallic, slurred, and mellow. Calls include a scratchy weet, a nasal deep, and a sharper beehk, among others. When alarmed, it emits a series of sharp cherp and chep notes.

Breeding

Believed to be monogamous, the black-cowled oriole builds a shallow, pendent nest typically suspended from the midrib of a large-leafed plant. Both parents are involved in defending the nest, brooding, and feeding the young.

Similar Species

The juvenile black-cowled oriole can be confused with the yellow-tailed oriole and the juvenile orchard oriole but can be distinguished by its completely black tail and lack of wing bars. It is also similar to the black-vented oriole, which is larger and has a black crissum.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists of arthropods, fruits, and nectar. The oriole forages at mid-level, often in palms, and takes fruits from various trees and nectar from flowers of epiphytes and tree species, acting as a pollinator.

Conservation status

The black-cowled oriole is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a large range and stable population. It is estimated to number between 50,000 to 499,000 individuals. However, it is sometimes captured for the pet trade due to its attractive colors. It serves as prey for several species and has been documented as a carrier of the Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus.

Black-cowled Oriole Sounds


Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Black-cowled Orioles on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Oropendolas, Orioles, Blackbirds

A photo of a Greyish Baywing (Agelaioides badius)

Greyish Baywing

Agelaioides badius
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
778
Great bird recording
For a while I’ve been trying to find an app to easily record bird lists and day out and struggled to find one that I like. Birda is great for this, straightforward and a great community!
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
Nicole
Gets me outdoors more
I'm still loving this app. I use it most days & gets me outdoors more. Enjoying watching others progress and photo's, it's improved my wellbeing.... I love this app! I can keep a record of sightings and see what others have seen too.
Emcil24
A Friendly Place
I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life Pokémon go.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.