Relatively large, short-tailed, yellow-and-black oriole of the arid southwest. Adult male is yellow with black head, breast, back, wings, and tail; wings have a yellow shoulder patch and white wing bars. Female has mottled black and brown head and back. Immatures are drab, with a gray head and yellowish-tinged belly. In all plumages, note the long, pointy bill.

Length: 23 (cm) Wingspan: 32 (cm)

Voice:

Clear series of low whistles; also harsh, single-note calls.

Habitat:

Dry, arid areas, especially with oaks and yuccas.

Behavior:

Like other orioles, nest is a hanging pouch, suspended from branches of a tree or shrub. Males sing constantly; females also sing.

Feeding:

Gleans foliage for insects, fruit, berries, and nectar. Sometimes visits sugar water feeders.