What a surprise to discover a Hooded Oriole found its way to southeast Michigan!
The slender black and orange oriole is typically found west of the Mississippi River, generally in southern Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California.
Here’s the range map for the Hooded Oriole, showing the bird migrates through Mexico and breeds in Mexico and the southwest portion of the United States.
Isn’t it a gorgeous bird?
The black mask and bib of the Hooded Oriole stands out against the brilliant orange head and body with black wings with white wing-bar and long black tail.
How the vagrant found its way this far north outside of its range, from a storm or some migration error, is a mystery.
How rare is it to find a Hooded Oriole in Michigan?
Well, this is the second time a Hooded Oriole has been reported in the state of Michigan. And the first county record for Washtenaw County.
The Hooded Oriole is the second vagrant I’ve seen this year in Michigan. I was lucky to get several looks at the Black-headed Grosbeak in late February 2020.
Life bird number 284 for me!
