Hispaniolan Oriole Icterus dominicensis Scientific name definitions

Endemic to the island of Hispaniola, this species has the distinction of being the first member of the Greater Antillean / Black-cowled Oriole group to have been described. The Hispaniolan Oriole is widespread throughout much of the island, although it is found mainly in the lowlands and is always associated with palms to some extent, and also occurs on at least four of Hispaniola’s satellite islets. It is to some extent threatened by parasitization by the Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis). The species is largely black with a yellow patch on the scapulars, while the rump and ventral region are also yellow.

20–22 cm; male 35–38·3 g, female 33–40 g. Male has head to back and down to belly and upper flanks black, rump and uppertail-coverts yellow; upperwing and tail black, lesser and median uppercoverts yellow (epaulet), yellow patch at bend of wing; underparts rearwards from lower belly, thigh and rear flanks yellow; iris brown; bill black; legs dark blue-grey. Female is similar to male, but duller. Immature has dark olive-green head to breast and upperparts, including tail, chestnut tinge in forehead and breast, wing blackish, most feathers with greenish-olive edges, median upperwing-coverts broadly tipped yellow, underparts below breast greenish-yellow.

Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic) and outlying islands (Tortue, Gonâve, Î-à-Vache and Saona).

Broadleaf forest with palms, shade coffee plantations with palms; rarer in xeric woodland and scrub, gardens. Reported at up to 1100 m.

Resident.

Arthropods, nectar and fruit. Nectar taken from flowers of Erythrina, also those of cultivated plants such as oranges and agaves (Agave). Fruit eaten includes bananas and annonas (Annona). Chicks fed mostly with insects and spiders (Araneae), also some fruit pulp. Usually forages in family groups; at times found in flocks of up to 50 individuals.

Song a series of high-pitched whistles. Common calls a sharp “kt” and a harsh “chrr”.

Season Mar–Jun. Nest a pensile bag of plant fibres (mostly palm fibres), lined with cotton-like material, attached to underside of palm frond or banana leaf, or to leaves in tree. Clutch 3–4 eggs, white or bluish-white, finely spotted in russet and other shades of brown, 21·7 × 16·1 mm. Parasitized by Molothrus bonariensis. No further information.

Not globally threatened. Fairly common and widespread throughout range. Population may suffer some decline owing to brood parasitism by recently arrived Molothrus bonariensis.