Altamira Oriole - Intricately Woven Nest - Horizontal format

by Debra Martz

Title

Altamira Oriole - Intricately Woven Nest - Horizontal format

Artist

Debra Martz

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Altamira Oriole - Intricately Woven Nest by Debra Martz This nest was at Bentsen-Rio State Park. There were 2 in the area but unfortunely one was on the ground, more than likely due to extremely high winds. I say winds because their nests are high in the trees; on average at least 30 feet but can range from 10-80 feet high. Now if only I can have the good fortune some day of seeing the weaving in process...or even one of the birds at the nest. So far I've seen the birds out feeding and I've seen a total of 4 nests but have seen no birds at the nest. I may have to take a chair and stay awhile!!

The Altamira Oriole(Icterus gularis) is mainly a bird of Mexico and Central America but reaches just into the very southern parts of Texas, namely, the Lower Rio Grande Valley. It is the largest Oriole found in the United States and makes a very long, intricately woven nest. It is like a beautiful basket and ranges in lengths of 12 to about 26 inches. The nest building is done by first stripping a small area on a small limb to "tie" the first of the material and then weaving begins. The materials can be spanish moss, grass, palm fibers, strips of bark, etc. and lined with plant down, hair or feathers. All the building is thought to be done by the female with the male gathering the materials. The process of weaving can take 3 or more weeks.

In addition to building their nests at the end of a branch/small limb, some have been known to build them from utility lines which was the first I place I saw one.

I have 3 different photos of this nest in 3 formats...horizontal, vertical and square.

Uploaded

April 3rd, 2017

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