Maryland State Bird

Maryland had to be one of the oldest US states. It is actually the 7th state to get admission into statehood. This number would tell you how early the registration occurred. Yes, it was back on April 28 of 1788. Annapolis is the 7th state’s capital city. Maryland’s nickname is the Old Line State. So, which bird species is this old’s state official bird?

What is the State Bird of Maryland?

The Baltimore Oriole has been Maryland’s official state bird since 1947. The parks and suburban parts of Maryland house Baltimore Oriole each year during spring. The female Orioles have brownish olive-colored feathers and dull orange plumage. The male Orioles have black-colored wings and bright orange colored plumage. As a result, this colorful bird is quite hard to miss even when it’s hiding behind the bushes.

What Makes the State Bird of Maryland Unusual?

Wouldn’t the most brilliant and unusual thing about Baltimore Oriole be the color of their plumage? Perched on the highest branches of trees, you might not spot them easily because of their choice of a resting spot. However, the brilliant orange color of the male will always catch your attention when you get unexpected glimpses from the corners of your eyes. Their whistling song is equally sweet to hear. They are also likely to arrive in your backyard if you have feeders and insects for them.

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Baltimore Oriole Migration

Maryland State Bird Facts

Let’s learn some exciting facts about the Maryland official state bird!

1. Compared to other fruit-eating birds, Baltimore Orioles seem to have a preference for fruits that have deeper shade and are extremely ripe. When looking for mulberries, they seek out the darkest ones. The cherries have to be really red. The grapes have to be almost violet shade. Even if the cherries and grapes are ripe, if it’s green grapes and yellow colored cherries, it would be ignored by the Baltimore Orioles.

2. The young male Baltimore Oriole don’t get the bright orange color of their plumage that we are all used to until it’s already fall and they are in their second year. Even so, some young male orioles, despite having a drab color and resembling the plumage of females, manage to find mates and start raising their young. Every molt leads the female orioles to become brighter orange. You will find adult female Orioles that almost have the same color as the male Orioles or are even brighter than them.

3. The name of Baltimore Oriole is connected to their bright orange plumage and the upper black part of their body. The England Baltimore family has the same colored crest as the Baltimore Oriole. As a result, these Orioles were called Baltimore Orioles.

Final Thoughts

The suburban areas of Maryland certainly allows you to come across a lot of Baltimore Orioles. They might be resting on a fence post or flying amidst the greenery. Whichever part is it, the chance to see Baltimore Oriole certainly calls for a trip to Maryland.

Ornithology