14 Orange Birds in Wyoming (+Free Photo Guide)

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Orange Birds in Wyoming

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Journey through the rugged landscapes of Wyoming and discover a vivid splash of color against its wild backdrop. Wyoming, marked by vast plains and the towering Rocky Mountains, is a land of contrasts and natural splendor. This dynamic mix of habitats and its strategic location on migratory paths lead to a rich and varied bird population, including the striking orange-colored species.

Orange Birds Found In Wyoming

Wyoming’s diverse geography, from its expansive grasslands to its rugged mountain terrains, creates a mosaic of habitats ideal for a wide range of avian species. The state’s unique position at the crossroads of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains means it combines both eastern and western bird species.

Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole attributes
Baltimore Oriole close up
FeatureMeasurement
Scientific NameIcterus galbula
Length6.7–8.7 in
Wingspan9.1–12.6 in
Weight22.3-42 g

The Baltimore Oriole is a stunning bird, best known for its vibrant coloration and its rich, whistling song.

Appearance: The male Baltimore Oriole is notable for his bright orange and black plumage and black and white wing bars, a stark contrast to the more muted yellow-brown coloration of the female. Both sexes, however, have long pointed bills and white bars on their wings.

Diet: Baltimore Orioles have a diverse diet that includes insects, fruits, and nectar. Their preference for sweet juices and fruit pulp often brings them to backyard feeders offering oranges and jelly.

Reproduction: The female Baltimore Oriole is responsible for building the distinctive hanging nest, often woven together from fine materials like hair and grass. These nests are usually high in trees to avoid predators. The female lays 3-7 eggs, which are incubated for about two weeks.

Bullock’s Oriole

Altamira Oriole attributes
Altamira Oriole close up
FeatureMeasurement (Imperial)
Scientific NameIcterus bullockii
Length7.5-8.5 inches
Wingspan11.8-12.6 inches
Weight0.9-1.2 oz

The Bullock’s Oriole is a bright and lively songbird, known for its stunning contrasting colors and vibrant melodies, predominantly found across the western regions of North America.

Appearance: The male Bullock’s Oriole boasts a brilliant orange chest, belly, and face with a black crown, eye line, throat, and back. Its wings are black with a prominent white patch and white-edged coverts. Females are more muted in coloration, displaying a yellowish-orange hue with grayish-brown wings that still retain the white patches.

Diet: These orioles primarily feed on insects, especially caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers. Apart from insects, their diet also includes fruits, berries, and nectar. They’re adept foragers, often hanging upside-down on branches to find hidden prey.

Reproduction: Bullock’s Orioles are noted for their skill in crafting hanging, woven nests, often positioned on the tips of slender branches, ensuring they are difficult for predators to access. Both parents partake in feeding the young, who then fledge about two weeks after hatching.

Spotted Towhee

Spotted Towhee attributes
Spotted Towhee close up
FeatureMeasurement
Scientific NamePipilo maculatus
Length6.7-8.3 in
Wingspan11.0 in
Weight33 g

The Spotted Towhee is a distinctive songbird commonly found in the shrubby undergrowth and thickets of the western parts of North America. Its song, a series of melodious chirps, often punctuates the early morning air.

Appearance: Male Spotted Towhees showcase a coal-black head, throat, and upper body contrasted with rufous sides and a white belly. Their wings and back are dark but adorned with white spots, hence their name. Females have a similar pattern but are more brownish than black.

Diet: Spotted Towhees primarily feed on a mixture of insects and seeds. They often forage on the ground, scratching through leaf litter to uncover beetles, ants, and other insects, as well as various seeds and berries.

Reproduction: Spotted Towhees usually nest on the ground, concealed by dense vegetation or sometimes in low shrubs. The female builds the nest and lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs. She incubates the eggs, while the male stands guard and both parents partake in feeding the fledglings after hatching.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Red breasted Nuthatch
Red breasted Nuthatch close up
FeatureMeasurement
Scientific NameSitta canadensis
Length4.3–4.7 in
Wingspan8.3 in
Weight0.3–0.5 oz

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a small, agile songbird, known for its ability to move headfirst down tree trunks while searching for food.

Appearance: This bird boasts a slate-blue back and a pale rust-red underside. A prominent black stripe runs through the eye and is bordered above by a white eyebrow. Their sharp, pointed bill is characteristic of the species.

Diet: Red-breasted Nuthatches primarily feed on insects and seeds, especially those from coniferous trees. They have a fondness for large seeds, which they wedge into bark crevices to hack open with their bills.

Reproduction: These birds construct nests in natural tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes, often lining the entrance with resin. This is thought to deter predators or competitors from entering. The female typically lays a clutch of 5 to 6 eggs, and both parents partake in feeding the chicks once they hatch.

Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow attributes
Barn Swallow close up
FeatureMeasurement
Scientific NameHirundo rustica
Length6.5–7.5 in
Wingspan12.5–13.5 in
Weight16–22 g

The Barn Swallow is a sleek, agile bird renowned for its graceful flight patterns and iconic forked tail, often seen darting over fields and water bodies in search of flying insects.

Appearance: Barn Swallows have deep blue, almost iridescent, upperparts and a rufous to tawny underbelly. Their distinctively forked tail and long wings give them a streamlined look. Both males and females have a similar appearance, though males often exhibit slightly brighter colors and a deeper fork in the tail.

Diet: Barn Swallows feed primarily on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air during their agile and acrobatic flights. Their diet includes flies, beetles, moths, and other small flying insects.

Reproduction: Barn Swallows are known for building their mud nests on man-made structures, particularly barns, bridges, and eaves. The nest is cup-shaped and made from mud pellets, often lined with feathers. The female lays a clutch of 4 to 6 eggs.

American Robins

American Robins attributes 1
American Robins close up
FeatureMeasurement
Scientific NameLeptotila plumbeicep
Length10.6-11.8 in
Wingspan
Weight160-200 g

The American Robin is a widely recognized bird species known for its melodious song and early bird tendencies.

Appearance: American Robins are medium-sized birds with a distinctive appearance. Both males and females sport a gray to brown back and a warm red to orange breast and belly and gray wings. They also have a characteristic white eye-ring and a black head, but males are usually darker than females.

Diet: American Robins have a diverse diet that changes depending on the season. In summer, they feed heavily on earthworms, beetles, and other invertebrates, which they catch on the ground. During winter, they mostly eat fruits and berries.

Reproduction: American Robins usually build their nests in trees or shrubs, but they are also known to nest on human-made structures. The female lays a clutch of about 3 to 5 eggs, which she incubates for about 12 to 14 days.

Western Tanager

Western Tanager attributes
Western Tanager close up
FeatureMeasurement
Scientific NamePiranga ludoviciana
Length6.3-7.5 in
Wingspan11.5 in
Weight24-36 g

The Western Tanager is a vibrant songbird that graces the forests and woodlands of the western regions of North America, enchanting observers with its colorful plumage and melodious song.

Appearance: The male Western Tanager is renowned for its bright yellow body contrasted with a striking red head and black wings and tail. The females are more subdued in hue, primarily being yellow with grayish wings and back, and lacking the brilliant red head of the males.

Diet: Western Tanagers primarily feed on insects, especially when breeding, but they also incorporate a significant amount of fruits and berries into their diet, especially during migration and winter.

Reproduction: Western Tanagers build their nests high in coniferous trees, often well concealed from potential predators. The female usually lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs and takes the primary role in incubation, while both parents are involved in feeding the chicks after they hatch.

American Redstart

American Redstart attributes
America Redstart close up
FeatureMeasurement
Scientific NameSetophaga ruticilla
Length4.3 to 5.5 in
Wingspan6.3 to 9.1 in
Weight8.6 g

The American Redstart is a lively warbler known for its vivid colors and active hunting style, often seen flitting about, fanning its tail to startle and catch insects.

Appearance: Adult male American Redstarts boast striking black plumage with bright orange patches on the sides, wings, and tail. Females and immature males have grayish-olive upperparts with yellow patches in the same areas where the males display orange.

Diet: American Redstarts are primarily insectivores. They actively forage for flying insects, as well as caterpillars and spiders, often using their colorful tails to startle prey and make them easier to catch.

Reproduction: The female American Redstart builds a cup-shaped nest in the fork of a tree branch. Typically, she lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs. The female takes on the primary responsibility of incubating the eggs, while both parents participate in feeding the fledglings after they hatch.

Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker
Northern Flicker close up
FeatureMeasurement
Scientific NameColaptes auratus
Length11–12 in
Wingspan17–20 in
Weight3.9–5.6 oz

The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker, recognized by its unique patterns and coloring, often found drumming on trees or foraging on the ground across North America.

Appearance: The Northern Flicker stands out with its grayish brown body, black-scalloped plumage, and a black bib. Males sport a distinctive black or red mustache stripe. Depending on the subspecies, the underwing and undertail feathers can be bright yellow or red, flashing vividly during flight.

Diet: While most woodpeckers are tree-bark foragers, the Northern Flicker prefers hunting on the ground. Its primary diet consists of ants and beetles, supplemented occasionally by fruits, berries, seeds, and other small insects.

Reproduction: Northern Flickers are cavity nesters, preferring to excavate their nesting hole in dead or diseased tree trunks. The interior of the nest is lined with wood chips.

Rufous Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbird 1
Rufous Hummingbird close up
FeatureMeasurement
Scientific NameSelasphorus rufus
Length3.1–3.9 in
Wingspan4.3 in
Weight0.1–0.2 oz

The Rufous Hummingbird is a small, brilliantly colored bird known for its impressive migratory journeys and feisty behavior.

Appearance: The male Rufous Hummingbird boasts a gleaming orange-red body with a white chest and an iridescent red throat, called a gorget. The female has green upperparts with rufous-washed flanks and tail. Her throat may have some iridescent patches, but it’s generally whitish.

Diet: Like other hummingbirds, the Rufous Hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. They also eat insects and spiders for protein, catching them in flight or plucking them from vegetation.

Reproduction: Rufous Hummingbirds nest in trees, shrubs, or even ferns. The female alone selects the site, builds the nest, and cares for the offspring.

Black-headed Grosbeak

Black heade Grosbeak attributes
Black headed Grosbeak close up
FeatureMeasurement
Scientific NamePheucticus melanocephalus
Length7.1–7.5 in
Wingspan12.6 in
Weight34–48 g

The Black-headed Grosbeak is a vibrant songbird known for its melodious song, often confused with that of the American Robin but more rich and varied.

Appearance: Males are recognizable by their orange chest, black head, and black and white wings. Females, on the other hand, have a streaked brown appearance, resembling large sparrows but with hints of orange on their sides and flanks.

Diet: Black-headed Grosbeaks primarily feed on insects, seeds, and fruits. They are especially fond of beetles and caterpillars, and they’re one of the few birds that can eat monarch butterflies without suffering from the toxins.

Reproduction: They often nest in deciduous trees or shrubs. The nest is a loose, cup-like structure made from twigs and grasses. The female usually lays 3 to 4 eggs, which she incubates. Both parents share the responsibility of feeding the chicks.

American Redstart

American Redstart attributes
America Redstart close up
FeatureMeasurement
Scientific NameSetophaga ruticilla
Length4.3 to 5.5 in
Wingspan6.3 to 9.1 in
Weight8.6 g

The American Redstart is a lively warbler known for its vivid colors and active hunting style, often seen flitting about, fanning its tail to startle and catch insects.

Appearance: Adult male American Redstarts boast striking black plumage with bright orange patches on the sides, wings, and tail. Females and immature males have grayish-olive upperparts with yellow patches in the same areas where the males display orange.

Diet: American Redstarts are primarily insectivores. They actively forage for flying insects, as well as caterpillars and spiders, often using their colorful tails to startle prey and make them easier to catch.

Reproduction: The female American Redstart builds a cup-shaped nest in the fork of a tree branch. Typically, she lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs. The female takes on the primary responsibility of incubating the eggs, while both parents participate in feeding the fledglings after they hatch.

Orchard Oriole

Orchard Oriole attributes
Orchard Oriole close up
FeatureMeasurement
Scientific NameIcterus spurius
Length5.9-7.1 in
Wingspan9.8 in
Weight16-28 g

The Orchard Oriole is a small songbird noted for its distinctive coloration and melodic song.

Appearance: Male Orchard Orioles are a striking sight with their dark chestnut body and black head and black and white wings, while females and immature males are olive-green and feature a yellowish underpart. The species is often recognized by its slender body and pointed bill.

Diet: The diet of the Orchard Oriole consists primarily of insects, fruits, and nectar. They are adept at catching insects mid-air and are also known to sip nectar from flowers, aiding in pollination. When fruits are in season, they make up a substantial portion of the bird’s diet.

Reproduction: Orchard Orioles often nest in open woodlands and orchards, hence their name. The female is responsible for building the nest, typically choosing a location in a tree or shrub. The female lays a clutch of 4 to 6 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks.

Red Crossbill

Red Crossbill 2
Red Crossbill attributes
FeatureMeasurement
Scientific NameLoxia curvirostra
Length20 cm
Wingspan27–29 cm
Weight40-53 g

The Red Crossbill is a peculiar bird species, celebrated for its unique beak structure and vibrant coloration.

Appearance: Red Crossbills are named for their distinctive crossed mandibles, which are adapted to extracting seeds from conifer cones. Male Red Crossbills are usually bright red or orange, while females and juveniles are greenish-yellow. All have dark wings and notched tails.

Diet: The diet of the Red Crossbill is primarily composed of conifer seeds, their unique beak allowing them to access these seeds with ease. This diet includes seeds from pine, spruce, and other types of coniferous trees. They are also known to consume some insects.

Reproduction: Red Crossbills are known for their flexible breeding season, which can occur any time of the year when there is an abundance of food. They typically nest in conifers, where the female lays a clutch of 3 to 4 eggs.

Where to Spot Wyoming’s Orange Birds

Wyoming, with its expansive plains and majestic mountain ranges, offers an avian treasure trove for bird enthusiasts. Here are the top locales to spot the state’s vibrant orange birds and many others:

  1. Yellowstone National Park: A world-renowned site not just for its geysers but also its rich birdlife. The varied ecosystems here attract a diverse range of bird species.
  2. Bighorn Mountains: Elevations ranging from valleys to peaks make this a haven for both migratory and resident birds, offering watchers a chance to spot rare species.
  3. Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge: Located along the Green River, this refuge is a sanctuary for waterfowl and many other bird species, set against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty.
  4. Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests: Encompassing over two million acres, these forests offer dense woodland habitats, attracting a plethora of songbirds and raptors.
  5. Bear River State Park: This park’s wetlands and grasslands make it a hotspot for bird watching, especially during migration seasons when diversity peaks.
State’s Orange BirdsTop Spots for Orange Birds
Montana’s Orange Birds1. Glacier National Park
2. Bitterroot Valley
3. Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge
South Dakota’s Orange Birds1. Badlands National Park
2. Black Hills National Forest
3. Custer State Park
Nebraska’s Orange Birds1. Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
2. Niobrara Valley Preserve
3. Indian Cave State Park
Colorado’s Orange Birds1. Rocky Mountain National Park
2. San Juan National Forest
3. Pawnee National Grassland
Utah’s Orange Birds1. Zion National Park
2. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
3. Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge
Idaho’s Orange Birds1. Sawtooth National Recreation Area
2. Coeur d’Alene Lake
3. Kootenai Wildlife Refuge

FAQs on Orange Bird Species Found in Wyoming

Which orange-sided birds are commonly spotted in Wyoming’s forest edges during the summer breeding season?

During the summer breeding season in Wyoming, the forest edges are alive with the presence of American Robins, characterized by their dark head, gray wings, and a distinctive orange side. Additionally, Black-headed Grosbeaks, bearing dark blue and white wings, can be seen. These medium-sized birds have a penchant for the dense vegetation provided by these habitats.

Are there yellow birds native to Wyoming that are attracted to bird feeders?

Absolutely! The Yellow-headed Blackbird, easily identifiable by its bright yellow head and streaked brown body, is a frequent visitor to bird feeders in Wyoming, especially those offering sunflower seeds. Similarly, the American Goldfinch, often referred to by its scientific name, Spinus tristis, showcases a bright yellow chest in males during breeding season and is drawn to tube feeders filled with seeds.

What is the preferred food for orange and yellow birds visiting Wyoming feeders in winter?

During the colder winter months in Wyoming, bird feeders become a crucial food source for various species. The American Robin and the Red-winged Blackbird, both of which have shades of orange in their plumage, often visit feeders stocked with sunflower seeds. Similarly, Yellow-rumped Warblers, known for their pale yellow patches, are winter visitors that feast on seeds, native plants, and the occasional flying insect.

Which hummingbird species, known for its orange and yellow hues, frequents Wyoming?

The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a common sight in Wyoming. This bird, about the size of other small birds, boasts a vibrant mix of pale brown and rusty orange with a yellowish tint, especially in female birds. Enthusiasts looking to attract this species can set up hummingbird feeders filled with nectar, as they primarily feed on nectar and small flying insects.

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