the hooded oriole , icterus cucullatus , is a medium-sized new world oriole .
adults have a curved bill which is completely black and white wing bars .
the adult male has a deep yellowish orange head with black on the face and throat; they are black on the back , wings and tail , orange on the underparts .
the adult female is olive-green on the upper parts , yellowish on the breast and belly .
their calls consist of whistling and wheets , while their song is a mixture of both .
their breeding habitat is open areas with trees , especially palms , across the southwestern united states and northern mexico .
the nest is a tightly woven pouch attached to the underside of a leaf or tree branch .
sometimes their nest is filled with the egg of a brown-headed cowbird which is parasite bird that lays its eggs in other birds nests for that species to take care of .
these birds migrate in flocks south to mexico's southwestern coast; they are permanent residents in baja california sur , the mexican east coast , and belize .
some may over-winter near feeders .
they can also be found in southern california neighborhoods , but are rare in the winter .
they forage in trees and shrubs , also feeding from flowers .
it is a nectar robber because it pierces the base of the flower , and does not assist in pollination .
these birds mainly eat insects , nectar and fruit , and will also visit hummingbird feeders and bird feeders for seeds .
