What is this Oriole doing?

[robertk]

Any bird behavior experts here? What's this guy up to?

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[worldtalker]

Any bird behavior experts here? What's this guy up to?

View attachment 2206218

Male calling for a mate I'd say.

 

[AU Seeker]

Definitely a mating dance.

"Orioles do engage in a mating dance as part of their courtship ritual. Male Baltimore Orioles will hop around and bow forward, displaying their orange back, and spreading their wings to attract a female. If the female is receptive, she will fan her tail, lower her wings, and make a chattering call in response.

Here's a more detailed look at the oriole mating dance:

• Singing and Display:
  Male orioles sing a distinctive song to attract females and establish their territory. They will also hop from branch to branch, flashing their bright orange plumage.
  
  
• Bowing Display:
  The male will perform a bowing display, lowering his wings and fanning his tail.
  
  
• Female's Response:
  If the female is interested, she will respond with a chattering call, fanning her tail, and lowering and fluttering her wings.
  
  
• Duets:
  Once paired, orioles may sing duets as part of their courtship. "

 

[Limitool]

Well I happen to speak fluent oriole. Not many people can. And Robert I can tell you he was NOT all happy. I can't repeat all that he said (Tnet rules). But part of it was oriole bedroom stuff and that he'll handle it cause it's that time of year (it's his first time). But he'd like a little more attention given to his provided food supply from you like the deer and the turkeys get. And he said he's NOT jealous but just wants his fair share (or look out windshield!!) .... I think he's left-winged...?

 

[robertk]

But he'd like a little more attention given to his provided food supply from you like the deer and the turkeys get.

That could be. The jelly tray does look a bit low...

 

[ncsuwolf]

….warming up in the bullpen?

Oh sorry, different oriole

 

[Sandog]

Any bird behavior experts here? What's this guy up to?

View attachment 2206218

Any chance he can see his own reflection in this camera setup? Maybe he's being aggressive towards what he perceives as a competitor for food or mating.

 

[robertk]

Any chance he can see his own reflection in this camera setup? Maybe he's being aggressive towards what he perceives as a competitor for food or mating.

I guess that's possible but it seems doubtful. The front of the feeder isn't very reflective, and the camera lens isn't very big (size of a dime) and is somewhat fish-eye shaped. He's been visiting the feeder fairly often and this is the first time I've seen this behavior.

 

[Limitool]

He's been visiting the feeder fairly often and this is the first time I've seen this behavior.

Well he was defiantly "reacting" to something or seeing something I'd think to bring out that behavior. And I fibbed about speaking fluent oriole. Now I feel better...

 

[RGINN]

Uh yeah, maybe tryin to attract you as a mate? Could be a territorial warning? Maybe 'robertk, come quick, Timmy's fallen in the well again!' Cool little clip anyway.