The Midwest region of the United States is home to a variety of birds with black and orange coloring. When trying to identify a specific black and orange bird species in the Midwest, there are a few key aspects to consider: location, size, behavior, distinctive markings, and time of year. By taking note of these details, it becomes easier to narrow down the possibilities.
Location
The Midwest covers a large geographic area spanning 12 states across the central United States. This region contains a diversity of habitats including forests, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and farmlands. The particular habitats and location within the Midwest will play a role in determining what kinds of black and orange birds may be present.
For example, open grassland and prairie habitats would be home to different species than densely forested areas. Birds that nest near waterways or marshes will differ from those adapted to drier inland areas. The location and habitat will help narrow the possibilities down.
Size
Paying attention to the size of the black and orange bird will further help in identification. Midwest birds that exhibit these colors span a wide range of sizes from very small songbirds to large predatory birds.
Tiny songbirds like warblers and tanagers are only 4-7 inches in length. Medium-sized birds in the blackbird family reach lengths of 7-13 inches. Larger birds of prey such as hawks and owls have wingspans of 3 feet or more.
If the bird was petite and active, it may be a warbler or tanager. A mid-sized perching bird could be a blackbird or oriole. A large soaring bird is more likely a hawk or owl.
Behavior
Observing the bird’s behavior can also help pinpoint its identity. Does it actively flit through trees and shrubs? Or does it mainly soar and glide while hunting?
Songbirds like warblers and tanagers will be quite active while foraging for insects among branches and leaves. Blackbirds may perch prominently on wires and posts as they sing and defend territories.
Soaring hawks like the red-tailed hawk primarily scan for prey from high up in wide circles. Perching birds of prey such as the barred owl will sit quietly camouflaged as they watch for victims below.
Paying attention to how the bird moves and acts will provide information about its ecological niche and possibilities.
Distinctive Markings
Carefully noting any distinctive markings beyond the black and orange coloring will help pin down identification.
For example, the scarlet tanager has jet black wings contrasting with bright orange-red body plumage. The red-winged blackbird is black overall with prominent orange red and yellow shoulder patches.
The yellow-shafted morph of the red-tailed hawk has a white breast and belly with a dark patagial bar along the front edge of its orange-red wing and tail feathers. Barred owls display bold black and white barring across their chest and stomach.
Taking note of specific markings such as wing bars, eye rings, tail patterns, streaking, shading, and multicolored patches helps differentiate species.
Time of Year
The time of year can also provide clues, as some black and orange birds are migratory while others are permanent residents. This informs which species may be present in the region during a given season.
For instance, the Baltimore oriole and scarlet tanager only inhabit the Midwest in spring and summer, migrating south for winter. But the red-tailed hawk and red-winged blackbird are present year-round.
Migratory warblers pass through the Midwest at different times such as early spring or late fall during migration. Knowing the month will help determine possibilities.
Notable Black and Orange Birds of the Midwest
Taking into account location, size, behavior, markings, and time of year, below are some of the most prominent black and orange bird species found across the Midwest:
Scarlet Tanager
Distinctive Features: Medium sized songbird with bright red body and black wings
Habitat: Mature deciduous forests
Range: Summer breeding range across eastern Midwest
Baltimore Oriole
Distinctive Features: Black head and back with bright orange rump and underparts
Habitat: Open woodlands near water; parks and shade trees
Range: Summer breeding range across much of the Midwest
Red-winged Blackbird
Distinctive Features: Medium size blackbird with red and yellow shoulder patches on wings
Habitat: Marshes, wet meadows, prairies, farmlands
Range: Year-round across the Midwest in open wet areas
Eastern Towhee
Distinctive Features: Large sparrow with black hood and back, rufous sides, and white belly
Habitat: Brushy forest edges, thickets, and overgrown fields
Range: Year-round in the eastern Midwest wooded areas
Red-tailed Hawk
Distinctive Features: Large soaring hawk with dark patagial bar on orange red tail
Habitat: Wide variety – forests, deserts, plains, urban areas
Range: Year-round across the Midwest in open habitats
Barred Owl
Distinctive Features: Large owl with vertical brown and white barring on chest and belly
Habitat: Mature woodlands and swamps
Range: Year-round across the Midwest in forested areas
Seasonal Variations
Keep in mind that the plumage of some species can vary markedly across seasons, further complicating identification. The black and orange coloring may be more vivid during breeding season. Some examples:
- Male scarlet tanagers are brightly colored red and black in spring/summer. Females and winter males are pale yellow-green.
- Male Baltimore orioles display deep orange plumage in spring/summer while females remain yellow-orange year-round.
- Red-tailed hawk color varies between light and dark morphs. The western morph is more pale while the eastern morph is deep red.
Rare Visitors
In rare instances, a sighting of black and orange birds in the Midwest may coincide with wayward migrants or wintering species far outside their normal range. This includes species such as:
- Western tanager
- Blackburnian warbler
- Painted bunting
- Ferruginous hawk
These are unlikely but can occur periodically, especially during spring and fall migration periods.
Most Likely Candidates
While other less common species are possibilities, the most likely black and orange birds seen across the majority of the Midwest include:
| Species | Plumage | Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Red-winged Blackbird | Black with red & yellow shoulder patches | Marshes, prairies, farmlands |
| Baltimore Oriole | Black head & back, orange rump & underparts | Open woodlands near water |
| Scarlet Tanager | Bright red body, black wings | Mature deciduous forests |
| Red-tailed Hawk | Belly band, patagial bar, rufous tail | Wide variety of open habitats |
Conclusion
Identifying a mysterious black and orange bird in the Midwest can be tricky, but following certain clues makes it possible to narrow down. Consider the location, habitat, size, behavior, markings, and time of year to pinpoint the most likely species. Some field guides of birds specialized to the Midwest can further help confirm an unknown bird’s identity.
While less common vagrants are possible, particularly during migration, most sightings will likely match up with more widespread resident species. By learning the set of black and orange birds commonly found across the region, identification becomes easier with practice. Exploring the Midwest’s diverse bird life reveals nature’s artistry in creating unique feathered species to match each ecosystem and season.
