Birds are warm-blooded creatures that have beaks, wings, and feathers. There are many kinds of birds in the world, each with its own unique color and size. But, do you know what is the state bird of Maryland?
Maryland national bird is the Oriole. Maryland made the Oriole its official state bird in the early 1940’s, and the color of Orioles has resemblance with Maryland’s flag. Since then, Maryland has taken steps to ensure that Orioles are protected in the state.
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The State Bird of Maryland
Maryland is a lovely state with stunning scenery. It covers around 32,000 square kilometers. Its largest city is called Baltimore, which is why the Orioles are also known as “Baltimore Orioles,” and its capital city is called Annapolis.
Did you know that Maryland state bird and flower have the same color as their state flag? Maryland’s state flag is black and orange, the same colors as the state bird, the Oriole, and the state flower, the Black-Eyed Susan.
Why Are the Orioles Chosen as Maryland’s State Bird?
Orioles have a distinct color scheme of black and orange. These two colors are comparable to the Baltimore family heraldic color in Maryland. Because of this, the Orioles are also known as “Baltimore Orioles.”.
Facts About the Oriole Bird
Orioles are indeed one of the most beautiful kinds of bird. They are the kind that you would want to take home with you and keep as a pet. They have very colorful feathers, which is one of the things that makes them so special.
Fact #1: Orioles eat both fruits and insects
Orioles enjoy eating fruits as well as insects such as larvae and spiders. What’s more interesting is that they love whistling while munching in the trees.
Fact #2: Orioles are known as the black and orange state bird
The hues of male and female orioles may differ. Male Orioles have a fiery orange and black coloration, and female Orioles are yellow-orange and brownish.
Here’s a picture of the gorgeous bird:
Fact #3: Orioles can eat up to 45 insects a day
Orioles love eating insects that are hairy or that do crawl. Surprisingly, they discovered an Oriole who could consume 45 insects in a single day!
Fact #4: Orioles can sing
Male and female Orioles each have their own song, and each song has a special meaning for them. If you hear a male Oriole singing, it implies he is defending his breeding area. If, on the other hand, you hear a female Oriole sing, it signifies she is looking for a mate.
Fact # 5: Orioles are great weavers
The Orioles are incredibly gifted! They can weave in addition to singing. They are skilled at weaving their own nests, which can take up to 12 days to complete.
Fact #6: Orioles can live for 11 years
What is the Lifespan of an Oriole?
The longest-living Baltimore Oriole known to scientists lived for 11 years and 7 months. The oldest Orchard Oriole lasted for 9 years and 3 months, whereas the oldest Bullock’s Oriole was able to live for 6 years and 1 month.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Maryland’s state bird is none other than the Oriole bird. As you can see, Oriole birds are not only unique and beautiful creatures but also have a long history with the state. Be sure to keep an eye out for them next time you’re in Maryland!
I hope this article on what is the state bird of Maryland helps in learning about Maryland’s state bird. If you wish to learn more about Maryland and the Oriole bird, don’t hesitate to share your ideas. Thanks for reading!
Furthermore, discover other interesting topics of state birds such as California, Texas, and Massachusetts,…
George and I became friends after a birdwatching trip with our new group. And we have been enjoying every adventure together. When he told me the idea of establishing a site that shares our experiences and fun, I immediately agreed. After trials and errors, here we have Thayerbirding.