flight, it joins mixed-species flocks that include orioles, jays, tanagers, and other birds of similar size. It forages in dense vegetation, often near forest clearings. Reproduction The nest of the Audubon's oriole is similar in size and construction to those of the hooded and orchard orioles, being approximately three inches in diameter with a similar depth. It resembles a hanging pouch or basket, not as deep as other species'. The rim is firmly woven to the supporting twigs and the entrance is somewhat constricted. The nest itself is usually composed of long grass stems, woven while they are still green and lined with finer grass. A mating pair of orioles usually incubates two broods per year, each consisting of between three and five eggs per brood; however, chicks hatched from the later brood are usually unable to survive the winter. This species' nests are often a popular choice of parasitization by the Brown-headed cowbird. Voice The song of the Audubon's oriole is a series of slow, slurry whistles. Its calls include a nasal "ike, ike, ike" and a whistled "peu". Diet It inserts its bill into soft dead wood or plants and uses its beak to force said plant open to expose insects hiding inside. It feeds on insects, spiders, fruits, and also accepts sunflower seeds from bird feeders. References Further reading Flood NJ. (1990). Aspects of the Breeding Biology of Audubon's Oriole. Journal of Field Ornithology. vol 61, no 3. p. 290-302. Hobart HH, Gunn SJ & Bickham JW. (1982). Karyotypes of 6 Species of North American Blackbirds Icteridae Passeriformes. Auk. vol 99, no 3. p. 514-518. Monk S. G. M.S. (2003). Breeding distribution and habitat use of Audubon's oriole in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The University of Texas - Pan American, United States. Patrikeev, Michael, Jack C. Eitniear, Scott M. Werner, Paul C. Palmer (2008) Interactions and Hybridization between Altamira and Audubon's Orioles in the Lower Rio Grande Valley Birding 40(2):42-6 Audubon's Oriole Audubon's Oriole Birds of Mexico Birds of the Rio Grande valleys Birds described in 1839 Taxa named by René Lesson