Hi Bryce, I am pretty sure that only females build the nest. On the other hand, there are many females that are almost as bright as the males. Usually, if you see them side by side, the male will be somewhat brighter, but it can often be hard to tell. Females will do some singing, which complicates things even more. And then there are the first-year males (born a year ago) that also vary from pale-female-like to adult-male-like -- they also sing, but should never be found nest-building.
Greg Butcher
Washington DC and Reston VA
They need the sanctuary of the forest for a home
Where the Wood Thrush is singing
So raise a voice in harmony
We'll see what can be done
So the Wood Thrush will always be singing
--Mike Nobel
Visit www.woodthrush.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Bryce Butler
Sent: Friday, May 27, 2011 11:02 PM
To:
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Question about Baltimore Oriole nest building
This morning I watched what appeared to be clearly a male Baltimore Oriole,
complete with black head and face, begin to build a nest and work on it
alone for about forty minutes. This is in Northwest Park in Mount Washington
in Baltimore. When I revisited the nest this afternoon the nest appeared
almost complete and was still being worked on by the same solitary bird.
Looking through all my bird behavior references, Kauffman, Ehrlich, Bent, I
can only find one citation for a male BAOR building a nest, in Bent. Is this
really anomalous behavior or am I looking at an anomalous female with male
markings? Iąd appreciate any experienced opinion.
Bryce Butler
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