Maryland State Bird

Maryland designated the Baltimore Oriole in 1947 because of its vivid color and its famous link to the Baltimore region, giving Maryland a bird that is both local and instantly memorable. It was a practical symbolic choice: familiar to residents, visible across much of the state, and easy to connect with local schools, gardens, farms, parks, or conservation culture.

Adult males flash orange and black, females run warmer yellow-orange, and both show a slim pointed bill built for insects, fruit, and nectar. In Maryland, it looks especially at home across river woods, suburban shade trees, and tidal lowland parks.

Baltimore Orioles forage high in deciduous canopies, weave hanging pouch nests, and move through flowering trees and berry patches with quick, purposeful hops. It uses river woods, shade trees, open deciduous forest, and well-planted towns well, which helps explain why the bird feels familiar well beyond protected areas.

In Maryland, start with Patapsco Valley State Park, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, and Patuxent Research Refuge. Scan treetops for bright movement and listen for flutelike whistles near elm, maple, and sycamore canopies. Peak viewing usually comes in late spring and early summer when territorial males are vocal and nests are active. These kinds of places match the bird's preferred mix of river woods, shade trees, open deciduous forest, and well-planted towns.

The Baltimore Oriole is currently listed as LC. The species remains familiar, but loss of mature deciduous trees, pesticide pressure on insect prey, and hazards during migration continue to shape long-term numbers.