Nest structure and placement of orchard oriole (Icterus spurius) nests in tallgrass prairie in Oklahoma

Abstract

The structure and placement of nests were studied for Orchard Orioles (Icterus spurius) nesting in upland tallgrass prairie habitat in Osage County, Oklahoma. Nests were generally located within woody thickets or shrubs at heights ranging from 50 to 330 cm. Nest mass decreased linearly with placement height, as did the mass of the outer
nest shell. However, the mass of inner, insulating nest liners were similar across all nest heights. Individual nest fibers as long as those previously recorded for this species were found. Patterns of nest structure are discussed in conjunction with habitat management practices in the tallgrass prairie region and how these practices might affect the nesting biology of this species.