The New Student's Reference Work/Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole or Baltimore bird, also called Firebird, is a beautiful bird, very common in North America, from Canada to Mexico. The birds come from the south in May, and in trees and vines near houses build their hanging nests of moss and fibers skillfully woven together. Threads, strings and horsehairs are used in building the nest, which is a deep hanging pouch about six inches long. The birds are about seven inches long, with sharp bills, pointed wings and rounded tail. The plumage is beautiful, especially in the males, being a glossy black, mixed with bright orange and yellow. These were the colors of Lord Baltimore's livery, hence the name. Their song is strong and pleasant, a ringing whistle easily imitated. They are valuable for their destruction of insect larvae, like the tent-caterpillar, canker worm, etc. Lady Baltimore, as the nest builder is called by the author of Bird Neighbors, is one of the best architects in the world. Of the splendid male the poet Lowell says: "Hush! 'tis he! My oriole, my glance of summer fire."