# 4886 - 2014 First-Class Forever Stamp - Songbirds: Baltimore Oriole

The Baltimore oriole is one of 10 different birds pictured on the Songbird stamps.

 

During spring and summer, the Baltimore oriole is abundant throughout the Eastern United States and Canada. It is most often heard whistling its songs far above, but its bright-orange plumage can sometimes be seen as it hops acrobatically through the high, leafy tree branches.

 

The oriole has a varied diet consisting of a wide array of insects, including several pest species. This dietary trait makes the bird welcome on many farms. However, the oriole more often enjoys nectar from dark, ripe fruits and can itself be considered a pest to fruit growers.

 

While the Baltimore oriole is an avid forager of fruits and insects, it will also frequent backyard hummingbird feeders.  The bird is accustomed to humans and is comfortable nesting in backyard trees, making access to man-made nectar reservoirs convenient. It doesn’t mind that the feeders are sized for much smaller birds. Luckily, many people now offer larger feeders designed with more substantial perches specifically for the oriole.

 

The Baltimore oriole, like Maryland’s largest city, is named after the state’s founder, the Second Baron Baltimore of England. The bright orange and black colors of the bird are the same as those on the baron’s family coat of arms.

 

Illustrator Robert Giusti painted the Baltimore oriole and other songbirds in this set perched on a branch or fence post. His artwork can be seen on other stamps including: Tufted Puffins (#4737), Birds of Prey (4608-12), and a Cardinal (2480).

49¢ Baltimore Oriole, issued to satisfy the first-class mail rate.

Issue Date: April 5, 2014
City: Dallas TX, at the Trinity River Audubon Center
Quantity: 40,000,000

Category: Commemorative
Printed By: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method: Lithographed
Perforations: Serpentine Die Cut 10 ¾
Self-adhesive