The Black-cowled oriole (Icterus prosthemelas) is found over the Caribbean slope of Middle America, from southern Mexico to western Panama. The males appear as if they are wearing black cowls covering their heads, chests, and part of their backs. Their tails are black, as are their wings except for their wrists which have a yellow patch. There are no bars on their wings. The rest of the belly and back are bright yellow. The bottom of the beak is blue. Sexes differ in plumage, with males being largely black above and over the head and neck. Females are black only over the face and foreneck. They feed on hibiscus flowers, and often hang upside down to get to the nectar.
