Olive-backed Oriole

The Olive-backed Oriole, known scientifically as Oriolus sagittatus, is a medium-sized passerine bird with a rather unassuming plumage. Its back is an olive hue, adorned with small, dark streaks, while its chest is lighter with black streaks. Both males and females boast reddish bills and eyes, though the females are distinguished by cinnamon-edged wings.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Olive-backed Oriole, look for its olive-green back with dark streaks and a lighter underbelly marked with black. The reddish bill and eyes are key features, as well as the cinnamon wing edges on females. These birds are medium-sized, making them relatively easy to spot amongst the foliage.

Habitat

The Olive-backed Oriole is a versatile species, favouring open woodland environments and tolerating drier climates, though it avoids desert areas. It is more adaptable than its relative, the Green Oriole, which prefers more densely vegetated, damp habitats.

Distribution

This species is native to northern and eastern Australia and south-central New Guinea. In Australia, its range extends from the northernmost point of Western Australia, across the eastern and southern coasts, to Victoria and the southeastern corner of South Australia.

Breeding

Most Olive-backed Orioles breed during the tropical wet season. However, some populations migrate southward to breed in the southern summer, showcasing a degree of adaptability in their reproductive behaviour.

Conservation status

The Olive-backed Oriole is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it currently faces no significant threats to its survival and does not require immediate conservation action.