Maroon Oriole

The Maroon Oriole, a bird of striking contrast and vivid hues, dons a plumage primarily of maroon and black. The male is particularly resplendent with a glossy crimson-maroon body complemented by a black head, neck, and wings, and a chestnut-maroon tail. The female, while slightly less vibrant, exhibits a darker body, and the juveniles are discernible by their lighter coloration. A blueish tinge adorns their beaks, adding a subtle touch to their otherwise bold appearance.

Identification Tips

To identify the Maroon Oriole, look for the adult male's glossy crimson-maroon and black coloration, with a distinctive black head, neck, and wings. Females and immature males can be recognized by their greyish-white underparts with black streaks. The species exhibits some variation in color across its range, with individuals from the Indian Subcontinent showing duller colors compared to their Southeast Asian counterparts, who may present a reddish tone.

Habitat

This species thrives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, where it finds the dense foliage and rich food sources it requires.

Distribution

The Maroon Oriole graces a variety of locations across Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, and Vietnam. In India, its presence extends from Himachal Pradesh in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east, reaching into the hills of Manipur.

Behaviour

The Maroon Oriole is typically a solitary bird or found in pairs. Its nesting season peaks from April to May, during which it constructs a deep, substantial cup-shaped nest from bast fiber, secured with cobwebs. Both parents partake in nurturing their offspring.

Diet and Feeding

A diet of wild figs, berries, insects, and nectar sustains the Maroon Oriole, allowing it to thrive in its forested habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Maroon Oriole as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face an immediate threat of extinction in the wild.