Green-headed Oriole

The Green-headed Oriole, also known as the Montane Oriole, is a vibrant species of bird belonging to the family Oriolidae. It graces the eastern African skies with its striking presence.

Identification Tips

This bird can be identified by its vivid green head, a feature that gives it its name. The plumage details of the subspecies may vary, but they all share this distinctive green cap.

Subspecies

There are three recognized subspecies of the Green-headed Oriole:

• Oriolus chlorocephalus amani, found in southeastern Kenya and eastern Tanzania.
• Oriolus chlorocephalus chlorocephalus, located in Malawi and central Mozambique.
• Oriolus chlorocephalus speculifer, endemic to southern Mozambique.

Distribution and Habitat

The Green-headed Oriole inhabits subtropical or tropical, dry lowland forests, as well as subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. These birds are well-adapted to a variety of wooded environments within their range.

Behaviour and Ecology

This species is known for its diet that includes fruit, seeds, nectar, and insects or insect larvae. They are active foragers, often seen flitting through the forest canopy in search of sustenance.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Green-headed Oriole as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.

In the voice of the natural world, we observe the Green-headed Oriole with admiration, noting its resilience and the splash of color it brings to the African forests.