Eurasian Golden Oriole

The Eurasian golden oriole, or Oriolus oriolus, is a passerine bird of the Old World oriole family. It is a striking bird; the male adorned in a vivid yellow and black plumage, while the female is clothed in a more subdued green, blending seamlessly with the foliage.

Identification Tips

Males are easily identified by their bright yellow body and contrasting black wings and tail. Females, however, are a more olive-green, offering excellent camouflage against predators. In flight, their strong and direct wingbeats with occasional shallow dips are reminiscent of thrushes.

Habitat

This species is quite versatile in its choice of habitat, ranging from open broadleaf forests and plantations in Western Europe to more continuous and even coniferous forests in Eastern Europe. They are also known to inhabit riverine forests, orchards, and large gardens.

Distribution

The Eurasian golden oriole is a summer migrant in Europe and the Palearctic, with its breeding range stretching from western Europe to China. Come winter, it migrates to central and southern Africa to escape the cold.

Behaviour

These birds are known for their elusive nature, often remaining hidden among the leaves. They exhibit strong territorial fidelity, sometimes returning to the same nesting site year after year. Males typically arrive at the breeding grounds before females to establish territories.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a melodious and fluting "weela-wee-ooo" or "or-iii-ole," which once heard, is not easily forgotten. Their calls, however, are a stark contrast—a harsh "kweeaahk" that pierces through the tranquility of their environment.

Breeding

Eurasian golden orioles may not breed until they are 2 or 3 years old. The nest, a deep cup-shaped structure, is artfully suspended below a horizontal fork in the high branches. Clutches typically consist of 3 to 5 eggs, which are incubated primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after about 16 to 17 days.

Similar Species

The Indian golden oriole, Oriolus kundoo, is similar but can be distinguished by the male's black eye-stripe extending behind the eye, a longer and paler red bill, and more yellow in the plumage.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists of insects and fruit. They are adept at picking insects from crevices with their sharp bills and are known to cause some trouble in the Eastern Mediterranean due to their fruit-eating habits during migration.

Conservation status

The Eurasian golden oriole is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, thanks to its large and stable population across an extensive range.