Common Iora

The Common Iora (Aegithina tiphia) is a diminutive passerine, a tapestry of vibrant hues and modest charm. This bird is a visual delight, particularly the males in their breeding attire, which boast a striking combination of green, black, yellow, and white.

Identification Tips

To identify the Common Iora, look for the pointed and notched beak, with a straight culmen. Males in breeding season are resplendent with a black cap and back, complemented by black wings and tail. Females, on the other hand, are more subdued with greenish wings and an olive tail. Both sexes share a yellow underside and the male's two white wing bars are especially prominent when in breeding plumage.

Habitat

The Common Iora is a species that thrives in scrub and forest environments, where it can be seen flitting among the foliage.

Distribution

This bird has a wide range across the tropical Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, with various populations exhibiting plumage variations that have led to the recognition of several subspecies.

Behaviour

In the trees, Ioras are often observed foraging in small groups, meticulously gleaning insects among the branches. They are known to participate in mixed-species feeding flocks. During the breeding season, males perform an acrobatic display, spiraling through the air with feathers fluffed, before landing with a flourish of spread tail and drooped wings.

Song & Calls

The Common Iora communicates with a repertoire of churrs, chattering, and whistles. Its song is a trilled "wheeeee-tee," and it has been known to mimic the calls of other bird species, such as drongos.

Breeding

Breeding season for the Common Iora follows the monsoons, marked by the male's elaborate courtship display. The nest, a compact cup of grass and cobwebs, is placed in a tree fork. Both parents share incubation duties, and the eggs hatch after about two weeks.

Similar Species

The Common Iora can be confused with Marshall's Iora, but the latter always has white tips to the tail, a distinguishing feature.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Common Iora primarily consists of insects, which they forage for among the tree branches.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Common Iora as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.