Details
Oriolus oriolus
Eurasian golden oriole is a migratory songbird whose bright yellow males are often heard high in tree canopies. It may pass through urban parks on migration, but canopy habits make voice the easiest clue.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It breeds in deciduous woodland, riverine trees, and parks from Europe to western Asia and winters in Africa. Main habitat types in this guide are forest, urban.
Typical wingspan 44-47 cm, weight 60 g-90 g. Males are vivid yellow and black, while females and juveniles are greener and less conspicuous.
It is diurnal and often seen in pairs. It moves through high foliage and is often detected by its clear fluting calls.
It is omnivorous. Insects, caterpillars, fruit, and berries are eaten, with insects important during breeding.
Pairs build a deep hanging cup nest among outer branches and feed the young together.
Although still widespread in places, it remains sensitive to habitat change. It may pass through urban parks on migration, but canopy habits make voice the easiest clue.
