Orioles · Perching birds
Eurasian Golden Oriole
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Oriolus oriolus
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Voice
Song
Mats Havskogen
Song
Pascal Christe
Song
Sonothèque ADVL
How to recognize it
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Slightly larger than a starling, 24–25 cm
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Male: yellow body, black wings and tail
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Female: greener above, paler below, with dark streaks
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Fast, direct flight with shallow dips; usually hidden in treetops
About the species
The Eurasian Golden Oriole stands out with its warm yellow body and black wings in the male. On a walk, though, it is often easier to hear than to see, because it stays tucked high in leafy crowns and keeps out of sight.
It is active and restless, moving quickly from branch to branch, often with almost no sound. Its voice can be harsh, but it also gives a clear, fluting whistle that stays in your head after you hear it once.
It favors light broadleaf woods, groves, gardens, and parks with large trees. It feeds on insects, especially caterpillars, and also on berries and fruit, and it is a summer visitor that leaves for winter in Africa.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Oriolus oriolus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Eurasian golden oriole Encyclopedia article