Eurasian Golden Oriole
Eurasian Golden Oriole
Eurasian Golden Oriole

Eurasian Golden Oriole

Oriolus oriolus

Song Mats Havskogen

Mass

~80 g

Habitat

Woodlands and parks

Diet

Omnivore

How to recognize it

Male: golden yellow with black wings and tail
Female: greenish-yellow above, pale below with dark streaks
Shy in tree crowns; quick, silent hopping between branches
Fluting whistle or harsh rasping call

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.

I saw it today!