Golden oriole

The golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus) is a distinctive-looking bird that is, however, more likely to be heard than seen. Despite the name, this bird is unrelated to any of the New World orioles, as it is a summer visitor to Europe from Africa. Only a few specimens reach the British Isles, specifically a limited region of south-eastern England, and even fewer breed here.

The preferred habitat of the golden oriole is mature, broad-leaved woodland, especially near water.

Because of its secretive habits, and rarity in places such as Great Britain, spotting a golden oriole is a feather in the cap for any birdwatcher. It has red conservation status in the UK because of the small numbers.

Appearance

At 24 centimetres (9.5 inches) in length, the golden oriole is about the same size as the blackbird and of similar shape. However, the colouring is very different! Male golden orioles have rich golden yellow plumage on the head and body, contrasting with the (mainly) black wings and tail. There is also a small marking to the front of the eye. The bill is pinkish-red. Female golden orioles have much less yellow on display, the colouring being greener, streaked with brown. The female’s wings and tail are also brown rather than black. As it happens, the older a female golden oriole gets, the more she resembles the male.

Behaviour

The golden oriole spends most of its life in the tree canopy, rarely coming to the ground. It has an undulating flight, with a final upwards sweep into the foliage. When seen, golden orioles are likely to be alone or in small family groups.

The song of the golden oriole is unmistakable when heard, consisting of a loud but melodious flutey whistle that sounds uncannily human. It also has a sharp, harsh call not unlike that of the jay.

Golden orioles feed mainly on insects, sometimes caught on the wing, and also spiders and caterpillars. They will also eat ripe soft fruit in season, visiting orchards, market gardens and vineyards for the purpose.

Breeding 

Golden orioles reach their breeding grounds in late spring and nest building takes place in late May or early June. The nest is built in the acute-angled fork of two branches, about four metres above the ground. Long pieces of stalk and grass are woven around the branches to form a hammock-like construction in which three to five eggs are laid. Incubation is done mainly by the hen bird, and takes about 14 days. The young leave the nest after another 14 or 15 days. The families set off for Africa in August, with only a single brood having been raised.

© John Welford