Eurasian Golden Oriole

Oriolus oriolus

Genus · Old World Orioles Family · Old World Orioles
Observation tips Difficulty: HARD
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Canopy foliageForest edgesTree branches

Listen for the loud, fluting whistle. Use binoculars to scan the high canopy of oak or poplar trees for a flash of bright yellow.

Eurasian Golden Oriole

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan44–47 cm
Weight50–85 g
Length22–25 cm
Lifespan wild5–10 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typePendant
Clutch size3–5 eggs
Incubation14–15 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationMigratory
Social BehaviourMonogamous pairs

Diet: Omnivore

🫐Berries
🍎Fruits
🦗Insects

Habitat

🌳 Forest deciduous🍎 Orchard🏙️ Urban
✦ Fun Fact

The female Golden Oriole can look surprisingly similar to a Common Cuckoo in flight, and the resemblance has led to frequent misidentifications by birdwatchers.

About

An exotic-looking bird of broadleaved woodlands and orchards. It is a summer visitor that arrives from Africa in May. Despite the male's brilliant yellow color, they are difficult to see in the high canopy. They possess one of the most beautiful, flute-like songs of any European bird.

Behaviour

Orioles feed on insects and berries, especially cherries. Their song is a rich, liquid 'weela-wee-ooo'. They build a unique 'hammock' nest that hangs from the fork of a high branch. They are fast, direct fliers. In the air, they look like a yellow thrush with rhythmic wingbeats.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

Unmistakable with a brilliant golden-yellow body and jet-black wings. He has a small red bill and a dark eye-streak.

♀ Female

Mainly greenish-yellow or olive-green above with a pale breast. This camouflage makes her nearly invisible among green leaves.

Similar species

European Green Woodpecker
🐦
European Green Woodpecker
Picus viridis
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