Golden Oriole
Oriolus oriolus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Golden Oriole is a striking bird with vibrant plumage. Males display brilliant golden yellow bodies contrasted by jet-black wings and a distinctive black stripe through the eye. Their tails are yellow with black tips.
Females and juveniles are more subdued, with olive-green upperparts and greyish-white underparts streaked with dark lines. The female is also without the black mask worn proudly by the male. Both sexes have reddish-pink bills and bluish-grey legs.
Juveniles are similar to adult females, although generally duller and with heavier underpart streaking.
Size
Length
22cm to 24cm
Wingspan
44cm to 47cm
Weight
56g to 79g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Golden Orioles inhabit deciduous and mixed woodlands, preferring oak forests, riverine woods, and mature orchards. During the breeding season, they are widespread across Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa.
In winter, they migrate to sub-Saharan Africa. They are rare summer visitors in the UK, primarily found in small numbers in East Anglia and occasionally in southern England.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,400 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Golden Oriole. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Golden Oriole demonstrates high agility, moving gracefully through trees and hopping along branches whilst foraging. Their ability to navigate dense foliage and construct intricate suspended nests indicates excellent manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not particularly strong for their size, Golden Orioles possess adequate strength for their lifestyle. They can pluck insects from leaves and branches and carry nesting materials, but are not known for any feats of exceptional strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These birds show good adaptability, inhabiting various woodland types across Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa. Their ability to migrate long distances to sub-Saharan Africa and adjust to different environments demonstrates considerable adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Golden Orioles are generally shy and elusive, preferring to conceal themselves rather than confront threats. They're not known for aggressive behaviour, though males may display territorial behaviour during breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
As long-distance migrants travelling between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, Golden Orioles exhibit impressive endurance. Their ability to sustain flight over vast distances and adapt to varied climates from temperate to subtropical zones indicates high endurance levels.
Diet
Golden Orioles primarily feed on insects, particularly caterpillars and beetles. They supplement their diet with fruits, especially cherries and mulberries, during summer and autumn. These birds forage methodically through tree canopies, plucking insects from leaves and branches.
Behaviour
Golden Orioles are shy and elusive, often concealing themselves in dense foliage. They move gracefully through trees, hopping along branches while foraging.
These birds are typically solitary or found in pairs, but they become more social during migration when they may form small flocks.
Vocalisation
The Golden Oriole's call is a melodious, flute-like whistle, often described as "wee-lo wee-loo." Males have a more varied repertoire, including a harsh "krraa" call used as an alarm. Their song is a series of rich, warbling notes, sometimes mimicking other bird species.
Nesting & Breeding
Golden Orioles form monogamous pairs, with breeding occurring from May to July. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including bowing and wing-spreading.
The female constructs a distinctive hammock-like nest suspended between tree branches using plant fibres and bark strips. The nest is typically placed high in a tree fork. Females lay 3-4 eggs, which are white or cream-coloured with dark speckles.
Both parents incubate the eggs for 14-15 days. Nestlings fledge after about 14-16 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Golden Oriole is listed as Least Concern globally, it faces localised threats. Habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural intensification poses challenges.
It is a rare breeding bird in the UK, with conservation efforts focused on protecting and expanding suitable woodland habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive flute-like call, often heard before the bird is seen
- Look for flashes of bright yellow high in deciduous trees
- Focus on woodland edges and orchards during spring and summer
- Be patient and quiet, as these birds are easily startled
- In the UK, visit East Anglia for the best chance of spotting them
- The adult male, once spotted, is easy to identify, with the female being less so and often confused with a green woodpecker, particularly during flight
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Eurasian Golden Oriole, European Golden Oriole
Family:
OriolidaeAverage Lifespan
5 to 10 years
Predators
Did You Know?
- Golden Orioles can mimic the calls of other bird species, including woodpeckers and cuckoos.
- Their nest is so well-camouflaged that it often appears as part of the tree from below.
- Despite their bright colouration, Golden Orioles are surprisingly difficult to spot in leafy trees.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Oriolus oriolus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T103692938A111783061.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
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