Black-hooded oriole

The black-hooded oriole is a member of the oriole family of passerine birds and is a resident breeder in tropical southern Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia.

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Distribution

Region

South and Southeast Asia

Typical Environment

Occurs widely from India and Sri Lanka east through Bangladesh and Myanmar to parts of Thailand and western Indonesia. Favors open forests, secondary growth, wooded farmlands, orchards, and urban parks with mature trees. Most active in the mid to upper canopy, where it forages and nests. Tolerant of human-modified landscapes as long as tall trees are present.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size24–26 cm

Wing Span35–40 cm

Male Weight0.08 kg

Female Weight0.075 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

This striking oriole is bright yellow with a contrasting black hood and a red bill, making it easy to spot in the canopy. It builds a finely woven, pendant cup nest suspended from the fork of slender branches. Its fluty, far-carrying whistles are a familiar sound in woodlands, gardens, and plantations across South Asia. It feeds on a mix of fruits and insects, often visiting fruiting figs.

Gallery

Oriolus xanthornus in flight at Nijgadh, Nepal

Behaviour

Temperament

alert and somewhat shy in dense canopy

Flight Pattern

strong, direct flight with slightly undulating passages between treetops

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family parties; not highly gregarious. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and weave a suspended cup nest from grasses and plant fibers. Clutches typically contain 2–3 eggs, and both sexes may take part in nest building and care.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a series of mellow, fluty whistles and liquid notes that carry far through the canopy. Calls include clear, whistled phrases and sharper contact notes when moving between trees.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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