Eurasian golden oriole

The Eurasian golden oriole, also known as the common golden oriole, is a species of passerine bird and the only Old World oriole breeding in Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. It is a summer migrant in Europe and the Palearctic and spends the winter season in central and southern Africa.

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Distribution

Region

Europe and Western Asia

Typical Environment

Breeds across much of temperate Europe and into western and central Asia, favoring open deciduous and mixed woodlands with tall trees. It frequents riverine forests, poplar and willow stands, orchards, parks, and shelterbelts, often near water. The species avoids very dense, dark forests and treeless open country. In the non-breeding season it winters in sub-Saharan Africa, using woodland edges, savannas, and gardens with fruiting trees.

Altitude Range

0–2000 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size23–25 cm

Wing Span44–47 cm

Male Weight0.075 kg

Female Weight0.07 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Eurasian golden oriole is the only Old World oriole that regularly breeds in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Males are strikingly golden-yellow with black wings, while females are greener and more cryptic, making the species easier to hear than see. Its rich, fluting song carries far through woodland canopies. It builds a neat, hammock-like cup nest slung between slender branches high in trees.

Gallery

Nest placed in fork

Eggs of Oriolus oriolus

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and territorial in the breeding season

Flight Pattern

strong, direct flier with shallow, undulating wingbeats

Social Behavior

Typically forms monogamous pairs and defends a territory during breeding. The nest is a delicate, suspended cup woven between forked branches high in the canopy; both sexes contribute, with the female incubating most. Outside the breeding season it may travel in loose groups and joins mixed flocks at fruiting trees on migration and in winter.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

The song is a mellow, fluting series of rich whistles, often rendered as a far-carrying ‘weela-wee-ooo’. Calls include a harsh, scolding ‘chack’ and various chattering notes, especially when alarmed.

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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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