The great iora is a species of bird in the family Aegithinidae. It is found in Cambodia, China, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in Cambodia, southern China (including parts of Yunnan), Laos, Malaysia (Peninsular), Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. It favors subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, including evergreen and semi-evergreen tracts. Often uses forest edges, secondary growth, and wooded riparian corridors. Typically remains in the midstory to canopy, where it forages among leaves and small branches.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The great iora is a canopy-dwelling songbird of lowland forests in mainland Southeast Asia. Males perform lively display flights with fluttering wingbeats and fluffed plumage during courtship. It often joins mixed-species flocks and is an agile gleaner of foliage-dwelling insects.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations
Social Behavior
Frequently travels in pairs or small family groups and often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are small, neat cups placed in forks of slender branches. Breeding pairs are territorial around nest sites but tolerant while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, high-pitched whistles and sweet trills delivered from canopy perches. Males may incorporate rapid, excited phrases during display flights.
Plumage
Male in breeding plumage shows bright yellow underparts with darker, often blackish, cap and upperparts contrasting with greenish mantle; non-breeding males and females are greener above and yellow below with clear wingbars.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and small orthopterans, as well as spiders. Gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally hover-gleans at leaf tips. May supplement with small berries or nectar when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy of lowland evergreen and secondary forests, forest edges, and wooded gardens. Often follows mixed flocks along forest edges and riparian zones.
