The green-headed oriole, or montane oriole, is a species of bird in the family Oriolidae. It is found in eastern Africa.
Region
East African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in moist montane and submontane evergreen forests, including forest edges and adjacent clearings with tall trees. It favors mature canopy with fruiting trees and dense mid-story where it can forage discreetly. Common in the Eastern Arc ranges and similar highland blocks in Kenya and northeastern Tanzania. It will occasionally descend along forested valleys but remains largely tied to intact woodland.
Altitude Range
800–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the montane oriole, this species inhabits high-elevation forests of eastern Africa and often keeps to the canopy. Its clear, fluty whistles carry far through the forest and can reveal its presence before the bird is seen. It forages methodically among foliage for insects and also takes fruit, especially figs.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups; sometimes joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs maintain small territories and build neat, suspended cup nests high in trees. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, fluty whistles and mellow phrases, often delivered from high perches. Calls include soft chucks and liquid notes that can be interspersed with mimicked phrases.
Plumage
Rich olive-green head and mantle with yellow-olive underparts; wings darker with a contrasting pale or yellow panel and edging; tail dusky with yellow-olive outer edges.
Diet
Takes a mix of arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers gleaned from leaves and twigs. Frequently eats fruit, especially figs and other soft, pulpy species, and may sip nectar opportunistically. Foraging is deliberate, with short sallies to pick prey or pluck fruit.
Preferred Environment
Feeds primarily in the mid to upper canopy of mature montane forest and along forest edges with fruiting trees. Will use secondary growth and tall forest remnants when fruit is abundant.
