Isabela oriole

The Isabela oriole is a species of the oriole family endemic to Luzon in the Philippines. It is an oriole identified by its yellowish green plumage and a very large gray bill. This species was presumed to be extinct for many years until its rediscovery in December 1993 near Diffun, Quirino, and in Mansarong in September 1994. Additional sightings were made in San Mariano, Isabela. and Baggao, Cagayan Valley It It is found in moist lowland forest up to 440 masl. It is critically endangered with estimates of just 50 to 250 mature individuals remaining. It is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.

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Distribution

Region

Northern Luzon

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily in the Cagayan Valley region of northern Luzon, including Isabela, Quirino, and Cagayan provinces. Prefers moist lowland evergreen and secondary forests, often along riverine corridors and forest edges. It forages mainly in the mid-story to canopy and may visit fruiting trees in adjacent clearings or plantations near intact forest. Remaining populations are associated with fragmented lowland forest blocks.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 440 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size20–22 cm

Wing Span30–35 cm

Male Weight0.07 kg

Female Weight0.07 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Isabela oriole was long presumed extinct until its rediscovery in the 1990s in northern Luzon, Philippines. It inhabits lowland moist forests and is easily overlooked due to its quiet, skulking habits and canopy preference. The species is Critically Endangered, with habitat loss and hunting as primary threats, and may number only a few hundred individuals at most.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats between trees; strong flier within canopy

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs, sometimes loosely associating with mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are presumed to be cup-shaped structures slung from branches like other orioles, placed high in trees. Breeding behavior is poorly known due to rarity, but pairs appear territorial within suitable forest patches.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Soft, fluty whistles interspersed with mellow phrases, often given from concealed perches high in the canopy. Also emits low, harsh scolds when alarmed; vocalizations are subdued and can be easily missed.

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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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