The Martinique oriole is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It is endemic to Martinique, French West Indies. Martinique is a part of the Lesser Antilles, and is located in the Eastern Caribbean.
Region
Lesser Antilles, Eastern Caribbean
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout Martinique in suitable wooded habitats, including humid evergreen forest, secondary growth, forest edges, and tree-filled agricultural areas. It adapts to plantations and gardens with tall trees and hedgerows, provided there is adequate cover. Birds forage mainly in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to lower levels for fruit. Riparian corridors and sheltered ravines are also used, especially for nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Martinique oriole is a striking black-and-yellow icterid found only on the island of Martinique in the Lesser Antilles. It weaves a pendant, basket-like nest suspended from palm fronds or slender branches. Habitat loss and brood parasitism by the Shiny Cowbird are key threats. It often frequents gardens and plantations where fruiting and flowering trees are present.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season when pairs defend territories. The nest is a pendant, woven pouch placed under a frond or at the tip of a drooping branch. Outside of breeding, small family groups may forage together and sometimes join mixed-species flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, mellow whistles and fluty phrases delivered from a concealed perch. Calls include sharp chack notes and soft chatter when foraging.
Plumage
Mostly glossy black with contrasting bright yellow areas; plumage is sleek with minimal streaking. Females and immatures are duller, sometimes with browner tones and less extensive yellow.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, it consumes a mix of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates gleaned from foliage and bark. It also takes ripe fruits and berries and will sip nectar from flowers. Occasionally it probes into bromeliads or leaf clusters for hidden prey. Around human habitation it may visit fruiting trees and flowering ornamentals.
Preferred Environment
Forages primarily in the mid to upper canopy of forests, forest edges, and tall gardens. It also uses plantations with shade trees and hedgerows, especially where native trees remain. Sheltered ravines and riparian strips provide reliable feeding sites.
