The mountain oriole is a bird species in the family Oriolidae. It is native to the Albertine Rift montane forests, Uganda and Kenya. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
East African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in moist montane forests of the Albertine Rift and adjacent highlands, including western Uganda and neighboring mountains, and east to the highlands of Kenya. It favors mature evergreen forest, forest edge, bamboo belts, and well-wooded secondary growth. Birds are typically found in the mid to upper canopy but may descend to fruiting shrubs at forest margins. Local elevational movements can occur following fruiting cycles.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This canopy-dwelling oriole is more often heard than seen, giving mellow, fluty whistles that carry through montane forests. It frequently follows fruiting trees, especially figs, and may move locally with food availability. Because it favors intact montane forest, it can be sensitive to habitat degradation and fragmentation.
Temperament
shy and canopy-oriented
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct flight and short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are typically deep, suspended cups slung in forked branches high in trees. Both sexes are thought to participate in nest building and care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, fluty whistles and mellow phrases, often delivered from concealed perches high in the canopy. Calls include clear, whistled notes and soft chattering when in small groups.
Plumage
Mostly olive-yellow to yellow-olive body with darker dusky-olive wings and a contrasting darker tail; subtle pale edging on wing feathers can form a faint panel. The head may appear slightly duskier than the back, giving a muted hooded effect. Underparts are cleaner yellow-olive, sometimes brighter on the belly.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of fruits and invertebrates. Frequently visits fruiting trees such as figs and will also pick berries from forest edges. Gleans caterpillars, beetles, and other insects from leaves and twigs and may sally short distances to catch flying prey. Occasionally probes into clusters of leaves or epiphytes for hidden insects.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid to upper canopy of moist montane forest, but also at forest edges and in well-wooded clearings. Fruiting trees are key foraging sites, and birds may move locally to track food availability.
