The oriole finch is a small passerine bird in the finch family. It is found in Africa and is native to Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. It lives in subtropical or tropical moist evergreen montane forests.
Region
Central and East Africa
Typical Environment
This species occupies subtropical and tropical moist evergreen montane forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It is found from the Cameroon highlands across the Albertine Rift to the Eastern Arc and Southern Rift mountains. It frequents clearings, treefall gaps, bamboo stands, and shrubby edges, often near streams. Birds may descend slightly in the dry season to forage but remain tied to wooded habitats.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The oriole finch is the sole member of the genus Linurgus and is named for the male’s striking black-and-yellow, oriole-like coloration. It inhabits high-elevation African montane forests and forest edges, where it forages quietly in small groups. Females are more subdued olive-green, offering excellent camouflage in dense foliage.
Linurgus olivaceus (female)
Temperament
shy and somewhat retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family parties, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Nests are placed in shrubs or small trees within dense vegetation. Likely socially monogamous with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, sweet series of twitters and trills, interspersed with thin sibilant notes. Calls are quiet contact chips given while foraging in cover.
