The oriole warbler is a large warbler in the family Cisticolidae, and the only member of the genus Hypergerus. This bird is a resident breeder in west Africa from southern Senegal to Cameroon.
Region
West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Senegal through Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and into western Cameroon. It inhabits dense thickets, gallery forests, riverine scrub, mangroves, forest edges, and secondary growth. The species favors tangled vegetation near water, including liana-rich understorey and bushy clearings. It is typically found in lowland areas but may range into foothills where suitable cover persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The oriole warbler is the sole member of the genus Hypergerus, notable for its striking black head and bright yellow body that evoke the colors of true orioles. Pairs perform loud antiphonal duets, answering each other rapidly from dense vegetation. It is a shy skulker that keeps low in thickets and along riverine tangles, often flicking its long tail. Despite its secretive habits, it is common within suitable habitats across West Africa.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, fluttering flights between dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups within well-defined territories. Monogamous pairs maintain contact with antiphonal duets and move together through thickets. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation near water, with both sexes participating in territory defense and vocal duets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing whistles delivered as rapid antiphonal duets between male and female, with tightly timed phrases. Calls include sharp chipping notes and clear, fluty sequences that carry well through dense vegetation.
