The Philippine oriole or grey-throated oriole is a species of bird in the family Oriolidae. It is endemic to the Philippine found on Mindanao and most of the Visayan Islands.
Region
Philippine Archipelago
Typical Environment
This species inhabits lowland and foothill rainforests, forest edges, and secondary growth across parts of Mindanao and many of the Visayan Islands. It favors the midstory to upper canopy and often forages along forest margins and in disturbed habitats near plantations. While most common in intact forest, it shows some tolerance of mosaic landscapes with scattered tall trees. It is typically local to fairly common where suitable canopy cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Philippine oriole, also called the grey-throated oriole, is a canopy-dwelling songbird found only in the Philippines. It has several island-based subspecies and is often heard before seen thanks to its mellow, fluty whistles. By consuming fruits and insects, it helps both with seed dispersal and insect control in forest ecosystems.
Temperament
shy and canopy-oriented
Flight Pattern
direct flight with short, rapid wingbeats between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Breeding pairs build a neat, suspended cup nest slung from a forked branch. Both sexes are believed to participate in nest building and care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow, fluty whistles and rolling phrases, often delivered from high cover. Also gives harsh scolding calls when alarmed.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellow-olive underparts and a distinctly ashy-grey throat. Wings are darker olive with yellowish edging; tail olive with slightly brighter tips. Plumage is sleek and unpatterned overall, emphasizing the contrasting grey throat.
Diet
Takes a mix of insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and mantises gleaned from foliage and twigs. Also eats soft fruits and berries, including figs, and may sip nectar opportunistically. Foraging is deliberate, with short sallies to pick prey and careful leaf-gleaning in the canopy.
Preferred Environment
Feeds primarily in the mid- to upper canopy of forest, edges, and secondary growth. Will use tall shade trees in plantations and wooded gardens adjacent to forest.
