The Saint Lucia oriole is a species of bird, in the family Icteridae and genus Icterus. It is endemic to Saint Lucia.
Region
Lesser Antilles (Windward Islands)
Typical Environment
Endemic to Saint Lucia, occurring in humid evergreen and montane rainforests, secondary woodland, and forest edges. It also forages in mixed plantations and tall gardens where mature native or fruiting trees are present. Nests are usually placed high in trees, including palms, where overhanging fronds provide concealment. The species favors mid- to upper-canopy strata but will descend to feed on fruiting shrubs.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Saint Lucia oriole is a striking black-and-yellow icterid found only on the island of Saint Lucia. It weaves deep, pendant cup nests from plant fibers, often suspended from palm fronds or fine branch tips. Habitat loss and suspected brood parasitism by the Shiny Cowbird have contributed to declines. It adapts to forest edges and some plantations, but remains scarce and locally distributed.
Temperament
alert and territorial in breeding season
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; slightly undulating
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, sometimes with dependent juveniles after breeding. Builds a pendant, woven cup nest high in the canopy using grasses and plant fibers. Both sexes participate in territory defense; the male often sings from exposed perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of rich, fluty whistles and warbles delivered at a relaxed pace, interspersed with chatter notes. Contact calls are sharp and metallic, used frequently while foraging in the canopy.
Plumage
Glossy black upperparts and head with contrasting rich yellow patches on the shoulder and rump; underparts show yellow to yellow-orange tones with clean contrasts. Wings lack prominent white bars; feathers appear sleek with a satiny sheen.
Diet
Takes a mix of insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark. Also consumes soft fruits such as figs and berries and will probe flowers for nectar. Occasionally visits cultivated fruit trees and feeds at the edges of plantations.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in mid- to upper-canopy of native forest, edges, and tall secondary growth. Will use gardens and orchards when large trees or flowering plants are present.
