The Timor oriole is a species of bird in the family Oriolidae. It is endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands, where it is found on Timor, Rote and Semau. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on Timor, Rote, and Semau, favoring subtropical and tropical dry forests, monsoon woodlands, and mangrove edges. It also uses secondary growth, forest edge, and wooded gardens near villages. Most activity is in the mid- to upper canopy, where it moves methodically through foliage. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but is most numerous in more intact woodland. In mangroves it often forages along the inner margins and adjacent scrub.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A canopy-dwelling oriole with a distinctive dark ear patch, it is confined to Timor, Rote, and Semau in the Lesser Sundas. It forages quietly through dry forest and mangroves, often giving mellow, fluty whistles. Like many orioles, it weaves a neat, hanging cup nest suspended from a forked twig.
Temperament
quiet and somewhat shy, usually in pairs
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with steady wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks in fruiting trees. Pairs maintain small territories during the breeding season. The species builds a suspended cup nest bound with plant fibers and spider silk, usually well hidden in the outer canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of mellow, fluty whistles delivered at a relaxed pace, often from mid-canopy perches. Calls include soft chucks and harsher scolds when disturbed.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with paler, yellow-washed underparts and a contrasting dark ear patch. Wings and tail are darker with dull yellow-olive edgings; undertail coverts often brighter yellow. The bill is stout and slightly decurved; plumage lacks bold streaking.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of fruits (especially figs and other soft berries), nectar, and a variety of insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and orthopterans. It gleans from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies to snatch flying insects. In fruiting trees it may feed methodically for extended periods.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in mid to upper canopy of dry forest, monsoon woodland, and mangroves. Also visits fruiting trees in secondary growth and village gardens along forest edges.
