Oriolus xanthornus
The Black-hooded Oriole (Oriolus xanthornus) is a strikingly beautiful passerine bird, readily identified by its brilliant golden-yellow plumage set against a contrasting velvety black head, throat, and upper breast. Measuring 23-25 cm (9-10 inches) in length and weighing 60-80 grams, it possesses a sturdy, slightly downcurved pinkish-red bill and dark irises, making it a conspicuous sight even amidst dense foliage. Taxonomically, it belongs to the Old World Oriole family Oriolidae, a group g...
This adaptable species thrives in a diverse array of wooded habitats, including deciduous and evergreen forests, plantations, open woodlands, gardens, and urban parks, from lowlands up to approximately 1500 meters in elevation.
The Black-hooded Oriole is an omnivorous species, primarily consuming a variety of insects (e.g., caterpillars, beetles, ants), supplemented by ripe fruits, berries, and nectar. They primarily forage by gleaning and hawking within the tree canopy.
Black-hooded Orioles are predominantly arboreal, spending most of their time high in the canopy, often alone or in pairs, though they may join mixed-species foraging flocks outside the breeding season. They are diurnal, quietly roosting amidst dense foliage at night. Foraging strategies include g...
The Black-hooded Oriole exhibits a vast geographic distribution across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, primarily as a year-round resident. Its extensive breeding range spans from the sub-Himalayan regions of northern Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bhutan, eastward across Bangladesh, Myan...
Least Concern
- The Black-hooded Oriole is an Old World Oriole (family Oriolidae), not closely related to the New World Orioles (family Icteridae) found in the Americas, despite their similar striking yellow and black plumages. - Its distinctive song is a clear, fluty whistle, often described as melodic and so...