Oriolus hosii
The Black Oriole (Oriolus hosii) is a striking passerine endemic to the montane forests of Borneo, renowned for the adult male's entirely glossy, iridescent black plumage. This medium-sized songbird typically measures around 20-22 cm (7.9-8.7 inches) in length and weighs approximately 50-60 grams. Distinctive field marks for the male include its uniformly deep black body, contrasting sharply with the often brightly colored yellow and black oriole species. Females, in contrast, exhibit signifi...
Exclusively inhabits tropical and subtropical moist montane forests, primarily found at elevations between 1,000 and 1,700 meters, occasionally ranging down to 500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on various invertebrates gleaned from foliage, but also consumes a significant amount of fruits and berries, and occasionally nectar from flowers.
The Black Oriole is a diurnal and generally secretive species, spending most of its time foraging high in the canopy, often alone or in pairs. Its foraging strategy involves actively gleaning insects from foliage and branches, as well as plucking fruits and berries directly from trees. During the...
The Black Oriole is strictly endemic to the island of Borneo, where it is restricted to the montane regions. Its primary distribution is centered in the highlands of northern and central Sarawak, particularly around the Kelabit Highlands and Mount Mulu. Its range also extends into adjacent areas ...
Near Threatened
- The Black Oriole is one of only two oriole species entirely endemic to the island of Borneo. - Its scientific name, *Oriolus hosii*, honors Charles Hose, a British zoologist, explorer, and administrator who collected the type specimen in 1903. - Despite its striking all-black plumage, which is ...