Oriolus nigripennis
The Black-winged Oriole (Oriolus nigripennis) is a strikingly beautiful passerine, instantly recognizable by its vibrant plumage and distinctive calls. Measuring approximately 20-22 cm in length, adults boast a brilliant yellow body that contrasts sharply with entirely black wings, head, and upper breast, giving rise to its descriptive common name. A prominent, sturdy red bill further enhances its unique appearance, making it relatively easy to identify even in the dense forest canopy. This s...
This species primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, often found in primary forest, secondary growth, gallery forest, and clearings. It typically occurs from sea level up to elevations of about 1,600 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming caterpillars, beetles, and other invertebrates, supplemented significantly by a variety of fruits and berries.
Black-winged Orioles are diurnal and largely arboreal, spending most of their time foraging high in the forest canopy, often alone or in pairs. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning insects and plucking fruits from foliage, sometimes hanging upside down to reach desired items. During the bree...
The Black-winged Oriole is endemic to West and Central Africa, boasting a widespread distribution across the region. Its breeding range extends from Sierra Leone and Guinea eastward through Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and Cameroon, continuing into Central African Republic...
Least Concern
- The Black-winged Oriole's vivid red bill is a striking identifier, contrasting beautifully with its black and yellow plumage. - Unlike the unrelated New World orioles, Old World orioles like this species belong to the family Oriolidae, a testament to convergent evolution in plumage. - They are ...