Aegithina lafresnayei
The Great Iora (Aegithina lafresnayei) is a strikingly vibrant passerine, typically measuring 14-16 cm in length and weighing around 12-18 grams. Males are particularly resplendent, sporting a glossy black cap, mantle, and back, contrasting sharply with bright yellow underparts and rump. A key identifying feature for both sexes is the prominent double white wing-bars, often bordered by black, against black flight feathers. Females exhibit a more subdued, olive-green upperpart, often with a gr...
Predominantly inhabits lowland to submontane evergreen and mixed deciduous forests, frequently found along forest edges, plantations, and secondary growth up to elevations of about 1,000-1,200 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates such as caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other small insects gleaned from foliage.
Great Ioras are diurnal and highly active, typically foraging during the day and roosting solitarily or in pairs amongst dense foliage at night. Their foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning insects from leaves and twigs in the mid to upper canopy, often performing quick, acrobatic hops and...
The Great Iora is primarily distributed across the Indochinese region of Southeast Asia. Its breeding range extends from eastern Myanmar, southern China (Yunnan), and much of Thailand, south through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and into Peninsular Malaysia. It is a resident species throughout its...
Least Concern
- The name "Iora" is thought to be onomatopoeic, mimicking their distinctive, whistling calls. - Great Ioras perform an elaborate "parachute display" during courtship, where the male fluffs his bright yellow rump feathers and descends slowly with stiff wings. - Unlike many passerines, Ioras belon...