Black-hooded Oriole

Overview

The black-hooded oriole, Oriolus xanthornus, is a passerine bird of the oriole family found in tropical southern Asia. It is a resident breeder ranging from India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia and is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Male plumage is predominantly yellow with a solid black hood, and black present in the wings and tail centre.
• Females are drabber with greenish underparts but retain the black hood; juveniles feature dark streaking on the underparts and a non-solid black hood.
• Flight is strong and direct with shallow dips, similar to a thrush.
• The black head is a key distinction from the Indian golden oriole.

Habitat

This species inhabits open woodland and cultivation areas across tropical southern Asia. Its range extends from northern India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia, including the Malay Peninsula, Indochina, and specific islands such as the Andamans and north-eastern Borneo.

Diet

The black-hooded oriole feeds on insects and fruit, with a particular preference for figs. Foraging takes place in the tree canopies where the birds spend much of their time, utilizing techniques such as foliage-gleening, wood-gleening, and sallying.

Did you know?

A Bengali folk tale claims the bird was resurrected from a merchant's daughter who covered herself in a sooty pot and turmeric paste before her death. Consequently, the species has the local name haldi pakhi, which translates to turmeric bird.