African Black-headed Oriole
Oriolus larvatus
A spectacular mostly golden-yellow bird with a black head and a pink-orange bill. Singles or pairs may join mixed-species flocks in coastal and riverine forest, forest edge, and moist broadleaf woodland. They tend to remain in the canopy foraging for insects, fruit, and nectar. The species often draws attention to itself with a musical, liquid “wholeuooo” call. Several other African orioles are very similar and are best told apart by range and habitat.
Identification
The black-headed oriole has a bright yellow body, contrasting black head and flesh-coloured beak. The voice is a liquid-sounding warble, accompanied by imitations and whistles.
Taxonomy
Some authorities have considered the mountain oriole to be a subspecies of the black-headed oriole. Alternate names for the black-headed oriole include the African black-headed oriole, Eastern black-headed oriole and Eastern oriole.<p>Five subspecies are recognized:
- Scientific name
- Oriolus larvatus
- Authority
- Lichtenstein, MHC, 1823
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Oriolidae
- Genus
- Oriolus
Range and habitat
It breeds in much of sub-Saharan Africa from South Sudan and Ethiopia in the north to South Africa in the south.<p>It inhabits dry tropical forests, especially acacia and broad-leaved woodlands, and dense shrubland areas, where it is more often heard than seen despite the brightness of its plumage.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The black-headed oriole forages in the canopy, feeding on small fruit as well as large insects. The young are fed mostly with caterpillars.
Conservation
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Yellow-lored Bristlebill
Bleda notatus
An unusual and colorful rainforest bulbul. The upperparts are dark olive-green and the underparts yellow. Note the bright yellow patch between the bill, the brown eye, and the yellow spots on the tail corners. Found in the understory of rainforest and lush secondary habitat. Sometimes joins mixed-species flocks and follows ant swarms. Similar to Red-tailed Bristlebill, but easily separated by the green tail and the yellow spot on the face. The calls are chirpy notes typical of bulbuls, and the song is a variable descending series of melancholy whistles.
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover
Phegornis mitchellii
Unique little shorebird, found very locally in the high Andes on bogs, lakeshores, and gravel bars in rivers and streams. Usually in pairs or family groups; does not mix with other species. Runs and bobs with a nervous gait, and feeds by probing with its weevil-like bill. Flights usually short and low, rather bounding. Despite boldly patterned plumage, it can blend in well with stony substrates. Note black head with a white diadem, a rusty nape, and fine dark barring on underparts.
Brushland Tinamou
Nothoprocta cinerascens
Small, short-necked tinamou of the chaco region of the central Southern Cone. Most often detected by voice. From similar White-bellied Nothura, with which its range partly overlaps, by gray legs and brownish belly. Tends to prefer thorn forest with dense grass or scrubby understory, but can be seen along road sides. Song a 5-8 part flat whistle, given with progressively more emphasis.
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