Kingdom Animalia Class Aves Family Oriolidae Scientific name Oriolus larvatus | Phylum Chordata Order Passeriformes Genus Oriolus Rank Species | |
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Similar Old World oriole, Fork‑tailed drongo, Lesser striped swallow, Southern boubou, Red‑eyed dove | ||
Black headed oriole
The black-headed oriole (Oriolus larvatus) is a species of bird in the family Oriolidae. It is found in Africa and has a very striking appearance with a bright yellow body, contrasting black head and flesh-coloured beak.
Contents
- Black headed oriole
- Taxonomy and systematics
- Subspecies
- Description
- Distribution and habitat
- Behaviour and ecology
- References
Black headed oriole
Taxonomy and systematics
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.
Subspecies
Five subspecies are recognized:
Description
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.
Distribution and habitat
It breeds in much of sub-Saharan Africa from South Sudan and Ethiopia in the north to South Africa in the south.
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.
Behaviour and ecology
The black-headed oriole forages in the canopy, feeding on small fruit as well as large insects. The young are fed mostly with caterpillars.