Black-headed Oriole

Black-headed Oriole Kruger National Park South Africa

Southern Kruger, South Africa

This oriole inhabits dry tropical forests, particularly acacia and broad-leaved woodland, and dense shrubland areas. It is well hidden against a leafy sunlit backdrop because of, rather than despite, its bright colours and often heard rather than seen. Its song includes a rich warble accompanied by various whistles and imitative calls. It is a resident across  sub-Saharan Africa  southward from Sudan and Ethiopia and into South Africa.

Feeding

The black-headed oriole is a canopy dweller where it forages for fruit, seeds, nectar and insects. 

Breeding

Nests are a loosely woven and purse shaped, constructed out of cobwebs, lichens and twigs, which also act as camouflage.  They are located a the end of thin branches high in the canopy.  Chicks are fed mostly on caterpillars by both parents.

Wlidfile Specials
  • Black-headed orioles have very rapid digestion periods of around 5 minutes which means they are always hungry and constantly feeding!