Green oriole


The green oriole or Australasian yellow oriole, is an inconspicuous inhabitant of lush tropical vegetation throughout Australia and New Guinea.

Taxonomy and systematics

Alternate names for the green oriole include the Australian yellow oriole, yellow oriole and yellow-bellied oriole.

Subspecies

Six subspecies are recognized:
They are often difficult to locate, as their yellow-green plumage blends with the foliage and only their deep bubbling musical calls can be heard. They are nevertheless common in suitable habitat: rainforests, mangroves, thickets along watercourses, swamps, and lush gardens.

Behaviour and ecology

Breeding

Breeding takes place during the wet season. A neat, deep cup is constructed from strips of bark and vines, lined with rootlets, and slung between leafy branches, usually 5 to 15 metres up. They typically lay 2 eggs.

Food and feeding

Green orioles forage slowly and methodically through the mid and upper strata of dense forests, taking fruit in the main. Typically alone or in pairs, they sometimes form small flocks in the non-breeding season.