Biology:Green oriole

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Short description: Species of bird

Green oriole
Green oriole 1128.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Oriolidae
Genus: Oriolus
Species:
O. flavocinctus
Binomial name
Oriolus flavocinctus
(King, P.P., 1826)
Synonyms
  • Mimetes flavocinctus

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

On nest, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland

Taxonomy and systematics

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

Subspecies

Six subspecies are recognised:[2]

  • O. f. migrator - Hartert, 1904: Found in eastern Lesser Sundas
  • O. f. muelleri - (Bonaparte, 1850): Originally described as a separate species. Found in south-central New Guinea
  • O. f. flavocinctus - (King, P.P., 1826): Found in northern Australia
  • O. f. tiwi - Schodde & Mason, IJ, 1999: Found on Bathurst and Melville Islands (off northern Australia)
  • O. f. flavotinctus - Schodde & Mason, IJ, 1999: Found on Cape York Peninsula (north-eastern Australia)
  • O. f. kingi - Mathews, 1912: Found in north-eastern Queensland (north-eastern Australia)

Distribution and habitat

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

Yellow oriole, Cape York Peninsula

Breeding

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

Food and feeding

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

References

Wikidata ☰ Q603910 entry