GOLDEN ORIOLE
The golden oriole is a Summer visitor here. They breed on Kefalonia and fly back to central and Southern Africa in the Winter. They are 220 to 250mm long, being slightly smaller than a blackbird. The adult male is unmistakable and very striking with bright yellow plumage, black tail and wings and a reddish bill. The female is a drabber greeny-yellow with a pale chin, breast and belly, prominently streaked. Juveniles are similar in appearance to the females.
Golden orioles prefer tall deciduous forests, especially for breeding and can be seen (occasionally), in the tree canopy. They can also be found in agricultural areas with deciduous copses, near rivers and lakes. The nest is located high in the canopy, suspended in a branch fork, like a Walt Disney cartoon. The nest is built by the female, although the male may help with some of the materials. A clutch of 3 to 5 eggs is laid early in the morning and are mostly incubated by the female. The young fledge after 2 weeks. Golden orioles feed on berries and insects, using their bills to pick insects out of crevices.
