The golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus) is a striking songbird best known for its bright yellow plumage and melodious song. This shy bird is rarely seen in the Netherlands and Belgium, but all the better to hear. The male has a bright yellow colour with black wings and tail, while the female is somewhat greener in hue, making her less conspicuous in the foliage.
Orioles breed mainly in deciduous forests, parks and large gardens with tall trees. They are summer visitors: they stay in Europe from late April to August, then migrate to tropical Africa to spend the winter. Their call sounds like a whistling "djula-djulee", a sound often described as exotic and distant-sounding.
Despite their bright colours, orioles are difficult to spot. They keep themselves high in the trees and usually remain well hidden. Due to their preference for old deciduous forest and changes in the landscape, such as deforestation and urbanisation, their numbers have declined in some areas.
The golden oriole is a special sight that adds to the magic of a summer morning in the forest. Those lucky enough to see or hear one are experiencing a rare moment in nature.
Hello, nice that you take a look in my shop. So my name is Gert Hilbink, living in Coevorden. I have been doing photography since I was 13, inspired by a biology teacher at the then U.L.O. school in Coevorden. Generally I mainly photograph nature but actually.. Read more…