Oriole

Oriole (haldey pakhi) medium-sized arboreal birds with powerful pointed bills. These birds belong to the family Corvidae, order Passeriformes. They have rich bubbling calls, and prefer to forage in topmost dense foliage. There are about 30 species of orioles worldwide.

Bangladesh has two species Beney Bou (Eurasian Golden Oriole, Oriolus oriolus) and Holdey Pakhi (Black-headed Oriole, Oriolus xanthornus). Beney Bou has golden yellow body and black wings and tail. There is a conspicuous black streak through the eye. Female is duller and greener than the male.

Its call is a harsh cheeah, and whistles are like peelolo. Feeds on insects, fruits, and also flower nectar. Nesting season is from April to July. Eggs are 2-3. Both sexes share all domestic duties. Holdey Pakhi has bright golden yellow body, black head, throat and upper breast and black wings and tail. Bill is pink and eyes are crimson coloured. Sexes look alike, but black of head is duller in female. Call is like a harsh nasal kwaak. April to July is the breeding season. [Md Anwarul Islam]