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Olive-backed OrioleAlternative names: "Green Thrush", "Cedar Pigeon" Size: 25-28 cm |
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Habitat |
(for details refer to a field guide) |
Olive-backed Orioles are found in south-eastern, eastern and northern Australia. Race "sagittatus" ranges from about Adelaide in SA, via all of VIC and NSW, into most of QLD, with the exception of Cape York, where race "magnirostris" is found. From the Kimberleys via the top end of the NT and along the southern end of the Gulf of Carpentaria one finds race "affinis".
Olive-backed Orioles can be found in various types of forest and open woodland.
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Sightings |
Olive-backed Orioles occasionally came to our place, south of Narrabri, NSW, in 2004-2006. They were shy, staying in the tops of trees most of the time, and might have remained unnoticed if it wasn't for their calling. Seen by us on the edge of the Pilliga scrub only outside the hottest part of the year, for the first time in 2004. More sightings followed in 2005 and August and November 2006. Seen in other parts of the Pilliga scrub in subsequent years.
Seen semi-regularly in the western foothills of the Nandewar Range, 20-30 km east of Narrabri, NSW. During the winter of 2009 about 10 birds came to our place, mostly for water and the fruit of a Californian Peppertree.
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Photos |
Frontal view of an adult Olive-backed Oriole
This one is checking out the photographer
Lateral view of the same bird as above
Here the back of the same bird as above
This photo, taken in better light conditions, shows clearly
how this bird species got its name
Frontal view of an Olive-backed Oriole calling
Lateral view of an Olive-backed Oriole siding up with a
Little Friarbird
Close-up frontal view of an immature Olive-backed Oriole
Lateral view of an immature Olive-backed Oriole on our lawn
Lateral view of an immature Olive-backed Oriole drinking
from one of our water bowls
Rear view of an immature Olive-backed Oriole
Here a different posture
Fledgling Olive-backed Oriole begging for food
Here is one of the parents with a berry...
... and in she goes!
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Behaviour |
| Social behaviour: ? | Mobility: Sedentary in N; migratory in far SE | Elementary unit: Solitary/pair/family clan |
We have seen an adult Olive-backed Oriole chase a family of Australian King-Parrots, which is a sign of possible food competition.
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Food |
Olive-backed Orioles feed on native figs and other fruit (see also photos above, of adult birds feeding chicks).
Here an immature bird seen in a mulberry tree
This photo, although unsharp, shows what the bird was after
