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Olive-backed OrioleAlternative names: "Green Thrush", "Cedar Pigeon" |
Sightings
Olive-backed Orioles occasionally came to our place, south of Narrabri, New South Wales in 2004-2006. They are shy, staying in the tops of trees most of the time, and might remain 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 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.
Photos
Frontal view of an adult Olive-backed Oriole (click on image for larger version)
Lateral view of the same bird as above (click on image for larger version)
Here the back of the same bird as above (click on image for larger version)
Lateral view of an Olive-backed Oriole siding up with a Little Friarbird (click on image for larger version)
Frontal view of an immature Olive-backed Oriole hunting insects in a pine tree (click on image for larger version)
Lateral view of an immature Olive-backed Oriole on our lawn (click on image for larger version)
Lateral view of an immature Olive-backed Oriole drinking from one of our water bowls (click on image for larger version)
Rear view of an immature Olive-backed Oriole (click on image for full-size display)
Here a different posture (click on image for full-size display)
Fledgling Olive-backed Oriole begging for food
Here is one of the parents with a berry... (click on image for larger version)
... and in she goes! (click on image for larger version)
Habits
For reasons unknown we have seen an adult Olive-backed Oriole chase a family of Australian King-Parrots, which is unusual, because parrots do not pose a threat to the chicks of other species.