2025-10-08 · Indian Golden Oriole (Vellore)
Story
Thunder rolled in the evening and the light faded early. I took a new path to clear my mind and the trees answered with happy chirrs all around. On one branch sat two bright males, and above them a calm female, preening. The scene felt serene and musical. Even in the low light I tried to record that joy—this frame is one of those soft moments that stayed with me.
Field Guide
• Common / Scientific: Indian Golden Oriole — Oriolus kundoo (male)
• Location / Date: Vellore, Tamil Nadu — Oct 2025
• ID notes: male rich golden-yellow; bold black eye-stripe; black wings with yellow panel; pinkish bill
• Behavior: perches high in canopy; fluid, fluty calls; forages for caterpillars, figs, and berries
• Habitat / Range: groves, woodland edges, orchards, riverside trees; widespread across much of India
• Breeding: neat pensile cup nest slung between forked twigs; both sexes feed young
• Look-alike tip: vs. Black-hooded Oriole—golden oriole has only a black eye-stripe (not a full hood)
• Location / Date: Vellore, Tamil Nadu — Oct 2025
• ID notes: male rich golden-yellow; bold black eye-stripe; black wings with yellow panel; pinkish bill
• Behavior: perches high in canopy; fluid, fluty calls; forages for caterpillars, figs, and berries
• Habitat / Range: groves, woodland edges, orchards, riverside trees; widespread across much of India
• Breeding: neat pensile cup nest slung between forked twigs; both sexes feed young
• Look-alike tip: vs. Black-hooded Oriole—golden oriole has only a black eye-stripe (not a full hood)
Tech / Notes
1/100 · f/6.3 · ISO 12800 · 800 mm · Monopod
Low light with thunderclouds; aimed to keep noise under control; helped by noise-reduction software. Ethics: no baiting/playback; quiet approach and limited frames.
Low light with thunderclouds; aimed to keep noise under control; helped by noise-reduction software. Ethics: no baiting/playback; quiet approach and limited frames.
