The Hooded Oriole, a notably large songbird, distinguishes itself with a slender, elegant build and a palette of vivid colors that captivate bird enthusiasts. Characterized by their elongated bodies, rounded tails, and slightly curved bills, these birds exhibit a unique grace among their species.

Adult male Hooded Orioles present a striking contrast with their glossy black and vibrant yellow to flame orange plumage. Their black wings and tails accentuate bold yellow to orange rumps, hoods, and bellies. A distinctive black mask extends around the eye, coupled with a black throat that flows down into a chest bib, enhancing their dramatic appearance. These males are also noted for their bright white wingbars. In contrast, females sport an olive-yellow shade with grayer backs and subtle white wingbars, while juvenile males mirror females but feature black throats.

These birds are agile foragers, often seen dangling upside down as they meticulously pick at their prey. Despite their nimble abilities, Hooded Orioles tend to move slowly through foliage, making deliberate and strong-winged flights from one tree to another, showcasing their robust flying skills.

Natural Habitat
Hooded Orioles thrive in open woodlands peppered with cottonwoods, willows, sycamores, and particularly palm trees, which provide ideal nesting sites and plentiful food sources.

Photographer: Pawankumar Tulshidas Badhe, an Indian diplomat based in Dhaka, has a diverse background in diplomacy, having had postings in Geneva and Vienna, and a special focus on human rights, disarmament, and press relations. His passion for wildlife photography and bird watching flourished during the COVID-19 lockdown. Badhe enjoys exploring nature with his wife, Kirti, and their son.