Imagine a bird dressed in sunshine! Its sleek body is draped in a coat of vibrant black, except for its belly and rump, which burst forth in a sunny yellow. This bold contrast is like a splash of light in the lush green forests it calls home. Unlike some orioles, the Montserrat oriole doesn’t have a fancy head of feathers – its brow is smooth, highlighting its bright and curious eyes. Males, however, have a secret trick up their wings – a patch of bare skin below their tail turns a bright, pale blue during breeding season!

These orioles are social butterflies, flitting through the forest in small groups of up to ten. They’re a talkative bunch, using a variety of whistles and calls to chat with each other. They have special alerts to warn their friends about dangers, with different calls for different threats! Imagine having a unique whistle for a sneaky snake and a sharp chirp for a soaring hawk – that’s how sophisticated these feathered communicators are.

The Montserrat oriole isn’t picky about its meals. It’s always on the lookout for a tasty treat, whether it’s juicy fruits, plump insects, or even the occasional lizard egg. Its sharp beaks and strong feet make it an excellent climber, allowing it to reach the ripest fruits at the very tips of branches. It’s not afraid to get down and dirty, either, digging through the forest floor for hidden treasures like grubs and worms.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Montserrat

250-460

Official estimate

VU

2016