Black-headed Oriole

Afrikaans name: Swartkopwielewaal

Black-headed Oriole in Kruger National Park

Photo © Steven Herbert

Oriolus larvatus

The Black-headed Oriole is a beautiful bird and it has a melodic call which often gives its presence away. It is not a shy bird and can be seen calling from high up in a tree. Male and female have the same colouration.

This bird may be found from South Africa through to Sudan and Ethiopia. In South Africa they are mainly found in the eastern half of the country.

The Black-headed Oriole eats fruit and insects. They prefer woodland areas including parks and gardens, as long as there are tall trees in the area.

The pair make their nest high up in a tree. It is constructed out of twigs, lichen and cob-webs.

Photo © Steven Herbert

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References and further reading

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 45

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 101

Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Year Published: 1992 - Page: 71

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 54

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 150

Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Year Published: 2004 - Page: 184

Geoff Lockwood's Garden Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Geoff Lockwood - Year Published: - Page: 96

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 412

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 478

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 472

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 304

Wild Issue 29 - Author: - Year Published: 2014 - Page: 12

List of South African Birds