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Maroon oriole facts for kids

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Maroon oriole
Maroon oriole - Bird from Nepal by Krishna (107) - cropped.jpg
O. t. traillii (Nepal)
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Oriolus
Species:
traillii
Synonyms
  • Pastor Traillii

The maroon oriole (Oriolus traillii) is a beautiful bird. It lives in parts of Southeast Asia. This bird is known for its striking maroon and black feathers. It belongs to the Oriolidae family, which includes many colorful orioles.

About the Maroon Oriole Family

The maroon oriole was first described in 1832. It belongs to a special group of orioles. These birds are mostly red and black. Other birds in this group include the black oriole and the silver oriole.

There are four main types, or subspecies, of the maroon oriole:

  • O. t. traillii – This type lives from the Himalayas to southern China. You can also find it in northern Indochina and northern Thailand.
  • O. t. ardens – This type lives in Taiwan.
  • O. t. nigellicauda – This type lives on Hainan island.
  • O. t. robinsoni – This type lives in southern Indochina.

What Does the Maroon Oriole Look Like?

Maroon Oriole 0917
A maroon oriole with its striking colors.

The maroon oriole has beautiful maroon and black feathers. Its head, neck, and wings are black. It has a beak that looks a bit bluish.

Female maroon orioles have slightly darker bodies. Young birds, called juveniles, have lighter bodies. Adult males are shiny crimson-maroon. Their tails are a chestnut-maroon color.

The colors can change a bit depending on where the bird lives. Birds in the Indian Subcontinent have duller colors. Those in Southeast Asia have brighter, more reddish colors.

Where Do Maroon Orioles Live?

The maroon oriole lives in many countries. You can find it in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Cambodia. It also lives in India, Laos, and Myanmar. Other places include Nepal, Taiwan, Tibet, and Vietnam.

In India, it lives from Himachal Pradesh to Arunachal Pradesh. It also lives in the hills of Manipur.

This bird's natural habitat is warm, wet lowland forests. It likes places with lots of trees and moisture.

Maroon Oriole Life and Habits

The maroon oriole usually lives alone or in pairs. They are often seen flying together.

Reproduction and Nesting

The nesting season for these birds is from April to May. They build a deep, strong nest. The nest is made of plant fibers. They use spiderwebs to hold it all together. Both the male and female birds help with raising their young. They share all the parenting duties.

What Do Maroon Orioles Eat?

The maroon oriole has a varied diet. It eats wild figs and different kinds of berries. It also enjoys eating insects. Sometimes, it drinks nectar from flowers.

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