- Source: Ventriloquial oriole
The ventriloquial oriole (Oriolus consobrinus) is a species of bird in the family Oriolidae.
It is found in Southeast Asia through Borneo and on the islands of Palawan and Culion in the Philippines. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests where it is threatened by habitat loss.
The ventriloquial oriole was formerly considered to be conspecific with the dark-throated oriole (Oriolus xanthonotus).
Description and taxonomy
Ebird describes this as "A streak-breasted oriole with a rather long, lipstick-pink bill. Male is yellow with a glossy black hood and dark wings. Female is olive-green above. Both sexes have dark red eyes. Limited to northern Borneo, where has at most limited overlap with the similar Dark-throated Oriole (with which it was formerly considered conspecific). Inhabits lowland and hill forests and forest edges, typically moving in the upper levels of the forest. Sometimes found singly, sometimes in pairs or mixed flocks. Song is short but fluidly melodic, often with the last note stretched out. Gives a harsh, jay-like “chew!”.
Two subspecies are recognized:
O. c. consobrinus - Ramsay, RGW, 1880: Originally described as a separate species. Found on Borneo and offlying islets
O. c. persuasus - Bangs, 1922: Found in Palawan and Culion
Habitat and conservation status
Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest up to 500 meters.
It has been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as a least-concern species but populations are declining due to habitat loss. This species is somewhat tolerant of habitat loss but the complete conversion of forest into palm oil plantations have caused a slow decline in this species.
