Golden Oriole Distribution, Behaviour And Lifestyle

The Golden Oriole (also known as the Eurasian Oriole), is a small species of Bird found throughout Europe and western Asia. The Golden Oriole's name is thought to have arisen during the 18th century after the classical Latin word meaning gold. Although almost indistinguishable in appearance, some believe that the Golden Orioles found in Europe, are actually a separate sub-species to those found in Asia. They are also known to be the only member of the Oriole family that breeds in the more temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.

Golden Oriole Anatomy and Appearance
The male Golden Oriole is an incredibly coloured Bird, with striking yellow and jet black plumage, and fully black wings. As with many other Birds, the female of the species is more dull-looking being slightly greener in colour. Both however, are hard to spot in the canopy as they are perfectly camouflaged amongst the leaves. Golden Orioles tend to be between 20 - 24 cm in height and are often mistaken for Thrushes and even green Woodpeckers when in flight. They have dark red eyes, and a fairly thick, pink beak that is curved slightly downwards at the end.

Golden Oriole Distribution and Habitat
The Golden Oriole is predominantly found throughout Europe and western Asia but also in parts of Africa. The Golden Oriole is a summer migrant meaning that it migrates north for the cooler summer climates, and flies back south to the tropics when the winter begins to emerge. The Golden Oriole is nearly always found in well-timbered forests and woodland, along with parks, orchards and gardens. They spend the majority of their time high in the tree canopy where their distinctive plumage helps them to remain hidden from lurking predators.

Golden Oriole Behaviour and Lifestyle
Due to it's excellent camouflage amongst the leaves, and it's shy nature, the Golden Oriole is an almost impossible Bird to spot. However, it is it's unmistakable song that alerts all around to it's presence, which is said to sound very fluty and can be heard over considerable distances. Their basic calls however are often compared to the screech of a Jay, but both are used to communicate with other Golden Orioles inhabiting the surrounding forest. The Golden Oriole is a migratory and generally quite solitary Bird, but can be seen migrating, often under the cover of night, in large flocks.

Golden Oriole Reproduction and Life Cycles
The Golden Oriole breeds in the more temperate northern regions during the summer months, where courtship displays involve them chasing one another from tree to tree and through the canopy. The female Golden Oriole builds her nest, generally in the fork of a tree out of plant fibres and stems, in the shape of a shallow cup. She lays between 3 and 6 eggs which hatch after an incubation period of between 15 and 18 days, that is predominantly conducted by the female. Once hatched, both Golden Oriole parents help to feed and look after their young, which will have left their nest (fledged) within 20 days. Golden Orioles usually live to be around 9 or 10 years old.

Golden Oriole Diet and Prey
The Golden Oriole is an omnivorous animal that primarily feeds on insects, fruits and seeds high up in the tree canopy. The relatively thick, slightly curved beak of the Golden Oriole is the perfect shape for picking Insects out of holes and plucking fruits off the branches. The Golden Oriole also has wide, clawed feet which assist the Bird in holding onto the more tricky branches when it is trying to gather food. They also play a vital role in re-distributing the seeds from the fruits, throughout their native eco-systems.

Golden Oriole Predators and Threats
Despite their shy disposition, the Golden Oriole can become incredibly aggressive towards any animal that tries to go near it's nest, swooping and diving at the invader to try and intimidate it. Due to it's tree-top lifestyle, the Golden Oriole is safe from numerous predators lower down the trees, but it is still vulnerable to larger Birds such as Crows, and Birds Of Prey including Eagles, Hawks and Raptors. They are also threatened by deforestation and therefore habitat destruction in their native environments.

Golden Oriole Interesting Facts and Features
The people living in the northern parts of Europe, are known to be able to predict the start of spring with the coming of the Golden Oriole. The Golden Orioles inhabiting more western European regions, are known to migrate as far south as Namibia and South Africa when the winter begins to set in. Despite that the Golden Oriole was thought to have been properly named in the 18th century, it is thought that the Romans could have been calling them Orioles as early as the 12th century.

Golden Oriole Relationship with Humans
The Golden Oriole is an incredibly shy Bird and very hard to spot high up in the canopy. Without the use of binoculars, the greener females particularly, are commonly mistaken for Green Woodpeckers, although their flight after a time is noticeably different. Humans have however, always been awe-struck by their beautifully distinctive, floaty song. The biggest impact that Humans have on the Golden Oriole is the deforestation of their native forests, meaning that their range is quite rapidly decreasing in size as they are losing more and more of their natural habitat.

Golden Oriole Conservation Status and Life Today
The Golden Oriole has been listed as being an animal that is of Least Concern of imminent extinction in the wild, as even though their territories are shrinking, populations generally seem to be stable. The Golden Orioles found across Asia are known to be decreasing slightly in number, but it is thought that those found in Europe, actually seem to be on the rise.

Magpie Is Seen As A Symbol Of Good Luck And Good Fortune

The magpie is a small to medium sized bird that is found across the globe. The magpie is most closely related to the crow, but the magpie has highly distinguishable black and white feathers which make magpies easy to spot.

There are thought to be around 15 different species of magpie spread across Europe, Asia and parts of Australia and Africa. The magpie is generally around 50 cm long with a slightly larger wingspan, although the exact size of the magpie is dependent on the magpie species.

In China and Korea, the magpie is seen as a symbol of good luck and good fortune. In the United Kingdom however, one magpie is said top be bad luck and seeing two is good luck (one for sorrow, two for joy).

The European magpie also has the notorious reputation for taking and stashing shiny objects. It has been known for magpies to be attracted to ladies jewellery, along with plastics and even the windscreen wipers from cars. The magpie will often take the wonderful objects is has found and collect them in it's nest.

Magpies mate for life and mating partners are usually together for their entire lives. Magpies mate in the spring time when the weather begins to get warmer and build large nests in the trees. The female magpie lays up to 8 eggs (usually around 5), which are a surprisingly small size in comparison to the size of the magpie itself. The magpie chicks hatch out of their eggs after an incubation period of around 3 weeks, and the magpie chicks are normally able to fly when they are between 3 and 4 weeks old.

Magpies are noted to be highly intelligent birds and are often able to sense approaching danger relatively quickly. Magpies are known to be dominant and curious birds but are relatively secretive when they feel they are in danger. Magpies are also known to mimic the calls of other birds and have fully taken advantage of new food sources created by the presence of humans.

Despite their large wings, magpies are not particularly keen on long flights and tend to stay close to cover. Magpies hide in trees and thick bushes to hide from predators and to catch their prey.

Magpies are omnivorous birds and eat a range of fruits, nuts, seeds, insects, eggs and small mammals and reptiles. Magpies have a number of predators within their natural environment including dogs, foxes and cats.

Talking Bird Parrot

The King’s flight call is a scratchy brassy ‘Chack! Chack!’ and only the male lets out a long drawn out ringing ‘creee’ or sweee’. Both the male and female let out a harsh screeching alarm call if predators are around or if they get a scare. These are shrill double notes and a high pitched shriek. Despite this, these parrots are not noisy and can be peacefully kept in a suburban backyard. This is in stark contrast to other similarly sized parrots, particularly those from South America.

As well as their unmarked bright scarlet red head and body, a particular feature that I look for in a King Parrot are the “zeds” (iridescent light green stripes) that appear on their wings. These provide a great contrast in the wing colour and I endeavour to obtain and breed Kings that display this attractive marking larger than normal. These “zeds” are most prevalent in the cock bird, however, a number of my hens also show this striking feature. Another aspect of the King’s appearance is that some have a flatter shaped head than the more rounded head which is much more appealing to the eye.

Parrot Jungle Island in Miami was the brain child of Franz Scherr. Scherr moved to America from Austria in 1911 and worked as a carpenter throughout the country. He always loved nature and when the opportunity to move to Homestead, Florida during the land boom of the 1920’s came along he and his family moved and began living off the land. Eventually Franz bought a feed and supply store and he began to collect a few birds in the store. He grew to love the friendly nature of the birds and an idea was born.

The birds are obviously the biggest draw to Parrot Jungle Island but it’s not just parrots anymore. One of the most unexpected creatures that you’ll see at Parrot Jungle Island are the African Penguins. These cute little guys are not cold weather birds and are incredible swimmers and divers. In addition to the African Penguins you’ll also see Blue and Gold Macaws, Black Palm Cockatoos, Double-Wattled Cassowaries, Chinese Silky Chickens, Eclectus Parrots, Emus, Caribbean Flamingos, Hyacinth Macaws, Lories, Sarus Cranes, Scarlet Macaws, Yellow-Naped Amazons, King Vultures, Great Horned Owls, Andean Condors and more. There are food dispensers throughout the park and most of the birds enjoy being fed by visitors. Make sure to stop and take advantage of this opportunity.

In keeping with Franz Scherr’s love of all nature the park doesn’t only feature birds, the native and imported plants are an important part of the experience in the park. One of the more interesting plants on the island is the Sausage Tree, its fruit looks a lot like really big sausages hanging down by strings. The fruit is woody and not good to eat but it can be used to ferment beer, cure snake bites and some skin problems. In addition to seeing the Sausage Tree you’ll get to see Bo Trees, Cycads, Coconut Palms, Red Bougainvillea, Calabash Trees, Bromeliads, Bananas, Crotons, Banyan Trees, Platycerium, and Crodia Lutea among many, many more.

But Parrot Jungle Island is more than a walk in the wild, the park has grown and now serves a variety of different age groups, interests and activity levels. La Playa is a private beach at Jungle Island that is open to guests to the park. Relax on the beach or play in Biscayne Bay. Let your kids go wild on the water slides, bouncy house and swim area. Or enjoy a tropical drink and snack from the snack bar. One thing to remember is that La Playa requires footwear at all times, so if you don’t have aquatic shoes you’ll need to pick up a pair at the Island treasures and Gifts Shop.

Believe it or not, that is not all the Parrot Jungle Island has to offer. In addition to the incredible birds, the beautiful flora and the private beach at La Playa there are a number of exhibits and events that are open to visitors and happen throughout the day.
Tiger tales is a brief 10 minute instruction and discussion on the proper care and handling of the exotic tigers on the island, led by a trained professional who works with these magnificent creatures daily.

The Magpie Is Most Closely Related To The Crow

The magpie is a small to medium sized bird that is found across the globe. The magpie is most closely related to the crow, but the magpie has highly distinguishable black and white feathers which make magpies easy to spot.

There are thought to be around 15 different species of magpie spread across Europe, Asia and parts of Australia and Africa. The magpie is generally around 50 cm long with a slightly larger wingspan, although the exact size of the magpie is dependent on the magpie species.

In China and Korea, the magpie is seen as a symbol of good luck and good fortune. In the United Kingdom however, one magpie is said top be bad luck and seeing two is good luck (one for sorrow, two for joy).
The European magpie also has the notorious reputation for taking and stashing shiny objects. It has been known for magpies to be attracted to ladies jewellery, along with plastics and even the windscreen wipers from cars. The magpie will often take the wonderful objects is has found and collect them in it's nest.

Magpies mate for life and mating partners are usually together for their entire lives. Magpies mate in the spring time when the weather begins to get warmer and build large nests in the trees. The female magpie lays up to 8 eggs (usually around 5), which are a surprisingly small size in comparison to the size of the magpie itself. The magpie chicks hatch out of their eggs after an incubation period of around 3 weeks, and the magpie chicks are normally able to fly when they are between 3 and 4 weeks old.

Magpies are noted to be highly intelligent birds and are often able to sense approaching danger relatively quickly. Magpies are known to be dominant and curious birds but are relatively secretive when they feel they are in danger. Magpies are also known to mimic the calls of other birds and have fully taken advantage of new food sources created by the presence of humans.

Despite their large wings, magpies are not particularly keen on long flights and tend to stay close to cover. Magpies hide in trees and thick bushes to hide from predators and to catch their prey.

Magpies are omnivorous birds and eat a range of fruits, nuts, seeds, insects, eggs and small mammals and reptiles. Magpies have a number of predators within their natural environment including dogs, foxes and cats.