Golden Oriole

🔍 Overview

Rare passage migrant and summer visitor; may have bred in 1965. A stunning but secretive migrant, the Golden Oriole is a rare spring overshoot in Sussex, most often detected by its flute-like song.

🪶 Key Identification Features

• Size: Blackbird-sized (24 cm)

• Male: Brilliant golden-yellow with black wings

• Female/Immature: Duller greenish-yellow

• Flight: Direct and powerful

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Uncommon in woodland edges, tall hedges, and coastal scrub like Seaford Head, Beachy Head, and Knepp Estate during May–June.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Fluted, mellow whistling song: “weela-wee-ooo.” Often stays high in the canopy.

📸 Birding Tip

Listen early morning in spring migration. Best seen when singing males pause briefly in treetops.