Indian Golden Oriole

A canopy-dwelling songbird of open woodland, groves, and orchards across the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia, more often heard than seen — listen for its fluid, whistling call from tall leafy trees. Males show unmistakable golden-yellow plumage with black wings, though they tend to stay high and move restlessly between branches. Spring and early summer, during the breeding season, offer the best chance of prolonged views as birds sing from exposed perches; winter visitors to peninsular India are quieter and more secretive.