Wild Side: Catching up with city’s biodiversity

The Indian Golden Oriole (Oriolus Kundoo) was once thought to be a subspecies of the Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus), but is now considered to be a full species.

Most Mumbaikars would have heard the Indian Golden Oriole’s flute-like call, even if they haven’t seen the bird. Its melodious song is as unmistakable as its black and bright yellow plumage. Called Haladya in Marathi and Peelak in Hindi, this bird is found across the country. However, its numbers can’t be stated with any certainty and it is categorised as a species of ‘least concern’.

It is one of the more common birds found in Mumbai too. However because of its shy nature, it is rarely spotted, except by bird watchers. This is especially true of the greener females who are well-camouflaged by the canopy. However, if one keeps a close watch on trees like banyan or peepal, there is a good chance of spotting one of these lovely birds as they hop around, looking for a juicy meal of fruits, berries or insects.

The Indian Golden Oriole (Oriolus Kundoo) was once thought to be a subspecies of the Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus), but is now considered to be a full species. Although very similar, the two species can be told apart by a few key differences. One of the most striking differences is that the black eye stripe of the male Indian Golden Oriole extends behind the eye, unlike that of his Eurasian cousin. The Indian species is a partial migrant, and those that reside in the northern parts of the country move to the more salubrious south during winter.

According to Raju Kasambe of the BNHS IBA (Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas) team, the Indian Golden Oriole has adapted remarkably well to Mumbai’s urbanisation.

“This is mainly because it’s a canopy bird that lives almost its whole life on fruit trees like peepal, banyan and cluster fig trees. These are all trees that are abundantly found in Mumbai,” said Kasambe. Given its diet, it plays a vital role in the re-distribution of seeds from the fruits of these trees.

The nest of the Indian Golden Oriole is a tightly woven, deep cup that fits snugly into the forks of trees. It usually builds its nest close to that of a Black Drongo. The latter being a much more combative bird, furiously defends its nest even from crows and predators like shikras and offers a general protection to all the small, less aggressive birds nesting in its vicinity. As such, the Oriole remains safe from predators as long as it is high up in the canopy. The only real danger it faces is the destruction of its habitat by humans.

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Pooja Pillai

Pooja Pillai is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, working with the National Editorial and Opinion section. Her work frequently explores the intersection of society, culture and technology. Editorial Focus & Expertise Pooja’s writing spans several key domains, often blending analytical commentary with cultural critique. Art & Culture: She writes extensively on cinema, books, and the evolving landscape of arts and entertainment. Technology & Society: Her work examines the human impact of the gig economy, the rise of AI in creative fields, and the cultural shifts driven by digital platforms. Food & Lifestyle: She often uses food as a lens to explore history and politics, covering everything from the origins of pantry essentials to the impact of nutrition policy. Politics: She closely tracks political developments in South and West India and provides commentary on international political transitions, including the shifting landscape of American politics. Multimedia & Podcasting Pooja is a prominent voice in the Indian Express’s digital ecosystem. She is the host of 'DeshKaal with Yogendra Yadav', weekly video podcast where she facilitates deep-dive conversations on Indian democracy, social movements, and current political affairs. Notable Recent Works Cinema & Identity: “SRK@60: Why Shah Rukh Khan is Bollywood's last, and only, superstar” – an analysis of stardom and the changing face of Indian identity Global Politics: Commentary on the Trump administration’s misguided “war on woke culture” via typography and analysis of the visual semiotics of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attire during successive visits to the White House. Art & AI: “An unequal music: AI is lowering barriers at the cost of music itself” – a critique of how technology is redefining artistic value. Professional Presence Pooja is active on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where she shares her latest columns and editorial insights. Her full archive and latest updates can be found on her Indian Express Author Profile. ... Read More

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bio-diversity