Orioles Oriolidae (1)

(Banner Photos: Golden Oriole by Mike Grimes)

Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus oriolus
Very scarce spring migrant, rare in autumn.
79 county records involving 107 birds up to the end of 2013.

Birds have been seen at the following locations: Ballycotton, Barnabrow (Cloyne), Between Midleton and Castlemartyr, Cahermore, Cape Clear Island (majority of the records), Carrigaline, Castlemartyr Wood, Dursey Island, Friendly Cove, Bantry, Garinish (West Beara), Inchydoney, Knockadoon Head, Marathon Gas Platform (off Cork Harbour), Marsh Lane ( Galley Head), Mizen Head, Near Allihies, near Bandon, near Bantry, near Castlemartyr, near Clonakilty, near Dunmanway, near Goleen, near Roscarberry, near Whitegate, Near Youghal, Old Head of Kinsale, Oysterhaven, Kinsale, Skibbereen.

Usually seen singly or in very small numbers though a single record of up to 14 on Cape Clear Island in May 1994 was exceptional. Of those aged most were females or immature males.

Recorded in April, May, June, September and October with the majority of records in May.

Distribution: a widespread summer visitor to much of Europe, which accounts
for less than half of its global breeding range. (Birdlife International)