“Attached is a set of images of the Black-necked Oriole (Oriolus chinensis) which further illustrate the difference in plumage between an adult and juveniles. Differences between the two juveniles of different age can also be seen. The differences are mainly in the underside of the body, in the nape area and the areas between the eyes and the throat.
“The image of the adult oriole (left) was taken in February last year [2009] while it was in the Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia rosea) outside one of my bedrooms. The moment it saw me, it immediately flew away. This was one of the few orioles to visit this tree regularly, but after a few more visits they stopped coming because they were wary of my presence.
“I saw the newly fledged juvenile on a retaining wall (above) while on my way out for an errand in March 2010. It was escorted on both sides by a pair of Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus). By the time I took out my camera, the myna had flown away leaving the juvenile alone calling out for its parents. Before I could get my tripod to get better shots, it too has taken off to a nearby young coconut tree. I have uploaded a short video of its call below.
The older juvenile (above) was seen in July 2010 perching on an overhead cable (rarely sight nowadays). While the streaks in the breast remained, the streaks in the nape had disappeared and the areas between the eyes and the throat were fully covered with feathers. A short video of its call can be viewed below.
Sun Chong Hong
Singapore
11th August 2010
