The PIROL, GOLDEN ORIOLE, or CHERRY BIRD (_Oriolus galbula_), is about
nine and three-quarter inches long and eighteen broad; the wing measures
about six inches, and the tail four inches. The female is a trifle
smaller than her mate. The plumage of the male is principally of a
splendid light yellow, only the bridles, wings, and tail being black; the
roots of the quills and the tips of the tail-feathers are ornamented with
a yellow spot. The colour of the female, as well as that of the one-year
old male and young birds, is green above and white beneath; the front
of the throat is of a light ash grey, marked with long greyish-black
streaks; the tail is tipped with yellow, and the wing-feathers edged with
a light border; the eyes are bright carmine, the beak a dull red, that of
the female and young being greyish black, and their feet lead colour.
In Germany this beautiful species has received the name of the
Whitsuntide Bird, from the fact that in most parts of Europe, except the
extreme north, it usually makes its appearance at that season of the
year. Central Asia, however, must be regarded as the actual habitat of
the Pirol; there, as elsewhere, it frequents wooded districts, generally
avoiding mountain tracts, and only tarrying for a short time amongst
the forests of fir or pine trees passed over in journeying to another
locality. Birch or oak trees afford it a favourite retreat, and upon
these it will establish its head-quarters, only leaving them to fly
about the gardens or orchards in the immediate neighbourhood in search
of food, and thus becoming very troublesome to the inhabitants at the
season when the cherries ripen. During the course of its migrations,
the Pirol visits the very centre of Africa; we ourselves have seen it
as far south as eleven degrees north latitude, and it is constantly met
with in the western parts of the continent. In its habits this bird is
distinguished by many peculiarities; although living in the immediate
vicinity of man, it is extremely shy, and constantly endeavours to
conceal itself from his view. In disposition it is always mild and
restless, flying and fluttering about incessantly from one tree or branch
to another, only coming down to perch upon a bush, or searching the
ground when desirous of procuring insect food. Its gait is so extremely
awkward, that it may be said to progress by means of a series of short
clumsy jumps, rather than by hopping in the usual manner. Its flight is
heavy, noisy, rapid, and, like that of the Starling, very undulating.
Amongst themselves these birds are extremely quarrelsome, often pecking
and hunting each other about for a quarter of an hour at a time upon the
slightest provocation--indeed, they exhibit a most pugnacious disposition
towards all their feathered companions. Their voice is very loud, full,
and agreeable, and they would seem never to be weary of exhibiting their
vocal powers; a pair of them is sufficient to enliven the whole wood in
which they take up their abode.
The nest, which is most artistically constructed, is usually suspended
from a forked and slender branch; in shape it is like a deep basin. The
walls are formed of blades of grass, vine-tendrils, wool, cobwebs, and a
great variety of similar materials, the interior being snugly lined with
a thick bed of wool, feathers, or fine grass; this beautiful structure is
most skilfully fastened in its place by means of long threads or twigs,
moistened with saliva from the beak of the bird, and then wound several
times round the branch, their ends being woven into the body of the nest.
Both parents assist in the formation of the outer wall of this pretty
fabric, but the female alone undertakes the preparation of the warm bed
upon which the brood are to be deposited. The eggs, five in number,
are laid about June; they are smooth, white, and marked with dark grey
or reddish spots. Passler tells us that the affection of these birds
for their young progeny is very great, and that they show considerable
courage and determination in defending their little family if any attempt
is made to touch their nest. At noon the female is relieved from her
watch by her mate, who remains upon the nest whilst she flies away
hurriedly to snatch a hasty meal from the neighbouring fields. The young
are hatched within a fortnight; they grow with great rapidity, and
moult their feathers before leaving the nest. Should a pair of Pirols be
driven from their home whilst brooding, they will at once set about their
preparation for another family, but will never recommence if disturbed
a second time. Various kinds of insects, caterpillars, butterflies, or
worms are consumed by these birds in great numbers, and they also eat
cherries and other descriptions of fruit in abundance. Notwithstanding
its usual timidity, the Pirol has been known to become so tame when caged
as to feed from its keeper's hand or mouth; and in one instance that came
under our notice, would pull its master by the hair if he omitted to pay
it the attention desired.
* * * * *
Africa and Southern Asia possess many species of Orioles; these it is
needless to enumerate, as they closely resemble those that inhabit
Europe. We find, however, in Australia another group of these birds,
which we must mention, inasmuch as they form a connecting link between
the Pirols and the Birds of Paradise.