Asian Blackheaded Oriole (Oriolus xanthornus)

India is blessed with a diverse array of birds, known for their striking forms and colors, lively movements, and melodious songs. The vast subcontinent, with its varied climatic conditions and geographical features, provides suitable habitats for numerous feathered species. The four postage stamps featuring Indian birds released in 1968 were widely appreciated both in India and abroad. The Posts and Telegraphs Department is pleased to introduce another series of four stamps showcasing Indian birds.

Blackheaded Oriole (Oriolus Xanthornus): This stunning bird, about the size of a thrush, boasts brilliant golden yellow and black plumage. The male and female look quite similar, though the female’s upper plumage has a greenish tinge. Found almost everywhere in India, the oriole frequents open forests, tree groves around villages, dense vegetation, and even well-wooded urban gardens. They create a charming scene as they move through green foliage or dart between trees, their brilliant plumage flashing gold in the sunlight. Typically silent during the winter, their mellow, fluty calls become more frequent with the arrival of warm weather, which marks the nesting season. Their diet mainly consists of fruits, insects, and flower nectar.