ORIOLID^. 125 
Family OriolidjE. 
174. Oriolus galbula, Linn. The Golden Oriole. 
Moorish. Tair es sfar (Yellow bird). Spanish. Oropendola. 
According to Favier the Golden Oriole " crosses the Straits 
in great numbers during April and May, returning in July, 
August, and September." These dates much agree with my 
own observations on the Spanish side, I having first seen 
them in 1869 on the 21st, in 1870 on the 18th, in 1871 on 
the 4th (one only), and in 1872 on the 11th of April : many 
passed on the 16th in that year. The spring migration lasts 
up to the 14th or 15th of May. Some few pairs remain to 
breed in the vicinity of Gibraltar; but the majority pass 
further north and resort to fruit-producing districts, where 
they get the credit of doing much damage to cherries, mul- 
berries, &c. 
Almost entirely a fruit-eating bird, those who have kept 
them alive informed me that they could not preserve them 
through the winter — nor, indeed, longer than fruit was to be 
obtained. 
When the loquats were ripe in my garden at Gib- 
raltar in May 1870, the male Golden Orioles remained 
about as long as the loquats lasted, but would not admit of 
much observation, as they are very shy and difficult to 
watch. They are more often heard than seen ; and I have 
spent hours in trying to get a shot as they skulked in the 
thickest foliage of tall trees, continually piping their flute-like 
note. 
Some are always to be heard during May near the Mill 
and the " Second Venta " in the Cork-wood ; and a pair 
usually frequented the lower part of the First Pine-wood. 
I found one nest in the middle of May, built at the 
very extremity of a bough at the top of a high oak tree ; 
but it was impossible to obtain it without cutting the 
branch off. 
The young male Golden Oriole resembles the females in 
its more sombre greenish plumage. 
