GOLDEN ORIOLE . — Oridlus gdlbula. 
The Golden Oriole is sometimes, but rarely, seen in England. It derives its 
name from the golden yellow of its body, which contrasts so well with the jet 
black of its wings. 
In Italy, this bird is quite common, and by the peasantry is supposed to 
announce the ripening of the fig, its peculiar cry being translated into a choice 
Italian sentence, signifying that the fruits have attained maturity. It is rather 
gregarious in its habits, generally associating in little flocks, and frequenting 
lofty trees and orchards, where it can obtain abundance of food. 
It is an exceedingly shy bird, keeping carefully from man and his home, and 
only venturing into cultivated grounds for the sake of obtaining food. Even in 
such cases it is extremely cautious in its behaviour, and as it always takes the 
trouble to set sentries on guard, it cannot be approached without the greatest 
patience and wariness on the part of the sportsman or observer. Being 
generally found in the loneliest spots, and especially preferring the outskirts of 
forests, whence it can at once dive into the thick foliage and escape from danger, 
it often baffles the skill even of the practised fowler, who is forced to trust to the 
careful imitation of its note for his hope of getting within shot of this cunning bird. 
Moreover, the imitation must be exceedingly exact, for the ear of the Golden 
Oriole is wonderfully true and rlclicate. 
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