The Black-headed Oriole

John Cassin (1813-1869)
Plate 21, The Black-headed Oriole
From: Illustrations of the Birds of California, Texas, Oregon, British and Russian America
Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1856
Chromolithograph
Paper dimensions: 6 ¾ ” x 10 ½ "
Framed dimensions: 12 ¾” x 21 ”

With text below image:
The Black-headed Finch is an African passerine. It has a very striking appearance with a bright yellow body, contrasting black head and flesh-coloured beak. It breeds in much of sub-Saharan Africa from South Sudan and Ethiopia in the north to South Africa in the south. It inhabits dry tropical forests, especially acacia and broad-leaved woodlands, and dense shrubland areas, where it is more often heard than seen despite the brightness of its plumage. The voice is a liquid-sounding warble, accompanied by imitations and whistles. It forages in the canopy, feeding on small fruit as well as large insects. The young are fed mostly with caterpillars.