Streak-backed Orioles and Rose-throated Becards: A Tale of Two Nests

Our only tall trees are Rainbow Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta), a species native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and New Guinea. Many native birds feed in these, seeking out insects, especially when the trees flower. A number of interesting birds nest in them, including the Streak-backed Oriole (Icterus pustulatus). Our resident pair's nest weathered the storm the other day. I took a few photos of the male as he wiggled out of the nest after entering to feed his young. Apparently, it's a tight squeeze. The female, which is more yellowish in color, had just left the nest before him.

Squeaky calls of Rose-throated Becards (Pachyramphus aglaiae) next caught my attention. The squeaky-toy call is a familiar sound here, but calls seemed more enthusiastic and frequent than usual. I suspected the birds were nesting, and found, in another Rainbow Eucalyptus, their large and bulky nest. The slate-gray male and cinnamon-colored female took turns at the top of the nest. Apparently, it's a work in progress. When complete, the nest entrance should be near the bottom. I got a few shots of the female atop their creation.