Green Iora

Identification

The green iora is a small passerine measuring 12–14 cm in length. Males are distinctive, with black lores contrasting sharply against bright yellow eye-rings, dark olive upperparts, and black wings marked by two white covert bars and olive-yellow flight feather edges. The underparts are dark olive with lighter flanks and a yellow belly centre, while the tail is black. The eyes are dark to red-brown, the bill grey-blue, and the feet slaty blue. Females are noticeably different, featuring yellow lores and a complete yellow eye-ring, medium olive upperparts and tail, and olive-washed wings with yellow (rather than white) wing-bars. The underparts are olive-green with a yellow tint on the belly. Juveniles resemble females but are paler overall.

Range & Habitat

This species is endemic to mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sundas, occurring across Tenasserim, the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo, with populations also found on some neighbouring small islands. It is now locally extinct in Singapore. The green iora is a canopy specialist, inhabiting lowland forests up to 820 metres elevation, and also frequents tall secondary forest, peat swamp forest, and mangrove forest.

Behaviour & Diet

Green ioras typically occur in pairs or small groups and are generally sociable birds, though intense fighting has been documented between individuals. They are primarily insectivorous, foraging actively in the canopy for invertebrates, and regularly join mixed-species feeding flocks. The contact call is a whining, descending ji-sheur or ji-wier, while a distinctive ji-jirijiri-jeh call has been recorded during courtship. Breeding occurs in April and May, with cup-shaped nests constructed on tree branches 8–12 metres above ground. Both parents incubate eggs and provide brooding during rain. Moulting is recorded in July and August.

Best Time & Places to See It

April and May offer the best opportunities to observe breeding behaviour and hear territorial calls. Look for green ioras in primary and secondary lowland forests, peat swamp forests, and mangrove habitats throughout the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Scanning the canopy of tall trees during early morning hours will increase your chances of encountering these canopy foragers, particularly where mixed-species flocks are active.

Photography Tips

The striking sexual dimorphism of this species makes it rewarding for comparative photography. Males offer high contrast with their black-and-yellow head pattern, while females present more subtle colouration. Position yourself beneath fruiting or flowering trees where mixed flocks gather, as the green iora's canopy habit demands a high angle of view. Early morning light will enhance the subtle olive tones and highlight the white and yellow wing-bars. Patience is essential; allow feeding flocks to come to you rather than pursuing individual birds through dense vegetation.