Common Iora

The Common Iora, Aegithina tiphia is a small passerine bird. This Iora breeds across tropical South Asia from Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka into Indonesia. This common species is found in forest and other well-wooded areas. Two to four greenish white eggs are laid in a small, loose, cup-shaped nest made out of grass and built in a tree.During the breeding season, the male performs an acrobatic courtship display, darting up into the air fluffing up all his feathers, especially those on the pale green rump, then spiralling down to the original perch. Once he lands, he spreads his tail and droops his wings.The adult Common Iora is about 25cm long.

Habitat
Forest and woodland, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical swamps, and rivers.

Breeding
During breeding season (April-June), the male becomes even brighter yellow. He performs an acrobatic courtship display, darting up into the air fluffing up all feathers, especially those on the rump, then spiralling down to the original perch. Once he lands, he spreads his tail like a little peacock, drooping his wings. All to the accompaniment of whistles and chirrups.

Nesting
The Common Iora’s nest is carefully built on the fork at the end of branch of a small tree. It is small, loose, deep, cup-shaped. It is made out of grass and other fibres felted together and plastered with spider webs on the outside. Usually 3 greenish white eggs are laid. They are pale buff with red-brown spots and blotches.