As spring takes full bloom across the Maltese Islands, a stunning visitor is gracing our treetops with its brilliant presence – the Golden Oriole, known in Maltese as ‘Tajra Safra’.

In a recent post by ‘Feathers over Malta’, local nature lovers were reminded to keep their eyes on the treetops as these dazzling birds pass through Malta during their northward migration. With their vivid yellow plumage and melodic calls, Golden Orioles (Oriolus oriolus) are a true spectacle to behold, often described as ‘sunlight in flight’.

These elusive birds are typically spotted in April, making the most of Malta’s green countryside and fruit trees, where they stop to feed and rest before continuing their journey. While they’re not always easy to spot due to their tendency to hide in the canopy, a quiet stroll through areas with dense trees and fruit-bearing plants, such as Buskett, might just reward patient birdwatchers with a flash of yellow in the leaves above.

This seasonal migration highlights Malta’s important role as a stopover for many bird species travelling between Africa and Europe. If you’re out enjoying the countryside this month, don’t forget to bring your binoculars and keep your eyes (and ears!) open for one of spring’s most vibrant visitors.

Have you spotted a Golden Oriole this season?