Mahakalapada: In villages like Jhankalia Bargachh and Ambatota Kharibana, the once-familiar sight of the Yellow Oriole (Haladi Basanti Chadhei) has become rare. In earlier times, before the arrival of spring, the village elders sitting under the sprawling branches of ancient banyan trees used to joyfully spot the bright yellow oriole hiding among the green leaves, singing melodiously in the cold. Elders would say, “Look! The Yellow Oriole announces the coming of spring.”
This small bird, with its golden-yellow body and black spots, had an unmatched charm. It would fly away at the slightest human movement, hopping quickly from branch to branch. Highly intelligent, it fed on small insects, bugs, and ripe fruits from local orchards.
Before the 1999 Super Cyclone, the Yellow Oriole was abundantly seen across the riverine and coastal areas of Kendrapara district, especially in Mahakalapada block. However, climate change, environmental imbalance, excessive use of pesticides in agriculture, and deforestation have led to a drastic decline in its population. Now, only an occasional sighting is possible, and even those look distressed and unhealthy.
Once a cultural symbol, the Yellow Oriole inspired numerous songs, poems, and even film titles. Even today, young boys and girls, when they have some free time, hum songs dedicated to the bird. But this beautiful creature is now on the verge of extinction.
Bird lover Mr. Manu Das remarks that although small, the bird’s vibrant color and sweet voice are incredibly attractive. Traditionally, they nested in bamboo groves and riverbanks lined with mango orchards. These birds have long played a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.
Now, lack of nesting space, scarcity of food, destruction of natural habitats, and even radiation from telecom towers are becoming key reasons behind their population decline.
Environmentalist Samarendra Mahali stresses that this is the right time to create a healthy environment by promoting massive tree plantations. He also urges that awareness must be raised about protecting such rare and threatened bird species. Otherwise, future generations may only hear stories of the Yellow Oriole and never witness its beauty in real life.