Black-naped Orioles enjoy a wide range of plants and animals. They are fond of fruit, particularly figs. Apart from large insects, they also consume small animals, including hatchlings of other birds. Due to this reason, during the breeding season of other birds, Black-naped Orioles are often chased away by other birds.

They forage high in trees and usually stay within the canopy. They are not birds of deep forest. Originally from coastal woodlands and mangroves, they have adapted to cultivated areas and urbanised parks and gardens.