Figbird
| Figbird | |
|---|---|
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| Australasian figbird | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Oriolidae |
| Genus: |
Sphecotheres Vieillot, 1816 |
| Species | |
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See text |
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| Synonyms | |
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See text
The figbirds are a genus (Sphecotheres) in the family of Old World orioles found in wooded habitats in Australia, New Guinea and the Lesser Sundas.
Formerly, the three species have been considered conspecific, but today all major authorities consider them as separate species. The split is primarily based on differences in measurements and plumage, and on biogeography.
Three species are recognized:
They are strongly sexually dimorphic, with males having olive-green upperparts, a black head, and (uniquely for the family) distinct bright red facial skin. Females are drab-coloured, being dull brownish above, and white below with strong dark streaking. They have greyish facial skin, and a greyish-black bill.
Compared to the "typical" Old World orioles of the genus Oriolus, the figbirds are more frugivorous (though they also take some small insects, nectar and seeds) and gregarious, even breeding in small, loose colonies (at least for the Australasian figbird; the nesting habits are still unknown for the other two species).
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Wikipedia