Figbird
| Figbird | |
|---|---|
| File:Green Figbird samcem.JPG | |
| Australasian figbird (Sphecotheres vieilloti) | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Oriolidae |
| Genus: | Sphecotheres Vieillot, 1816 |
| Type species | |
| Sphecotheres viridis[1] Vieillot, 1816
| |
| Species | |
|
See text | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
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.
Taxonomy and systematics
[edit | edit source]Formerly, the three species have been considered conspecific, but all major authorities now consider them as separate species.[2][3][4][5][6] The split is primarily based on differences in measurements, plumage, and biogeography.
Species
[edit | edit source]Three species are recognized:[7]
| Image | Common name | Scientific name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Voyage autour du monde (Pl. 21) BHL41621388 (cropped).jpg | Green figbird | Sphecotheres viridis | Indonesian islands of Roti and Timor |
| Wetar figbird | Sphecotheres hypoleucus | Indonesian island of Wetar | |
| File:Sphecotheres vieilloti -Bellenden Ker Range, Queensland, Australia -pair-8.jpg | Australasian figbird | Sphecotheres vieilloti | northern and eastern Australia, southern New Guinea, and the Kai Islands |
_BHL41621388_(cropped).jpg){kind=link}
Description
[edit | edit source]They are strongly sexually dimorphic, with males having olive-green upperparts, a black head, and (uniquely for the family) distinct bright red facial skin.[8][9] 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.[8][9]
Behaviour and ecology
[edit | edit source]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).[2]
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Higgins, P. J., L. Christidis, & H. A. Ford (2008). Family Oriolidae (Orioles). Pp. 692-731 in: del Hoyo, J., A. Elliott, & D. A. Christie. eds. (2008). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 13. Pendulin-tits to Shrikes. Lynx Edicions. Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Dickinson, E. C. (editor) (2003). The Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. 3rd edition, w. updates. Christopher Helm. Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Andrew, P. (1992). The Birds of Indonesia: A Check-list. Kukila Check-list No. 1. Indonesian Ornithological Society, Jakarta.
- ^ Gill, F., M. Wright, & D. Donsker (2009). IOC World Bird Names. Version 2.1. Accessed 04-07-2009
- ^ Christidis, L., & W. E. Boles (2008). Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds. CSIRO. Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Simpson, K. (editor) & N. Day (illustrator) (1994). Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. 2nd edition. Christopher Helm. Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Coates, B. J., & K. D. Bishop (1997). A Guide to the Birds of Wallacea. Dove Publications Pty. Ltd. Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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