Figbird
Template:Short description Template:Automatic taxobox
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 systematicsEdit
Formerly, the three species have been considered conspecific, but all major authorities now consider them as separate species.<ref name=HBW>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. Template:ISBN</ref><ref name=H&M>Dickinson, E. C. (editor) (2003). The Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. 3rd edition, w. updates. Christopher Helm. Template:ISBN</ref><ref name=indonesia>Andrew, P. (1992). The Birds of Indonesia: A Check-list. Kukila Check-list No. 1. Indonesian Ornithological Society, Jakarta.</ref><ref name=GillWright>Gill, F., M. Wright, & D. Donsker (2009). IOC World Bird Names. Version 2.1. Accessed 04-07-2009</ref><ref name=ChristidisBoles>Christidis, L., & W. E. Boles (2008). Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds. CSIRO. Template:ISBN</ref> The split is primarily based on differences in measurements, plumage, and biogeography.
SpeciesEdit
Three species are recognized:<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
| 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}
DescriptionEdit
They are strongly sexually dimorphic, with males having olive-green upperparts, a black head, and (uniquely for the family) distinct bright red facial skin.<ref name=SimpsonDay>Simpson, K. (editor) & N. Day (illustrator) (1994). Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. 2nd edition. Christopher Helm. Template:ISBN</ref><ref name= Wallacea>Coates, B. J., & K. D. Bishop (1997). A Guide to the Birds of Wallacea. Dove Publications Pty. Ltd. Template:ISBN</ref> 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.<ref name=SimpsonDay/><ref name= Wallacea/>
Behaviour and ecologyEdit
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).<ref name=HBW/>