Editing Figbird

{{Short description|Genus of birds}}
{{Automatic taxobox
| name = Figbird
| image = Green Figbird samcem.JPG
| image_caption = [[Australasian figbird]] (''Sphecotheres vieilloti'')
| taxon = Sphecotheres
| authority = [[Louis Pierre Vieillot|Vieillot]], 1816
| type_species = ''[[Green figbird|Sphecotheres viridis]]''<ref name=HM4>{{cite web |url= https://www.aviansystematics.org/4th-edition-checklist?viewfamilies=146 |title= Oriolidae |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website= aviansystematics.org |publisher= The Trust for Avian Systematics |access-date= 2023-07-16}}</ref>
| type_species_authority = Vieillot, 1816
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision = See text
| synonyms = * ''Picnorhamphus'' <small>Rosenberg, 1867</small>
* ''Sphecotera''
}}

The '''figbirds''' are a [[genus]] (''Sphecotheres'') in the family of [[Old World oriole]]s found in wooded habitats in Australia, [[New Guinea]], and the [[Lesser Sundas]]. 

==Taxonomy and systematics==
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. {{ISBN|978-84-96553-45-3}}</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. {{ISBN|0-7136-6536-X}}</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). ''[http://www.worldbirdnames.org/ 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. {{ISBN|978-0-643-06511-6}}</ref> The split is primarily based on differences in measurements, [[plumage]], and [[biogeography]].

===Species===
Three [[species]] are recognized:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldbirdnames.org/bow/orioles/|title=Orioles, drongos & fantails « IOC World Bird List|website=www.worldbirdnames.org|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-20}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Image !! Common name !! Scientific name  !! Distribution
|-
|[[File:Voyage autour du monde (Pl. 21) BHL41621388 (cropped).jpg|120px]] || [[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|120px]] ||[[Australasian figbird]] ||''Sphecotheres vieilloti''|| northern and eastern Australia, southern New Guinea, and the Kai Islands 
|-
|}

==Description==
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. {{ISBN|0-7136-3930-X}}</ref><ref name= Wallacea>Coates, B. J., & K. D. Bishop (1997). ''A Guide to the Birds of Wallacea.'' Dove Publications Pty. Ltd. {{ISBN|0-9590257-3-1}}</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 ecology==
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 [[Bird colony|colonies]] (at least for the Australasian figbird; the nesting habits are still unknown for the other two species).<ref name=HBW/>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Corvides|C.|state=collapsed}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q2417877}}

[[Category:Sphecotheres| ]]
[[Category:Birds of Indonesia]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Louis Pierre Vieillot]]