Figbird
| Figbird | |
|---|---|
| Australasian figbird (Sphecotheres vieilloti) | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| 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 ]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 ]Three species are recognized:[7]
| Image | Common name | Scientific name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green figbird | Sphecotheres viridis | Indonesian islands of Roti and Timor | |
| Wetar figbird | Sphecotheres hypoleucus | Indonesian island of Wetar | |
| Australasian figbird | Sphecotheres vieilloti | northern and eastern Australia, southern New Guinea, and the Kai Islands |
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Description
[edit ]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 ]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 ]- ^ "Oriolidae". aviansystematics.org. The Trust for Avian Systematics. Retrieved 2023年07月16日.
- ^ 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. ISBN 978-84-96553-45-3
- ^ 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
- ^ 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. ISBN 978-0-643-06511-6
- ^ "Orioles, drongos & fantails « IOC World Bird List". www.worldbirdnames.org. Retrieved 2017年02月20日.
- ^ a b Simpson, K. (editor) & N. Day (illustrator) (1994). Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. 2nd edition. Christopher Helm. ISBN 0-7136-3930-X
- ^ a b Coates, B. J., & K. D. Bishop (1997). A Guide to the Birds of Wallacea. Dove Publications Pty. Ltd. ISBN 0-9590257-3-1
