Sphecotheres vieilloti
The Australasian Figbird has a total length of 27-29,5 cm , and comparable to that of other orioles. It is sexually dimorphic, and the racial differences are almost entirely limited to the male. Males of all subspecies have a black tail with broad white tips to the outer rectrices, white crissum, blackish primaries, a black head, distinct bright red facial skin, a black bill with a red base, and pinkish legs. In the nominate subspecies, the body is largely olive-green, and the throat, neck and chest are grey. The subspecies cucullatus, ashbyi and flaviventris are yellowish olive-green above, and bright yellow below (including throat). The last subspecies, salvadorii, resembles previous, but with a grey throat, collar and chest similar to the nominate subspecies, thereby giving it an intermediate appearance not unlike some hybrids between nominate and flaviventris in Australia. 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. Juveniles resemble females, but the streaking below is typically not as strong. The other orioles in its range, the Brown and Olive-backed Orioles, are superficially similar, but have entirely red bills when adult.
Not Threatened
The Australasian Figbird has a total length of 27-29,5 cm , and comparable to that of other orioles. It is sexually dimorphic, and the racial differences are almost entirely limited to the male. Males of all subspecies have a black tail with broad white tips to the outer rectrices, white crissum, blackish primaries, a black head, distinct bright red facial skin, a black bill with a red base, and pinkish legs. In the nominate subspecies, the body is largely olive-green, and the throat, neck and chest are grey. The subspecies cucullatus, ashbyi and flaviventris are yellowish olive-green above, and bright yellow below (including throat). The last subspecies, salvadorii, resembles previous, but with a grey throat, collar and chest similar to the nominate subspecies, thereby giving it an intermediate appearance not unlike some hybrids between nominate and flaviventris in Australia. 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. Juveniles resemble females, but the streaking below is typically not as strong. The other orioles in its range, the Brown and Olive-backed Orioles, are superficially similar, but have entirely red bills when adult.
27-29.5 cm
Taxonomy: Traditionally, all figbirds have been considered part of a single species, S. viridis, but all recent major authorities recognize three species, the Australasian Figbird (S. viieilloti), the Timor Figbird (S. viridis) and the Wetar Figbird. The split is primarily based on differences in measurements and plumage, and on biogeography. Additionally, the Australasian Figbird has sometimes been split into two separate species, the northern Yellow Figbird (S. flaviventris) and the Green or Southern Figbird (S. vieilloti), but the two intergrade widely where they come into contact, supporting the view that they are part of a single biological species. (source: Handbook of the Birds of World)
The Australasian Figbird has five subspecies, in taxonomic order: * S. v. cucullatus – Kai Islands in Indonesia. Possibly a junior synonym of S. v. flaviventris. * S. v. salvadorii – southern Papua New Guinea.* S. v. ashbyi – northern Western Australia and Northern Territory, Australia.* S. v. flaviventris – north-eastern Australia.* S. v. vieilloti (nominate) – south-eastern and east-central Australia.
Wooded habitats
As suggested by their name, Australasian Figbirds are largely frugivorous, but also take small insects, nectar and small seeds. While largely a resident species (although the southern population may be migratory), it is nomadic in response to the availability of food.
Australasian Figbirds are gregarious, often forming flocks of 20 to 40 birds during the non-breeding season, and even breeding in small, loose colonies.The flimsy saucer-shaped nest is made from plant-material, and usually placed relatively high in a tree. The clutch of 2-4 eggs is incubated by both sexes, and typically hatches after 16–17 days. It has been recorded nesting near the aggressive Spangled Drongo and Helmeted Friarbird, possibly gaining an advantage as they keep potential nest-predators away. Australasian Figbirds sometimes fall victim to nest parasitism by Pacific Koels.