Oriole
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The orioles are a family, Oriolidae, of Old World passerine birds. The family comprises the Figbird Sphecotheres viridis, the only member of the genus Sphecotheres, and the Old World orioles in the genus Oriolus. Several other genera have been proposed for to split the genus Oriolus, for example the African black-headed species are sometimes split into Baruffius. The family is not related to the New World orioles, which are Icterids, family Icteridae. The family is distributed across Africa, Europe, Asia down into Australia. The few temperate nesting species are migratory, and some tropical species are show some seasonal movements.
The orioles and Figbirds are medium sized passerines, around 20–30 cm in length, that exibit little sexual dimorphism in size (females are slightly smaller). The beak is slightly curved and hooked and as long again as the head, although Figbird is distinct from the orioles by virtue of having a smaller bill. The plumage of most species is bright and showy, although in many species there is sexual dichromism with the females have duller plumage than the males. The plumage of the Figbird is duller than that of the Oriolus orioles. The plumage of many Australiasian orioles mimics that of the larger friarbirds (a genus of large honeyeaters), this is thought to be mimicry evolved to reduce aggression against the smaller orioles.
Orioles are arboreal and tend to feed in the canopy. Many species are able to survive in open forests and woodlands, a few are restricted to closed forest. They are omnivores , taking principally fruit, berries and arthropods, but opportunistically taking other prey as well.
Orioles are monogamous, breeding in territorial pairs (although Figbirds breed in loose colonies). Nesting sites may be chosen near aggressive species such as drongos, shrikes or friarbirds, which confer a degree of protection. The nest is a deep woven cup suspended like a hammock from a branch. As many as six eggs may be laid, but 2-3 is the more usual number.
[edit] References
- Walther B. & P. Jones (2008) "Family Oriolidae (Orioles and Figbirds). Excerpt from upcoming book. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 13 Accessed: 11 April 2008.
- Diamond J (1982) "Mimicry of friarbirds by orioles" The Auk 99(2): 187-196 [1]
[edit] External links
- Oriole videos on the Internet Bird Collection
