Australasian Figbird
Sphecotheres vieilloti
Abundant-common – Sedentary-(?) Nomadic.
Undulating direct flight. Flocks, often of straggline groups. Dimorphic. Race vieilloti ‘Green Figbird’ black bill. Facial skin red, pinkish or orange. Black head. Complete slate-grey collar. Rich green-yellow above, green below. Black primaries. Dorsal central tail feathers black; lateral tail feathers white. Hybrid zone vieilloti/flaviventris variable. Typically has green-grey breast, pale chin, throat; much yellower belly than southern birds. Race flaviventris ‘Yellow Figbird’ less brillant. Female: All races. Dark bill. Facial skin bluish. Head to mantle olive-brown, then greener to upper tail. Wings brown-black, edged cream. Chin, throat brown, heavily streaked. Lower underparts whitish to pale cream; flanks yellower. Faint white tail tips. Size: 27-29.5cm Juvenile: As female, smaller. Immature: Patchy male characteristics appear within one year. Voice: Short sharp yelps ‘pow! pow! pow!’. Many soft musical calls. Habitat: Tropical rainforest edges, parks.
Classifications: | Bird, forest and grassland |
Family: | Oriolidae |
Information sources: | Simpson & Day 7th Ed. |