Australasian Figbird
NameAustralasian Figbird
Common NameAustralasian Figbird
Scientific NameSphecotheres vieilloti
FamilyOriolidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)28
Weight (g)100
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a black head, bright red bare skin around the eye, olive-green upperparts, and yellowish underparts. The wings are greyish-olive, and the tail is grey with white tips on the outer feathers. Females and immatures are duller, with streaked underparts and a greyish eye-ring.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of whistles, often described as a clear, piping 'fiew-fiew-fiew' or 'chiew-chiew-chiew'. They also produce harsh chattering and 'chook-chook' calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northern and eastern Australia, extending from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, across the Top End and Cape York Peninsula, and down the east coast to central New South Wales. Also present in southern New Guinea.
Identifying FeaturesBlack head (male), Bright red bare skin around eye (male), Olive-green upperparts, Yellowish underparts, Short tail, Piping whistle calls
Description
The Australasian Figbird is a medium-sized, fruit-eating bird native to Australia and New Guinea. Males are distinctive with a black head and bright red bare skin around the eye, while females are duller. They are often found in groups, foraging for fruit in the canopy.
