IUCN Least Concern (LC)
Australasian Figbird
Sphecotheres vieilloti
Last updated on 1-Nov 2017
Figbirds are part of a worldwide family that includes the orioles, of which Australia has two other members (the Yellow and Olive-backed Orioles). Figbirds have a blackish bill, which easily distinguishes the species from the similar Olive-backed Oriole, which has a reddish bill. Both of the Australian orioles also lack the Figbird’s bare-eye skin and have red eyes (adults). The Figbird tends to be more gregarious than either of the orioles, living semi-colonially. The Figbird nests in small, semi-colonial groups, with nests often quite close together.
Male Australasian Figbirds have bare, red skin around a dark eye, contrasting against a black crown and grey neck and throat. The remainder of the body is olive-green, except for a white under-tail area. Females have grey skin around the eye and lack distinctive head markings. They are brown-green above and dull-white below, streaked with brown. Both sexes have a blackish bill. There are two distinct colour forms of the males of this species. Males north of Proserpine in Queensland have a yellow front.
Loud, descending ‘chiew’
The Figbird lives in rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests but is often found in urban parks and gardens, particularly those with figs and other fruit-producing trees
Distribution map
Figbirds are commonly encountered in city parks that contain fig trees, and will often visit orchards and gardens that have leafy trees and berry-producing plants. Fruiting canopy trees, particularly figs, are essential components of the environment of Figbirds.
Figbirds feed in flocks, often of around 20 birds that are prepared to fly to isolated trees that are suitable for foraging. Figs are a particularly popular food item, although they will feed on most soft fruits and berries in canopy trees. Insects are also important components of their diet.
The gregarious behaviour of Figbirds is maintained in the breeding season, with small groups of birds nesting semi-colonially in adjoining canopy trees. The nest is cup-shaped and built of vine tendrils and twigs. It is supported by its rim from the horizontal fork of an outer branch of the canopy, up to 20 m above the ground. Both males and females incubate the eggs and feed the young.
IUCN status reflects the conservation status of this species globally.
