Oriolidae – Old World Orioles, Pitohuis & Figbirds

The Oriolidae (Old-World Orioles) are a family of passerines. That comprises the figbirds in the genus Sphecotheres, the Pitohui genus and the Old-World orioles in the genus Oriolus. Several other genera have been proposed to split up the genus Oriolus. For example, the African Black-headed species have sometimes been placed in the genus Baruffius. The extinct New Zealand genus Turnagra was placed within this family (2011). The family is not related to the New World orioles, which are icterids, family Icteridae. Although they are of similar size and appearance, diet and behaviour, this is a case of convergent evolution.

The orioles and figbirds are medium-sized passerines, around 20–30 cm in length, with the females only slightly smaller than the males. The beak is slightly curved and hooked, and, except in the figbirds, as long again as the head. The plumage of most species is bright and showy, often contrasting black and yellow, although the females often have duller, usually greener plumage than the males. The plumage of many Australasian orioles mimics that of friarbirds (a genus of large honeyeaters), probably to reduce aggression against the smaller orioles.

Orioles are monogamous, breeding in territorial pairs (although the Australasian Figbird, and possibly also the other 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. They usually lay two or three eggs, but as many as six have been recorded.

Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis – ©Dubi Shapiro

African Golden Oriole Oriolus auratus – ©Dubi Shapiro

The family is distributed across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The few temperate nesting species, such as Eurasian Golden Orioles, are migratory, and some tropical species also show seasonal movements. Orioles are arboreal and tend to feed in the canopy. Many species are able to survive in open forests and woodlands, although a few are restricted to closed forest. They are opportunistic omnivores, with the main components of their diet being fruit, berries, arthropods, and nectar.

The figbirds tend, as the name suggests, to be predominantly frugivorous, but do occasionally take small insects and seeds. Their nests are more flimsy affairs with shallow saucer shapes. They are also more gregarious than other Oriolidae, forming flocks of up to 40 birds in the non-breeding seasons.

Most of the species have songs that include rich, whistled flute-like notes, and the name oriole seems likely to have been onomatopoeic for the ‘o-ri-ole’ call of the widespread Eurasian species in this family.