TheOld World orioles (Oriolidae) are anOld World family ofpasserine birds. The family contains 41 species which are divided in 4genera. The family includes two extinct species from New Zealand that are placed in the genusTurnagra.
The family Oriolidae comprises the piopios, figbirds, pitohuis and the Old World orioles.[1] The piopios were added in 2011, having been formerly placed in the family Turnagridae.[2][3] Several other genera have been proposed to split up the genusOriolus. For example, the African black-headed species are sometimes placed in a separate genus,Baruffius. The family Oriolidae is not closely related to theNew World orioles, despite their similar size, diet, behaviour and contrasting plumage patterns. Rather, these similarities are an example ofconvergent evolution.
The orioles and figbirds are medium-sized passerines, around 20–30 cm in length, with the females only slightly smaller than the males.[5] Thebeak is slightly curved and hooked, and, except in the figbirds, as long again as the head. Theplumage of most species is bright and showy, although the females often have duller plumage than the males do. The plumage of many Australasian orioles mimics that offriarbirds (a genus of largehoneyeaters), probably to reduce aggression against the smaller orioles.[6]
The family is distributed across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The few temperate nesting species aremigratory, and some tropical species also show seasonal movements.
Orioles aremonogamous, breeding in territorial pairs (although theAustralasian figbird, and possibly also the other figbirds, breed in loosecolonies).[5] Nesting sites may be chosen near aggressive species such asshrikes,drongos or friarbirds, which confer a degree of protection. Thenest 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.
Orioles are arboreal and tend to feed in thecanopy.[5] Many species are able to survive in open forests and woodlands, although a few are restricted to closed forest. They are opportunisticomnivores, with the main components of their diet being fruit, berries, arthropods, and nectar.
^Zuccon, D. & Ericson, P. G. (2012). "Molecular and morphological evidences place the extinct New Zealand endemicTurnagra capensis in the Oriolidae".Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution.62 (1):414–26.doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2011.10.013.PMID22056604.
^abcWalther, B; Jones, P (2008). "Family Oriolidae (Orioles and Figbirds)]". In Josep, del Hoyo; Andrew, Elliott; David, Christie (eds.).Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 13, Penduline-tits to Shrikes. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. pp. 692–713.ISBN978-84-96553-45-3.
