The Australasian figbird, also known as the green figbird, is a conspicuous, medium-sized passerine bird native to a wide range of wooded habitats in northern and eastern Australia, southern New Guinea, and the Kai Islands. It is common in large parts of its range, and occurs in numerous protected areas. Consequently, it is rated as least concern by BirdLife International and the IUCN.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Occurs in northern and eastern Australia, southern New Guinea, and nearby Kai Islands. It favors open forests, woodlands, riverine corridors, mangroves, and coastal scrub with abundant fruiting trees. The species also adapts well to human-modified habitats such as orchards, parks, and suburban gardens. It typically occupies lowland and foothill zones and moves locally following fruit availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Australasian figbird is a social oriole that often gathers in flocks around fruiting trees, especially figs, helping disperse seeds over wide areas. Males have a striking black hood and bright red bare eye-skin, while females are more cryptic with boldly streaked underparts. They readily use urban parks and gardens with fruiting trees and can nest in loose colonies. The species is common across much of its range and listed as Least Concern.
A pair in Queensland, Australia (female on left; yellow variant on right)
Green variant - City Botanic Gardens - Brisbane, Australia
Subspecies S. v. salvadorii, illustration by Keulemans, 1877
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms loose flocks and feeds communally in fruiting trees. Nests may occur in loose colonies, with pairs building cup-shaped nests in the canopy. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. They are tolerant of human presence in suitable green spaces.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song consists of mellow, fluty whistles and bubbling phrases typical of orioles. Calls include varied chattering notes and sharp contact calls given within flocks.
Plumage
Male with olive-green upperparts and yellow-olive underparts, glossy black head and throat, and conspicuous red bare skin around the eye; female olive-brown above with boldly streaked whitish underparts. Both sexes have relatively plain wings and tail with darker centers and paler edges.
Diet
Primarily takes figs and other soft fruits, swallowing them whole and dispersing seeds. Also consumes berries from native and ornamental trees, along with nectar and occasional insects. Foraging is mostly in the mid to upper canopy where fruit is abundant. They may follow seasonal fruiting patterns and move locally as resources shift.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in fruiting fig trees, eucalypt edges with vine tangles, mangroves, and riparian corridors. Frequently visits orchards, street trees, and suburban gardens where suitable fruit is available.
