Australasian Figbird

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The Australasian Figbird is a medium-sized, stocky passerine (26–29 cm) exhibiting striking sexual dimorphism and regional variation. Males are instantly recognizable by a large patch of bare red skin surrounding the eye, a black crown, and olive-green upperparts. In the northern "Yellow" race, males feature vibrant lemon-yellow underparts, while the eastern "Green" race possesses a grey throat and breast transitioning to a greenish-olive belly. Females and juveniles lack the red eye-patch, possessing a dull greyish patch instead; they are olive-brown above and white below, heavily streaked with dark brown. Both sexes have stout, dark bills. Highly gregarious, these birds are rarely seen alone, typically moving in active, boisterous flocks. They are acrobatic foragers, often seen clinging at awkward angles in the outer canopy to reach native figs and other fleshy fruits. Their flight is strong, swift, and characteristically undulating. The voice is loud and varied, featuring a sharp, repeated, and often descending "chiew" or "chow" note, alongside melodic whistles, mimicry, and parrot-like squawks. Common across northern and eastern Australia, they inhabit rainforests, mangroves, and woodlands, though they have adapted exceptionally well to urban environments. They are a fixture in suburban parks, street canopies, and gardens wherever fruiting trees are present. Females are frequently confused with the Olive-backed Oriole but are distinguished by their bare grey eye-patch and dark bill; the oriole possesses a red bill and red eye with no bare facial skin. Males are easily separated from the Yellow-bellied Oriole by their red facial skin and lack of a black bib.

Description · BirdUp · CC BY-SA 4.0

1. 01

   Male: Bare, bright red skin around eye

   Forms a large, conspicuous patch that contrasts sharply with the black head.

2. 02

   Female/Juv: Heavy, dark streaking on pale underparts

   Bold, vertical streaks cover the off-white breast and belly.

3. 03

   Broad white tips on outer tail feathers

   Creates a distinct flash at the corners of the tail, best seen from below or when spread.

4. 04

   Male: Black bill with red base

   A thick, heavy bill is black but features a prominent reddish base.