The word "oriolidae" refers to a family of brightly colored birds that includes species like the Baltimore oriole and the black-naped oriole. The spelling of the word is derived from the genus name Oriolus, which is derived from the Latin word aureolus, meaning "golden." The pronunciation of the word is /ɔːrɪˈɒlɪdiː/ (or-ee-OL-i-dee), with the stress on the second syllable. The phonetic transcription represents the sound of each letter and syllable in the word, helping to clarify its pronunciation.
Oriolidae, also known as the oriole family, is a taxonomic family of passerine birds. It is a diverse group comprising approximately 32 species that are distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa. These birds are known for their vibrant plumage, typically displaying a combination of bright yellow or orange with contrasting black markings. They have slender, medium-sized bodies ranging from 18 to 33 centimeters in length.
Oriolidae species are primarily arboreal, preferring wooded habitats such as forests and gardens. They are agile fliers and possess strong, pointed beaks, which they use to catch prey like insects, fruits, and nectar. These birds are known for their melodious and often flute-like songs, which are used for territorial identification and courtship displays.
Oriolidae exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males generally displaying more vibrant plumage, while females have duller coloring. They construct cup-shaped nests from twigs, grass, and other plant materials, often suspended in trees or attached to branches. Females typically lay three to six eggs per clutch, which they incubate for around two weeks.
Some well-known members of the family include the Eurasian golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus), African golden oriole (Oriolus auratus), and black-naped oriole (Oriolus chinensis). Oriolidae play important ecological roles as seed dispersers, insect predators, and indicators of forest health. They are cherished by birdwatchers and are often considered as symbols of beauty and elegance due to their colorful plumage and enchanting vocalizations.
The word "Oriolidae" originates from the Latin term "Oriolus", which means "oriole". This is derived from the Greek word "óreias", meaning "mountain nymph" or "euryganeia", which implies "goddess of nature". The suffix "-idae" is a Latin plural ending that denotes a family name in taxonomic nomenclature. Therefore, the term "Oriolidae" refers to the family of birds known as orioles.