AVITOPIA - Orioles

The family of Orioles is widespread across all continents of the Old World, with an emphasis on the tropics. Some of the species are migratory birds. They have long wings and a moderately long tail. The body size ranges from 18 cm to 30 cm. The plumage has strong colors, often yellow and black. The sexes are usually different. Some species in New Guinea belonging to the Pitohuis are able to store the poisonous alkaloid batrachotoxin in their plumage and skin in order to defend themselves against parasites and/or predators. Most species build their nests as a hanging bowl high in a tree top.