Definition

Noun 1. A songbird of the family Oriolidae, found primarily in tropical and temperate regions of the Old World (Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australasia): The term specifically refers to birds in this family, which are known for their melodious songs and, in many species, the male's bright and contrasting plumage, often featuring combinations of yellow, orange, and black.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The golden oriole is a classic example of an Old World oriole.
  • Birdwatchers traveled to the forest hoping to spot the elusive Old World oriole.
  • Unlike the American orioles (which are blackbirds), the Old World oriole belongs to a different avian family.

Advanced Usage

• As a taxonomic group: The term is used in ornithology to distinguish the family Oriolidae from the New World orioles in the Americas, which are members of the blackbird family (Icteridae). This highlights a case of convergent evolution where unrelated birds share similar common names due to analogous bright plumage.
  • The study focused on the migratory patterns of the Old World oriole.

Variants and Related Words

• Oriole (noun): In a global context, "oriole" can be ambiguous. It is often clarified as either "Old World oriole" (Oriolidae) or "New World oriole" (Icteridae).
• Golden oriole (noun): A specific and widespread species () of Old World oriole found in Europe and western Asia.
• Figbird (noun): A genus () within the Old World oriole family, found in Australasia.

Synonyms

• True oriole (used to specify Old World species in contrast to New World ones)
• Oriolid (a less common term referring to a member of the family Oriolidae)

Related Idioms or Phrases

• None directly associated: The term "Old World oriole" is a specific zoological name and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions.

Noun

1. mostly tropical songbird; the male is usually bright orange and black