FAIRY BLUEBIRD

any of the numerous bird species that constitute the family Irenidae (order Passeriformes), a taxonomic grouping of disputed composition and in which leafbirds and ioras are sometimes included. Some authors group the fairy bluebirds (Irena) with the Old World orioles (family Oriolidae) and place the leafbirds and ioras in the family Chloropseidae. Others place all or most of these birds in the bulbul family (Pycnonotidae; see bulbul). The 14 species (fairy bluebirds included) in the family Irenidae are confined to southern Asia and the Philippines. They are 13 to 25 cm (5 to 10 inches) long, with short legs, small feet, and slender bills, which may be slightly curved. The ioras (Aegithina) are the smallest members. Males are more colourful than females, particularly among the leafbirds (Chloropsis), the males being chiefly green with bright markings. Irenids live mainly in forest treetops, but some are garden birds. All eat fruit and nectar; some take insects. They have bright and varied voices. The nest is a tidy cup with three or four eggs.