auricolares

Auricolares is a proposed clade of passerine birds noted for the striking metallic gold coloration found in many male individuals and for a varied set of ecological adaptations. The name derives from Latin aurum, gold, and cola, dweller, reflecting the typical association with golden plumage and forest habitats. Because the grouping is debated among ornithologists, auricolares is described as a tentative or contested taxon rather than an established, universally accepted lineage.

Taxonomically, auricolares has been proposed to unite several genera that were previously assigned to different families within the Passerida. In some classifications, the clade includes genera such as Auricollis and Chrysauris along with a number of smaller, often monotypic lineages. Other authorities maintain the traditional family-level placements and treat auricolares as an informal assemblage rather than a formal clade. The relationships among the included genera are not yet resolved, and molecular studies have produced mixed results.

In terms of description, members of auricolares are typically small to medium-sized passerines, ranging from about 9 to 15 centimeters in length. Males commonly display bright metallic gold or coppery plumage, occasionally with iridescent patches, while females are more subdued in color. They inhabit a range of forest edge, scrub, and secondary-growth habitats, with geographic distributions including tropical and subtropical regions of the Old and New Worlds.

Behavior and diet are diverse within the group, but many species are omnivorous, feeding on a mix of insects, seeds, fruit, and nectar. Breeding behaviors often involve relatively simple cup nests and pair bonding that may be seasonal or territory-based. Some auricolares species are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, leading to localized declines.

Etymology reflects the golden appearance and forest-dwelling habits that characterize the group.