Orange-backed Troupial

Overview

The orange-backed troupial (Icterus croconotus) is a non-migratory bird in the family Icteridae, native to tropical South America east of the Andes. It is closely related to the Venezuelan troupial and Campo troupial, though it is now recognised as a distinct species.

Identification

• Bright orange plumage contrasting with a black face, bib, wings, and tail, featuring a small white patch on the secondary wing feathers.
• Distinguishing features include an orange streak on the shoulder, a small blue ring of bare skin around the eye, and a neat lower edge to the bib.
• Approximately 23 cm in length.
• Song consists of loud, musical phrases, mostly with two syllables.

Habitat

Found in tropical South America east of the Andes, the species inhabits forest edges, clearings, riparian woodland, secondary forest, and scrubby woodland at altitudes up to about 750 m. Its range extends from southern Guyana, southern Colombia, and eastern Ecuador and Peru, through eastern and central Brazil to Bolivia and northern Paraguay.

Diet

This bird often forages in pairs, feeding on fruits, insects, and other arthropods found at all levels in the canopy. It also sips nectar from wild flowers, including Erythrina.

Did you know?

Rather than constructing its own nest, the orange-backed troupial often pirates the nest of a yellow-rumped cacique (Cacicus cela).