Campo Troupial

Overview

The Icterus jamacaii is a fairly common bird found in northeastern Brazil that is now accepted as a separate species from the Venezuelan and orange-backed troupials. It holds the IUCN Red List category of Least Concern due to its wide range and stable population.

Identification

• A robust bird approximately 23 cm long featuring a long tail and broad beak.
• Bright orange plumage contrasting with a black hood, bib, back, wings, and tail, with an uneven line dividing the bib from the breast.
• Distinguished by orange epaulettes on the shoulders and a small patch of white on the wings, unlike the similar Venezuelan troupial.
• Has very little bluish skin around the eye compared to related species.

Habitat

Endemic to northeastern Brazil, where its area of occurrence exceeds two million square kilometres. It typically inhabits dry scrubland and deciduous woodland at elevations up to 700 m or more.

Diet

Feeds on insects, other small invertebrates, fruits, and nectar; one individual was found to have 126 fly larvae in its stomach. Breeding occurs during the wet season between December and March.

Did you know?

The specific name jamacaii originates from a description by Georg Marcgrave in 1648, who noted that "Jamacaii" was the Brazilian name for the bird, possibly applied by Portuguese settlers rather than being an indigenous Tupi term.