Icterus croconotus
The Orange-backed Troupial (*Icterus croconotus*) is a strikingly vibrant passerine belonging to the New World blackbird family, Icteridae, and is often considered one of the most beautiful among its genus. Measuring approximately 19-23 cm (7.5-9 inches) in length and weighing around 50-60 grams, this species is instantly recognizable by its brilliant orange plumage covering the head, underparts, and rump, sharply contrasting with its black back, wings, and tail. A distinctive white wing patc...
Primarily found in open woodlands, savannas, gallery forests, and forest edges, often near water sources, and can also adapt to plantations and clearings. It typically inhabits lowlands, generally below 1000 meters elevation.
Feeds primarily on large insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and ants, supplemented by a significant intake of ripe fruits (especially berries) and nectar from various flowering plants. Forages by gleaning from foliage and probing flowers.
Orange-backed Troupials are diurnal birds, actively foraging throughout the day and roosting communally or in pairs in dense foliage at night. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning insects from leaves and branches, probing into crevices, and also actively seeking out ripe fruits and nectar fr...
The Orange-backed Troupial is a resident species found throughout much of the Amazon Basin and adjacent regions of northern and central South America. Its extensive range spans eastern Colombia, southern Venezuela, the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana), eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and...
Least Concern
- The Orange-backed Troupial's brilliant orange plumage is derived from carotenoid pigments obtained through its diet. - Despite its vivid colors, it is often well-camouflaged in the dappled light of the forest canopy. - Its scientific name, *croconotus*, means 'saffron-backed' in Latin, referrin...