Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) at LPZ by Lee
Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” (Genesis 1:20 NKJV)
I have been working on finding photos for the Icteridae Family – Oropendolas, Orioles & Blackbirds. I have managed to get all by three of the species. Tried to find as many of the subspecies while working on the page.
There are 108 members in 27 Genera. They start off, taxonomic order, with the Oropendolas. We have enjoyed seeing the Crested Oropendola at the Lowry Park Zoo and the National Aviary. They make their hanging nest even there. Of the 11, I cannot find any photo of the Band-tailed Oropendola (Ocyalus latirostris). They have 3 Genus.
The Caciques are next with 12 members in two Genus; Cacicus and Amblycercus.
Then there are 3 Troupials in the Icterus Genus with Orioles; the Venezuelan, Orange-backed and Campo Troupials.
Then the Orioles appear next in the list. Those are some very pretty birds. There are 30 members in the Genus Icterus. Here in North America (US) we get to enjoy the Orchard, Hooded, Streak-backed, Spot-breasted, Altamira, Bullock’s, Baltimore, Scott’s and Audubon Orioles. (order by Stokes Guide). There is a Oriole Blackbird, but is not quite considered an Oriole. The Bahama Oriole (Icterus northropi) is Critically Endangered and again I couldn’t find a photo, but did find a Bahamian Stamp with a picture of it.
Brown-and-yellow Marshbird (Pseudoleistes virescens) ©©CDTimm
Next the list alternates back and forth with Blackbirds and Grackles. Most are black with some colors. After 11 Genus of those, then 2 Marshbird are in the Pseudoleistes Genus.
A bird species that lands in my yard, the Brown–headed Cowbird is one of six Cowbirds. I have had as many as 50 Brown-headeds land in my yard and empty my feeders in no time flat. They are the Molothrus Genus. The Bronze-brown Cowbird (Molothrus armenti) escapes most photographers because no photos were found to use.
Peruvian Meadowlark (Sturnella bellicosa) By BirdPhotos.Com
Going on down the list through more Blackbirds and Grackles, almost to the bottom, you find the Sturnella Genus which has the five Meadowlarks; Peruvian, Pampas, Long-tailed, Eastern and Western Meadowlarks.
After a Yellow-headed Blackbird, you end up with the Bobolink, which we just had an article about a few days ago. (That is why I worked on the page.) See The Christmas Bird? and an earlier one, Bobolink – Extraordinary Migrant.. Both are by ajmithra.
Photos missing for this family are listed below. If you have one you would allow us permission to use or let us link to your photo, please leave a comment. Thanks.
- Band-tailed Oropendola (Ocyalus latirostris)
- Bahama Oriole (Icterus northropi) Critically Endangered
- Bronze-brown Cowbird (Molothrus armenti)
- Need subspecies
*
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 