Vibrant waves of fiery orange and red create a stunning visual contrast amidst a backdrop of black, white, and blue!
The Venezuelan troupial, scientifically known as Icterus icterus, is a fairly large bird characterized by its long tail and powerful beak. The upper part of its body, including the breast and head, is adorned with sleek black feathers. Interestingly, the feathers on the upper breast extend outwards, creating a distinct boundary between the contrasting black and vibrant orange hues that bedeck the bird’s lower breast and belly. The color orange can also be observed on the upper and lower back, accentuated by the presence of black shoulders. Furthermore, the wings of this bird also possess a dark coloration, with a slender white streak traversing the length of the wing when it is folded. What truly captivates the observer, however, are the striking yellow eyes surrounded by a remarkably vivid blue bare skin.
Young birds resemble adult birds, but their plumage is paler and has a brown tint on the black parts. The skin around their eyes is also less vibrant. While this bird is recognized as the national bird of Venezuela, it can also be found in other regions such as Colombia and various Caribbean islands including Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Trinidad, and Puerto Rico. These birds prefer to inhabit woodland areas with dense vegetation, as well as scrublands, overgrown grasslands, and orchards. They can adapt well to fragmented habitats and forest edges. As omnivorous creatures, they have a diverse diet consisting of insects, fruits, nectar, berries, and seeds. Additionally, they may consume eggs and young nestlings, and they might even take advantage of nectar feeders when the opportunity arises.
The breeding season for Venezuelan troupials occurs from the month of March to September. Contrary to other bird species, they do not put effort into building their own nests but rather indulge in being downright nest burglars. This peculiar behavior implies that they either have to stumble upon an unoccupied nest or forcibly evict the current occupants from an already established nest. When it comes to seizing a nest, Venezuelan troupials can resort to aggressive attacks against the incumbent nesters. In the process, they might even devour any existing eggs or young nestlings, exhibiting their ruthless nature. Furthermore, they fiercely safeguard the area against potential trespassers.
