The orange-backed troupial is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It is found in Guyana, Brazil, Paraguay, and eastern Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru. It is closely related to the Venezuelan troupial and Campo troupial, and at one time, all three were considered to be the same species.
Region
Amazon Basin and adjacent South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely through the Amazon Basin and adjoining regions, including northern and central Brazil, eastern Ecuador and Peru, northern Bolivia, the Guianas, and into Paraguay. Prefers forest edges, riverine gallery forests, secondary growth, and open woodlands with scattered trees. It also uses river islands with young successional vegetation and wooded savannas. Frequently seen near human-altered landscapes such as plantations and clearings. Generally absent from dense, unbroken interior rainforest.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This striking oriole is one of three closely related troupials split from what was once a single species complex with the Venezuelan and Campo troupials. It favors edges and semi-open habitats where it forages visibly and sings rich, fluty phrases. Pairs are territorial and sometimes commandeer the nests of other birds rather than building their own. Its bold white wing patch is a key field mark in flight.
In the Pantanal
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with strong direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, occasionally associating loosely with mixed-species foraging parties. Territorial pairs may reuse or appropriate nests built by other species. Nest sites are typically placed high in trees at forest edges or along rivers. Both sexes participate in territory defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, rich, fluty whistles interspersed with chatters and squeaks. Phrases are varied and often delivered in short bursts from exposed perches. Some individuals incorporate snippets of mimicry into their repertoire.
Plumage
Bright orange body including back and underparts, contrasting with a black head, throat, wings, and tail; wings show a conspicuous white patch. Plumage is sleek and glossy with crisp color boundaries.
Diet
Takes a wide variety of arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark. Also consumes fruits such as figs and Cecropia and will probe flowers for nectar. Opportunistically may take small vertebrates or eggs and nestlings, especially during breeding. Foraging is active and methodical, moving through mid to upper canopy and edge trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest margins, riverbanks, secondary growth, and in open woodlands and plantations. Frequently visits fruiting trees and flowering shrubs, and will sally out from perches to snatch insects.
