Get to know the Venezuelan Troupial, whose fiery orange and scarlet colors stand out against its almost white, blue, and black coat.

Venezuelan troupials, scientifically known as Icterus icterus, are large birds with long tails and three-beak beaks. The bird’s upper breast and head are black, and its top breast feathers stick out, making an uneven line with its orange lower breast. Upper and lower backs have orange, divided by black shoulders. A white streak runs the length of the black wings when closed. Yellow eyes are surrounded by bright blue skin.

Juveniles are paler and have a brown wash over their black plumage, the only distinction between them. A shimmering purple cape replaces his black mask, contrasted with his vivid canary yellow waistcoat and hat! Additionally, young birds have duller eye skin.

Although it is Venezuela’s national bird, it can also be found in Colombia, Puerto Rico, Bonaire, Aruba, Curaçao, and Trinidad. These birds like lush forests like orchards, scrublands, and overgrown grasslands. They also adapt to fragmented habitats and forest edges.

These omnivorous birds feast on tropical insects, fruits, nectar, berries, and seeds. They also eat eggs and young nestlings and may drink from nectar feeders.

Venezuelan troupials lay eggs March–September. Indeed, they are nest pirates that don’t create nests. Instead of building a nest, they must find an empty one or attract adults away from an active one. Venezuelan troops may attack nests. Once they claim a nest, they will fiercely guard it and eat any leftover eggs or nestlings.

This species is listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List due to over 1,300 records in Venezuela, making it a popular birdwatching destination.