Knowra Icterid Icterid An icterid is a bird in the family Icteridae, a diverse group of New World songbirds that includes blackbirds, orioles, grackles, cowbirds, and meadowlarks.
Icteridae : A family of New World passerine birds that includes blackbirds, orioles, grackles, cowbirds, and meadowlarks. This is the taxonomic family to which every icterid belongs.
Baltimore oriole : A migratory North American icterid with bright orange-and-black adult males and hanging woven nests. It is a familiar example of an oriole’s colors and suspended nest.
Brood parasitism : A reproductive strategy in which an animal places its eggs in another individual’s nest, leaving care to the host. Cowbirds use this strategy instead of building nests and raising their own young.
Tanager : A bird in the family Thraupidae, a large group of mainly American songbirds. Tanagers can resemble orioles in color but belong to a different family.
Passerine : A bird in the order Passeriformes, the largest bird order, commonly called perching birds or songbirds. Icterids are passerines, sharing the order’s characteristic foot structure.
Red-winged blackbird : A widespread North American icterid whose males have red and yellow shoulder patches. Its conspicuous marsh territories illustrate one icterid breeding strategy.
Nest building : The construction of a structure used by an animal to hold eggs or shelter young. Many icterids weave elaborate nests, sometimes suspending them from branches.
New World warbler : A small insect-eating songbird in the family Parulidae, native chiefly to the Americas. Warblers are often smaller and belong to a separate family of New World songbirds.
Bird vocalization : A sound produced by a bird for communication, including songs, calls, and alarm notes. Vocal communication is a conspicuous part of many icterids’ lives.
Common grackle : A large, iridescent North American icterid with a long tail and pale yellow eyes. It exemplifies the group’s social, adaptable blackbirds.
Show all 23