Streak-backed Oriole

The Streak-backed Oriole, Icterus pustulatus, is a medium-sized passerine bird belonging to the icterid family, which includes blackbirds, meadowlarks, cowbirds, grackles, and other New World orioles.

Identification Tips

This species is characterized by its striking plumage, which includes a vivid orange body with a distinctive pattern of black streaks running down its back. The wings and tail are also black with white markings, creating a bold contrast.

Habitat

The Streak-backed Oriole inhabits a variety of landscapes, including woodlands, savannas, grasslands, and shrublands. It shows a preference for open arid woodlands, often where mimosa trees are prevalent.

Distribution

Native to Central America and Mexico, the Streak-backed Oriole is also an occasional visitor to the Southwestern United States. Its range extends through countries such as Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala.

Subspecies

Several subspecies of the Streak-backed Oriole are recognized, each with slight variations in their appearance and distribution. These include Icterus pustulatus alticola, I. p. dickermani, I. p. graysonii, I. p. interior, I. p. maximus, I. p. microstictus, I. p. pustulatus, I. p. pustuloides, I. p. sclateri, and I. p. yaegeri.

Conservation Status

The Streak-backed Oriole is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or extinction.