Cuban Oriole
Icterus melanopsis
A sleek forest bird that sometimes ventures into gardens and parks in search of flowers and fruit; prefers areas with palms. The adult is dressed in black except for its yellow rump and shoulders. No similar species occur within its range. Immatures are largely yellow-green with a tattered black beard and somewhat resemble immature male Orchard Orioles, but the Orchard Oriole is smaller and lacks the Cuban Oriole’s yellow shoulders. Calls include a whistled “tsee-tsoo” and “pit-see-ee-oo,” plus a loud squeaky “spwit.” Full song is fluid series of whistled upslurred and down-slurred notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Icterus melanopsis
- Authority
- (Wagler, 1829)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
- Genus
- Icterus
Range and habitat
Cuban orioles are endemic to the island of Cuba and the neighboring Isla de la Juventud.<p>Cuban orioles are able to survive in a wide variety of habitat conditions present throughout Cuba. These include plantations, dense forests, and human settlements. The birds are frequently observed foraging in coral trees for insects and nectar, and tend to attach nests to the underside of palm tree leaves.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
The Cuban oriole was given a status of "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List in 2012. However, the Cuban oriole is a host for the brood parasite Shiny Cowbird, which leave their eggs in the nests of tropical orioles to be raised by the orioles.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Caica Parrot
Pyrilia caica
Medium-sized, uncommon rainforest parrot. Combination of green body, brown collar, and black head is unique in range. Also occurs in lower-stature forests with sandy soils. Flies fast and low; usually seen rocketing past in small groups, through the forest canopy or just above it, disappearing quickly; odd, nasal calls are often heard just before such appearances. Like other parrots, forages on fruit and flowers in forest canopy.
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Rupicola peruvianus
One of the iconic birds of the Andes. Fairly large, significantly larger and chunkier than a thrush. Found in cloud forest at middle elevations, most often at a dawn display site where males make piglike squeals and jump and dance for females. Sometimes seen elsewhere in the forest, especially at fruiting trees. Males can be either brilliant crimson or orange, always with black wings and broad silver tertials, orange legs, and puffy rounded crest. Female duller brown with smaller crest; note staring pale eye. Nests on large rocks or cliff faces. Only similar species is Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, but no range overlap.
Long-billed Gnatwren
Ramphocaenus melanurus
Very small bird of humid tropical forest and edge. Favors vine tangles at mid-upper levels, where moves actively, holding its tail cocked and flopping it from side to side. Appearance is distinctive, with buffy face, very long thin bill, and fairly long tail with white tips. Similar to Chattering Gnatwren but lacks the extra white spots on outer tail feathers. Easily overlooked, but rising and falling trilled song reveals its presence.
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