Moriche Oriole (Icterus chrysocephalus)

Identification & Behavior: 20.5 – 21 cm (8 – 8.5 in). The Moriche Oriole is mostly black with yellow top of the head and nape, shoulders, thighs, and rump. The bill is black, thin, and slightly decurved. It is small and slender and can be mistaken for a Tachyphonus tanager. It is similar to the closely related Epaulet Oriole but is distinguished by having yellow on the top of the head, nape, and rump. These two orioles have only limited range overlap. The Moriche Oriole is often associated with stands of Mauritia flexuosa palms. It also forages in the canopy of mature Amazonian forests.

Status: The Moriche Oriole is uncommon in Amazonia were is largely restricted to the north side of the Amazon River. It is closely related to the Epaulet Oriole, which is restricted to the south side of the Amazon River. Both species overlap in some areas, such as the south side of the lower Marañon River in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

Sudspecies: Moriche Oriole (Icterus chrysocephalus), (Linnaeus), 1766.

Meaning of Name: 
Icterus:  Gr. Ikteros= Yellow bird. Chrysocephalus: Gr. Khrusos= Gold; kephalus=headed.

See more of the Family Icteridae