Russet-backed Oropendola (Psarocolius angustifrons)

Identification & Behavior: Males 44-48 cm (17.5-19 in), Females 34.5-38 cm (13.5-15 in). The Russet-backed Oropendola is mostly rufous-brown with a russet rump. The tail is relatively long and yellow with a brown central pair of tail feathers. Birds along the foothill of the Andes (alfredi) have yellow forehead and yellow bill.  Birds of the Amazonian lowlands (angustifrons) have a black bill and a darker plumage. The Russet-backed Oropendola generally forages in loose flocks in just about any forest type, and also agricultural land. The Russet-backed Oropendola es similar to the Dusky-Green Oropendola but is distinguished by a warmer brown plumage and a contrasting yellowish-brown head.

Status: The Russe-backed Oropendola is common and widespread in Amazonia where it is known to range up to 2000 m along the foothill of the Andes.  It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish:  Oropéndola de Dorso Bermejo.

Subspecies: P. a. alfredi (Des Murs, 1856) – Occurs along the Andean slopes and foothills along the length of Peru.
P. a. angustifrons (Spix, 1824) – Lower foothills and Amazonian lowlands in NE Peru Loreto and North Ucayali.

Meaning of Name:  Psaracolius: Gr. Psar= the starling; Koloios= resembles a crow. angustifrons: L. Angustus= Narrow, small; frons= forehead.

See more of the Family Icteridae