| Variable Oriole Icterus pyrrhopterus (aka Epaulet Oriole Icterus cayanensis) |
||||
 |
Brazil The Epaulet Oriole is found in Brazil south of the Amazon, north and east Bolivia, and down to central Argentina. See the distribution map at xeno-canto. It is found in a wide variety of habitats from woodland to cerrado and gardens. |
|||
 |
There are several subspecies amongst which the main variation is the colour of the epaulet which varies from chestnut to yellow. The first two photos are of the subspecies I. c. tibialis which is characterised by a yellow epaulet and the yellow thighs you can see in the second photo. The 3rd and 4th photos show the sub-species I. c. valenciobuenoi with an ochre-orange epaulet and dusky wing-linings with yellow tips as can be seen in the 4th photo. | |||
 |
There has been considerable doubt about the exact taxonomy of this species and its inclusion or otherwise with Epaulet Oriole Icterus cayanensis. However most authorities now treat it as Variable Oriole. It is normally seen alone or in pairs or as part of a flock. It is usually an insect eater but sometimes sips nectar as it appears to be doing in most of these shots. |
|||
 |
||||
|