FAMILY ICTERIDAE

• Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

• Chordates (Phylum Chordata

• Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

• Birds (Class Aves)

• Perching Birds (Order Passeriformes)

• New World Blackbirds and Orioles (Family Icteridae)

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Family Icteridae comprises the icterids, a diverse family of New World birds that includes blackbirds, orioles, meadowlarks, grackles, cowbirds, caciques, and oropendolas. Found exclusively in the Americas, icterids range from southern Canada to Patagonia and occupy habitats as varied as forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, agricultural fields, and urban areas. The family contains more than 100 species and is characterized by strong, pointed bills, relatively long legs, and often striking plumage featuring combinations of black, yellow, orange, chestnut, red, or iridescent blue. Many species are highly vocal and exhibit complex songs and social behaviours.