Variable Oriole
Icterus pyrrhopterus
Variable Oriole (Icterus pyrrhopterus) — Songbirds & Perching Birds of South America.
Found across 4 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Variable Oriole (Icterus pyrrhopterus) is a member of the Icteridae family found in South America. Adults weigh 33.3 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Widespread and abundant — not currently at risk.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Passeriformes
- Family Icteridae Oropendolas, New World Orioles, Blackbirds
- Genus Icterus
- Species pyrrhopterus
Quick facts
- Weight
- 33.3 g
- Diet
- Invertebrate-eaters
- Family
- Icteridae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Endangered
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Variable Oriole is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Behaviour
A bird of semi-open forest, it spends much of its time perched in trees and shrubs.
Migration
The Variable Oriole is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Variable Oriole (Icterus pyrrhopterus) is a species of bird in the Icteridae family, part of the order Passeriformes. Its range spans South America. Its distribution covers SA sc.
It is a small bird. Adults weighs around 33.3 g, with a wing length of about 9.1 cm and a tail of around 9 cm.
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 6.6 million km².
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Variable Oriole?
The Variable Oriole is a small bird that weighs around 33.3 g.
Where does the Variable Oriole live?
The Variable Oriole is found across South America with a range covering SA sc, where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.
What family does the Variable Oriole belong to?
The Variable Oriole (Icterus pyrrhopterus) belongs to the Icteridae family, in the order Passeriformes.
What does the Variable Oriole eat?
The Variable Oriole is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Does the Variable Oriole migrate?
The Variable Oriole is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Variable Oriole endangered?
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
What sound does the Variable Oriole make?
1 real field recording of the Variable Oriole — including its call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Variable Oriole's range?
The Variable Oriole has a mapped global range of about 6.6 million km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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