Icterids

Icterids

Icterids are medium-size to large songbirds. Many species are black with noticeable iridescence; some have bright red or yellow markings. Other species are largely yellow or orange with black and white markings. The most distinctive trait of the Icterids is their strong, straight, pointed bill. The family Icteridae includes 23 species in 8 genera. They include Bobolinks, Blackbirds, Meadowlarks, Cowbirds, Grackles, and Orioles.

Of the 23 species, 9 species are commonly found in Florida: Boblink, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Brown-headed Cowbird, Boat-tailed Grackle, Common Grackle, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, and Spot-breasted Oriole.

Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus