The Venezuelan Troupial is the national bird of Venezuela, is a visually striking member of the New World orioles. It is found not only in Venezuela but also in Colombia and various Caribbean islands including Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Trinidad, and Puerto Rico. There are three subspecies of this bird, each occupying distinct geographic ranges: Icterus icterus icterus in northeastern Colombia and parts of Venezuela, Icterus icterus metae in northwestern Colombia and Venezuelan areas near the Meta river, and Icterus icterus ridgwayi in northeastern Colombia, northwestern Venezuela, and on several islands​​​​. In terms of habitat, the Venezuelan Troupial prefers dry edge environments, commonly found in semi-open savannas, dry woodlands, llanos (tropical grasslands), arid scrubs, or gallery forests. These birds also adapt well to human-modified landscapes, often seen in fruit plantations and gardens​​​​. Physically, Venezuelan Troupials are relatively large birds characterized by lengthy, wedge-shaped tails and long, chisel-like bills. Their striking appearance includes a black head and upper breast, with an uneven boundary between the black and the orange of the bird's lower breast and underside. Notably, they possess a patch of bright blue, naked skin around their yellow eyes, which adds to their distinctive look. The wings are predominantly black with a noticeable white streak running the length of the wing when closed. Juveniles share a similar plumage to adults but are distinguished by a duller orange color and a hint of brown on the black feathers, along with dull blue-grey skin around the eyes​​​​. The Venezuelan Troupial is classified as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List.