An icterid is a bird in the family Icteridae. Blackbirds, orioles, grackles, cowbirds, meadowlarks, and troupials are all icterids. They are all native to the Americas.
Many birds in this family are black with a bright contrasting color -- like the yellow orioles and troupials -- and the name icterid comes from a Greek word for yellow.
One trait that most icterids have in common is known is gaping. Their jaws open with more strength than they close. The bird inserts its beak into a crack, then gapes and roots around for insects. Icterid eyes are positioned just behind the corner of their mouth, so that while they are gaping, they have a direct line of sight down to the tip of their bill.