Psarocolius guatimozinus
The Black Oropendola (Psarocolius guatimozinus) is a strikingly large and vocal member of the Icteridae family, captivating observers with its glossy black plumage, vibrant accents, and complex vocalizations. Males are significantly larger, measuring 46-51 cm (18-20 in) and weighing around 500g, while females are 38-41 cm (15-16 in) and approximately 300g. Key field marks include its overall glossy black body, a contrasting chestnut lower back and rump, and bright yellow outer tail feathers, ...
Found in humid evergreen forests, forest edges, clearings with tall trees, and plantations from lowlands up to approximately 1500 meters (4900 feet) elevation.
Primarily omnivorous, feeding on a diverse diet of large insects and other arthropods, supplemented significantly by various fruits, berries, and nectar, which they obtain by gleaning and probing.
Black Oropendolas are diurnal, forming large, noisy communal roosts, often in the same trees where they build their impressive nests. They primarily forage in the canopy and mid-story, gleaning insects and fruits from foliage and branches, and probing flowers for nectar. During the breeding seaso...
The Black Oropendola is a resident species found primarily in the humid lowlands and foothills across a relatively restricted range in Central and South America. Its distribution spans eastern Panama, extends through much of Colombia, and reaches into northwestern Venezuela. In Colombia, it is pa...
Least Concern
- Their impressive, pendulous nests can hang over 1.5 meters (5 feet) long, resembling woven baskets swinging in the breeze. - The species' scientific name, *guatimozinus*, is thought to be an homage to Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor. - Black Oropendolas often strategically build their nests ...