Psarocolius montezuma
The Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma) is a spectacular and easily recognizable passerine of the Icteridae family, closely related to other oropendolas and caciques. Males are notably larger, measuring approximately 46-51 cm in length and weighing 450-520 g, while females are smaller at 38-42 cm and 230-260 g. Their striking plumage features a chestnut body, a black head, and a vibrant yellow tail, tipped with black on the central feathers, creating a distinctive field mark during f...
This species primarily inhabits humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, forest edges, clearings with scattered tall trees, and mature plantations, favoring low to middle elevations up to 1,500 meters, though typically below 1,000 meters.
The Montezuma Oropendola has an omnivorous diet, predominantly consuming a variety of fruits, large insects and other arthropods, and occasionally small vertebrates. They forage primarily by gleaning from foliage and branches in the forest canopy.
Montezuma Oropendolas are highly social, diurnal birds often observed in small foraging parties or large, noisy colonies. They are known for their spectacular, communal nesting, typically selecting a single large, emergent tree in an open area, such as a pasture or forest edge, to build numerous ...
The Montezuma Oropendola has a relatively restricted but stable distribution extending from southeastern Mexico, through Central America, and south to central Panama. Its core breeding range encompasses the humid lowlands of the Caribbean slope from southern Veracruz and Oaxaca in Mexico, across ...
Least Concern
- The Montezuma Oropendola's pendulous nests can be over a meter long, resembling intricately woven hanging baskets. - Males perform a dramatic "bowing display" where they dip forward, spread their tail, and emit their characteristic liquid, gurgling calls. - Despite their large size, they are re...