Psarocolius angustifrons
The Russet-backed Oropendola (Psarocolius angustifrons) is a striking and vocal neotropical songbird belonging to the family Icteridae, which includes blackbirds, orioles, and meadowlarks. Males are notably larger, measuring around 40-48 cm in length and weighing 250-400g, while females are smaller at 35-39 cm and 150-250g. Key identification marks include its namesake russet-brown back, rump, and belly, contrasting with a glossy black head, chest, and wings. Its bright yellow outer tail feat...
Typically found in humid montane and lowland forests, forest edges, clearings, secondary growth, gallery forests, and plantations, often near water sources. It inhabits elevations ranging from sea level up to 2,500 meters, occasionally higher.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of fruits; also eats large insects, spiders, and occasionally nectar. Forages by gleaning from foliage and branches, and probing in bark.
Russet-backed Oropendolas are diurnal birds, often seen foraging or flying in noisy flocks. They are highly social, forming large breeding colonies that can number in the dozens or even hundreds of individuals, and roost communally outside the breeding season. Foraging involves gleaning insects a...
The Russet-backed Oropendola has a wide distribution across northern and western South America, primarily along the eastern slopes of the Andes and into the Amazon basin. Its range extends from northern Colombia and western Venezuela, south through Ecuador and Peru, into northern Bolivia and the ...
Least Concern
- The Russet-backed Oropendola is known for its incredible weaving skills, constructing long, pendulous nests that can hang up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) from tree branches. - Colonies often deliberately nest near active wasp or bee nests, a remarkable strategy believed to deter predators like monkey...