Large blackbird with thick triangular bill. Dark blackish plumage, fading to paler reddish-brown at rear. At a distance, appears all black. Striking yellow tail and pale blue eye. Separated from other oropendolas by combination of large size and dark color. Often found in loose flocks anywhere with some trees, including forests, edges, and even disturbed open habitats. Oropendolas are colonial nesters that build hanging woven nests.
- Conservation Status : Least concern
- Habitat : Forests
- Class: Aves
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Icteridae
- Genus: Psarocolius
Diet
Diet consists of insects, seeds, grain, fruit and nectar. Senses: They have good eyesight that is used for finding food and evading predators.
Colors
They are mostly black with a chestnut rump, bright yellow tail and pale yellowish bill. Males possess a black crest along the head. Females are smaller, have a duller coloration and a less pronounced crest. This species has vivid blue eyes and the bill is cone-shaped.
Fun Facts
Listen for bizarre gurgling noises. Outside of the breeding season, the crested oropendola is nearly silent.
Map
Salamanca National Park
Salamanca National Park