This amazing bird is quite impressive in size and has a distinctive, memorable song that the male uses during his courting ritual. He performs a bowing dance while making bubbly and gurgling sounds that add to the conversation.
The Montezuma Oropendola, scientifically known as Psarocolius Montezuma, is a tropical icterid bird that belongs to the New World. The male bird measures approximately 50 cm in length and weighs around 520 grams. It has a mainly chestnut-colored body with a black head and rump. The tail feathers are bright yellow with two dark central feathers. The male also flaunts two blue cheek patches with a pink wattle, brown eyes, a long black bill, and a red tip.
While females share many similarities with males, they can be distinguished by their smaller size, measuring at 38 cm and weighing in at 230 grams. Additionally, they have a smaller wattle. When compared to adult birds, juvenile birds appear less vibrant and have a paler and less defined bill.
The feathered creature is a native of the Caribbean coastal lowlands, where it breeds from southeastern Mexico to central Panama. It’s important to note that it is not present in El Salvador and southern Guatemala. Moreover, it can be found in Nicaragua, Honduras, as well as Costa Rica.
The Montezuma Oropendola prefers to make its home in the uppermost part of the forest, as well as the edges of forests and old plantations. An interesting sight to see, they can often be spotted searching for food in groups, scanning through trees for small creatures, big insects, sweet fruit, and delicious nectar.
The Montezuma Oropendola birds are fascinating creatures that breed in colonies. They are known for their unique hanging woven nests, which are made from fibers and vines and can range from 60 to 180 cm in length. These nests are typically found high up in trees and serve as a safe haven where the female lays her dar-spotted white eggs, which take around 15 days to incubate. Once hatched, it takes the young about 30 days to become fledge. These colonies can house up to 30 nests with a dominant male who mates with multiple females.
Thanks to their wide distribution and thriving number, the Montezuma Ordonpendola has been categorized as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN list.
Check out the incredible melody of this bird’s song in the video and audio clip provided below: