Montezuma Oropendola
Habitat
The Montezuma Oropendola is a unique bird. Many describe its song as unforgettable. This omnivore is common in Rainforests, Cloud Forests, and Tropical Dry Forests. The Montezuma Oropendola is the most iconic bird in Costa Rica. This bird is a New World species that ranges from southern Mexico through central Panama. If that isn’t enough, in Costa Rica, they are common in the Caribbean lowlands and along the Caribbean slope, as well as in parts of the Central Valley and north Pacific mountain cordilleras. Montezuma oropendola are most often seen in La Selva Biological Station, Rara Avis, in the Central Valley, and around Arenal. This bird’s scientific name is Psarocolius montezuma. (Why are these names so long?) and it’s birdsong is a key element to this species’ mating ritual. This is a species that is considered of least concern, but like other birds, this bird suffers from habitat loss and is forced to adapt to the changing landscape.
Appearance
This bird has a sharp black beak tipped with orange, and it’s tail is a bright yellow. Or in other words “extensively yellow”. Imagine a banana with no brown spots on it. This is what the Montezuma Oropendola’s tail looks like. Oropendolas are predominately brown, black, or olive in color. Montezuma Oropendola has chestnut upperparts, with a black head and upper breast. It’s Tarsi and toes are also black. The Montezuma Oropendola is related to the Chestnut-headed oropendola (Psarocolius wagleri). Chestnut-headed Oropendola is smaller and lighter brown than Montezuma, and has a pale yellow green bill, which is very different from the black and orange bill of Montezuma. Montezuma has chestnut upperparts with a black head, whereas Chestnut-headed has a pale chestnut head and black or blackish upperparts. Chestnut-headed has a fully feathered head, lacking the bare blue and pink facial skin of Montezuma, but its iris is pale blue, not brown as in Montezuma. The Montezuma Oropendola is also narrowly related to the Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus). Well, I guess if they’re an Oropendola, then they’re related to Montezuma. Anyways, Crested Oropendola is very black, with an entirely pale bill, no bare facial skin, and pale blue irises.
Behavior
The flight of Montezuma Oropendolas is slow, with measured wingbeats, and often is at treetop level. Montezuma Oropendolas usually forage in small flocks, especially of females accompanied by one or more males. The song of Montezuma Oropendola is a loud gurgle, which is audible for up to 150 meters. When heard in the distance it is most melodious, but when the performer is nearby his screeching overtones somewhat spoil the effect. Montezuma Oropendola primarily forages in the canopy, searching among foliage, in epiphytes and bark crevices, and along the undersides of branches and fronds. Montezuma Oropendola is reported from the diet of Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) and probably is preyed upon by other large bodied raptors.
After you’ve read this article, you know everything about this bird and where it lives, so finding it won’t be too hard. If you ever visit Costa Rica, then watch out for this incredible bird and it’s stunning call!
