Crested Oropendola
Psarocolius decumanus
About This Species
Crested Oropendolas nest colonially, weaving long hanging nests in clusters from the branches of tall isolated trees at forest edges and clearings across much of South America, making a colony one of the more visually striking sights in the region. Males perform a distinctive bowing display accompanied by a loud, liquid, gurgling call, often audible well before the birds are seen. Visiting an active colony tree during the breeding season gives the best chance to observe both the nests and the display behaviour.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Colony trees can usually be watched from a reasonable distance on the ground without disturbing normal activity, since the nests are typically high up and the birds are accustomed to some human presence nearby, but avoid climbing or approaching the tree itself.
- Wildlife protection laws vary across the countries within its range, so treat any specific distance or statute as a general guideline rather than a fixed rule.
- Refrain from throwing objects or making loud noises near a colony, which can cause birds to abandon nests with eggs or chicks.
LCAvesPasseriformesIcteridae
Seasonal Activity
257,830 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.