Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #61

By Jim Gain

8/8/2023

• Scientific Name: Psarocolius montezuma
• Name in Spanish (Mexico): Oropéndola de Moctezuma
• ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: MORO
• Family: Icteridae – Orioles and Allies
• Order: Passeriformes – Perching Birds

About this Species

The Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma) is a tropical bird species native to Central America, including Belize. It is a medium-sized bird, with a distinctive bright yellow tail and a dark, iridescent body. The males are particularly striking, with a black head and chestnut-colored wings. Females are slightly smaller and have a brownish-yellow body. The Montezuma Oropendola is often heard before it is seen, with a loud, distinctive call that sounds like a “churr-r-r-r-rup.”

The Montezuma Oropendola is found throughout much of Central America, including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. It prefers tropical forest habitats, but can also be found in disturbed areas and gardens. It is particularly common in lowland rainforests and along rivers.

The natural history of the Montezuma Oropendola is fascinating. It is a colonial breeder, with groups of males building large, pendulous nests that hang from the branches of tall trees. Females lay their eggs in these nests, and the males help to incubate and care for the young. The nests can be up to 2 meters long and contain multiple compartments for different pairs of birds. The Montezuma Oropendola is also an important seed disperser, as it eats fruits and berries and then spreads the seeds through its droppings.

>> Next Post on Friday, 8/11/2023 – Gartered Trogon

Previous posts from Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog

• White Ibis
• Limpkin
• Anhinga
• Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
• Gray-breasted Martin