# Crested Oropendola (*Psarocolius decumanus*) The Crested Oropendola is a colorful bird with a long tail and a unique crest on its head. It loves to build big nests in trees and can be found singing cheerful songs in the forest. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests ![Crested Oropendola](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Psarocolius_decumanus.jpg&width=800) Photo: The Lilac Breasted Roller from Sullivan's Island, United States, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Psarocolius_decumanus.jpg) ## Appearance The Crested Oropendola is a large, striking black bird with a bright yellow tail that is easily visible during flight. It has a pale, pointed bill and a distinctive, slightly shaggy crest on its head, setting it apart in the rainforest canopy. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Passeriformes - **Family:** Icteridae - **Genus:** Psarocolius ## Interesting facts - Crested Oropendolas often build their super-long nests near wasp nests for protection! - Male oropendolas do a special bowing dance and make a "cracking" sound to attract mates! - Their amazing hanging nests can sometimes be over 6 feet long, swinging in the wind! - These birds sometimes allow parasitic Giant Cowbirds to lay eggs in their nests! ## Special abilities - **Architect of the Air:** Crested Oropendola can weave elaborate, hanging pouch nests that protect their young from many predators in tall trees. - **Melody Master:** Crested Oropendola has a unique gurgling, bubbling call that helps them communicate across dense rainforests and clearings. - **Community Dweller:** Crested Oropendola lives in colonies, which helps them defend against predators and share information about food. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 36-48 cm - **Wingspan:** 45-56 cm - **Weight:** 0.22-0.33 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-10 years - **Speed:** 40 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 1-3 - **Incubation:** 15-19 days ## Diet & Feeding Crested Oropendolas enjoy a tasty diet of yummy fruits, juicy insects, and sometimes small animals. - **Primary Foods:** Fruits, Large insects, Nectar, Small vertebrates - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Symbiotic with:** [Paper Wasp](https://www.snappit.app/explore/paper-wasp) (*Polybia occidentalis*) — Wasp nests deter nest predators. - **Eaten by:** Boa Constrictor (*Boa constrictor*) — Preys on eggs and nestlings. - **Eats:** Ficus Tree (*Ficus insipida*) — Consumes its ripe fruits. - **Eats:** [Gray Bird Grasshopper](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gray-bird-grasshopper) (*Schistocerca nitens*) — Forages for large insects. ## Traits - [Crested](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/crested): Crested describes animals possessing a prominent tuft of feathers, hair, or skin on their head. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Crested Oropendola? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Crested Oropendola? 36-48 cm ### What is Crested Oropendola's wingspan? 45-56 cm ### How much does Crested Oropendola weigh? 0.22-0.33 kg ### How long does Crested Oropendola live? 5-10 years ### How fast can Crested Oropendola move? 40 km/h ### What does Crested Oropendola eat? Crested Oropendolas enjoy a tasty diet of yummy fruits, juicy insects, and sometimes small animals. ### Where is Crested Oropendola usually found? Forests ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Crested Oropendola: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/crested-oropendola)