Subject: Montezuma Oropendola, Psarocolius montezuma, hanging nests

Location: Parque Eco-Arqueológico Los Naranjos, near Peña Blanca, Honduras

Stock Number: 09-24532 (above) and 09-24371 (below)

Comments: This tree was home to about twenty-five of the hanging nests of Montezuma Oropendola. Females construct these nests using Spanish Moss, fibers from banana leaves, and the like.

A single male typically roosts high in the tree, watching for any threats toward his many mates, and giving alarm calls when needed. The patriarchal male also spends his time driving off other males.

More information about the life history of Psarocolius montezuma is found in Skutch, Orioles, Blackbirds, and Their Kin (1996).

Related image: Female Montezuma Oropendola building her nest.