Green Oropendola
Psarocolius viridis
Large, stocky bird. Green-and-chestnut plumage can look mostly black under some conditions and at a distance. Note size, yellow tail, and deep, rowing wingbeats. Reliably distinguished from other green-plumaged oropendolas by pale green-and-red bill. Found in rainforest canopy and edges as well as along rivers, in villages, and in savanna woodlands. Groups move noisily through the forest canopy in search of fruit and flowers. Large flocks are sometimes seen commuting between roosting and feeding areas. Distinctive song of male can be heard at a great distance.
Identification
The male green oropendola grows to a length of about 43 cm (17 in) and the female about 37 cm (14.6 in). The head, breast and back are pale olive green, the wings are greyish-green, and the rump and underparts are chestnut. The central feathers of the tail are black and the outer ones yellow. The beak has an orange tip, and its base and the adjoining areas of skin are yellowish. The irises are pale blue and there is an inconspicuous crest on the back of the head.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Psarocolius viridis
- Authority
- (Müller, PLS, 1776)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
- Genus
- Psarocolius
Range and habitat
P. viridis has a very wide distribution in the tropical rainforests of South America. Its range includes Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
This bird usually moves through the forest canopy in mixed species flocks. It is an omnivore, foraging for fruits and insects among the leaves and branches. By consuming whole fruits, it acts as a seed disperser. It is one of several birds that follow small groups of red-throated caracara (Ibycter americanus) through the canopy. The caracaras are specialist predators of wasp nests, and the oropendolas have been observed following the group for several hours, feeding independently and not necessarily at the same level in the canopy nor on the same items of diet.<p>Green oropendolas are gregarious, colonial birds and build long, bag-shaped nests that dangle from the branches of a tree. The birds are polygamous. The nests of green oropendolas are sometimes parasitised by the giant cowbird (Molothrus oryzivorus) which lays its eggs in their nests.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Chestnut-crested Yuhina
Staphida everetti
This sprightly and social little bird is the only yuhina in Borneo, where it can be found in forested areas within the island’s central highlands. Gray back, clean white underparts, and ginger-orange crest and face create a clean color palette. Gives sharp “wit” and “chit” notes, as well as rattling “chirr”s, as noisy flocks move through the treetops. Commonly in single-species flocks but will also join mixed flocks.
New Britain Rail
Gallirallus insignis
A round-bodied and short-tailed rail with long pink legs. Mostly chestnut above and black below with white barring. Almost flightless. Prefers damp thick forest and mountain valleys, but also occurs in swampy grass and agricultural areas. Similar to Pale-vented Bush-Hen and Buff-banded Rail, but differs from both in its black throat with white barring, and from Buff-banded by its lack of a prominent white eyebrow. Vocally poorly known, but reported to give wheezing nasal barks and screams.
White-capped Tanager
Sericossypha albocristata
Large, boisterous, striking tanager unlikely to be mistaken. Mostly dark blackish, but look for satin-red throat and iridescent steely-bluish wings. Most distinctive is the namesake white cap that shines like sunlit snow. Sexes similar; females and immatures have slightly duller throat. Never common; found in small flocks that move quickly through the canopy of the subtropical and temperate zones in the Andes, sometimes perching conspicuously. Behavior and voice recall a jay and they sound quite similar especially at a distance. Sometimes travels with flocks of Turquoise Jays.
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