Crested Oropendola
Psarocolius decumanus
A black-and-yellow South American bird that weaves long hanging nests, with males that bow upside down to court females.
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About the Crested Oropendola
Crested oropendolas are 14 to 18 inches long and mostly black, with a chestnut rump, a bright yellow tail, a pale bill and blue eyes. They live along forest edges and clearings from Costa Rica to northeastern Argentina, including much of the Amazon. Females weave teardrop-shaped nests of palm leaves high in trees; some reach 6 feet long.[1]
Quick facts
- Scientific name
- Psarocolius decumanus[1]
- Size
- 14 to 18 inches long.[1]
- Weight
- 6 to 10.5 ounces.[1]
- Lifespan
- Up to 20 years in human care.[1]
- Diet
- Omnivore. Large insects, fruit, nectar and small animals.[1]
- Habitat
- Tropical lowland forest edges and clearings.[1]
- Where it lives
- Costa Rica to northeastern Argentina, including much of the Amazon.[1]
- Group life
- Flocks of 15 to 30 females and 3 or 4 males.[1]
- Babies
- Two eggs, incubated 17 to 19 days.[1]
- Conservation status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2020).[2]
Fun facts
Vocabulary
- brood parasite
- A bird that lays its eggs in another bird's nest for them to raise.
- pendulum
- Something that swings back and forth from a fixed point.
- courtship
- Behavior animals use to attract a mate.
- colony
- A large group of animals of one kind that live or nest together.
- least concern
- A conservation label meaning a species is widespread and not at risk of dying out soon.
See it in person
- San Francisco Zoo & GardensSan Francisco, California · BirdsSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗
These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.
Sources
- [1] San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. “Crested Oropendola.” https://www.sfzoo.org/crested-oropendola/ (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Psarocolius decumanus (Crested Oropendola).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22723982/138239106 (accessed 2026-10-02)
Facts last checked 2026-10-02.
