The Montezuma oropendola is a New World tropical icterid bird. It is a resident breeder in the Caribbean coastal lowlands from southeastern Mexico to central Panama, but is absent from El Salvador and southern Guatemala. It also occurs on the Pacific slope of Nicaragua and Honduras and northwestern and southwestern Costa Rica. It is among the oropendola species sometimes separated in the genus Gymnostinops. The English and scientific names of this species commemorate the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Caribbean lowlands from southeastern Mexico through Belize and Guatemala’s Caribbean slope to central Panama, with populations also on the Pacific slope of parts of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica. It favors humid lowland and foothill rainforests, forest edges, and second-growth, and frequently uses tall trees in pastures and plantations. Colonies are often established in emergent trees near rivers or open areas, providing visibility and reduced predator access. It adapts moderately well to disturbed landscapes if large nesting trees and fruit resources remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Montezuma oropendola is a large, colonial icterid famous for its long, pendulous woven nests hanging from tall canopy trees. Males perform dramatic bowing displays with explosive, bubbling songs while flipping forward beneath their perch. Colonies are often placed near clearings or water, and the species readily uses tall isolated trees, including in plantations. Its English and scientific names honor the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II.
In flight
Hanging nests in farmland near Quesada, Costa Rica
On a British Honduras stamp.
With a brown-hooded parrot
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with deep wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly colonial breeder, with dozens to hundreds of long, hanging nests clustered in a single tree. Males are larger and polygynous, defending display sites and performing dramatic bowing displays. Nests are intricately woven from fibers and vines and suspended high to deter predators. Breeding often coincides with peaks in fruit availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Males produce loud, liquid, bubbling gurgles that cascade like water, often preceded by rattles and bill snaps. Calls include harsh chaks and clucks used for contact within colonies.
