Species profile
About this species
The Montezuma Oropendola is a large, striking bird native to Central America, known for its vivid chestnut & black plumage, bright yellow tail feathers, and distinctive blue & pink facial markings. Males are significantly larger than females and are renowned for their elaborate, gurgling calls accompanied by dramatic bowing displays. They are highly social birds that nest in large colonies, constructing impressive woven hanging nests that can exceed a metre in length.
Montezuma Oropendolas inhabit tropical & subtropical lowland forests, forest edges, and adjacent open areas with tall trees, primarily found from southern Mexico through Central America to north-western Colombia, often near rivers & forest clearings.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Montezuma Oropendola with us in Costa Rica.
These departures are part of our Central America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours between 6am & 9am offer the best light & activity, particularly during the breeding season from January through to June when colony displays are at their peak.
Position yourself near an active nesting colony early in the morning when birds are most active & displaying, using a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture detail without disturbing the colony. Focus on the distinctive bowing display of males, using a fast shutter speed of 1/1000s or higher to freeze their swinging, pendulous movements. Shooting upward from below the nest trees can provide dramatic compositions that showcase both the hanging nests & the birds against a bright sky, so use exposure compensation to avoid silhouetting.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Montezuma Oropendola
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.
