Olive Oropendola (Psarocolius bifasciatus)

Identification & Behavior: Male 47.5-52 cm (18.5-20.5 in), Female 41-43 cm (16-17 in).
The Olive Oropendola is overall olive-green with chestnut wings. The bill is black with a red tip. Both sexes show a conspicuous pink bare cheek patch. of all oropendolas. The iris is brown. The tail is yellow with a greenish central pair of tail feathers. It is the largest oropendola that flies in straight line with continuous wing beats that are often audible. The Olive Oropendola is similar to the Green Oropendola but is distinguished by the chestnut wings, a black bill with a red tip, and a bare pink cheek patch. Also, see Casqued Oropendola.

Status: The Olive Oropendola is uncommon generally in the canopy of terra firme forest in Amazonia where it ranges up to 1,000 m along the foothill of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

 Name in Spanish: Oropéndola Olivacea

Subspecies: Olive Oropendola (Psarocolius bifasciatus yuracares), (d’Orbigny and Lafresnaye), 1838.

Meaning of Name: 
Psaracolius: Gr. Psar= the starling; Koloios= resembles a crow. bifasciatus. L. Double barred, two barred. Refers to the double face in the Olive Oropendola.

Go to Family Icteridae