WAGLER'S OROPENDULA 



forming a conspicuous broad rounded frontal 



shield. 



FIG. 103. Zarhynchus w. wagleri 



Female. Similar to male but much smaller. 

 Bill darker. 



Young. Similar to adults. 



This is the common oropendula in the Canal 

 Zone. It breeds in colonies and suspends its 

 long hanging nests from the branches of some 

 large tree, distributing them in different parts 

 of the tree and usually selecting one containing 

 a wasp's nest to insure greater safety. Few of 

 the Canal Zone birds have such loud, arresting 

 notes, consisting of sounds like the plunking 

 of huge drops of water, and liquid whistles. 

 It also makes a crashing sound which is sugges- 

 tive of the cutting of dry brush with a machete. 

 When nesting, the males remove to roost at 

 night in trees at some distance from their nests, 

 in which, however, the females spend the night. 



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