oropendola

[awr-uh-pen-dl-uh, ohr-uh-]

noun

1. any of several birds of the genus Gymnostinops, related to crows and feeding primarily on fruit and nectar, noted especially for their hanging nests.

Word History and Origins

Origin of oropendola¹

1895–1900; < Spanish oropéndola the golden oriole, equivalent to oro gold (< Latin aurum ) + péndola, by-form of péñola feather, quill < Latin pinnula, diminutive of pinna feather, wing; pinna, -ule

Example Sentences

Consider the peacock’s “big, squawky, shriek,” or the call of the tropical species Montezuma oropendola, reminiscent of the firing of a space weapon in a science-fiction film.

Read more on New York Times

Amid the ilex-groves the Golden Oriole hangs suspended, hovering like a Kestrel in mid-air, his rich orange lustre justifying the Spanish name—oropendola: the Roller, clad in chestnut and azure, and rich parti-coloured Hoopoes and Pied Woodpeckers flit among the foliage.

Read more on Project Gutenberg