Monkeys vs. Birds

A very nice colony of oropendola birds was nesting outside our lab. We became accustomed to their comings and goings and admired their long, basket-like nests and gargling calls. They always seemed to come and go together and did so with much fanfare. One afternoon however, while the birds were away, three capuchin monkeys raided their nests, and we were lucky to see it. The capuchins systematically went to each one, inserted their heads and torsos into the long nests, pulled out the oropendola eggs, and ate them right there in front of us. It was quite shocking. Of course we were sad on behalf of the birds, yet at the same time excited to witness such drama. - Dan Bennett

Monkeys raiding the birds' nest

Malena and Diana, at night at the fieldstation