The scientific name of the species commemorates Johann Georg Wagler, who established Psarocolius, the oropendola genus.

Adult males are mainly black with a chestnut head and rump and a tail which is bright yellow apart from two dark central feathers.

It may in be more common at such high altitudes at particular times or in particular places, but its altitudinal movements are insufficiently understood.

It is a quite common bird in parts of its range, seen in small flocks foraging in trees for large insects, fruit and berries.

It is a colonial breeder which builds a hanging woven nest of fibres and vines, 60–100 cm (24–39 in) long, high in a tree.