Found in tropical lowlands and foothills, migratory in northern part of its range. Favors forest edges, plantations, and clearings with tall trees. Named for its behavior of stealing already-built nests of oropendolas and becards. Usually seen as single birds high in the canopy, often perching on exposed branches and calling persistently: a penetrating whistled “swee-u,” repeated and alternated with “ji-ji-jit.” Combination of striped head, small bill, and blurry dark streaking below is distinctive.