Cacicus uropygialis
The Scarlet-rumped Cacique (Cacicus uropygialis) is a striking medium-sized passerine, instantly recognizable by its glossy black plumage contrasted sharply with a vivid scarlet rump. Measuring approximately 23-28 cm (9-11 inches) in length and weighing around 50-70 grams, its slender, pointed bill is a pale yellow to ivory, and its eyes are a distinctive bright blue. These strong field marks make it relatively easy to identify within its range. Taxonomically, it belongs to the New World Blac...
This species primarily inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests, often found along forest edges and clearings. It typically occurs from sea level up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) in elevation, sometimes reaching higher elevations.
Primarily insectivorous and frugivorous, their diet consists mainly of beetles, caterpillars, orthopterans, and various fruits. They also frequently consume nectar from forest flowers, using their pointed bills to probe for this sugary resource.
Scarlet-rumped Caciques are diurnal and highly social birds, often seen foraging actively in mixed-species flocks. They spend their days gleaning insects from foliage, probing flowers for nectar, and plucking fruits from the mid-story and canopy. While individually somewhat shy, they are colonial...
The Scarlet-rumped Cacique is a resident species distributed across Central and South America. Its extensive breeding range spans from southeastern Honduras, through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. In South America, it extends across western Colombia, western Ecuador, northeastern Peru, wester...
Least Concern
- The Scarlet-rumped Cacique's common name perfectly describes its most striking feature: a brilliant scarlet patch on its rump. - Like many of its Icterid relatives, this cacique is a master weaver, constructing intricate, pendulous nests that can dangle up to a meter in length. - They often str...