Cacicus cela
The Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela) is a striking New World blackbird, renowned for its glossy black plumage punctuated by brilliant yellow accents. Measuring 23-29 cm (9-11.4 inches) in length and weighing 60-80 grams (2.1-2.8 oz), it boasts a vibrant yellow rump, wing patches, and vent that contrast sharply with its dark body. A distinctive pale blue iris and a long, pointed, pale yellow bill are key identification features. Taxonomically, it belongs to the family Icteridae, closely re...
Tropical lowlands, primarily inhabiting forest edges, clearings, secondary growth, plantations, riparian zones, and semi-open areas with tall trees, typically below 1000 meters in elevation.
Primarily omnivorous, feeding on a diverse array of insects (especially caterpillars, beetles, and ants), fruits, and nectar, often obtained by gleaning from foliage or probing flowers.
Yellow-rumped Caciques are highly diurnal and gregarious, roosting communally in noisy colonies, often returning to the same site for generations. They are active foragers, gleaning insects and spiders from foliage, probing flowers for nectar, and consuming various fruits, often joining mixed-spe...
The Yellow-rumped Cacique is a widely distributed and resident species throughout much of tropical northern South America. Its breeding range extends from central and eastern Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas, southward through eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, Bolivia, and vast areas of Brazil. ...
Least Concern
- Yellow-rumped Caciques are master architects, with females weaving intricate, pendulous nests that can hang over a meter long, sometimes resembling hanging socks or purses. - They often strategically build their nests in close proximity to active wasp nests or even large raptor nests, believing...