Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela Photo by David Tipling The Yellow-rumped Cacique is a very attractive and gregarious bird—at nearly a foot in length, it is a large member of the blackbird family. Like other caciques, it has mainly black plumage and a large, pale bill; it shares the Scarlet-rumped Cacique's pale blue eyes. It has a bright yellow lower back, rump and vent, with yellow “epaulets” or shoulder patches. Males and females have similar plumage, although the male’s plumage is brighter and the male has a short, thin crest. There is a pronounced size difference between males and females—males are significantly larger than females. Juveniles have dark eyes and a brown bill base. Yellow-rumped Caciques can be found in the middle and upper levels of forest, woodlands and open areas with large trees, riversides and along lakes and fields. They are a lowland species, found from sea level to 700 meters. They are very social and garrulous birds; they forage in groups and nest in colonies, often with closely-related oropendolas (especially Chestnut-headed Oropendolas). Yellow-rumped Caciques feed on insects and fruit, also nectar and seeds. They are often detected by their calls, giving a wide variety of vocalizations including liquid whistling, burbling calls, churrs, squeaks and ear-piercing sharp notes. On occasion, they will even mimic other birds. Colonies share 5-7 song dialects which vary colony to colony. Their vocalizations also vary geographically. Males are territorial and counter-sing to establish dominance. Read more about the Yellow-rumped Cacique’s complex vocalizations and interesting vocal facts here. The Yellow-rumped Cacique has three recognized subspecies. Yellow-rumped Caciques are polygynous, meaning males mate with multiple females; thus, females are responsible for building the nest, incubation and caring for young and males take no role in any aspect of parental care. Yellow-rumped Caciques make complex, hanging woven nests,
Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela Photo by David Tipling The Yellow-rumped Cacique is a very attractive and gregarious bird—at nearly a foot in length, it is a large member of the blackbird family. Like
