Yellow-rumped cacique
Cacicus cela
At the Zoo
Binnowee Aviary
Fascinating Facts
Songs are important in yellow-rumped cacique colonies: they can be used to establish a territory, display dominance and attract a mate. Yellow-rumped caciques have their own calls, but can mimic other species’ calls, as well. In addition, colonies will have special songs that they will use to differentiate colony members from outsiders.
Physical Characteristics
Adult yellow-rumped caciques are black with a blue sheen, with patches of yellow on the wings and the rump. They have blue eyes and an off-white beak. Juveniles and females have a duller coloration. Males are about 11 inches in length and females about 9 inches.
Diet
They feed on insects, small vertebrates, fruit and nectar.
Habitat
Yellow-rumped caciques are found in forest edge and savannas.
Social Behavior
Yellow-rumped caciques are gregarious and will nest in colonies with anywhere from 2 – 250 nests. Males will compete to breed with multiple females. This competition includes singing, displaying and aerial combat. Usually the larger male will win. Females will also compete with other females for the best nesting spots in the colony. Nests are pouch-shaped, constructed of woven plant materials, and hang from a tree. Nesting colonies are frequently located in a tree with a wasp’s nest to help deter predators. Nesting colonies are also sometimes located on an island or near human settlements, also to deter predators. After mating, females will build a nest, incubate a clutch of 2 eggs and raise the chicks until fledging.
Status In The Wild
Northern South America
Other
Predators include raptors and other bird species. Yellow-rumped caciques are threatened by habitat loss