Yellow-rumped Cacique

Identification

The yellow-rumped cacique is a striking, slim bird with a long tail and distinctive plumage that makes it unmistakable in the field. Males average 28 centimetres in length, while females are noticeably smaller at around 23 centimetres. Both sexes display mainly black plumage contrasted with bright yellow on the rump, tail base, lower belly, and wing "epaulets"—the source of the bird's common name. The species has blue eyes and a pale yellow pointed bill. Females are duller black than males, while juveniles resemble females but have dark eyes and a brown bill base.

The male's song is unmistakable: a brilliant mixture of fluting notes interspersed with cackles, wheezes, and sometimes mimicry of other species. Active colonies are vocally prominent and can be heard from considerable distances, making them easy to locate by sound alone.

Range & Habitat

The yellow-rumped cacique breeds throughout much of northern South America, from Panama and Trinidad south to Peru, Bolivia, and central Brazil. Remarkably, sightings have been recorded as far north as Nayarit state in Mexico, extending the species' range beyond its primary breeding distribution. Three subspecies are recognized across this vast range, with slight variations in plumage coloration.

This gregarious species favours open woodland or cultivated areas with large trees, showing a preference for more open habitats. The yellow-rumped cacique has notably benefited from the expansion of open habitat created by forest clearance and ranching activities across South America.

Behaviour & Diet

Yellow-rumped caciques are highly gregarious birds and active foragers. They feed on a varied diet of large insects including beetles, caterpillars, crickets, grasshoppers, and katydids, as well as spiders such as orb-weavers. They also consume nectar and fruit, particularly chupa-chupa and figs.

The species is a colonial breeder, with colonies sometimes containing up to 100 nests in a single tree. Nests are distinctive bag-shaped structures, 30–45 centimetres long and wider at the base, suspended from branch ends. Remarkably, colonies typically establish themselves in trees that also host active wasp nests, which provide protection from predators. Females build the nests, incubate the eggs, and raise the young. Each female lays a normal clutch of two dark-blotched pale blue or white eggs, with incubation lasting 13 or 14 days and fledging occurring after 34 to 40 days, usually producing only one fledgling per nest.

Best Time & Places to See It

Yellow-rumped caciques are year-round residents throughout their range in northern South America, making them accessible to travellers at any season. They are most easily found in open woodland and cultivated areas with large trees, particularly in lowland regions. Look for them in areas that have been cleared for ranching or agriculture, where open-canopy habitats favour this species. Their loud, distinctive calls make locating active colonies straightforward—listen for the brilliant fluting notes and cackles that carry across considerable distances.

Visit during breeding season to witness the dramatic nesting behaviour, including females competing for nest sites near protective wasp nests. The species is not considered threatened and remains relatively common throughout its range.

Photography Tips

The yellow-rumped cacique's bold black and yellow plumage and active, gregarious nature make it rewarding to photograph. The bright yellow rump, tail base, and wing epaulets provide excellent colour contrast against the black body, particularly in good light. Photograph males whenever possible, as they display more vibrant colouration than females. The bird's relatively small size (especially females) requires adequate focal length and steady positioning.

Colonial nesting sites offer opportunities for behaviour and nesting photography, though exercise caution around active wasp nests that protect the cacique colonies. Early morning and late afternoon light will enhance the yellow markings. The species' vocal activity means you can locate colonies by sound and approach carefully for photography without disturbing the birds excessively.