The golden-winged cacique is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Bolivia and southern Brazil south through Paraguay and Uruguay into northern Argentina. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and foothill forests, as well as forest edges, riparian woodlands, and secondary growth. The species also uses gallery forests within savanna and Chaco mosaics and can venture into plantations and wooded parks near native habitat. It favors areas with tall trees for nesting and foraging in the mid to upper canopy.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Golden-winged caciques are striking icterids with bold yellow wing patches that stand out against their black bodies. They often weave pendant, pouch-like nests that may hang over water or near wasp nests, which can deter predators. These birds can be conspicuous at forest edges and sometimes join mixed-species flocks while foraging. Their varied, whistled songs and harsh notes are most frequent during the breeding season.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, direct wingbeats; agile in the canopy
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small groups and may join mixed-species flocks while foraging. Breeds colonially or semi-colonially, weaving pendant nests from plant fibers suspended high in trees, often near water or protective insect colonies. Both sexes participate in nest defense; males display with song and posturing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a varied series of clear whistles, chatters, and metallic notes delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp scolds and nasal contact notes, becoming more frequent and complex in the breeding season.
Plumage
Glossy black overall with bright golden-yellow wing coverts forming a bold panel; rump often yellowish; plumage sleek with a smooth, satiny sheen.
Diet
Consumes a mix of insects and other arthropods, along with a substantial portion of fruits and berries. It gleans prey from foliage and branches, probes into bromeliads and epiphytes, and occasionally takes nectar. Opportunistically visits fruiting trees and may forage near human-altered edges when resources are abundant.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid to upper canopy of humid forests, edges, and riparian corridors. Also forages in secondary growth and scattered trees within agricultural mosaics. Will exploit fruiting trees in plantations and wooded parks adjacent to native forest.
