The red-rumped cacique is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It is a species of the Amazon Basin and the Guyanas in northern South America, and is only coastal there in the Guyanas and the Amazon River outlet to the Atlantic; a separate large disjunct range exists in all of south-eastern and coastal Brazil, including Paraguay, and parts of north-eastern Argentina. It is also found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern and eastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout much of the Amazon Basin and the Guyanas, extending into southeastern and coastal Brazil, eastern Bolivia, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. It favors tropical lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, riverine gallery forests, and secondary growth. Colonies are often established near open water or along forest margins, where tall emergent trees provide suitable nesting sites. The species tolerates moderately disturbed habitats and may use plantations or wooded parklands near forests.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-rumped cacique is a glossy black icterid with a striking scarlet rump, often nesting colonially in long, pendulous baskets woven from plant fibers. Colonies are frequently placed high in trees near water or close to wasp nests, which may offer protection from predators. They are active, vocal birds and can join mixed-species flocks while foraging in the canopy.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, purposeful flight
Social Behavior
Highly colonial nesters that build long, hanging pouch nests in clusters, often in a single tree. Males display at colony sites and may defend territories around nest clusters, while females weave the nests. They may associate with wasps or bees by nesting near their hives, reducing predation risk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp chatters, squeaks, and mechanical-sounding clicks mixed with liquid gurgles. Songs are varied and can include mimic-like notes, delivered frequently around colony sites.
