The Selva cacique is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It is endemic to Peru where its natural habitat consists of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is an uncommon and elusive bird and it is threatened by habitat destruction; the population is thought to be declining rapidly and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the bird's conservation status as being "Near Threatened".
Region
Peruvian Amazon
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, especially along large river systems and their floodplain (várzea) and adjacent terra firme edges. It favors mature canopy and semi-open edges where fruiting trees and insect prey are abundant. The species is most often detected near rivers and oxbow lakes, in secondary growth, and at forest margins. Human disturbance and clearing limit its occurrence to remaining forest tracts. It may join mixed-species flocks in the canopy, which contributes to its elusive detection.
Altitude Range
100–700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Selva cacique is a scarce, canopy-dwelling icterid known from patchy sites in the Peruvian Amazon’s lowland rainforests. It is elusive and often overlooked, moving quietly through the upper canopy and forest edges. Like other caciques, it weaves pendent, bag-like nests suspended high above the ground, sometimes in small colonies. Ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation are the principal threats to its survival.
Temperament
wary and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flight between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Often travels in small groups and may accompany mixed-species canopy flocks. Breeding involves weaving long, pendulous nests suspended high in trees, sometimes in loose colonies. Pairs defend the immediate nest area but forage more widely in the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include a series of clear, whistled notes interspersed with chattering phrases. Calls can be metallic and carrying, but the bird often sings from concealed canopy perches.
