About Cacicus cela (Linnaeus, 1758)
This species, commonly called the yellow-rumped cacique, has a scientific name of Cacicus cela (Linnaeus, 1758). Males average 28 centimetres (11 in) in length and weigh about 104 grams (3.7 oz), while females are 23 centimetres (9.1 in) long and weigh approximately 60 grams (2.1 oz). It is a slim bird with a long tail, blue eyes, and a pale yellow pointed bill. Most of its plumage is black, with the exception of bright yellow markings on the rump, tail base, lower belly, and wing 'epaulets'. Females have duller black plumage than males. Juvenile birds look similar to females, but have dark eyes and a brown base to the bill. The male yellow-rumped cacique's song is a striking blend of fluting notes mixed with cackles, wheezes, and sometimes mimicry. This species also produces a wide variety of calls, and an active colony can be heard from quite far away. The yellow-rumped cacique lives in open woodland or cultivated areas that have large trees. It is a gregarious bird, and its diet includes large insects such as beetles, caterpillars, crickets, grasshoppers and katydids, orb-weaver and other spiders, nectar, and fruit such as chupa-chupa and figs.
