Birdsong field guide
Golden-winged Cacique
Cacicus chrysopterus
The Golden-winged Cacique is a medium-sized, dark icterid characterized by its striking yellow wing patches and pale irises. It is a social inhabitant of South American forests known for its architectural nesting habits and vocal versatility.
What it sounds like
A complex and varied series of liquid whistles, clucks, and rattles, often interspersed with expert mimicry.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- It is a renowned mimic, capable of accurately imitating the calls of dozens of other bird species within its territory.
- Unlike many other icterids, the plumage is monomorphic, meaning males and females look nearly identical, though males are significantly larger.
- The species constructs elaborate, pendulous nests that can exceed 60 centimeters in length, woven from flexible plant fibers and vines.
- Its striking pale blue or ivory-white iris provides a sharp visual contrast against its uniform black facial plumage.
- While often found in small family groups, it is less colonial than its relative, the Red-rumped Cacique, sometimes nesting in isolated pairs.
Habitat
Humid montane forests, Atlantic forest, and dense subtropical woodland edges.
Range
South-central South America, including southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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