Yellow-winged Cacique

Overview

The Yellow-winged Cacique is a glossy black songbird restricted to the Pacific slope of Mexico, notable for its shaggy crest of elongated crown feathers and a bright yellow patch on the wing. Like other caciques, it is highly social, nesting in colonies and producing a varied, often noisy vocal repertoire.

Feather Identification

• Body feathers: Glossy black overall
• Wing feathers: Bold yellow patch on the coverts, contrasting with otherwise black wings
• Crown feathers: Elongated and shaggy, forming a distinctive crest
• Tail: Black, without the yellow base seen in Yellow-rumped Cacique
• Similar species: Distinguished from Yellow-rumped Cacique by the shaggy crest and lack of a yellow rump patch

Plumage Details

Adults are glossy black overall with a bold yellow patch on the wing coverts and a shaggy crest of elongated feathers on the crown. Males are larger than females, though plumage pattern is similar between sexes. Juveniles show a less developed crest and duller yellow wing patch.

Habitat & Range

Yellow-winged Caciques are restricted to dry and semi-humid forests, forest edges, and scrub along the Pacific slope of Mexico. The species is resident within its limited range, showing little seasonal movement.

Behavior & Field Notes

Yellow-winged Caciques are social birds that forage for insects and fruit, often in small groups. They nest colonially in woven hanging nests and produce a varied array of whistles, gurgles, and chattering calls. Their shaggy crest is often raised during social interactions and display.