Birds diurnal

Scarlet-rumped Cacique

Cacicus uropygialis

A master of mimicry with a hidden flash of crimson, the Scarlet-rumped Cacique is the charismatic socialite of the tropical forest edge. Watch for its piercing blue eyes and ivory bill as it weaves its way through the canopy in noisy, energetic groups.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 23–30 cm (9–12 in); Weight: 55–80 g (1.9–2.8 oz)

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Colors

Jet-black plumage across the entire body, except for a vibrant scarlet-red patch on the lower back (rump). Features a pale ivory bill and striking pale blue eyes.

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Key Features

Glossy black plumage with a hidden scarlet rump patch
Pale ivory or yellowish-white pointed bill
Distinctive pale blue eyes
Long, wedge-shaped tail

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

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Season Year-round, with increased visibility during the nesting season from January to May.

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Diet An omnivorous forager that eats tropical fruits, berries, nectar, and a wide variety of insects and spiders.

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Habitat Humid lowland forests, montane forests, forest edges, and mature suburban gardens with plenty of tree cover.

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Behavior

The Scarlet-rumped Cacique is a highly social and vocal member of the Icterid family, often found traveling in small, lively groups through the mid-canopy and forest edges. They are renowned for their remarkable mimicry, weaving together the calls of other birds and environmental sounds into complex, liquid songs that can be heard from a distance. While they are naturally birds of the forest, they are bold and curious, frequently venturing into clearings and gardens in search of food.

During the breeding season, these birds exhibit fascinating nesting behavior, constructing long, pendulous bags woven from plant fibers that hang from the tips of branches. They are active and agile foragers, often seen hanging upside down to reach fruit or probing deep into bromeliads for insects. Their social nature means that if you see one, several more are likely nearby, maintaining constant chatter to keep the group together.

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Camera Tips

To successfully capture the Scarlet-rumped Cacique on a trail camera, you must account for their preference for the mid-to-upper canopy. If you are setting up in a backyard, mount your camera at least 8 to 12 feet high, angled slightly downward toward a known perching branch or a high-platform feeder. These birds are creatures of habit and will often use the same 'scouting' branch before descending to eat or drink. Look for branches that offer a clear line of sight and are illuminated by the morning sun.

Baiting is highly effective for this species. Set up a platform feeder stocked with overripe bananas, halved papayas, or oranges. Because they are also nectar drinkers, placing your camera near flowering shrubs like Hibiscus or Heliconia can result in stunning action shots. To keep them in the frame longer, try securing fruit inside a suet cage; this forces the bird to stay and 'work' for the food rather than grabbing a piece and flying away immediately.

Technical settings are critical because of their dark plumage. Black birds often appear as featureless silhouettes in harsh light. Position your camera so the sun is behind it, illuminating the bird directly. Increase your exposure compensation by +0.5 or +1.0 to bring out the detail in their black feathers and the texture of their ivory bill. Use a fast trigger speed or high-frame-rate video (60fps), as their movements are jerky and fast, and the brilliant scarlet rump is often only visible for a split second when they flick their wings or take flight.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Scarlet-rumped Cacique.

Yellow-rumped Cacique

Features bright yellow on the rump and wing coverts instead of scarlet red.

Red-rumped Cacique

Typically larger with a deeper, blood-red rump that is more visible even when the wings are closed.

Subtropical Cacique

Very similar but found at higher elevations and has a slightly different, less varied song repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scarlet-rumped Cacique are most active in the early morning hours, usually starting 30 minutes after sunrise, and again during a secondary peak in the late afternoon before dusk.

The best way to attract them is by offering soft tropical fruits like bananas, papaya, and mango on elevated platform feeders. Planting native nectar-rich flowers and providing a high-level water basin or dripper can also draw them in.

Their diet is a mix of protein and sugar; they eat various insects and spiders found in foliage, alongside a heavy intake of wild fruits, berries, and floral nectar.

They are common in suburban areas that maintain high tree density or are located near the edges of secondary forests and nature reserves.

The most reliable indicator is the rump color: the Scarlet-rumped has a red patch, while the Yellow-rumped has a bright yellow patch. Additionally, Yellow-rumped Caciques usually have yellow patches on their wings, which the Scarlet-rumped lacks.

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