Yellow-winged Cacique
Cassiculus melanicterus
Spectacular and conspicuous black-and-yellow bird of tropical lowlands in west Mexico. Favors deciduous forest and edges, plantations, and hedges with tall trees; often in towns and villages, especially near streams and rivers. Usually in flocks, moving through the canopy to feed at flowering and fruiting trees, but also feeds readily on the ground; often associates with flocks of jays. No similar species in range. Note the raised crest that flares up like a floppy fountain spray.
Identification
Spectacular and conspicuous black-and-yellow bird of tropical lowlands in west Mexico. Favors deciduous forest and edges, plantations, and hedges with tall trees; often in towns and villages, especially near streams and rivers. Usually in flocks, moving through the canopy to feed at flowering and fruiting trees, but also feeds readily on the ground; often associates with flocks of jays. No similar species in range. Note the raised crest that flares up like a floppy fountain spray.
Taxonomy
Genus: Cassiculus; Family: Icteridae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Cassiculus melanicterus
- Authority
- (Bonaparte, 1825)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
- Genus
- Cassiculus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Lineated Woodpecker
Dryocopus lineatus
Large ‘woody woodpecker’ of tropical forest in lowlands and foothills. Also ranges into semi-open areas with tall trees, mangroves, and other lightly wooded habitats. The tufted red crest and black face distinguish it from adult Pale-billed Woodpecker, which often occurs in the same areas. Also note that the white ‘braces’ on the back of Lineated are widely spaced, unlike Pale-billed. Laughing call suggests a flicker, and very unlike calls of Pale-billed.
Straight-billed Earthcreeper
Ochetorhynchus ruficaudus
Perky little bird of rocky slopes and valleys in Andes, often in areas with low bushes and scrubby trees. Nests in holes in banks. Found singly or in pairs and at times curious and confiding. Runs well on ground with long rusty tail strongly cocked up. Identified by rather long, overall straight bill, whitish bib, and rusty streaking on belly. Has a longer bill than the superficially similar, but smaller canasteros.
Phainopepla
Phainopepla nitens
Unique bird of scrubby oak and mesquite habitats with a sleek body, shaggy crest, long tail, and staring red eyes. Males are shiny black with a bluish sheen; white wing patches visible in flight. Females and juveniles are ashy-gray. Often in small groups; forages mainly on berries (especially mistletoe).
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