Solitary Black Cacique
Cacicus solitarius
Black cacique with a creamy white bill. Forages in dense waterside vegetation around oxbow lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. Dark eye distinguishes it from similar Ecuadorian and Yellow-billed Caciques, which have light eyes. Entirely black plumage distinguishes it from other caciques; habitat is another good clue. Larger and lankier with a longer bill than other blackbirds, like Giant Cowbird and Pale-eyed Blackbird.
Identification
The male solitary cacique has a length of about 27 cm (10.6 in) and the female 23 cm (9.1 in). It differs from all other entirely black birds with dark irises within its range, by having a large white, chisel-shaped, sharply-pointed beak. It could be confused with the Ecuadorian cacique (Cacicus sclateri), but that is smaller and has a restricted range, or the yellow-billed cacique (Amblycercus holosericeus), but that is not found east of the Andes. It has a range of different vocalizations which are mostly delivered at a measured pace but are sometimes interrupted by gurgles and growls.
Taxonomy
Genus: Cacicus; Family: Icteridae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Cacicus solitarius
- Authority
- Vieillot, 1816
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
- Genus
- Cacicus
Range and habitat
The solitary cacique has a very wide distribution in Amazonia. Its range extends southwards as far as northern Argentina and Uruguay at altitudes of up to about 800 m (2,625 ft). It inhabits forests, gallery forests and flooded areas. It is generally found in the mid-storey of the canopy, or the shrubby understorey, often clambering about among dense vines.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
Migration pattern: Complete migrants.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Centropus anselli
A large, reddish-bellied forest coucal of Central African forests, occasionally found in more open and disturbed habitats. Most often detected by its call, which is a long or short series of hollow loud hoots, the last few usually lower, sometimes given as a duet. Overlaps locally with Black-throated Coucal, which has a black throat and a cream-colored belly.
Barred Forest-Falcon
Micrastur ruficollis
Retiring and rarely seen raptor of humid forest in lowlands and foothills. Usually detected by sharp, barking call given mainly early and late in the day. Does not soar. Most likely encountered sitting quietly at middle to low levels inside the forest. Adult has orange-yellow facial skin and pale eyes. Immature is creamy below, often with some dark barring. Note the long yellow legs.
Talaud Kingfisher
Todiramphus enigma
A striking kingfisher with clean white underparts and collar and blue-green upperparts. Restricted to the Talaud Islands. Inhabits forest and forest edge away from the coast, often close to rivers and streams. Distinguished from Collared Kingfisher by being smaller, shorter-billed, and shorter-tailed, with a greener cast to the upperparts. Talaud Kingfisher is absent from the coastal areas to which Collared is restricted. Gives a raucous, repetitive “kee-kee-kee-kee…” call as well as a slower-paced, pulsating “kree-ow-kree-ow…”.
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