General Information

Belonging to the blackbird family, the Cacique and the Oropendula are two types of birds that belong to the Icteridae family. Icteridae, birds only found on the American continent, are a diverse group, but the Cacique and the Oropendula are the only two in that family to be considered Weaver Birds, a type of bird that weaves their own nests. In most cases with these two, it is the female that does the constructing in contrast to the African weavers where it happens that the male builds a sturdy nest to attract females.

Physical Description

The Oropendula and the Cacique are the largest two birds in the Icterid group. They are mostly black or dark brownish with yellow and sometimes red tails and markings on their body. Males are considerable bigger than the females, however, neither show any sexual dimorphism. 

Diet

Both are gregarious animals that live in groups and feed mainly on fruits but also eat insects and even small mammals.

Habitat

Both the Oropendula and the Cacique are tree dwellers that construct beautiful nests and hang from tall tree branches. They reside in the lower tropical forest locations either on the west or east side of the Andes Mountains. Both birds are colonial builders, often choosing their nesting area in trees nearby others. They will build together in tree clearings or near water but never inside the deep forest. They also will build near bee or wasp nests for additional protection against egg predators. Oropendulas defend the insects' nests from other animals forming a symbiotic relationship. 

Reproduction

Their mating system is polygynous and some practice a harem-defense system. This is when one dominant males keeps a harem of females and prevents them from associating with lessor males in the group. Females will lay 4-5 eggs in their nests and incubate them until hatched. The young will flee the nest within 3 weeks of birth.