Guaxe (Red-rumped Cacique)

No sexual dimorphism. Adults are black with lime green beak, and bright red back feathers. The male measures 27 to 29.5 cm long and the female 21.5 to 24 cm. The immature is soot grey instead of black. Unfortunately, the red feathers can only rarely be seen when the bird is resting. Guaxe's nest resembles weaver bird's nest. Only the female builds the nest-shaped bag with 40 to 70cm long, in colonies, with material of various vegetables at varied locations, usually near the water, on top of trees in the forest or in palm trees at the forest edges. Unlike Japiim not usually make their colonies in association with japus. Lays 2 to 3 white eggs with reddish spots and purple stains, with 2 to 3 litters per breeding period. The Red-rumped Cacique tends to build several nests, but lay eggs on only one of them to deceive toucans and other predators. (Picture 3 shows a nest)