New World Blackbirds (Icteridae)

Yellow-billed Cacique (Amblycercus holosericeus) - HBW 16, p. 747

French: Cassique à bec jaune German: Gelbschnabelkassike Spanish: Cacique Piquiclaro
Other common names: Chisel-billed Cacique/Blackbird; Prevost’s/Chapman’s Cacique (australis)

Taxonomy: Sturnus holosericeus W. Deppe, 1830, Alvarado, Veracruz, Mexico.
Affiliation uncertain. DNA and skeletal data, also nest structure, indicate that this species is not related to true caciques (Cacicus); even its inclusion within present family has been questioned. Genetic distance between nominate race and australis suggests that two separate species may be involved; races appear to differ little in nesting habits and voice; examination of flavirostris required. Three subspecies currently recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution: