Habitat
Humid forested lowlands and foothills, including river-margin habitats, such as Gymnerium canebreaks and transitional forest on banks and islands. From 300 - 575 m.
Western Amazonia in eastern Peru (Ucayali, Cuzco and Madre de Dios) and nearby western Brazil (Acre).
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat destruction and degradtion due to impending settlement and agricultural development may be a threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Somewhat variable and generally quiet, but gives a rather loud, rapid series of explosive, paired 'chick-pouw' notes, with some three-syllabled notes interspersed. Also a quick succession of sharp 'chih' notes, more widely-spaced 'chih-chih, pouw-pouw' phrases. Pairs have been heard giving bursts of six phrase-types combined into a long sequence.
Selva Cacique (Cacicus koepckeae) [XC572310]
by Dante Buzzetti from Parque Estadual Chandless, Santa Rosa do Purus, Acre, Brazil (call, duet)
Selva Cacique (Cacicus koepckeae) [XC572314]
by Daniel Lane from Parque Estadual Chandless, Santa Rosa do Purus, Acre, Brazil (call, duet)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Could been included in genus Archiplanus, if recognized. Morphological and biogeographical evidence indicate close relationship to Ecuadorian Cacique (Cacicus sclateri) and it has been suggested that they might be conspecific, but songs differ (though some calls similar). Has been regarded as close relative of Golden-winged Cacique (Cacicus chrysopterus), with the two perhaps forming a superspecies.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet