Pionites leucogaster xanthomerius 

White-bellied Caiques are found generally south of the Amazon River in Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. They inhabit the forest canopy and show a preference for coastal forests. They are generally seen in pairs, family groups, or small flocks outside breeding season and can often be heard screeching long before they are seen. In the wild they are said to not be well known as good fliers.They spend their days foraging in the canopy of the trees, feeding on fruits, berries and seeds. The species distribution map shows the suggested origin of wild yellow thigh caiques.

The White-belly Caique consists of three distinct sub-species. The nominate form is Pionites leucogaster leucogaster, commonly referred to as “Green-thighed” White-belly. Although it is the nominate, or main race, very few were ever imported into North America. More about Green Thighs on the next page. Yellow Thighs, or Pionites l. xanthomeria are commonly referred to as ‘white bellied’ in the North American pet trade and is the form of ‘white bellied’ we are most familiar with. Gloria Balaban describes the classifications as yellow thighs and white bellies as this:

According to John McMichael of thecaiquesite.com, other names the Yellow Thigh Caique is known by include:

White-bellied caique

Yellow-thighed white bellied caique

Yellow-thighed caique

Q: Is there any behavioral difference between the white bellied caiques and black heads?

A: No, there is not. Some you talk to will say that black heads are more tomboyish and playful, while white bellieds are more laid back, and vica versa. It all depends on the individual bird and its personality trait.

Breeding Season
Because the two caique species differ in territory, their breeding seasons differ slightly. The Black-Headed caique’s natural season is March to October, and eggs are incubated for 13-14 weeks.

The White Belly Caique’s season is February to October, also with an incubation period of 13-14 weeks.