[5] It is found in Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

Three subspecies are known:[6] Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and heavily degraded former forest.

[1] The yellow-billed cacique feeds on insects and other invertebrates, as well as some fruit.

It uses a pecking technique similar to that of a woodpecker to gain access to the interior of branches and bamboo.

[3] In the spring, the yellow-billed cacique builds a sturdy cup-shaped nest, which is unusual for its family, who tend to build hanging woven nests.