Guadeloupe Woodpecker

The Guadeloupe woodpecker, known scientifically as Melanerpes herminieri, is a medium-sized bird of the woodpecker family, Picidae. It is a forest dweller with a striking entirely black plumage, adorned with subtle red-to-purple reflections on its underparts. The species exhibits no sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females are visually indistinguishable.

Identification Tips

Adult Guadeloupe woodpeckers are characterized by their black plumage with dark red to burgundy hues on the ventral side, dark blue on the back, and metallic blue on the wingtips. They measure 26–28 cm in length and weigh between 69–97 g, with males being slightly heavier. Both sexes have a robust black beak, which is longer in males, and their legs are gray-green to gray-blue with zygodactyl toes for gripping tree bark.

Habitat

This woodpecker is endemic to the Guadeloupe archipelago, favoring the tropical rainforest areas of Basse-Terre. It has adapted to a variety of forest types, including deciduous forests and mangroves, and can be found from sea level up to approximately 1,000 meters in altitude.

Distribution

The Guadeloupe woodpecker is the only woodpecker species in the Lesser Antilles and is exclusive to the main island of Guadeloupe. It is notably more common on the island of Basse-Terre, particularly on the east coast, and is absent from the dependencies of Guadeloupe.

Behaviour

This woodpecker is a solitary and territorial bird, requiring a territory of 2 to 10 hectares per pair. It does not interact aggressively with other bird species and is not known to fly over water, which restricts its movement between islands.

Song & Calls

The Guadeloupe woodpecker is known for its variety of vocalizations, including a series of "rarrrrr" notes when excited and a "kay-kay-kay" during territorial disputes. It also performs a distinctive drumming, with males producing a medium-to-powerful roll of at least eleven beats in 1.3 seconds.

Breeding

Breeding season runs from January to August, with a peak from April to June. The woodpecker nests in holes it excavates in dead trees, with a preference for coconut trees. The female lays 3 to 5 white eggs, which are incubated for 15 days. Chicks are fed by both parents and leave the nest after 33 to 37 days, staying with the parents for several months thereafter.

Similar Species

There are no similar species within its range, making the Guadeloupe woodpecker quite distinctive in its habitat.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of insects such as termites and ants, which are extracted from dead wood, as well as small vertebrates and seasonal fruits. Males and females have different foraging strategies due to the size difference in their beaks.

Conservation status

The Guadeloupe woodpecker was classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN in July 2019. Its population is relatively stable, but habitat fragmentation and urbanization on Grande-Terre pose a risk to its survival. Conservation efforts include the protection of vegetation corridors and the installation of artificial nesting boxes.