Grey-breasted Woodpecker

The Grey-breasted Woodpecker, Melanerpes hypopolius, is a bird of striking appearance, endemic to the interior of southwestern Mexico. It bears a resemblance to the Gila Woodpecker, with males sporting a distinctive round red crown patch. However, it can be distinguished by the pale red on its cheek, a short black line over the eye, and a much darker and grayer coloration below and on the head.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Grey-breasted Woodpecker, look for the pale red cheek patch and the short black line over the eye. The underparts and head are notably darker and grayer compared to similar species. The male's red crown patch is a key feature to look for.

Habitat

This woodpecker favors subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland. It is particularly fond of roosting on cacti within these environments.

Distribution

The Grey-breasted Woodpecker is found within the Mexican states of Guerrero, Morelos, and Puebla. It is a species that has adapted to life in the specific climatic conditions of southwestern Mexico.

Behaviour

Studies have revealed that the Grey-breasted Woodpecker exhibits communal roosting habits, often on cacti. These birds are known to forage in amiable groups ranging from 3 to 10 individuals, scanning the environment for food without showing outward aggression towards each other.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of this species includes a loud and aggressive-sounding rattle, a "chuck" sound typically made by females when nests are approached, and a "yak" sound characterized by a heavy inflection.

Breeding

The breeding behavior of the Grey-breasted Woodpecker is somewhat unique within its genus. Fledglings do not beg for food or attention as conspicuously as other species when they are visible, spending much of their time hidden inside cacti.

Similar Species

This woodpecker is similar to the Gila Woodpecker and other zebra-backed birds of the same genus, but can be differentiated by its unique coloration and markings.

Diet and Feeding

The Grey-breasted Woodpecker's diet includes the fruit of the cactus, which it shares with other species such as the grey fox, cactus wren, house finch, and lesser long-nosed bat. However, it also forages for various insects like cicadas and termites, and occasionally catches flies.

Conservation status

With a population slightly less than 50,000 in its native Mexico, the Grey-breasted Woodpecker is classified as a species of Least Concern for extinction.