Green-barred Woodpecker

The Green-barred Woodpecker, known scientifically as Colaptes melanochloros, is a striking bird of the woodpecker family Picidae. This species exhibits a plumage that is predominantly yellowish-green with dark brown bars across the upperparts. The rump is paler with less pronounced barring, and the uppertail coverts are buff with black bars. The underparts are a paler green, often darker on the breast, adorned with black spots on the lower breast and flanks.

Identification Tips

Adult males can be distinguished by their black forehead and forecrown, with a red hindcrown and nape. They feature a white area from the lores around the eye to the nape, accented with a red malar stripe. Females, on the other hand, have red only on the hindcrown and nape, with a black malar stripe marked with white streaks. Both sexes possess a longish black bill, brown to chestnut-brown iris, and legs that are gray with a possible greenish or yellow tinge.

Habitat

The Green-barred Woodpecker is adaptable, inhabiting a range of environments from dry desert scrub to subtropical humid forests. It is often found in semi-open to open landscapes such as savannas, open woodlands, and arid brushlands.

Distribution

This species is widespread across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It is generally a lowland bird but can be found up to elevations of 3,000 meters in Bolivia.

Behaviour

Green-barred Woodpeckers are known to forage both on the ground and in trees, often seen alone or in pairs, and occasionally joining groups of Campo Flickers. They are year-round residents in most of their range, with the southernmost populations exhibiting some migratory behavior.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire includes a "kwiek-kwik-kwik" call and a variety of other notes such as "peah, krrew, and peek." They also produce a screechy "wheéo, krrew, pikwarrr, or ker wick." Both sexes engage in drumming, characterized by short rolls, though this behavior is not frequent.

Breeding

Breeding season varies geographically, typically occurring from August to January in the southern range and earlier in the north. Nest cavities are excavated in dead trees, stumps, palms, cacti, or utility poles. Clutch size is usually four eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties and chick provisioning.

Similar Species

The Green-barred Woodpecker can be confused with other woodpecker species, but its distinctive barred plumage and call notes aid in its identification.

Diet and Feeding

The diet is primarily composed of ants, including larvae and pupae, as well as other insects like termites and Orthoptera. They also consume cactus fruits and various berries, playing a key role as seed dispersers for certain plant species.

Conservation status

The IUCN classifies the Green-barred Woodpecker as Least Concern, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified. It is common or reasonably common throughout most of its range and is present in numerous protected areas.