Crimson-crested Woodpecker

The Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Campephilus melanoleucos, is a striking bird, notable for its size and vivid coloration. It is one of the larger woodpeckers within its range, measuring 33 to 36 cm in length and weighing between 225 to 281 grams. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males sporting a predominantly red head and females featuring black around the eye and front of the crest.

Identification Tips

Adult males of the Crimson-crested Woodpecker can be identified by their mostly red head with a white to pale yellow patch at the base of the bill. Females, on the other hand, have a wide white stripe with black edges extending from the bill to the ear coverts. Both sexes have black upperparts with vertical white stripes on the sides of their neck, forming a "V" on their back. Their underparts are pale cinnamon buff to tawny with wide black bars, and their bill is a long ivory chisel.

Habitat

This woodpecker inhabits a variety of forested landscapes, with a preference for humid lowland forests, riverine forests, and mature secondary forests. It can also be found in open areas with tall trees, such as plantations.

Distribution

The Crimson-crested Woodpecker is widely distributed across Panama, Trinidad, and nearly every mainland South American country, with the exception of Chile and Uruguay. It is most prevalent in the Amazon Basin.

Behaviour

The species forages at all levels of the forest, often in pairs, though they may be separated by some distance. They employ a range of techniques to find food, from pecking and probing to scaling bark.

Song & Calls

While not overly vocal, the Crimson-crested Woodpecker has a repertoire of calls, including a hollow, popping series of notes and various calls between pairs. Alarm calls and the sound of their wings in flight are also distinctive.

Breeding

Breeding seasons vary by region, with nesting occurring from November to January in Panama and February to April in Suriname. Both sexes participate in excavating the nest cavity, and while the number of eggs per clutch is typically two, the incubation period and time to fledging remain unknown.

Similar Species

The Powerful Woodpecker (Campephilus pollens) is similar in size but can be distinguished by its range and specific markings.

Diet and Feeding

The Crimson-crested Woodpecker's diet consists mainly of insects such as beetles, butterflies, moths, and ants, including larvae. It also consumes termites, small berries, and seeds.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has classified the Crimson-crested Woodpecker as Least Concern, with an estimated population of over five million mature individuals. However, deforestation poses a significant threat, as the species relies on continuous, open forests.