Crimson-crested Woodpecker (Campephilus melanoleucos)

Identification & Behavior: ~34.5 cm (13.6 in). The Crimson-crested Woodpecker has black upperparts with white shoulder stripes that meet in the back. The male has the entire head red with white ear patch. The female has white on the cheeks and black forehead and front of the red crest. Both sexes have white stripes down the side of the neck, black throat and breast, and light brown rest of the underparts barred with black. It is similar to the  Lineated Woodpecker but is distinguished by having white shoulder stripes that meet in the back and also a different head pattern. It does not overlap with the Guayaquil Woodpecker.

Status: The Crimson-crested Woodpecker is common along forest edges and tall second growth in Amazonia. It is known to range up to 1400 m along the foothill of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Carpintero de Cresta Roja.

Sub-species: Crimson-crested Woodpecker (Campephilus melanoleucos melanoleucos), J. F. Gmelin 1788.

Meaning of Name: Campephilus: Gr. Kampe= caterpillar and philos, phileo= one who likes. melanoleucos: Gr. melanos, melanus, melas= black and leukos= white.

See more of the Family Picidae