Rufous-headed Woodpecker (Celeus spectabilis)

Identification & Behavior: ~29 cm (11.4 in). The Rufous-headed Woodpecker has barred back, and rufous head and wings. The breast is black. The rest of the underparts are spotted and somewhat barred on the sides. The male has a red malar stripe, which is missing in the female. It is largely restricted to stands of  Bamboo (Guadua spp.) where this is available. It also used mixed Canebrake (Gynerium sagittatum) thickets where it forages alone or in pairs. It is similar to the Ringed woodpecker, but distinguished by a rich rufous head, unmarked rufous wings, and habitat use; always in or near the understory.

Status: The Rufous-headed Woodpecker is rare in Amazonia where it is known to range up to 700 m along the foothill of the Andes. It also occurs in Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Carpintero de Cabeza Rufa.

Sub-species: Rufous-headed Woodpecker (Celeus spectabilis spectabilis) P. L. Sclater and Salvin, 1880. E Ecuador and NE Peru.
(C. s. exsul) J. Bond and Meyer de Schauensee, 1941. SE Peru, extreme W Brazil (W Acre) and N Bolivia (Beni, N Cochabamba).

Meaning of Name: Celeus: Gr. keleus= green woodpecker. spectabilis: L. outstanding, showy.

See more of the Family Picidae