Grey-crowned Woodpecker

Overview

The grey-crowned woodpecker (Colaptes auricularis) is a species of bird in the woodpecker family Picidae, endemic to western Mexico. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although its population is believed to be decreasing.

Identification

• 19.5 to 21 cm long and weighing about 65 g, with pale olive to olive green upperparts and yellowish underparts marked with irregular olive bars.
• Adult males feature a light gray crown, pale brownish buff sides of the head, and a wide red stripe below the lores; females lack the red head markings.
• Dark gray bill, brown iris, and gray legs.
• Song described as a rapid, shrill, churring rattle, accompanied by sharp explosive calls and a short, rapid drum.

Habitat

Found in western Mexico from southern Sonora and Chihuahua to southern Oaxaca, the species inhabits the interior and edges of semi-humid and humid forests, as well as pine-oak forest, ranging in elevation from near sea level to 2,400 m.

Diet

This woodpecker forages at all levels from the ground to the forest canopy, consuming termites, other invertebrates, and berries, although its detailed diet is not fully known.

Did you know?

The species' specific epithet, auricularis, meaning 'eared', refers to an appearance created by the confluent, fine patterning on its head.