Striped Woodpecker

Overview

The striped woodpecker (Dryobates lignarius) is a species of bird in the family Picidae found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. It belongs to the subfamily Picinae and exists as two disjunct populations across its range.

Identification

• Length is 15 to 16 cm (5.9 to 6.3 in) with a weight of 35 to 39 g (1.2 to 1.4 oz).
• Upperparts are brownish black with white scallops on northern birds and narrow white bars on southern ones; underparts are white with a yellow or buff tinge and black streaks on the breast and belly.
• Males possess a red to orange-red nape and some streaks or spots on the crown, whereas females have a black nape and usually a solid black crown.
• Vocalisations include a loud "peek" and a trill used as a long-distance call.

Habitat

This species inhabits semi-open to open forests, including moist to humid Nothofagus or Podocarpus forests, Polylepis woodland, and drier areas with cacti. It also occurs in lightly treed pastures, orchards, and gardens. Elevational ranges vary by country, from 1,600 to 4,000 m in Bolivia, up to 1,800 m in Chile, and up to 2,700 m in Argentina.

Diet

The striped woodpecker feeds on adult and larval insects, usually foraging alone but occasionally joining mixed-species feeding flocks. It obtains food mainly by gleaning and probing, but also pecks and hammers to reach items below the substrate surface.

Did you know?

The striped woodpecker is capable of excavating nest cavities in cacti as well as trees, typically between 2 and 12 m above the ground.