Yellow-eared Woodpecker

Overview

The yellow-eared woodpecker (Dryobates maculifrons) is a small bird species in the woodpecker family Picidae, endemic to eastern Brazil. It is a year-round resident throughout its range, found in lowlands and hills of the Atlantic Forest as well as in parks.

Identification

• Approximately 15 cm (5.9 in) long with olive-brown faces, whitish streaks, and pale golden-yellow napes.
• Males possess a brown crown with white streaks and red tips, and a mostly red hindcrown, while females have an olive crown with pale spots and golden rear tips.
• Upperparts are yellowish green, sometimes with a bronzy tinge, featuring yellowish spots and bars on the rump, with darkish brown flight feathers barred in pale yellow to white.
• Underparts are off-white with narrow olive bars that widen on the breast and flanks; legs are olive or gray, and the beak is blackish with a paler base.
• Vocalisation is described as a high, nasal, rising then slightly falling chattering rattle lasting five to seven seconds.

Habitat

Found in eastern Brazil between the states of Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, inhabiting lowlands and hills of the Atlantic Forest in both primary and secondary forests, as well as parks.

Diet

Documented to feed on insect larvae and has been observed pecking on avocados (Persea americana), though little else is known about its diet or foraging strategy.

Did you know?

One observed nest hole was located approximately 18 m (60 ft) up in a tree, while very little else is known about the species' breeding biology.