Yellow-tufted Woodpecker

Overview

The Melanerpes cruentatus is a species of woodpecker native to northern South America. It is a common bird classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, despite facing gradual population decline due to the degradation of its Amazon rainforest habitat.

Identification

• Approximately 20 cm long with upper parts mostly bluish-black and a blackish beak.
• Red breast and belly with variable amounts of red; flanks and lower belly feature black and white undulating barring.
• White rump and upper tail-coverts that are noticeable in flight, contrasting with a black tail.
• Males possess a red fore- and mid-crown, whereas females have these areas black; both have yellow irises and orbital rings.

Habitat

Found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, including varzea and terra firme, as well as secondary forest, woodland verges and burnt-out areas with isolated standing trees. Its range covers eastern Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, northern and central Brazil, and eastern Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

Diet

This species has an omnivorous diet consisting principally of insects and fruits. It is social and gregarious, often foraging in groups and catching some insects on the wing.

Did you know?

The specific epithet cruentatus is Latin for 'blood-stained'.