Yellow-fronted Woodpecker

Overview

The Melanerpes flavifrons is a colourful member of the family Picidae found in eastern South America. It is a fairly common bird with a wide range and is classified as 'least concern' by the IUCN.

Identification

• Approximately 18 cm in length with a yellow fore-crown, cheeks, chin, and throat, and a broad black band running from the base of the beak to the nape.
• Males possess a red crown and nape, whereas females have a bluish black crown and nape.
• Features a black beak, olive brown legs and feet, and blue-black irises with a yellowish or orange orbital ring.
• The back and rump are white, the breast is grey or olive, the belly is red, and the flanks are barred in black and white or black and buff.

Habitat

Native to eastern and southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina, inhabiting areas from sea level to about 1,800 m. It resides in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, heavily degraded former forest, sparsely forested areas, gallery forests, secondary forests, palm groves, orchards, gardens, and parkland, particularly where isolated trees stand in otherwise cleared areas.

Diet

Consumes a mixed diet consisting mainly of berries and fruits, along with seeds, insects, and their larvae. Nestlings are fed fruits, and both insects and fruits are sometimes cached for later use.

Did you know?

The species is a cooperative breeder, with multiple birds nesting in close proximity and some acting as nonbreeding helpers.