The blond-crested woodpecker is a species of bird in the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Eastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in eastern and southern Brazil and adjacent Paraguay and northeastern Argentina, centered on the Atlantic Forest and nearby woodlands. It inhabits humid and semi-humid forests, gallery forests, secondary growth, forest edges, and wooded parks. The species tolerates moderately disturbed habitats and can appear in plantations with scattered large trees. It forages from mid-story to canopy and occasionally comes lower along forest edges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking woodpecker is recognized by its pale blond, shaggy crest contrasting with a darker body. Males show a red malar stripe that females lack. It excavates nest cavities in dead trees and helps control ants and termites, making it an important forest insectivore.
Temperament
alert and somewhat shy, usually in pairs
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with bursts of rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups within year-round territories. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in dead wood and share incubation and chick-rearing. Courtship includes crest displays and mutual drumming.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, nasal calls given singly or in short series, carrying well through forest. Drumming is medium-paced and resonant, used for communication and territorial advertisement.
Plumage
Mostly dark brown to blackish with pale buff barring on the wings and back, and a conspicuous shaggy blond crest. Underparts are darker with subtle mottling; face shows paler buff tones.
Diet
Feeds mainly on ants, termites, and beetle larvae, obtained by probing and chiseling into wood and arboreal termite nests. Also takes other insects when available and occasionally supplements with fruits. The strong bill and long, barbed tongue aid in extracting prey from crevices.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks, large branches, rotting stumps, and arboreal termite mounds from mid-levels to canopy. Often uses forest edges, secondary growth, and wooded parks where large trees remain.
