The bronze-winged woodpecker is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is endemic to northeastern Mexico.
Region
Northeastern Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Sierra Madre Oriental from Tamaulipas south through parts of Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Hidalgo, and northern Veracruz. It favors pine–oak and humid montane forests, mature secondary woodland, and forest edges. Birds also use semi-open habitats with scattered trees, riparian corridors, and shade-coffee groves where old trees remain. It is generally associated with mid-elevation slopes and foothills and is most frequent where epiphyte-laden trees are abundant.
Altitude Range
600–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small woodpecker is confined to the Sierra Madre Oriental and adjacent foothills of northeastern Mexico. It often forages quietly on trunks and larger limbs, probing bark and epiphytes for insects. Males typically have more red on the crown and a red malar stripe, while females lack or reduce these red areas. Like many woodpeckers, it communicates with sharp calls and resonant drumming on hollow wood.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs excavate nest cavities in dead or decaying trunks and larger limbs. Both sexes participate in cavity maintenance and provisioning of young. Outside breeding, it remains largely solitary and defends feeding areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, ringing peek and kik notes, often in quick series when agitated. Also produces a short, accelerating rattle. Drumming is firm and even, used for territory advertisement.
