The crimson-crested woodpecker is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Panama, Trinidad, and in every mainland South American country except Chile and Uruguay.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from Panama and Trinidad across much of mainland South America, absent only from Chile and Uruguay. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests, gallery woodlands, and forest edges. The species tolerates selectively logged forests and older secondary growth where large trees and snags remain. It is often seen in riverine corridors and in tall woodland remnants within agricultural mosaics.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking woodpecker is among the largest in the Neotropics and features a vivid crimson crest in both sexes. Males show a red malar stripe while females have a blackish malar, and both give powerful double-knock drums typical of the genus Campephilus. It nests in large cavities excavated in dead or decaying trees and plays an important role in creating nest sites later used by other wildlife.
Female
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with undulating flight
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups within well-defined territories. Both sexes excavate nest cavities high in large trees and share incubation and chick-rearing. Courtship includes mutual drumming, head-bobbing, and display flights.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are loud, nasal yelps and rattling notes given singly or in short series. Drumming includes powerful double-knocks characteristic of Campephilus woodpeckers.
