The golden-collared woodpecker is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Brazil, the Guianas, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield and northern Amazonia
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Venezuela through Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana into northern Brazil, primarily within the Guiana Shield. It inhabits humid lowland rainforest, including terra firme and seasonally flooded forests, and uses forest edges and tall secondary growth. The species favors the subcanopy and canopy, often foraging on thin branches, dead twigs, and vine tangles. It can persist in moderately disturbed forests provided large trees and dead wood remain. Local presence is patchy but can be fairly common where suitable habitat is intact.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small canopy-dwelling woodpecker of the Guiana Shield, the golden-collared woodpecker specializes in probing and tapping slender branches and dead stubs high in humid forest. It is often encountered in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks in the subcanopy. Like many woodpeckers, it nests in cavities it excavates in soft or decaying wood. Males typically show a small red patch on the crown, while both sexes show the namesake golden collar on the nape.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family parties; may join mixed-species flocks in the subcanopy. Territorial drumming and vocalizations are used to advertise and maintain territory. Nests are excavated in dead trunks or branches; both sexes participate in cavity excavation and incubation. Likely monogamous during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, high, and thin, including squeaky pik or tsip notes given singly or in short series. Drumming is a brief, rapid roll on resonant dead wood, used more frequently than song for long-distance signaling.
