Region

Southern South America

Typical Environment

Occurs widely from eastern Bolivia and southern Brazil through Paraguay and Uruguay into northern and central Argentina. It favors open woodlands, savannas, Chaco scrub, forest edges, pastures, and parklands, and readily uses lightly human-modified landscapes. The species is most often seen in areas with scattered trees and abundant ant or termite activity. It can occupy riparian gallery forests and dry scrub mosaics, and sometimes visits gardens and urban green spaces.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Temperament

usually in pairs or small family groups; moderately wary but adaptable

Flight Pattern

undulating flight with bursts of stiff wingbeats and short glides; strong, direct when crossing open areas

Social Behavior

Typically seen in pairs or small family groups outside the breeding season. During breeding, pairs defend a territory and excavate a cavity nest in a tree or wooden structure. Both sexes incubate the clutch and feed the young. Post-breeding family parties may forage together.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations include a sharp, rolling series of kik or klee notes that can build into a laughing rattle. It also gives piercing contact calls while foraging and will drum on resonant surfaces, though drumming is less prominent than in many forest woodpeckers.