The Guayaquil woodpecker is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Tumbes–Chocó–Magdalena
Typical Environment
Occurs from western Colombia through coastal and foothill forests of western Ecuador into extreme northwestern Peru. It occupies humid and semi-humid lowland forest, riverine and gallery forest, and tall secondary growth, often where large snags are available. It also uses forest edges and partially logged areas if big trees remain. Pairs range widely through territories and frequently use prominent dead trunks for drumming and display.
Altitude Range
0–1400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large Campephilus woodpecker of the Pacific lowlands, it favors mature forest with big, decaying trees for foraging and nesting. Males show a full red head and crest, while females have more dark on the crown, a hallmark sexual dimorphism in this genus. Its rapid double-rap drumming carries far through the forest. Habitat loss in the Chocó and Tumbesian regions is a concern, though the species persists in secondary growth and forest edges.
Umbrella Bird Lodge, Buonaventura Reserve, Ecuador (female below)
Temperament
wary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with bounding undulations
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or family groups that maintain territories year-round. Nests are excavated in large dead or dying trees where both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Drumming and display flights are used to advertise territory and maintain pair bonds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, ringing kyaa and kik notes given singly or in short series. Drumming is a rapid, resonant double-rap or short roll that carries over long distances.
