The helmeted woodpecker is a Vulnerable species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in the Atlantic Forest of southern and southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina (Misiones). Prefers tall, old-growth or late-successional humid forest with large-diameter trees and plentiful snags. It tolerates some secondary forest where big trees remain, but avoids highly fragmented or heavily degraded patches. Most records are from interior forest and mid- to upper-canopy strata.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The helmeted woodpecker is a scarce Atlantic Forest specialist that closely mimics the larger lineated woodpecker in appearance—thought to reduce aggression from competitors. It relies on mature, well-structured forest with large trees and abundant dead wood. Logging and fragmentation are the primary threats. It forages quietly and is often overlooked despite its striking red 'helmet' crest.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
bounding, undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, occasionally accompanying mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs excavate nest cavities in large dead or decaying trunks; both sexes participate in excavation and incubation. Territorial drumming is relatively soft compared with some congeners.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, nasal pik and kek notes, often given in short series. Drumming is short and subdued, used for territorial signaling and pair communication.
Plumage
Distinct red, 'helmet-like' crest; mostly dark upperparts with contrasting buff to whitish barring on mantle and back; underparts buffy with dark barring. Pale facial streaking gives a masked look, echoing the pattern of the larger lineated woodpecker. Bill is straight and chisel-tipped.
Diet
Feeds mainly on wood-dwelling insects, especially ants, termites, and beetle larvae prised from decaying wood. Occasionally takes other arthropods gleaned from bark crevices. Will supplement with fruits and berries seasonally, particularly when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages on mid- to upper-level trunks, large branches, and dead snags within mature forest. Frequently targets soft, decayed wood and bamboo or lianas where insects concentrate.
