The lineated woodpecker is a very large woodpecker which is a resident breeding bird from southern Mexico to northern Argentina and Trinidad in the Caribbean.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Central America and much of South America to northern Argentina, and also on Trinidad. It inhabits lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, second growth, gallery forests, and wooded plantations. Common in selectively logged areas and along riparian corridors where large trees remain. Often seen in semi-open woodland mosaics and parks with mature trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large, striking woodpecker excavates big rectangular nest and feeding cavities that later provide homes for many other species, making it an important ecosystem engineer. Males have a red malar stripe that females lack, helping with quick field identification. Its powerful drumming carries far through forests and plantations, and pairs often maintain territories year-round.
Note narrow face stripe
Temperament
pair-forming and territorial
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with strong, deep wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups that maintain territories year-round. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in large dead or decaying trees. Clutches are incubated by both parents, which also share chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives loud, ringing calls often rendered as a rapid series of kik or wick notes. Also communicates with powerful, resonant drumming on trunks and large branches. Calls carry well through forested habitats.
Plumage
Mostly black with bold white lines on the face and neck and white wing patches visible in flight; prominent shaggy red crest.
Diet
Feeds primarily on ants, termites, and wood-boring beetle larvae obtained by excavating bark and decayed wood. Uses its long tongue to probe deep crevices and carpenter ant galleries. Will also take other insects and occasionally fruit when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks and large limbs of living and dead trees, often at mid-levels to canopy. Also works fallen logs and stumps in semi-open woodlands and edges. Frequently visits treefalls and snags where insect activity is concentrated.
