The Puerto Rican woodpecker is the only woodpecker endemic to the archipelago of Puerto Rico and is one of the five species of the genus Melanerpes that occur in the Antilles. Furthermore, it is the only resident species of the family Picidae in Puerto Rico. The species is common on the main island of Puerto Rico and rare on the island of Vieques.
Region
Greater Antilles (Puerto Rico)
Typical Environment
Common across the main island of Puerto Rico from coastal lowlands to montane forests, and rare on Vieques. Occupies a variety of wooded habitats including moist and dry forests, karst country, mangroves, coffee plantations, and urban parks with mature trees. Frequently nests in dead palms and other softwoods, excavating fresh cavities each season. Tolerates fragmented landscapes provided standing dead trees or large limbs are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Puerto Rican woodpecker is the only woodpecker endemic to Puerto Rico and a key cavity‑excavator that benefits other native species by creating nest sites. It adapts well to human‑altered landscapes such as shade coffee farms and suburban parks while still occupying native forests. Males show a distinctive red throat patch, while females have a pale throat. Its diet blends insects with fruits, helping control pests and disperse seeds.
Puerto Rican woodpecker.
Temperament
active and bold, moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with rapid wingbeats between glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups; maintains territories around nest sites. Both sexes excavate cavities and share incubation and chick rearing. Nests are typically in dead palms or decayed trunks and stubs. Post-breeding, small groups may forage together in productive fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, rolling chatters and rattling kiks delivered in quick series. Drumming is rapid and somewhat soft compared to larger woodpeckers, used in territorial signaling. Calls carry well through forest edges and plantations.
Plumage
Dark upperparts with a slight olive to greenish gloss; underparts buffy to whitish with fine mottling or light streaking. Male shows a bright red throat to upper breast; female has a pale throat without red. Wings and tail are dark; overall appearance is dusky with subtle contrast rather than bold barring.
Diet
Eats beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, and other arthropods gleaned from bark and wood, as well as fruits such as guava and palm drupes. Occasionally takes seeds and nectar, and may probe bromeliads for insects. Uses both gleaning and pecking to expose larvae and will sally short distances to catch flying insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks, large branches, palm crowns, and fruiting trees at forest edges, coffee shade, and suburban parks. Frequently visits deadwood and snags, and will exploit scattered trees in open country if cover is nearby.
