The rufous-winged woodpecker is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from Honduras south through Nicaragua and Costa Rica into western Panama, primarily on the Caribbean slope but also locally on the Pacific side. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, tall secondary growth, forest edges, and semi-open woodlands with mature trees. Often found in areas with abundant deadwood for nesting and foraging. It forages from lower trunks to mid-canopy on larger branches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A medium-sized Central American woodpecker, it is named for its distinctive rufous flight feathers that show well in flight. Males have a narrow red malar (mustache) stripe, while females lack this, aiding quick field identification. It excavates nest cavities in dead or decaying wood and communicates with sharp calls and drumming.
Temperament
shy and inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, occasionally joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Pairs excavate nest cavities in soft or decaying wood and defend small territories. Breeding involves mutual drumming and vocal exchanges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, ringing peek or pik notes and short rattling series. Drumming is a brief, even roll used in territorial signaling and pair communication.
