The yellow-tufted woodpecker is a species of woodpecker. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland tropical forests of northern South America, including much of the Amazon Basin and the Guianas. It favors subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest, second-growth, and forest edges, and readily uses heavily degraded former forest. Frequently found along rivers, floodplain (várzea) forest, and clearings with scattered trees. It often visits fruiting trees in semi-open habitats near settlements and roads. The species is largely absent from high-elevation Andean slopes.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-tufted woodpecker is a striking Amazonian species named for the bright yellow ear tufts that flare from the sides of its head. It is often seen in small, noisy groups at fruiting trees and along forest edges. Unlike many woodpeckers, it spends considerable time foraging on fruits as well as insects, making it a versatile feeder.
female in flight, Ecuador
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and gathers at fruiting trees with other species. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in soft or dead wood. Nesting occurs in forest edges and clearings where suitable cavity trees are available.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal and chatty, giving sharp chattering and rattling notes. Calls often delivered in rapid series during group foraging. Drumming is light and less frequent than in many temperate woodpeckers.
Plumage
Mostly glossy dark plumage with a pale throat, bright yellow ear tufts, and a red patch on the lower belly/vent. The back and wings are dark with subtle pale markings, and a pale rump patch may be visible in flight. Overall sleek appearance with a short, stiff tail typical of woodpeckers.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that consumes a mix of fruits and arthropods. Frequently visits fruiting trees such as Cecropia and various palms, swallowing small fruits whole. Also gleans insects from bark and foliage, and will sally from perches to snatch flying insects. Occasionally probes decaying wood but drills less extensively than many other woodpeckers.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in second-growth, and in semi-open areas with scattered trees. Often forages in the midstory and canopy, especially at fruiting trees near rivers and clearings.
