The yellow-vented woodpecker is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes of South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid foothill and montane forests on the Andean slopes of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru. Prefers mature forest but also uses edges, secondary growth, and forested ravines. Often stays in the midstory and canopy, moving along trunks and larger limbs. It tolerates some disturbance where large trees and deadwood remain. Bamboo and mixed broadleaf stands may be frequented, especially where insect prey is abundant.
Altitude Range
500–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small Andean woodpecker is named for its distinct yellow vent, a feature often most visible when it flicks its tail. Males typically show a red crown patch while females lack red on the head. It forages quietly on trunks and larger branches and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. By probing for wood-boring insects, it helps control forest pests and contributes to tree health.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs excavate nest cavities in dead or decaying wood, and both sexes typically share incubation and chick-rearing. Territorial around nest sites but otherwise relatively quiet and inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, including pik and tchik notes, with occasional short rattling series. Drumming is light and brief, used for communication and territorial display rather than long, resonant rolls.
