White Woodpecker
A species of Melanerpine Woodpeckers Scientific name : Melanerpes candidus Genus : Melanerpine Woodpeckers
White Woodpecker, A species of Melanerpine Woodpeckers
Botanical name: Melanerpes candidus
Genus: Melanerpine Woodpeckers
Content
Description General Info
Description
This woodpecker grows to a length of 24 to 27 cm (9.4 to 10.6 in). The mantle, back, wings and tail of the adult are black, the flight feathers being brownish-black above and the underside of the wings being greyish-black. The crown, face, rump and underparts are white, sometimes with some buff shading. The male has some yellowing of the breast and nape which the female lacks, and both sexes have a certain amount of yellow on the belly. A narrow black stripe runs from behind the eye to the nape. There is a bare ring of yellow skin around the eye which has a yellowish iris. The beak is long and grey, paler near the base, and the legs are grey. Juveniles are browner and less glossy than the adults, with the pale areas being buff rather than white. The orbital ring on juveniles is grey rather than yellow, and both sexes may have some yellow on the nape.
Size
29 cm
Feeding Habits
White Woodpecker primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, honey, insects, and occasionally meat. Small groups forage arboreally by pecking and gleaning, and white Woodpecker uniquely opens hymenopteran nests for brood and honey. White Woodpecker may catch insects mid-flight and travel long distances for food.
Habitat
The white Woodpecker is typically found in areas to the east of the Andes in South American dry subtropical forests, as well as in woodlands and open areas with scattered trees. Its preferred habitats include savannas, forest edges, and dry scrub regions. These birds are also common in cultivated landscapes such as palm groves, orchards, and eucalyptus stands, adapting to human-altered environments like city suburbs. White Woodpecker occurs predominantly in lowland regions but can be found at elevations up to approximately 2,200 meters.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
The white woodpecker has a large distribution in South America to the east of the Andes. Its range extends from Suriname and French Guiana, through much of Brazil to southeastern Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina. It is found at altitudes of up to about 2,000 m (6,600 ft), and is non-migratory, but prone to making short distance movements. Its habitat is forest edges, open dry woodland, wooded savannah, scrubland with scattered trees, plantations, orchards, parkland and mangroves. It is opportunistic and adaptable, being seen in city suburbs, and expanding its range into areas of felled timber.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Family
Woodpeckers Genus
Melanerpine Woodpeckers Species
White Woodpecker