- Melanerpes pucherani
Identification
18.5 cm
- Black upperparts
- White barring on back
- White spotting on wings
- White rump
- Black tail with some white barring
- Underparts pale buff-olive
- Red central belly
- Black patch through eyes and on cheeks
- Yellow forehead
- Red nape
- Crown: red in the male and black in the female
Young birds are duller, have less white above and less red on the belly.
Distribution
South-east Mexico (Veracruz, Chiapas) to western Ecuador.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Habitat
Upper and middle levels of humid forests, scattered tall trees, old second growth and roadside trees around farms, woodlands and gardens
Behaviour
Breeding
The nest is an unlined hole high up in a dead tree. The clutch of 2-4 glossy white eggs is incubated by both adults.
Diet
The diet consists mostly of insects, but fruit and nectar are also eaten.
Vocalisation
The call is a rattling krrrrrl.
Both sexes can be heard drumming.
