Our Bird of the Month comes a bit late*this year, but we end up choosing a great bird. This month featured bird is the Peruvian endemic Black-necked Woodpecker (Colaptes atricollis). This is a medium-size woodpecker that inhabits the Peruvian Pacific slope of the Andes and the dry Marañon valley.
Adult birds have grey forehead, with*red hindcrown and upper nape. Chin, throat, and upper breast are black; and lores and eyebrow are whitish.
Two sub-species are currently recognized: atricollis*in the western slope of the Andes, and peruvianus in the Marañon valley.
Prefers arid to semi-arid areas in dry montane scrub with large cacti, desert scrub, and wooded areas.
It is generally uncommon, but quite responsive to appropriate playback. The best places to see the bird are the dry scrub near the city of Cajamarca, the Marañon valley around the town of Balzas, and the Santa Eulalia valley in Lima.
Green Tours has a special birding tour scheduled from October 18th to November 6th 2019 that offers great chances to see this spectacular Peruvian endemic woodpecker.
Two more bookings are still needed to confirm departure. For more information inquire directly to [email protected]