West Indian Woodpecker (Melanerpes superciliaris superciliaris)

In Cuba and the Bahamas, this species replaces the familiar Red-bellied Woodpecker (M. carolinus) of eastern North America. These species were formerly placed in the genus Centurus, but are now included in Melanerpes which means "black creeper." This is an adult female. Males have the entire crown red and less black behind the eye. This is the nominate race found on the Cuban mainland. Note its red nasal tufts. Other races occur in the Bahamas, Isle of Pines and a form on the Cayman Islands which lacks the black face patch and which was considered a separate species in the past.