Chestnut Woodpecker
NameChestnut Woodpecker
Common NameChestnut Woodpecker
Scientific NameCeleus castaneus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)40
Length (cm)21.5
Weight (g)71.5
Plumage DetailsThe body is uniformly rich chestnut-brown. Males have a distinctive red malar stripe, while females lack it. Both sexes possess a prominent, shaggy bright yellow crest and a pale, yellowish bill. The flight feathers are often darker.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a rapid, high-pitched chattering or whinnying call, often described as 'wicker-wicker-wicker'. It also produces typical woodpecker drumming sounds.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to Central America, its range extends from southeastern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and western Panama.
Identifying Featuresrich chestnut plumage, bright yellow shaggy crest, pale yellowish bill, red malar stripe (male)
Description
This medium-sized woodpecker is characterized by its rich chestnut plumage and prominent shaggy yellow crest. It forages primarily for insects in the mid-story and canopy of humid lowland forests, often moving in pairs.
