Gray-crowned Woodpecker
NameGray-crowned Woodpecker
Common NameGray-crowned Woodpecker
Scientific NameColaptes auricularis
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)38
Length (cm)22.5
Weight (g)100
Plumage DetailsThis woodpecker has an olive-green back and wings, with a gray crown and face. Its underparts are whitish with distinct dark barring. Males possess a prominent red malar stripe (mustache), while females lack this feature. A whitish supercilium is also present.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of 'wicka' or 'kew-kew-kew' notes, often described as softer than those of some other Colaptes species. Like other woodpeckers, it also engages in drumming.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to western Mexico, primarily found in the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre del Sur mountain ranges, inhabiting humid evergreen and pine-oak forests.
Identifying FeaturesGray crown and face, Olive-green back, Barred underparts, Red malar stripe (males), Whitish supercilium
Description
The Gray-crowned Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker characterized by its olive-green upperparts and barred underparts. It typically forages on tree trunks and branches, searching for insects. This species is endemic to the humid forests of western Mexico.
