The red-crowned woodpecker, Melanerpes rubricapillus, is a vibrant member of the woodpecker family, Picidae. This species exhibits a striking plumage, with both sexes adorned in a similar fashion, save for subtle differences in their head patterns. Adults typically measure between 16 to 18.5 cm in length and weigh between 40 to 65 grams.
To identify the red-crowned woodpecker, look for the adult male's bright red crown and orange-red nape, contrasted with a pale yellow to whitish forehead. The female, while sharing the pale forehead, features a more subdued crown of pale gray-buff to whitish tones, with a reddish to orange-red nape. Both sexes have grayish-buff cheeks, chin, and throat, with a barred black and white mantle and back. Their underparts are generally buffish-gray with a reddish to orange-red central belly patch.
This species thrives in a variety of environments, from the interiors of mature deciduous forests to secondary forests, coastal scrublands, mangroves, and even human-altered landscapes such as plantations and gardens.
The red-crowned woodpecker is found across a broad range, from southwestern Costa Rica through Panama, into northern and central Colombia, the northern half of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and Tobago.
As year-round residents, these woodpeckers are often observed foraging alone or in pairs, utilizing a combination of probing, gleaning, and hammering to extract their insect prey, as well as reaching for fruits which they skillfully pierce or peck open.
The red-crowned woodpecker is known for its distinctive calls, which include a wavering "churr, churr, krr-r-r-r," a display "wícka, wícka," and various chattering sounds. Both sexes engage in drumming, particularly during the breeding season, and also produce softer taps near their nest holes.
Breeding seasons vary by location, with nests typically constructed in large tree trunks, branches, or cacti. Clutch sizes are usually three to four eggs, but often only two young successfully fledge. Both parents share in the incubation over a 10-day period and continue to care for the nestlings and fledglings post-hatching.
While there are no specific similar species mentioned, it is important to note the differences among the subspecies, such as the slightly smaller M. r. subfusculus with darker underparts, or M. r. paraguanae with a paler yellow forehead and wider white bars on its upperside.
The diet of the red-crowned woodpecker is diverse, including a significant amount of fruits and berries, insects, spiders, and nectar from flowers. They are known to frequent feeders and can be considered a nuisance in plantations and gardens due to their fruit-eating habits.
The IUCN has classified the red-crowned woodpecker as Least Concern, with a stable population estimated to be over half a million mature individuals. It is common throughout most of its range and even abundant in some areas, potentially benefiting from forest clearance that creates more open woodland habitats.
