Scarlet-backed Woodpecker

About the Scarlet-backed Woodpecker

The scarlet-backed woodpecker (Veniliornis callonotus) is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The International Ornithological Committee and BirdLife International's Handbook of the Birds of the World place the scarlet-backed woodpecker in genus Veniliornis. However, starting in 2018, the American Ornithological Society and the Clements taxonomy moved all species of genus Veniliornis into genus Dryobates.

The above taxonomic systems recognize two subspecies, the nominate V. c. callonotus and V. c. major (Berlepsch & Taczanowski, 1884): The scarlet-backed woodpecker is about 13 cm (5.1 in) long and weighs 23 to 33 g (0.81 to 1.2 oz). Males and females have the same plumage except on their heads. Adults of both sexes of the nominate subspecies have a generally grayish brown and white face. Males are red from forehead to nape with black tips on many feathers. The female is entirely black there. Both sexes' upperparts are brownish-scarlet. Their flight feathers are dark brown with redder secondaries and tertials. Their tail is blackish-brown whose central pair... Wikipedia →