Melanerpes pucherani
The Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes pucherani) is a striking medium-sized woodpecker found in the humid tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America. Measuring approximately 16.5–19 cm (6.5–7.5 inches) in length and weighing 50–70 grams (1.8–2.5 oz), it boasts a distinctive plumage pattern of glossy black upperparts contrasting with a pristine white rump. Key identification marks include a bold black mask or 'cheek' extending from the eye to the nape, brilliant red on th...
Inhabits tropical and subtropical lowland evergreen forests, including forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, and cacao plantations, typically at elevations up to 1500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetle larvae, ants, and termites gleaned from bark and excavated from wood; also consumes a significant amount of fruits and berries, and occasionally nectar.
Black-cheeked Woodpeckers are diurnal and often observed singly or in pairs, actively foraging high in the canopy and sub-canopy. Their foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning insects and larvae from bark crevices, probing into dead wood, and occasionally excavating for deeper prey. They al...
The Black-cheeked Woodpecker is a resident species distributed across a relatively narrow but continuous band of humid tropical and subtropical lowlands in Central and South America. Its range commences in eastern Honduras, extending southward through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. In South A...
Least Concern
- The Black-cheeked Woodpecker is also sometimes referred to as the Black-eared Woodpecker, reflecting its distinctive facial markings. - Its scientific genus name, *Melanerpes*, means 'black creeper', a nod to the often dark plumage of many species in this group. - Unlike many North American woo...