Veniliornis sanguineus
The Blood-colored Woodpecker, *Veniliornis sanguineus*, is a striking member of the Picidae family, named for its predominantly deep crimson plumage that gives it an almost 'blood-red' appearance. Measuring approximately 17 cm (6.7 inches) in length, this medium-small woodpecker is instantly recognizable by its vivid coloration. Males boast a fully crimson crown and nape, while females display a streaked olive-brown forehead and crown with a crimson nape. Both sexes share uniform deep crimson...
This species primarily inhabits humid lowland evergreen forests, including terra firme and várzea forests, as well as forest edges and secondary growth. It typically occurs at elevations below 1,000 meters (3,300 feet).
Its diet consists mainly of insects, predominantly ants and their larvae, as well as small beetles and other arboreal invertebrates. It primarily forages by gleaning and probing on branches and vines.
The Blood-colored Woodpecker is a diurnal species, generally active from dawn till dusk, and likely roosts in tree cavities overnight. It forages primarily by gleaning and probing on smaller branches, vines, and occasionally on medium-sized trunks, often hanging upside down or clinging to the und...
The Blood-colored Woodpecker is a resident species found across a broad swathe of northern South America. Its distribution extends from southeastern Colombia, through eastern Ecuador and eastern Peru, into northern Bolivia and western Brazil. Further east, it inhabits the Guianas, encompassing Gu...
Least Concern
- The Blood-colored Woodpecker's name perfectly describes its most striking feature: a rich, uniform crimson-red plumage across its back and wings, a rare coloration among its woodpecker relatives. - Unlike many woodpeckers that primarily work on large tree trunks, this species shows a preference...