Colaptes rubiginosus
The Golden-olive Woodpecker, *Colaptes rubiginosus*, is a striking medium-sized Neotropical woodpecker, typically measuring 18-24 cm (7.1-9.4 inches) in length with a mass of 58-96 grams. Its most distinguishing feature is its vibrant golden-olive back and wings, contrasting with a duller greenish-yellow underside finely barred with black. Key field marks include a prominent red nape patch in both sexes and a distinctive black eye stripe. Males further boast a bright red malar stripe (mustach...
Found primarily in humid montane and tropical forests, including cloud forests, secondary growth, forest edges, and cultivated areas like coffee plantations, typically from lowlands up to 3,000 meters in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding extensively on ants, termites, and beetle larvae extracted from wood, supplemented with some fruit and berries.
This diurnal woodpecker typically roosts in self-excavated tree cavities and spends its days actively foraging. Its foraging strategy involves pecking, gleaning, and probing for insects on tree trunks and larger branches, though it will also frequently descend to the ground to forage for ants and...
The Golden-olive Woodpecker exhibits an expansive and continuous distribution throughout much of the Neotropics, making it one of the most widespread woodpeckers in the Americas. Its range extends from southern Mexico (specifically from Oaxaca and Chiapas) south through all of Central America, en...
Least Concern
- The Golden-olive Woodpecker boasts one of the largest geographical distributions among all Neotropical woodpecker species. - Despite its common name, its plumage features a surprising amount of yellow and green, making it quite distinct from other 'red' or 'golden' themed woodpeckers. - It's on...