Campephilus robustus
The Robust Woodpecker (Campephilus robustus) is a large and striking member of the Picidae family, endemic to the Atlantic Forest of South America. Measuring between 36 and 38 centimeters (14-15 inches) in length, it is characterized by its powerful, dark, chisel-like bill and bright yellow eyes. Males are particularly distinctive with an entirely red crest, face, and throat, contrasting sharply with their black back and prominent white scapular stripes. Females, while equally robust, display...
Found in humid primary and mature secondary forests, forest edges, and even plantations. It typically occurs from sea level up to approximately 2,100 meters, preferring lower to mid-elevation zones.
Primarily consumes wood-boring beetle larvae, ants, and other insects found within decaying wood and under bark, occasionally supplementing its diet with small fruits.
Robust Woodpeckers are diurnal, spending their days actively foraging and typically roosting in tree cavities at night. Their primary foraging strategy involves powerful excavation; they chip away large pieces of bark and wood from dead or decaying trees and snags to extract wood-boring larvae an...
The Robust Woodpecker is a resident species primarily distributed throughout the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern South America. Its core breeding and year-round range extends across southeastern Brazil, from the states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais southwards to Rio Grande do Sul. This...
Least Concern
- The Robust Woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers inhabiting the Atlantic Forest, making it a truly imposing sight. - Their scientific name, Campephilus robustus, literally translates to "robust caterpillar-lover," perfectly describing their physique and favored diet. - The powerful, chis...