Melanerpes superciliaris
The West Indian Woodpecker, *Melanerpes superciliaris*, is a striking medium-sized woodpecker endemic to the Caribbean, typically measuring 20-27 cm (8-11 inches) in length and weighing 50-80g. Its plumage features a boldly barred black and white back, a prominent white rump, and whitish-buff underparts, sometimes with light streaking. Key field marks include a broad white supercilium above a black eye-stripe, contrasting with a black malar stripe. Sexual dimorphism is evident in the crown co...
This species primarily inhabits various forest types, including pine forests, deciduous woodlands, palm groves, and mangroves, often at low to moderate elevations.
Their diet is largely omnivorous, consisting primarily of insects, particularly ants, beetles, and their larvae, supplemented with significant amounts of fruit, berries, and occasionally small lizards. They forage by drilling into wood, gleaning from surfaces, and sometimes hawking insects in fli...
West Indian Woodpeckers are diurnal, spending their days foraging and typically roosting in excavated tree cavities at night. Their foraging strategy involves actively climbing and probing tree trunks and branches, frequently drilling into dead wood and palms to extract insects. They are generall...
The West Indian Woodpecker is endemic to the Caribbean, with its primary breeding range encompassing Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. In Cuba, it is widespread across the main island and Isla de la Juventud, inhabiting diverse forest types from coastal mangroves to mountainous pine fore...
Least Concern
- The West Indian Woodpecker is known for its striking 'pied' (black and white) plumage, a common characteristic among many species in the *Melanerpes* genus. - Unlike some woodpeckers that prefer live wood, this species frequently excavates its nest cavities in dead or decaying trees and palms, ...