Melanerpes candidus
The White Woodpecker, *Melanerpes candidus*, is a striking and distinctive member of the Picidae family, known for its predominantly white plumage, a rarity among woodpeckers. Adults measure 24-29 cm (9.4-11.4 inches) in length, possess a wingspan of 45-50 cm (17.7-19.7 inches), and weigh between 98-130 grams. Its most distinctive field marks include a pristine white head, neck, and underparts, contrasting sharply with its glossy black back and wings. A bright yellow orbital ring surrounds it...
This adaptable species thrives in open woodlands, savannas, parklands, and cultivated areas, often near water sources, typically at low to mid-elevations (below 1200 meters).
Their diet is eclectic, primarily consisting of insects such as ants, termites, beetles, and caterpillars, supplemented significantly with fruits, berries, and occasionally nectar.
The White Woodpecker is a diurnal species, often observed foraging actively throughout the day and roosting in tree cavities at night. Its foraging strategy is remarkably diverse, including traditional woodpecker behaviors like gleaning insects from bark and probing for larvae, but it is particul...
The White Woodpecker is a resident species found throughout a broad swath of south-central South America, extending from eastern Bolivia and central Brazil south through Paraguay and Uruguay, and into northeastern Argentina. Its primary breeding range encompasses the Pantanal, Gran Chaco, and Cer...
Least Concern
- The White Woodpecker is the only species in the diverse *Melanerpes* genus to have a predominantly white body, making it visually unique among its relatives. - Unlike most woodpeckers, which primarily forage by chiseling wood, this species frequently hunts insects on the wing, performing gracef...