Crimson Crested Woodpecker

Copyright: monacoeye • Pipeline Rd, Panama, April 2010 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Crimson Crested Woodpecker
Latin: Campephilus melanoleucos
Other: Pica-pau-de-topete-vermelho (Br)
Family: Picidae • Woodpecker
Range: Panama to northern Argentina

The Crimson-crested Woodpecker is a large woodpecker, similar-looking to the Lineated Woodpecker. One main difference is that the two white stripes on its back are narrow and converge in a v, unlike those of the Lineated Woodpecker which are widely spaced.

The Crimson-crested Woodpecker male (directly below) has a mostly red head, with a black and white “badge” on the ear coverts. The female (above) has a broad white stripe on face and black crown. Bill is black, back black, underside swirly stripes.

We saw these in the Canal zone of Central Panama.