Campephilus robustus (M.H.K.Lichtenstein, 1818)

Scientific Name

Campephilus robustus (M.H.K.Lichtenstein, 1818).

Description

Size

The robust woodpecker measures 32 to 37 cm (13 to 15 in) in length and weighs 230 to 294 g (8.1 to 10 oz).

Upperparts

Both sexes have whitish upperparts with a pale buff or cinnamon tinge. Their scapulars, as well as the coverts and upper surface of the wings, are black, with small rusty-buff spots on the inner webs of the flight feathers.

Wing Underside

The underside of the wings is blackish brown, with rufous-buff spots on the flight feathers.

Tail and Underparts

Their tail is black. Their underparts range from buff to whitish buff, marked with black bars that are narrower on the belly.

Male Head Markings

Adult males have an entirely red head and neck, with a small black and white spot on the ear coverts.

Female Head Markings

Adult females lack this ear covert spot. Instead, they have a wide whitish stripe with black edges that extends from the bill to the ear coverts.

Adult Soft Parts

Adult robust woodpeckers have a long, horn-colored, chisel-shaped bill; their irises range from white to yellow-white, and their legs are dark gray.

Juvenile Traits

Juveniles look similar to adults, but are duller and browner, with whiter upperparts and less contrast on their underparts.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic Range

The robust woodpecker is found in eastern Brazil, ranging from Bahia and Goiás south to Rio Grande do Sul, as well as in eastern Paraguay and the northeastern Argentine provinces of Misiones and Corrientes.

Habitat Preferences

It lives in intact humid forests and Araucaria moist forests, and avoids disturbed forest unless large trees are still present.

Elevational Range

Its elevational range extends from sea level up to 2,200 m (7,200 ft).