Melanerpes hoffmannii (Cabanis, 1862)

Size and Weight

Hoffmann's woodpecker (Melanerpes hoffmannii Cabanis, 1862) measures 18 to 21 cm (7.1 to 8.3 in) long and weighs 62 to 84 g (2.2 to 3.0 oz).

Head Plumage Dimorphism

Male and female plumage is identical except for the pattern on the head. Adult males have a dull white forecrown and supercilium, a bright red crown, and a bright yellow or orange nape. Adult females have a dull white crown and a pale yellow nape.

Face and Throat Plumage

For both sexes, the face and sides of the throat are drab yellowish gray.

Upperparts Plumage

The back and upper rump are barred black and white, while the lower rump and uppertail coverts are solid unbarred white. The flight feathers are black with white bars across the entire feather and some additional white spots. The tail is black, with most tail feathers bearing some white markings.

Underparts Plumage

The sides of the throat and breast are drab yellowish gray, the chin, central throat, and central breast are dull grayish to yellowish white, and the central belly is bright yellow. The flanks and undertail coverts are dull yellowish white marked with black bars.

Bare Part Features

The bill is black, the iris is hazel, and the legs range from bluish gray to gray.

Geographic Distribution

Hoffmann's woodpecker is distributed along the Pacific slope from the Choluteca Department of southwestern Honduras, through Nicaragua, to central Costa Rica, with one additional confirmed record from El Salvador.

Habitat

This species inhabits dry deciduous forests, as well as more open areas including shade coffee plantations, urban parks, and residential house gardens.

Elevation Range

Its elevation range differs across its distribution: it occurs from sea level up to 400 m (1,300 ft) in Honduras, up to 800 m (2,600 ft) in Nicaragua, and up to more than 2,100 m (6,900 ft) in Costa Rica.