Veniliornis callonotus (Waterhouse, 1841)

Nomenclature

This species is the scarlet-backed woodpecker, with the scientific name Veniliornis callonotus (Waterhouse, 1841).

Size

The scarlet-backed woodpecker measures about 13 cm (5.1 in) in length and weighs between 23 and 33 g (0.81 to 1.2 oz).

Sexual Dimorphism Overview

Males and females have identical plumage except for the coloration of their heads.

Nominate Subspecies Adult Face Plumage

For the nominate subspecies, adult individuals of both sexes have a generally grayish brown and white face.

Nominate Subspecies Male Head Plumage

Males are red from the forehead to the nape, with many feathers having black tips.

Nominate Subspecies Female Head Plumage

Females have entirely black coloration in this same head region.

Upperpart Plumage (Nominate Adults, Both Sexes)

The upperparts of both sexes are brownish-scarlet.

Flight Feather Plumage (Nominate Adults, Both Sexes)

Their flight feathers are dark brown, with redder secondaries and tertials.

Tail Plumage (Nominate Adults, Both Sexes)

Their tail is blackish-brown; the central pair of tail feathers is darker black, and the outer pair is whitish yellow with black bars.

Underpart Plumage (Nominate Adults, Both Sexes)

Their underparts are white with a very light buff wash, and sometimes have faint, darker vermiculation.

Soft Part Colors (Nominate Adults)

The iris is deep brown, and occasionally deep red; the beak is yellowish with a darker base and tip; and the legs are greenish gray.

Juvenile Plumage

Juveniles have heavy olive or grayish mottling on their upperparts, and their underparts are a buffier white than adults.

Juvenile Head Pattern

Their head pattern is more diffuse than that of adults.

V. c. major Adult Plumage Differences

Adults of the subspecies V. c. major have a darker face and darker underpart vermiculation than the nominate subspecies.

Nominate Subspecies Distribution Range

The nominate subspecies of scarlet-backed woodpecker ranges from Nariño Department in Colombia, south through western Ecuador to Guayas Province.

V. c. major Distribution Range

V. c. major ranges from El Oro and Loja provinces in Ecuador, south into Peru as far as La Libertad Department.

Habitat

The species inhabits arid scrublands, dry deciduous woodland, semi-humid forest, dense riparian forest, and sometimes partially cleared areas.

Elevation Range (General)

In terms of elevation, it mostly occurs from near sea level up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft).

Elevation Range (Country-Specific)

It is found less frequently up to 1,500 m (4,900 ft) in Peru, and occurs locally as high as 1,800 m (5,900 ft) in Ecuador.