Kaempfer's woodpecker
Kaempfer's woodpecker, also known as the Piauí woodpecker, is a species endemic to Brazil. This bird is characterized by its rufous-red head with a bushy crest and a yellow to creamy buff back with black bars. Its diet primarily consists of ants found in bamboo, and it inhabits areas associated with bamboo growth in Cerrado and babassu palm forests.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to Brazil, with sightings scattered across several northeastern states.
- ›Features a rufous-red head with a distinctive bushy crest.
- ›Primarily feeds on ants, accessing them by drilling into dry bamboo.
- ›Associated with bamboo species like Guadua paniculata in Cerrado and babassu palm forests.
- ›Its conservation status is currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
- ›The species was feared extinct for many decades before being rediscovered.
Piauí Woodpecker, Caatinga Woodpecker
Brazil
Cerrado, Babassu Palm Forest, Areas With Bamboo Growth
Rufous-Red, Yellow, Creamy Buff, Black, Chestnut, Reddish Chestnut, Pale Yellowish Buff
- Rufous-red head with a bushy crest
- Bright red malar patch in males
- Yellow to creamy buff hindneck and upperparts with black bars
- Chestnut to reddish chestnut flight feathers
- Pale yellow or creamy bill
Ants
- Drilling holes in dry bamboo to access ant nests
- Loud, upslurred squeal followed by a softer bubbling chuckle
- Fast and evenly paced drumming rolls on bamboo stems, separated by intervals of 16–20 seconds
About Kaempfer's woodpecker
Kaempfer's woodpecker (Celeus obrieni), also known as the Piauí woodpecker, is a species of bird endemic to Brazil. This bird is recognized by its distinctive rufous-red head topped with a bushy crest, and its back is a striking yellow to creamy buff marked with black bars. Adult males also sport a bright red malar patch, while females lack this prominent red coloration.
Taxonomy and Rediscovery
The type specimen of Kaempfer's woodpecker was collected in 1926 but was not formally described until 1973, initially as a subspecies of the rufous-headed woodpecker. It was recognized as a full species in the early 2000s due to significant differences in plumage, habitat, and a vast geographical separation from related species. The species was long feared extinct, with no sightings recorded between its initial collection and its rediscovery in October 2006. Since then, over 25 individuals have been documented across an area of approximately 800,000 km² in northeastern Brazil.
Habitat and Behavior
Kaempfer's woodpecker appears to be associated with bamboo, specifically Guadua paniculata, found in Cerrado and babassu palm forests. The species is a year-round resident within its known range. Its diet primarily consists of ants, which it accesses by drilling into dry bamboo stalks to reach ant nests. Foraging has been observed in individuals, pairs, and family groups.
Breeding and Vocalizations
Evidence from recently fledged juveniles suggests that the breeding season for Kaempfer's woodpecker begins around June or July, coinciding with the start of the local dry season. However, detailed information about its breeding biology remains scarce. The species is known for its vocalizations, which include a "loud, upslurred squeal followed by a softer bubbling chuckle." It also engages in drumming, typically on bamboo stems, producing fast, evenly paced rolls separated by significant intervals.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kaempfer's woodpecker also known as?
Kaempfer's woodpecker is also known by the common names Piauí woodpecker and, historically, caatinga woodpecker. These names reflect its geographical origin and habitat.
What does Kaempfer's woodpecker eat?
The primary diet of Kaempfer's woodpecker appears to be ants, particularly species found within bamboo. It has been observed foraging for these insects by drilling into dry bamboo to reach ant nests.
Where does Kaempfer's woodpecker live?
Kaempfer's woodpecker is endemic to Brazil and is found in the northeastern states of Maranhão, Piauí, Tocantins, Goiás, and Mato Grosso. It seems to prefer habitats associated with bamboo growth within Cerrado and babassu palm forests.
What is the conservation status of Kaempfer's woodpecker?
The conservation status of Kaempfer's woodpecker has been updated over time by the IUCN. It was previously assessed as Critically Endangered and Endangered, but since 2018, it has been listed as Vulnerable.
When was Kaempfer's woodpecker rediscovered?
After being feared extinct for many decades following its initial collection in 1926, Kaempfer's woodpecker was rediscovered in October 2006. A male was captured in the state of Tocantins, a significant distance from the original collection site.
Related Woodpecker species
Blond-crested woodpecker
The Blond-crested Woodpecker is a striking bird found in the forests, savannas, and orchards of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. This species is characterized by its pale creamy buff to yellowish white head and long, pointed crest, contrasting with its black mantle and underparts. It primarily feeds on ants and termites, often foraging in pairs or small groups.
Campo flicker
The campo flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker found across South America, inhabiting a variety of open and semi-open landscapes. It is known for its terrestrial foraging habits, primarily feeding on ants and termites, and exhibits a complex breeding system.
White-wedged piculet
The white-wedged piculet is a small bird found across parts of South America, including Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It is characterized by its distinctive plumage, which varies slightly between subspecies and sexes, and typically inhabits denser areas within moderately dry cerrado and gallery forests.