Pic roux

En bref

  • Scientific Name: Celeus castaneus
  • Spanish Name: Carpintero castaño
  • Family: Picidae
  • Known Nicknames: Chestnut Woodpecker
  • Average Length: 26–30 cm / 10–12 in
  • Average Weight: 80–110 g / 2.8–3.9 oz
  • Envergure : N/A
  • Key Feature: Rich chestnut-brown body with a pale yellow or buffy crest and black barring on the wings
  • Primary Diet: Primarily Insectivore (ants, termites, beetles)
  • Range: Southern Mexico to western Panama
  • Habitat: Lowland tropical moist forests, forest edges, and secondary growth
  • Structure sociale : Solitaires ou en couples
  • Nesting/Breeding: Tree hollows
  • Statut de conservation : Préoccupation mineure (LC)
  • Évolution démographique : Stable

The Chestnut-colored Woodpecker (*Celeus castaneus*) is a striking resident of humid lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to western Panama, instantly recognizable by its rich, uniform chestnut plumage that sets it apart from most other woodpeckers. This medium-sized bird features a shaggy, slightly crested head, with males sporting a bold red malar stripe (cheek patch) that contrasts vividly against their otherwise dark, chestnut-brown face. Its pale yellow bill is notably short and chisel-like, a specialized tool for excavating soft, decaying wood in search of ants and termites, which form the bulk of its diet. A unique and endearing trait is its habit of clinging sideways or upside-down on slender branches, often flicking its tail nervously, while its loud, descending “kee-yer” call echoes through the forest understory. With its warm, cinnamon tones and secretive behavior, this woodpecker is a hidden gem of the Neotropics, blending seamlessly into the dappled light of its canopy home.

Faits amusants

Despite its name, the chestnut-colored woodpecker is a master of disguise, often freezing mid-peck to perfectly mimic a broken branch when startled. It has a bizarre, almost clownish courtship display where the male and female bob their heads in opposite directions while flicking their wings, a behavior rarely seen in other woodpeckers. Uniquely, it forages almost exclusively on decaying bamboo and soft rotting wood, using its surprisingly weak bill to pry rather than hammer, and it will sometimes wedge large grubs into tree crevices to eat them later—a primitive form of food caching.

Habitats et répartition

The Chestnut-colored Woodpecker is found in humid lowland forests, including both primary and secondary growth, as well as forest edges and clearings with scattered trees. It shows a preference for areas with palms and bamboo, often foraging in the mid-story and canopy. Its geographical range spans from eastern Panama through western Colombia and western Ecuador, extending south into northwestern Peru. The species is generally resident within this region, occupying elevations from sea level up to around 1,200 meters.

Comportements & Reproduction

The Chestnut-colored Woodpecker is generally observed alone or in pairs, suggesting a monogamous social structure during the breeding season. Mating involves typical woodpecker courtship, including mutual tapping, chasing flights, and vocal duets, though specific rituals are poorly documented. Both sexes participate in excavating a nest cavity in dead trees or large branches, a key reproductive strategy that provides protection for the eggs. The female typically lays 2-4 white eggs, and incubation is shared by both parents, with the male often taking the night shift. Chicks are altricial and are fed via regurgitation by both adults until fledging. Uniquely, this species may occasionally reuse or repair old cavities rather than excavate new ones each season, conserving energy in its tropical habitat.

Alimentation

The Chestnut-colored Woodpecker is primarily insectivorous, with its diet heavily focused on wood-boring beetle larvae, ants, and termites, which it extracts by hammering and probing into dead wood, tree trunks, and branches. An interesting aspect of its foraging is its strong reliance on arboreal ant nests, particularly those of aggressive species like *Azteca* and *Crematogaster*, which it breaks open with its powerful bill, often consuming both the adult ants and their brood. Unlike many woodpeckers, it also supplements its diet with a significant amount of fruit, including berries and small figs, and has been observed occasionally drinking sap from tree wounds, making its feeding strategy more varied than strictly insect-based.

Couleurs

The Chestnut-colored Woodpecker is predominantly a rich, uniform chestnut-brown across its body, with a paler, often yellowish-buff head and a distinct, shaggy crest. Its wings and tail are barred with black, providing disruptive camouflage against tree bark. Males have a unique red malar (cheek) patch, while both sexes show a pale, horn-colored bill and dark eyes, with no bold white markings, giving it a cryptic appearance in its forest habitat.