Picid in Focus: Brown-fronted Woodpecker Dendrocopos auriceps

This small "pied" woodpecker is found from in eastern Afghanistan, parts of Pakistan, through northern India to eastern Nepal. It lives in uplands, in both coniferous and deciduous forests, in woods, parkland and even urban areas. It is often locally rather common. It is monotypic with no races declared though birds vary in size and colouration in a clinal manner. 

Picid in Focus: Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus

This large species (30-36cm in length) ranges across Central and South America where it is locally fairly common. It occurs in a range of open forested habitats from humid and dry forests to mangroves, from lowlands to mountains. It is often rather vocal. Photo of nominate race by Szabolcs Kokay, Trinidad, 2010.

Sounds: Great Spotted Woodpecker

Nestlings in hole and adult outside


Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

Recorded in May 2011 in Hungary, by Gerard Gorman.

Picid in Focus: Hoffman's Woodpecker Melanerpes hoffmannii

This monotypic species is restricted to Central America, in Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It is, however, often locally common there in drier, open, lightly wooded habitats. It is also often seen and heard in and around settlements. This bird photographed in Costa Rica by Robert Tuff.