Woodpeckers of the World: May 2012

Saturday, 19 May 2012

Picid in Focus: Acorn Woodpecker

Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus is a stunningly plumaged woodpecker. It occurs from the western USA to Colombia. Some populations are migratory. Often found in oak and pine-oak woods. Known for its habit of storing acorns in larders, each acorn in one specially made hole. Photo taken In Costa Rica, Gerard Gorman:

Thursday, 10 May 2012

Background

Woodpeckers, the Picidae, are Piciformes, an order that includes some of the oldest avian lineages. The Piciformes probably originated about 60 million years ago in the Tertiary period and became distinct from their closest relatives some 50 million years ago. Depending upon which taxonomy is followed, and the fact that the status of some species is unclear, around 240-260 woodpecker species probably exist globally. The Picidae includes three subfamilies: Jynginae (wrynecks), Picumninae (piculets) and the Picinae, the “true woodpeckers”. In terms of size, behaviour, distribution and the habitats they use, the Picinae are a fairly diverse group of birds with six distinct tribes. They are widespread and found from sea-level to high-altitudes but absent from the Arctic, Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar and some other islands. Worldwide woodpeckers are usually, but not exclusively, associated with trees.

Saturday, 19 May 2012

Picid in Focus: Acorn Woodpecker

Thursday, 10 May 2012

Picid in Focus: Bearded Woodpecker - female