The Blond-crested Woodpecker (Celeus flavescens) is a species of woodpecker native to South America, specifically found in parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. It belongs to the family Picidae, which includes woodpeckers, piculets, and wrynecks.
One distinctive feature of the Blond-crested Woodpecker is its striking appearance. It has a predominantly black body with a bold, bright yellow crest on top of its head, which gives it its nаme. The combination of black and yellow plumage makes it easily recognizable among other woodpecker species.
In terms of size, the Blond-crested Woodpecker is medium-sized compared to other woodpeckers. It typically measures around 23 to 25 centimeters (9 to 10 inches) in length. Like other woodpeckers, it has a sturdy, chisel-like bill that it uses to drum on trees in search of food.
Blond-crested Woodpeckers are primarily found in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests. They prefer habitats with a mix of dense vegetation and open spaces where they can forage for insects, larvae, and occasionally fruits. Their diet consists mainly of insects and their larvae that they find beneath the bark of trees, as well as on the branches and trunks.
These woodpeckers are known for their drumming behavior, which serves multiple purposes including communication and establishing territories. Their drumming patterns can vary in intensity and frequency, often resonating loudly through the forest.
During the breeding season, male Blond-crested Woodpeckers may engage in courtship displays that involve vocalizations and physical movements to attract females. They excavate cavities in tree trunks where females lay their eggs and raise their young.
While not considered globally threatened, Blond-crested Woodpeckers face habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and human activities. Conservation efforts focused on preserving their forest habitats are crucial for the long-term survival of this species in the wild.