Yellow-tufted Woodpecker

The Yellow-tufted Woodpecker is a common inhabitant of lowland tropical forest and forest edge across much of the Amazon basin. Its mostly black plumage is broken by a bright patch of yellow feather tufts on the forehead, a distinctive mark not found on most other Amazonian woodpeckers.

Often encountered in small noisy groups moving through the canopy or forest edge, it combines its yellow-tufted face with a red crown patch and pale eyes for an eye-catching overall look.

• Body: mostly black overall
• Forehead: bright yellow feather tufts, the species' most distinctive mark
• Crown: red patch behind the yellow forehead tufts
• Rump: white patch visible in flight
• Vs. other Amazonian Melanerpes: the combination of yellow forehead tufts and red crown patch on an otherwise black body is unique within its range

Sexes are similar, both showing yellow forehead tufts and pale eyes, though the extent of red on the crown can differ slightly between males and females. Juveniles are duller with less vivid yellow tufts and darker eyes before their first molt.

Resident across lowland tropical forest, forest edge, and clearings throughout much of the Amazon basin, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas. It does not migrate and remains within its forest range year-round.

Forages in the canopy and at forest edges for insects, and also eats fruit, often in small social groups that move together through the forest. It nests in cavities excavated in dead trees or palm trunks. Calls include sharp chattering notes exchanged within the group, often heard before the birds are seen in the canopy.