Birdsong field guide
Black-cheeked Woodpecker
Melanerpes pucherani
A striking Neotropical woodpecker recognized by its bold black mask, golden-yellow belly patch, and intricately barred black-and-white back.
What it sounds like
A loud, rattling 'kuh-rr-r-r' and a sharp, repetitive 'churr-churr' series.
Field notes
- Unlike many other woodpeckers, it has a varied diet that includes a significant amount of fruit, nectar, and pollen.
- The species displays sexual dimorphism where the male has a full red crown, while the female's red crown is restricted to the nape.
- It is a highly social bird, often found in pairs or small family groups that maintain territories year-round.
- They typically excavate their nesting cavities high in dead trees, ranging from 4 to 30 meters above the forest floor.
- While primarily a forest bird, it adapts well to human-altered landscapes like cacao and coffee plantations with tall shade trees.
Habitat
Humid lowland forests, canopy edges, mature second growth, and semi-open woodland.
Range
Humid Atlantic slopes from southeastern Mexico to western Ecuador.
Similar & commonly confused birds
Acorn WoodpeckerMelanerpes formicivorusBeautiful WoodpeckerMelanerpes pulcherGila WoodpeckerMelanerpes uropygialisGolden-cheeked WoodpeckerMelanerpes chrysogenysGolden-fronted WoodpeckerMelanerpes aurifronsGolden-naped WoodpeckerMelanerpes chrysauchenGray-breasted WoodpeckerMelanerpes hypopoliusGuadeloupe WoodpeckerMelanerpes herminieri
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