Welcome back, nature enthusiasts, to another feathered friend gracing our Costa Rican mountain retreat! Today, we turn our gaze to a resident woodpecker, not as commonly spotted as its zebra-backed cousins, but a true gem of the rainforest canopy – the Golden-naped Woodpecker.

A Splendor of Black, Yellow, and Red

This medium-sized woodpecker, reaching up to 18 cm (7 inches) in length, is a sight to behold. Its plumage is a striking combination of black, yellow, and red. Both males and females sport a black mask that extends around the eyes and connects to the nape, creating a dramatic contrast. But that’s not all! A bright yellow patch adorns the nape, justifying this bird’s name.

Here’s where the sexes differ slightly. Males boast a vibrant red patch on the center of their crown, adding a fiery touch to their appearance. Females, while lacking the red crown, compensate with a solid yellow crown, broken only by a thin black band.

Forest Dwellers with a Hidden Melody

The Golden-naped Woodpecker prefers the dense embrace of the subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests. They’re particularly fond of the Pacific slopes of Costa Rica and western Panama. While you might not encounter them in the open central valley region, their presence adds another layer of life to our mountain retreat’s rich ecosystem.

These woodpeckers are not ones for the spotlight. They tend to stay hidden within the forest canopy, flitting from branch to branch in search of food. Their diet consists mainly of insects they extract from beneath the bark of trees. Their strong tapping sound, a signature of the woodpecker family, might be your only clue to their presence. But for the patient observer, a glimpse of their vibrant plumage darting through the leaves is a truly rewarding experience.

A Species of Least Concern

Thankfully, the Golden-naped Woodpecker’s conservation status is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations seem stable, and they readily adapt to slightly degraded forests. This is a positive sign for the future of these fascinating birds.

Spotting the Golden-naped Woodpecker

If you’re eager to catch a sight of the Golden-naped Woodpecker during your stay at our mountain retreat, keep your eyes peeled for flashes of yellow and black flitting amongst the trees on the forest trails. Their calls, described as a high-pitched “kee-kee-kee,” might also help you locate them.

While spotting them can be a challenge, the reward of witnessing this little burst of color in the rainforest canopy is a memory you’ll surely cherish.

Come Experience the Magic of Costa Rican Birds

Our mountain retreat, nestled amidst the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, offers the perfect opportunity to encounter a dazzling array of birdlife, including the magnificent Golden-naped Woodpecker. So, pack your binoculars, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to be enchanted by the feathered wonders that call Costa Rica home.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)