| from the March 14, 2010 Newsletter issued from
Hacienda Chichen Resort beside Chichén Itzá Ruins, central Yucatán, MÉXICO GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER We do not lack for woodpeckers here; they're among our most common birds. Thing is, nearly all of them are Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, which are similar to North America's Red-bellied species, as you can see at http://www.backyardnature.net/yucatan/wp-g-f.htm.
This new woodpecker lacks the Golden-fronted's striking black and white barring, has a red moustache which the Golden-fronted lacks, and is generally a bronzy hue overall while the Golden-fronted is black and white, with red on the head and, sometimes, belly. What's in the picture is the Golden-olive Woodpecker, PICULUS RUBIGINOSUS. The genus Piculus, not appearing in North America, specializes in humid tropical forests and is noted for being heard more than seen, for usually they remain relatively inactive and are easily overlooked. The bird I saw gave the impression of being new in the neighborhood, maybe just passing through. He busily flitted from one branch to another, pecking on wood that sounded solid to me, thus wormless, and wood a woodpecker knowing his territory wouldn't bother to tap on. He also seemed a little nervous. Well, spring is coming, the Equinox is approaching, and many birds' hormones are starting to stir, making them seem a little friskier than usual, so maybe that was his situation. Golden-olive Woodpeckers reside from Mexico south to Peru and northern Argentina. |
Though around Hacienda Chichen we're within the distribution area of seven
woodpecker species, and just beyond the limits of two more, those other species are so
infrequently seen that whenever you spot a woodpecker here that is NOT a Golden-fronted,
it's worth noting. Therefore, the other day I was tickled when the one at the right showed
up.