Red-stained Woodpecker

Veniliornis affinis

Woodpeckers · Piciformes · Rare

The Red-stained Woodpecker (Veniliornis affinis) is a rare woodpecker found in 7 countries, weighing about 35 g. The red-stained woodpecker is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae.

Least ConcernRareEats invertebratesforestcavity nest35 g

About the Red-stained Woodpecker

The red-stained woodpecker is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The red-stained woodpecker is about 15 to 18 cm (5.9 to 7.1 in) long and weighs 32 to 44 g (1.1 to 1.6 oz). Males and females have the same plumage except on their heads. Males of the nominate subspecies affinis have a red crown with black feather bases that show through. The female has a dark olive-brown crown. Adults of both sexes have a mostly buffish face with olive streaks and a golden-yellow nape and hindneck. Their upperparts are mostly yellowish green with some red feather tips, pale yellow streaks, and some barring on the rump and uppertail coverts. Voice: The red-stained woodpecker is not highly vocal. Its primary vocalization is a "eries of up to c. 10–14 high-pitched nasal 'ghi' or 'kih' notes".

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in French Guiana.

When to see it

The Red-stained Woodpecker can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Red-stained Woodpecker?
The red-stained woodpecker is about 15 to 18 cm (5.9 to 7.1 in) long and weighs 32 to 44 g (1.1 to 1.6 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Red-stained Woodpecker?
The Red-stained Woodpecker is a small sized bird weighing about 35 g.
Where can you see a Red-stained Woodpecker?
The Red-stained Woodpecker occurs in 7 countries, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia.
What birds look similar to a Red-stained Woodpecker?
The Red-stained Woodpecker is most easily confused with the Scarlet-backed Woodpecker, the Yellow-vented Woodpecker and the Yellow-eared Woodpecker.
Is the Red-stained Woodpecker endangered?
The Red-stained Woodpecker is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Red-stained Woodpecker for real

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