Fauna
Bird

Guayaquil Woodpecker

Campephilus gayaquilensis

Guayaquil woodpeckers inhabit the tropical dry and humid forests of the Pacific slope from southwestern Colombia to northwestern Peru. Pairs forage energetically along large trunks and dead branches, delivering resonant double-tap blows while excavating deeply for wood-boring grubs. Their towering crimson crests and bold mantle stripes make them unmistakable canopy residents throughout the Tumbesian endemic region.

Canopy DwellerCavity NesterTumbesian Endemic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCerambycid beetle larvae, Buprestid beetle larvae, Arboreal ants
Predators
  • Collared Forest-Falcon
  • Bicolored Hawk
  • Boa constrictor
ThreatsDeforestation, agricultural expansion, and loss of large dead trees
HabitatsTropical dry forests, humid forest borders, and secondary woodlands
Life span8–12 years
  1. FamilyPicidae
  2. SpeciesCampephilus gayaquilensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Listen for Drums: Listen for explosive, echoing double-knocks on dead tree trunks in the early morning.
  • Scan Canopy Snags: Search standing deadwood where pairs forage for burrowing insect larvae.
  • Maintain Nest Distance: Avoid lingering beneath active tree cavity entrances to minimize breeding disturbance.
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