- Scientific Name: Melanerpes pygmaeus
- Name in Spanish (Mexico): Carpintero Yucateco
- Name in Mayan: Ch’ejum
- ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: YUWO
- Family: Picidae – Woodpeckers
- Order: Piciformes – Woodpeckers
About this Species
The Yucatan Woodpecker (Melanerpes pygmaeus) is a small woodpecker species that is found only in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and Northern Belize. They have distinctive black and white plumage, with a red crown and nape. They measure around 6 1/2 inches in length and have a wingspan of around 12 in. This woodpecker species is very similar in appearance to the Golden-fronted Woodpecker, but has a smaller bill and a distinct call.
In Belize, the Yucatan Woodpecker can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, savannas, and agricultural areas. They are most commonly found in areas with tall trees, where they can forage for insects and nest in tree cavities. They are also known to feed on fruits and seeds.
During breeding season, which can occur between March and June, Yucatan Woodpeckers are monogamous and territorial. They typically lay between 2-4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for around 12 days. Once the chicks hatch, both parents take turns feeding and caring for them until they fledge at around 30 days old.
The Yucatan Woodpecker is not considered to be a threatened species, and its population is thought to be stable. However, habitat loss and degradation can impact their population, so it is important to preserve their natural habitats to ensure their long-term survival. In Belize, visitors to the country’s many protected areas can enjoy watching and listening to these fascinating birds in their natural habitats.
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