Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #60

By Jim Gain

8/6/2023

• Scientific Name: Celeus castaneus
• Name in Spanish (Mexico): Carpintero Castaño
• ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: CCOW
• Family: Picidae – Woodpeckers
• Order: Piciformes

About this Species

The Chestnut-colored Woodpecker (Celeus castaneus) is a medium-sized woodpecker species found in Belize and other parts of Central America. As its name suggests, this bird has a chestnut-colored head, neck, and underparts, with black and white stripes on its back and wings. It has a distinctive red crown and a long, pointed bill that it uses to drum on trees and dig for insects.

This species is typically found in mature forests, especially those with large trees and clearings. They are known to be fairly common in Belize and can be found in both lowland and montane forests. Chestnut-colored Woodpeckers are primarily insectivores, feeding on ants, beetles, and other insects, as well as fruits and nuts. They are cavity nesters, excavating their nests in dead or decaying trees.

Overall, the Chestnut-colored Woodpecker is a fascinating bird with a unique appearance and important role in its ecosystem. Their distribution in Belize and other parts of Central America makes them an important species to study and conserve.

>> Next Post on Tuesday, 8/8/2023 – Montezuma Oropendola

Previous posts from Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog

• White Ibis
• Limpkin
• Anhinga
• Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
• Gray-breasted Martin