Lifer 631 – Lineated Woodpecker – Reflections of the Natural World

Over the past 40 years I have had the good fortune to photographically document 85% of the bird species added to my “Life List.” This blog series showcases the images and anecdotal accounts that document those “Lifer” sightings and a little about the environment and culture of the area. This Lifer blog series begins with the first LIFER outside of the US, Lifer #624 and proceeds chronologically forward from there.

A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

Reserva de la Biosfera Calakmul, Campeche, MX

Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus) > Picidae > Piciformes

Lifer Photo @ Zoh-Laguna Pueblo, Campeche, MX

IDENTIFICATION: Large ‘woody woodpecker’ of tropical forest in lowlands and foothills. Also ranges into semi-open areas with tall trees, mangroves, and other lightly wooded habitats. The tufted red crest and black face distinguish it from adult Pale-billed Woodpecker, which often occurs in the same areas. Also note that the white ‘braces’ on the back of Lineated are widely spaced, unlike Pale-billed. Laughing call suggests a flicker, and very unlike calls of Pale-billed.

FIRST “LIFER” OBSERVATION:
Birding with: Miguel Amar Uribe from Mexico Kan Tours and my wife Maria
Date: 02 Dec 2021 @ Chunyaxché, Quintana Roo, MX
Chunyaxché (Pueblo) | MX-ROO

SPECIES GLOBAL eBIRD DISTRIBUTION MAP
Yellow Star indications the location of my Lifer sighting

DETAILS ABOUT SIGHTING: We got in very late to Tulum due to flight delays and lost luggage and had to leave early to meet up with Miguel Amar Uribe from Amar Aves, Mexico Kan Tours who was going to lead us on our first adventure birding in the Yucatan. Miguel met us with a big smile and we were off to explore the pueblito of Chunyaxché and learn about the bird life and cultural history of the area. It was pleasant, slightly warm and humid, with lots of billowing clouds above us. Over the next 2 1/2 hours we would add 52 species to our first checklist for Mexico and discover 25 new “Lifer” species. For me, Lifers #624 to #648.

Chunyaxché/Muyil Ruins Lifer # 631 – Lineated Woodpecker

For most of the group of 25 Lifers that I encountered on this 2 1/2 hour walk, there was really nothing unique about any of the sightings with the exception of the Toucans and Jays. For all of the others they were all added slowly on the casual walk through the town and along some of the outer trails.

PHOTOS TAKEN: We saw our “Lifer” first here in Chunyaxché, but this was a bird that would take several sightings at different locations before I could capture a decent image. Finally, in Zoh-Laguna, Campeche, I got some good shots. We would see it also in Belize and Guatemala.

BACKGROUND ABOUT THE TOWN OF CHUNYAXCHé

Nestled at the edge of the massive Sian Ka’an Biosphere and across the street from the Muyil Archeological Zone, the small town of Chunyaxché is surrounded by tall trees and thick vegetation and is a great spot for finding many of the regions birds. It is located approximately 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of the coastal site of Tulum, in the Municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. However, with the construction of the new Tulum International Airport and the Mayan Train line, this cozy town will be rapidly changing.