Species profile
About this species
The Lineated Woodpecker is a large woodpecker found across Central & South America, recognisable by its bold black & white striped face and striking red crest. It inhabits forests, woodland edges & plantations, where it forages for insects by excavating large rectangular holes in dead or decaying trees. Its loud, resonant drumming & distinctive call make it one of the more conspicuous woodpeckers in its range.
Lineated Woodpeckers are typically found in humid & semi-humid forests, forest edges, open woodland, plantations & areas with scattered large trees, from lowland tropical zones up to moderate elevations across Central & South America.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Lineated Woodpecker with us in Costa Rica & Trinidad & Tobago.
These departures are part of our Central America & South America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours after dawn are best, when the birds are most active & the soft light enhances the contrast of their plumage. The dry season across their range tends to offer clearer conditions & more predictable bird activity.
Position yourself near a tree where the bird has been actively foraging, as it will often return to the same feeding site repeatedly. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the rapid head movements during drumming & chiselling. Patience is essential - remain still & quiet at a reasonable distance to avoid disturbing the bird & allow natural behaviour to continue.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Lineated Woodpecker
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.
