Black-cheeked Woodpecker(Melanerpes pucherani)

23 January 2009, Rancho Naturalista, Costa Rica There are two common, small woodpeckers at the lodge, both in the genus Melanerpes. Both readily visit the fruit feeders. Males have an all red crown. This is a female with the crown black. When away from the feeders, we saw these woodpeckers higher up in taller trees. This species ranges from Mexico to Ecuador. No subspecies are recognized. Early authors placed this bird in the genus, Tripsurus. Panasonic DMC-LZ5 / Nikon FieldScope 3 / 30X WA hand-held (no adapter)